Should I Build a Treehouse or a Playhouse for My Kids? Which Is Better?

An outdoor play structure provides kids a safe outlet to interact, stay active, and engage in imaginative play. Children’s playhouses and treehouses are both great options, but which one is the better?

In this guide, we’ll highlight each choice in terms of building, maintenance, and safety considerations to help you decide.

Ease of Building

A kid’s playhouse and a treehouse are quite similar, except the latter is built in a tree while the former sits on the ground. Given this difference, the playhouse seems more convenient to build or install than the treehouse, which requires height considerations. Think of it as setting up a tent in the backyard versus climbing a ladder to reach a loft. Simply put, building a playhouse is straightforward, whereas a treehouse is more complex.

Another advantage of a playhouse is most units available on the market are made from modular panels that are simple to put together. This means they’re almost ready for use upon purchase — this is your best bet if your children are eager to have their play area set up quickly. You can also find a tower playhouse or a 2 storey playhouse if your little ones want a higher vantage point but not as elevated as a treehouse. If time isn’t an issue and you prefer to use your building and DIY skills, a treehouse might be a better option.

Maintenance

(Image Credit: Flickr)

Just by looking at how these play areas are built and positioned in the garden, you can tell which one demands more maintenance. A playhouse, being at ground level, makes upkeep easier, manageable, and accessible. Depending on the material used in its construction, it might need occasional repainting or sealing for weather resistance. Then again, routine maintenance tasks are hassle-free, though they may need to be done regularly.

In contrast, a treehouse often requires more frequent maintenance because they are high up and depend on the tree’s health. Regular checks are also needed to ensure the tree remains healthy and that the treehouse is properly supported and secured. Maintenance may involve using a ladder, which can be manageable if you’re comfortable and have the necessary tools. Be sure to exercise extra caution when performing such tasks.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a key factor when building either of these play areas and considering your child’s age is a great way to ensure this. For instance, toddlers and children aged 3 to 8 can play in a playhouse with low-entry points, safe, round edges, and age-appropriate features. Basically, any playhouse situated at ground level can be considered safe for them. Supervision is easier, as parents can see and interact while kids play, and there are fewer concerns about the structure’s stability.

A treehouse is better suited for older kids who can handle the elevated play space without monitoring. They are more capable of handling the height safely and following safety guidelines. Even so, install railings, space access points like ladders or stairs, or even slides to reduce the risk of falls.

Building a Playhouse in a Tree

It can be possible to take a commercially sold playhouse and build it in a tree in your garden. The main requirement is that you need to build a solid and stable platform in the tree first. This will form the base of the building. It needs to be level (and the tree must be strong enough to maintain this) and allow for rainwater drainage.

The tree does not necessarily have to support the full weight of the treehouse and the platform; you could build struts which hold the platform up, directly supported from the ground. Nevertheless, many treehouses also have diagonal beams nailed into the tree trunk which hold up the platform. 

Alternatively, you could achieve a similar verticality and climbing experience with a tower playhouse. These are playhouses where the child has to climb a ladder to enter the building. You can also find them as playhouses with slides.

As long as the playhouse is built on a stable level surface, you could build a tower playhouse next to a tree, possibly with branches reaching through the structure, to provide an experience similar to an authentic treehouse.

Round-up

We hope these three considerations will help you decide which is better for you and your children. Remember, a playhouse and a treehouse can provide great outdoor play opportunities for kids. The choice ultimately depends on your building and maintenance preferences, as well as safety considerations.

While you’re here, take a look at our range of playhouses, including log cabin playhouses. We also offer Wendy houses, tower playhouses, and accessories like 

plastic slides.