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The Ultimate Guide to Building a Fun and Safe Backyard Playhouse
Imagine your kids had their own little world to play in – right in your backyard! A place where they can be outdoors, use their imagination, and entertain themselves for hours – all while staying close enough that you can check in on them with a quick glance out the window. Sounds pretty ideal, right? That’s exactly what a backyard playhouse can offer: a safe space for imaginative play and endless fun.
We’re sharing all our top tips for building a playhouse that’s as safe as it is fun. From choosing the right materials and safety features to adding personalized touches your kids will love – we’ll tackle it all.
Step #1 Choose the perfect location
First things first, decide where to place your playhouse. The ideal location is a flat, well-drained area of your backyard that’s easily visible from inside the house – like from the kitchen or living room window. With a clear vantage point, you can keep a close eye on the little ones without hovering over them as they make lasting memories in their new surroundings.
Step #2 Decide on size and design features
This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Whether you have a simple structure in mind or want something with a bit more personality – these are the most important factors to think about:
Style
What kind of playhouse would work best for your backyard? Do you want it to look like a tiny house, a cozy cabin, or something totally unique? It’s all up to you (and your kiddos, or course!).
Size
How much room will you need inside the playhouse? Will your kids be having friends or cousins over? If so, make sure you choose a floorplan with lots of space for social interaction, excitement, and pretend play.
Roof and siding
There are lots of ways you can finish the outside of your playhouse. Wood siding has that nice, natural look, while vinyl is tough and low-maintenance – great in all kinds of weather. For the roof, you could go with shingles, metal, or whatever fits your style and budget.
Windows and doors
Try to place windows and doors so they catch plenty of natural light. It makes the space feel bright and big – plus it’s healthier and more enjoyable for the kids to enjoy their playtime adventure in the sunlight.
Flooring
You’ll want to choose something that’s easy to clean and safe for play, like treated wood. It should be sturdy enough to handle lots of running and jumping, but smooth enough to avoid trips (and bruises).
Colors
You can choose a color for the playhouse that matches your home for a neat look or have fun with bold colors your kids will get excited about – like a lemon yellow, sky blue, or candy pink. The options are endless!
Step #3 Use durable and safe materials
You want your kids’ playhouse to be an investment that lasts through the years – not something that’ll blow over in the next storm.
If you're opting for a wooden playhouse, make sure to use treated wood that resists rot, mold, and pests. And if you’re using paint or sealant, don’t forget to check that it’s child-safe and labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free.
Step #4 Light it up
If your kids want to play in the playhouse when it starts to get dark, you’ll need some kid-safe lights. Battery-powered LED lights work well, as they’re bright and don’t need any wires. Solar lamps are a good choice, too – they charge up during the day and light up at night without any cords.
For something more permanent, consider adding an electrical package to your playhouse. It gives you the convenience of built-in lighting and outlets, perfect for lighting up evening tea parties, running a fan on warm days or even powering a fun backyard movie night.
Step #5 Add personalized storage
To keep the new play space tidy and organized, it’s important to add storage that fits your kids’ interests. What kind of toys and hobbies do they love? Whether it’s art supplies, dolls, board games, or sports gear, you can include shelves, bins, or cubbies that make it easy to store and find all their favorite stuff.
Step #6 Kid-proof it
Think through safety precautions – like rounding off sharp edges and securing doors and windows with safety latches. Plus, make sure there are no nails or screws sticking out that could cause injury.
And if the playhouse has built-in electrical features, don't forget to install a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm for extra safety.
Step #7 Throw in a few fun extras
Think about adding a little extra something, like a chalkboard wall, a little porch swing, or a slide. A small porch or deck is great, too – perfect for pretend tea parties, lemonade stands, or just chilling out in the shade.
It’s these fun little extras that really make your kids’ playhouse feel like their own special place.
Wrapping up!
Building an outdoor playhouse is a wonderful way to give your kids a safe, fun spot to play and explore right outside your door. By thinking about location, size, materials, and personal touches, you can give your kids a space they’ll cherish.
Remember to keep safety in mind, and don’t be afraid to add some fun extras that’ll make the playhouse a favorite hangout for years to come.
Ready to design the perfect playhouse for your kids?
Our customizable vinyl or wooden outdoor playhouses are perfect for your backyard! They come in two sizes and include a fun loft area with a ladder. You can pick the colors, siding, roofing, and more to match your style and budget. Plus, personalize the storage to fit your kids’ toys and hobbies, making it truly their own special space.
Get in touch with us for more info or visit your nearest Westwood Sheds store to chat with one of our sellers. We’re here to help you create a playhouse your kids will absolutely love!
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