Buying Guide
Playhouses
A playhouse is a safe, imaginative space for children to play, combining fun with durability and peace of mind.
Read The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Playhouse to help you choose the perfect one for your garden and your little adventurers. A playhouse is so much more than a toy or a shed. It’s a magical hideaway where imaginations run wild, creativity blossoms, and screen-free play comes to life.
Built with safety and quality in mind, Mercia’s wooden playhouses are made from sustainably sourced timber, featuring smooth, rounded edges, shatterproof styrene windows, and full EN71 and UKCA safety certification. From cosy cottages to exciting tower playhouses, there’s a design to suit every garden and child’s personality.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from styles and features to installation and maintenance. Meaning you can create a safe, inspiring space your children will love for years to come.
Safety
EN17
EN71 is a European safety standard that specifies requirements for toys and children’s play equipment. It covers things like structural strength, safe materials, fire resistance, and protection against sharp edges or small parts.
Safety Hinges
Safety hinges on playhouse doors are specially designed to prevent little fingers from getting trapped or pinched when the door closes, giving parents peace of mind while children play safely.
Finger Gaps
All our playhouses feature a 12mm gap around the doors to prevent little fingers from getting trapped, ensuring a safer play environment for children.
Smooth Timbers
Each playhouse is built with smoothed and planed timbers to prevent splinters, keeping playtime safe and comfortable for little hands.
Non-Slip Ladders
Non-slip ladders provide extra grip and stability, helping children climb safely and confidently during play.
Shatterproof
Shatterproof styrene windows are a safer alternative to glass, providing clear views while preventing injuries if accidentally hit or broken.
Features
From charming windows and secure doors to verandas and fun tower designs, our playhouses are packed with thoughtful features that spark imagination and ensure safe, lasting play.
Verandas
With a little veranda and an overhanging porch creates the perfect setting for endless imaginative adventures. It’s a charming blank canvas where children can bring their make-believe worlds to life, from cosy cottages to magical hideaways.
Double Storey
A two-storey playhouse doubles the fun, offering more space for imagination and adventure. The added height creates a dynamic play environment, perfect for upstairs hideouts, cosy reading corners, or lookout spots for big adventures.
Towers
Playhouses on towers add an extra layer of adventure and excitement to outdoor play. The raised design gives children a unique lookout point to explore their surroundings, encourages active climbing and movement, and sparks imaginative games that take playtime to new heights.
Slides
A slide is a fun and active addition to any playhouse, encouraging physical play and helping children build confidence, balance, and coordination. It adds an extra element of excitement, turning every trip outdoors into an adventure.
Handmade in the UK
All Mercia Playhouses are handmade in the UK in our Nottinghamshire factory, ensuring expert craftmanship and top quality every time.
Quality
A high-quality playhouse is an investment in years of outdoor fun, creativity, and imagination. To make sure yours stands the test of time, it’s worth choosing the best model your budget allows. Look for durable construction, long-lasting materials, and thoughtful safety features designed to keep little ones safe while they play.
For wooden playhouses, ensure the timber comes pre-treated and includes a long (10-years with Mercia) anti-rot guarantee for lasting protection. Shiplap tongue-and-groove cladding offers excellent strength and weather resistance, while planed timber helps prevent splinters. Features like double-framed corners, robust floor joists, and solid roof and floor panels provide extra stability and a reliable, waterproof finish. Ensuring your playhouse stays sturdy, safe, and ready for play in all seasons.
Maintenance
To keep your playhouse looking its best and protected for years to come, treat wooden models annually with a quality wood preservative or paint. This simple upkeep maintains your guarantee and shields the wood from weather damage.
Installing
Help
A playhouse is a two-person job – panels can be heavy and awkward to handle alone. Buying from Mercia means you can also take advantage of our professional installation service and let our expert team assemble it for you.
Base
A strong, level base is essential for the stability and longevity of your playhouse. Use a spirit level to ensure your wood, paving, or concrete base is perfectly even.
Parts
Before you start, check your pack carefully to make sure all parts are included and in good condition.
Instructions
Always follow the assembly instructions provided with your playhouse, they’re designed to make the build process simple and safe.
Tools
You’ll need basic tools such as a Phillips screwdriver, Stanley knife, wood saw, step ladder, and a drill with a 2mm bit.
