Today a young girl’s outdoor playhouse castle can be just that. There was a time when the outdoor playhouse was an old refrigerator box behind the garage or some old boards nailed in the crook of a tree. It took imagination to create a castle and the knights and ladies needed to populate this magic realm.

Due to the lower cost of materials and modern manufacturing methods, a playhouse can be made in almost any configuration and be relatively inexpensive, or cost a small fortune. Some people still prefer the classic wooden playhouse while others prefer a more modern design. Victorian playhouses are designed to replicate old style Victorian houses and can be made of wood or plastic. There are log cabin playhouses and inflatable playhouses are available. You can even have a luxury playhouse custom made to your specifications. We have seen outdoor playhouses so large that they could double as a guest house.

outdoor-playhouse-castleAs with most things these days, the construction and use of an outdoor playhouse raises questions of safety and security. A playhouse made of plastic or rigid foam can have round corners and softer surfaces to avoid severe damage to a child who may fall or be pushed into a wall surface. Some luxury playhouses are wired for electricity and have indoor plumbing. Care must be taken to eliminate the possibility of shock to curious junior playhouse owners attempting to copy daddies’ do-it-yourself lifestyle. Often a modern playhouse will have many of the more common playground activities built in. A slide, swing, or climbing ladder can increase the danger level if poorly constructed. When considering an outdoor playhouse for your child you should pay careful attention to the quality of construction. A poorly constructed playhouse will be more dangerous. Built in sandboxes can attract stray animals and be a haven for ticks, fleas, rodents and disease. For younger children, regular supervision may be needed. Security is a concern in areas where crime is more common. An unattended child is in just as much danger in their own back yard as they would be if left alone in a shopping mall. Fortunately, wireless security cameras are reasonably priced and available at most electronics outlets.

An outdoor playhouse can be purchased through many stores. A quick internet search will show dozens of stores offering free shipping and steep discounts. The local shopping center will also have many stores with displays so your child can see what style they like best. Most will have a option for delivery and setup, either free or for minor cost.

The outdoor playhouse is found in all types of neighborhoods from the inner city to the country. While it appears that most children are glued to the TV set or computer these days, there is an age group that still prefers spending time outdoors. For them an outdoor playhouse can be a castle or fort from which they can launch great adventures.

As the home improvement and personalization trend continues to grow, more shows and companies are offering advice on how to decorate a playhouse. Whether you are looking for a design that will enhance your landscaping and the beauty of your property, like a Victorian playhouse, or a style that will fit your child’s personality, such as a princess playhouse, there are a seemingly infinite number of options. Your budget and level of comfort with do-it-yourself projects can help inform your decision on which style and manufacturer will be best for you. Before you begin shopping for a playhouse for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind.

One should first ask themselves how much actual building they would like to do. If you are someone who has access to tools and the knowledge to use them, a sturdy wooden playhouse that requires some assembly may be the best option in terms of durability. These outdoor playhouses will often be sold disassembled, and will require the purchaser to put together the pre-fabricated parts. In most cases, this is not a complicated project, but it may take the better part of an afternoon. For those who would rather avoid assembly, an inflatable playhouse is a great idea. These playhouses are light and relatively sturdy. Just place them on a level surface, inflate them for a few minutes, and they are ready to be used.

how-to-decorate-a-playhouseAn outdoor playhouse may cost anywhere from $100 to more than $25,000. Many of the leading children’s toy manufacturers make high quality models that are priced at the lower end of this range. However, if you are looking for one of the two-story custom made wooden playhouses that are currently on offer, the prices will begin to climb drastically. These playhouses are marketed as mini-mansions and they live up to this billing. Some customers commission playhouses that look like versions of their home in miniature, while others allow their children to meet with the company’s architects to design the home of their dreams. The cost of this luxury playhouse typically includes the cost of installation.

Even just a few years ago, the options for playhouse style and décor were relatively limited. Most models featured walls in brightly colored plastic or faux window boxes and gardens. Now, one can find a playhouse in many of the popular home styles. Parents who live on wooded properties love the log cabin playhouse design, which is beautiful and well built enough to look more like a guest house than a children’s play house. A Princess playhouse includes not just the house itself, but a front pouch on which your child can entertain all her guests. These little homes will look beautiful in any yard, and you will be reluctant to take them down after your child has outgrown them.

For more information on how to decorate a playhouse, consider looking through the look books of one of the leading playhouse companies online.

There are so many styles of playhouses available to fit your budget and backyard. A playhouse will give your child endless hours of play time with friends or by themselves. It is a great way to stimulate creativity and imagination. It will also teach your child to play well with others through sharing the space.

You can purchase a country cottage playhouse in a variety of sizes, styles and type of materials used. An inexpensive outdoor playhouse can cost as little as $199.99. Little Tikes company offers an outdoor cottage style playhouse in this price range. The cottage has windows, Dutch door in the front and is made of durable plastic. It comes in a variety of colors.

cottage-playhouseYou may be looking for a princess playhouse for that special little girl. Available from many retailers in several sizes you can spend upwards to $1,999.99 for a solid wood unit with floors, windows and a front porch. Of course any princess cottage will come in different shades of pink! There are also inexpensive fabric princess playhouses that are sturdy enough for outdoor use and indoor use. The fabric is place over metal frames and gives the playhouse that fairy tale look. Check on the internet for prices from a variety of stores.

Inflatable playhouses are a economical way of getting a playhouse. Some are designed for year round use and can withstand most weather conditions. Prices start at $89.95 and have a large door and windows as well. Some inflatable playhouses will also be equipped with the bouncing floor for added fun.

Little Tikes company offers a log cabin playhouse with Dutch doors, shutters, a pretend grill and fireplace for added fun. You can also find actual cedar and wood log cabins that will be more expensive. Babies R Us offers a plastic model for over three hundred dollars and comes with a chimney.

If you are looking for a Victorian playhouse, you can find different designs and styles. Some, made from plastic can vary in price depending on the size. A wooden Victorian playhouse may cost over nine hundred dollars and comes complete with picket fence, steeped roofs, flower boxes and Victorian style design.

Most playhouses require some kind of assembly. The wooden playhouses normally come as kits that require more assembly. The manufacturer provides detailed instructions, which will make the assembly easier. The great thing about the wooden playhouse kits is that you can paint them any color you want, either to match your home, or get creative with your child. You can also build your own wooden playhouse by purchasing designs and plans for as little as $5.95 and purchase your own materials.

If you have an unlimited budget, you can hire a company to custom design and build your outdoor playhouse. These playhouses range in price from $3,500 to over $30,000, depending on the size, materials and accessories. These luxury playhouses can have running water, cable, wireless internet, heating, cooling and of course TV’s. With elegant furnishings and carpeted or hard wood floors, these life size playhouses are amazing.

Whichever type of playhouse you choose; your child will surely spend hours enjoying it. Whether a log cabin or a country cottage playhouse, you will love watching your child and their imagination soar.

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