Playhouses

About

Cubby Houses A cubby house gives kids a patch of the backyard that's genuinely theirs, and the first fork in the road for most parents is timber or plastic. Wooden cubby houses last longer outside and suit a long-term backyard setup. Plastic playhouses cost less, need almost no upkeep, and often suit toddlers and smaller spaces better. Wooden or plastic cubby house, what actually matters The honest answer comes down to three things. Money, maintenance, and how long it lasts outside. Factor Wooden Plastic Upfront cost Higher, often $1,000+ Lower, from around $230 Maintenance Oil or stain each year Hose it down Lifespan outside Many years if maintained Fades in strong sun over time Best for Backyard, 3 to 8 year olds Toddlers, small yards, balconies If you're staying put and want something the kids will use for years, go timber. If your child is 2 to 4, or space and budget are tight, plastic is often the smarter pick. Not a compromise. Wooden cubby houses Wooden cubby houses are usually built from cedar, fir or treated pine. They look at home in a backyard the way plastic never quite does. You'll find ground-level timber cubbies for younger kids and elevated designs with ladders and verandahs for 4 to 8 year olds. Prices sit higher because you're paying for timber, hardware and a build that stands up to years outside. Worth it if you've got the yard and plan to stay in the house. Plastic cubby houses Plastic cubby houses wipe clean, don't need oiling, and are light enough to shift when you're mowing. Bright colours and moulded details also appeal to younger kids in a way plain timber doesn't. They're often the right first cubby for a 2 to 4 year old, and they work indoors on wet days or out on a covered patio. In strong Australian sun the colour will fade over the years, so shade helps. Cubby houses with a slide attached An elevated cubby with a slide gives kids a climb, a hideout and a way down all in one. Look for 1.8m slides for 3 to 5 year olds and 2.2m slides for