5’3 x 5’6 Shire Croft Playhouse

Shed Type and Roof Size

The base area of this classically styled playhouse is slightly larger than on many that we review, although it does still fit into the mid sized category. The overall width is 1.60m and the overall depth is 1.67m. Where it differs significantly is the vertical space available under the felt covered apex roof. The ridge height is 2.35m and the eaves height is 1.72m. This extra height is there to accommodate the integrated loft area.

The lower story of this playhouse has more than enough room to store a good supply of toys, games, and books and it should easily be able to accommodate two children over the age of three. It also has a safe and sturdy ladder that leads to an interior loft area. The loft has its own window and will provide a good view of the garden below. The dual level nature of the building makes it a much more versatile play area, and your children or grandchildren are sure to enjoy expanding their energy climbing up and down the ladder.

Cladding, Frame and Floor

We were pleased to see that tongue and groove cladding had been used for the walls, as being larger than usual some manufacturers may have used a cheaper material, or cladding that’s thinner than the 12mm found here. With a strong frame as well, the building feels very strong and sturdy once assembled, so it’s even suitable for use in windy areas.

The floor is made of solid sheet material, which is a more cost effective material than tongue and groove timber, but at a thicker than average 12mm it’s still more than strong enough for everyday use. We would have liked to see it raised up by floor joists, however, to give added protection against ground moisture.

Treatment Requirements and Warranty

Wet rot is a major threat to all wooden buildings in our climate, which is why we like to see long lasting preservative treatments used by the manufacturer. Whilst a dip treatment has been used by Shire this offers a basic, short term protection and is one reason why the playhouse only comes with a one year warranty, which is the statutory minimum requirement. At this price we would have liked to see a timber building covered by at least a ten year warranty period. To give a longer lasting protection the customer will have to retreat the building themselves with a high quality wood preserver on an annual basis.

Doors and Windows

We were impressed by the size of the single hinged door, and being braced it also feels reassuringly strong and sturdy. It also features a magnetic latch so that it will stay closed rather than banging in the wind if children have left it open. The windows are, for us, the standout feature of this playhouse. There are three of them, as well as a small glazed diamond shaped panel in the door, two at ground level and one at the elevated loft level, and two of them can be opened and closed. This allows for easy ventilation, and means that cooling fresh air can circulate on a warm day.

Safety and Security

One of the things that pleased us most about the windows is that they’re made of styrene. This is a form of plastic that looks as clear as glass, but is much tougher and is also highly shatter resistant. That’s a vital consideration, of course, for a building that young children will be playing in. Just how safe the structure as a whole is, is shown by its compliance with the EN71 standard. This is a European standard based around children’s toys but which is also used for playhouses.

Customisation Options and Extras

Wood preserver and paint will be needed to give this playhouse the protection from the elements it needs, and also to give it a bright and colourful appearance that will appeal to your children and grandchildren. While these will need to be sourced and bought separately, there is one extra that can be bought with the playhouse. It’s a large chess game that’s designed to be played outdoors. Children will love the big, bold pieces and it’s a great way to introduce them to this fascinating game.