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Sunday, June 9th
2024 Playhouse Reviews
Backyard Discovery
- 10 wood playhouses to choose from (plus 40+ swing sets with playhouse features)
- Prices range from $249 to $1,799
- Free shipping
- 30-day return policy, 15% restocking fee
- Assembly available for an extra fee
- In business for 30+ years
- "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
Backyard Discovery is a brand of all-wood playhouses that you can trust. Don't be fooled by the lower-than-you'd-expect price tag: these structures are sturdy and come with fun features on some of the higher-end models (like rock walls and picnic tables). The return policy is pretty strict here, so it's worth considering making your purchase of a Backyard Discovery product through a third-party seller that won't charge restocking fees. However, wherever you find them, Backyard Discovery's playhouses are built for long-lasting fun.
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KidKraft
- About 18 playhouses to choose from
- Prices range from $240 to $1,200
- 30-day return policy
- Free shipping on orders over $75
- "A+" rated by the BBB
- In business for 50+ years
KidKraft's wooden playhouses are a familiar sight across retailers, and when you buy direct from the brand store you'll get free shipping and about 18 different models to choose from. Another plus of shopping directly with KidKraft is accessing plenty of customer reviews and Q&As that can help you figure out which one you'd like the most. However, the product descriptions need to go a little deeper, to include any warranty coverage and care instructions, so that buyers can help their KidKraft playhouses last as long as possible.
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Where Can You Buy the Best Playhouses?
A playhouse can be a simple, inexpensive way to keep a toddler occupied for a few hours in a pop-up structure in the living room - or a sturdy, wooden structure that might last long enough to give your children and later your grandchildren years of happy memories. From pirates to princesses, kitchens to caves, the adventures provided by playhouses are only limited by one's imagination.
Your first consideration when buying a playhouse is where it will be used. Obviously you won't want to buy a cardboard design for use outdoors, but it could be exactly the thing for a rainy day inside. If it's going to be set up outside, you'll want to choose a playhouse that can withstand the elements where you live, from snow to sunshine, and that fits the space you have in mind.
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Playhouse FAQ
Playhouses are used for having fun! They are a place where children can make memories and use their imagination. They might pretend to be adults and make meals, take care of babies, and have sleepovers with siblings or friends. Playhouses often look like mini replicas of real homes and can be as simple or fancy as you want them to be. The selection available online for children's playhouses is extremely impressive.
It's not uncommon to put a children's playhouse in your backyard or playroom. As long as you have plenty of space and a good area for adult supervision when necessary, a playhouse could really go anywhere. Just make sure it's on level ground to ensure doors can open freely so that kids can play safely!
The simple answer is that playhouses should be big enough for children to easily walk in and out and play inside without feeling too constrained. Most people don't have an area in or outside of their house for a giant playhouse, so it just needs to be big enough to play comfortably. The technical answer is that some experts say playhouses should be between 50 and 100 square feet with a maximum wall height of 6 feet.
When buying a playhouse, you could either go with a wood exterior or an all-weather durable plastic. Wood is easy to paint and customize whereas plastic won't show as much wear and tear overtime like dents, paint chips, or scratches. When deciding what you want your playhouse to be made of, consider the weather in your area, how hard your kids will be on it, and if it will be inside or outside. You also might decide just based on the style.
Playhouses can be expensive if you want your children to have a mini mansion in the backyard! If you want a multi-level, fully accessorized playhouse, you can easily spend a few thousand dollars. This is definitely not necessary though. You can get a fun, long-lasting playhouse your kids will love for barely over $150. The end cost will really be determined by the style and size of the playhouse you choose.
Playhouses are most commonly used by kids between the ages of 1 and 12. But let's be honest, adults have a blast playing with children in the playhouses too! They are a staple "toy" that everyone can enjoy and they'll entertain children for hours on end. Whether you have boys or girls, playhouses are one of the most fun purchases you'll ever make for your kids.
Most retailers allow you to return playhouses within 30 days if it is in new condition. However, you'll probably pay hefty shipping costs that might deter you from deciding to send the playhouse back. If it comes damaged or has missing parts, you'll be able to exchange it for a new playhouse at the expense of the company you purchased the playhouse from.
Playhouses are built to last for years! It's not uncommon for parents to buy a playhouse for their children and hang onto it for their grandchildren to use as well. As long as it is well taken care of, your playhouse will probably be around longer than you will, and the memories too! It's a purchase that will be worth the cost tenfold.
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The next factor in your decision is the age range of the kids who will be using the playhouse. A huge climber with rock walls, rope swings and a lookout tower will be the envy of the big kids in your neighborhood, but if the child(ren) in your life can't quite walk yet, it's not going to be the right fit.
Finally, are you looking for a playhouse that's permanently installed or something that can be moved - around the yard or across the country? The most long-lasting, packed-with-features playhouses usually require you to set them up with the expectation that that's where they'll stay.
There are so many places you can buy a playhouse online, from your trusted home improvement store's website to family-owned companies that have been making sturdy wood playhouses (complete with window boxes and porches) for decades. Where should you start? Follow this list to help guide your decision:
- Playhouse Type. As we said, you may be looking for a small plastic design for a toddler or a structure that can be used by kids of all ages. While some online retailers offer both kinds, you'll usually find that it's an either-or situation.
- Selection. How many playhouse designs does the retailer have to choose from? Are they all in stock?
- Delivery. Will you pay for shipping? How long will it take for your playhouse to be delivered? On the custom-made wood styles, it's not uncommon for it to take a month or more for it to be made to order and trucked to the destination.
- Refunds/Returns. It's not all that common for people to want a refund or return on their playhouse orders, but it happens (especially for the lower-priced models). What is the store's policy?
- Reputation. What do previous customers say about the playhouses and the company's fulfillment on orders? Can you browse reviews or see user-submitted photos of the playhouses in different, real settings? Can you expect a friendly, professional response if you need to reach out for some reason?
To help you add the most fun to your basem*nt or backyard, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular retailers of playhouses. We're sure this information will make it easy to get the cutest cabin or climber for the children in your life!
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