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5 x 6 Wooden Playhouse

First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 17 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

68
Average Ranked in the Top 91% of Playhouses.
Position 171 of 188 Playhouses - Up 4 places from previous update.
Quality of materials
Construction quality
Ease of construction
Value for money

See how our panel of industry experts helped create the impartial judging criteria used to calculate the Expert Score.

In-Depth Review of the 5 x 6 Wooden Playhouse

As someone who truly appreciates the role of playhouses in enriching children’s outdoor experiences, I was intrigued by the 5 x 6 Wooden Playhouse from Oakham Playhouses. With a generous dimension of 5′ x 5′, this product claims to offer an engaging space for kids to develop their imaginative play. I took a closer look at its features, construction quality, and overall value, incorporating market data and expert insights to deliver a comprehensive review.

Category and Subcategories

This playhouse is categorised prominently under Playhouses, but it also fits neatly into niche segments such as Wendy Houses and Wooden Playhouses. This versatility reflects the product’s potential appeal to diverse customer needs.

Construction and Materials

The playhouse employs tongue & groove cladding, which our experts have highlighted as one of the best options available in the market, used on 35% of all analysed playhouses. It’s worth noting that although the overall Expert Score of this playhouse is a bit lower than average (67 vs an average of 78 for similar products), its materials hint at durability and a solid build quality.

Windows and Glazing

Equipped with three styrene windows, this playhouse uses a glazing type that rates highly among its competitors, found in 77% of windowed playhouses. While the score is notably below the average in this category, the prevalence of styrene in top-rated models suggests it’s a reliable choice—especially for safety.

Roofing and Flooring

As for the roofing, an OSB (Oriented Strand Board) construction is utilised, commonly chosen for its resilience. Although the expert assessment acknowledges it is slightly below the average score for this roofing type, 65% of the highest-rated playhouses in the market favoured it, adding a layer of confidence in its selection.

Moving on to the floor, the tongue & groove method appears once again, reinforcing the overall quality and stability of this playhouse. It boasts a thickness of 12mm, noted as one of the best levels for playhouse flooring, supported by data showing 41% adoption in the market.

Room for Improvement

Despite several strengths, there are areas where this playhouse falls short. The value for money score of 2.5/5 indicates that the price may outweigh some of the benefits—retailing at approximately £1674, it stands at a significant premium compared to other models, like the similar 5×5 Mercia Tulip priced at £430, which offers a higher Expert Score of 82.

Overall Performance

With an Expert Score that ranks this product at the 171st position out of 188 reviewed playhouses, you might wonder if this is the best investment for your child’s play needs. The playhouse does offer a spacious height of 2350mm (8′), providing a generous headroom that enhances its usability.

However, when considering longevity, robust structures designed for high-wind areas or harsher environments, such as the oceanfront, may call for more protection and sturdier materials. This aspect is particularly significant for parents concerned about weather resilience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the 5 x 6 Wooden Playhouse by Oakham Playhouses serves as a charming addition to any garden, offering a creative space for children. While its construction boasts quality, particularly in cladding and flooring, there are more competitively priced options in the market that may provide greater overall value.

If you’re seeking an inspiring playhouse for your children, weigh your options carefully against pricing and features. Ensure to consider local climates and whether the long-term durability of the materials aligns with your expectations.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but I encourage you to explore other Wooden Playhouses as you unravel the best fit for your family’s needs.

Where to Buy

Currently, the 5 x 6 Wooden Playhouse is available at:

  • Mano Mano: £1674 – View Product

Regularly updated reviews ensure you receive the latest insights on potential purchases. As of now, this product still holds a prominent position in the playhouse market, though competitive alternatives could be more favourable for a practical investment.

Product Details

Building Type
Playhouses, Small Wooden Playhouses, Wendy Houses, Wooden Playhouses
Metric Size (Meters)
5' x 5'
Material
Wooden
Number of Windows
3
Cladding Type
Tongue & Groove
Cladding Thickness
12mm
Treatment Type
Untreated

Q: What type of floor material is used in this garden building?

A: The floor of this garden building is made from 12mm Tongue & Groove boards. This type of flooring is known for its durability and strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty use. The interlocking design helps to provide a sturdier floor that reduces the risk of movement or damage over time, ensuring that your garden space remains reliable and stable. From my experience, a solid floor is essential for long-term satisfaction.

Q: How does the glazing material affect the building’s insulation and security?

A: This product uses Styrene glazing, which is lighter and shatter-resistant compared to traditional glass. While it offers good insulation, it is important to note that Styrene may not provide the same level of thermal efficiency as double-glazed glass. However, it does offer a decent balance between weight and safety, making it a practical option for a garden building. If security is a major concern for you, consider adding additional measures such as window locks.

Q: What are the height specifications of this garden building and how do they impact usability?

A: The building features a ridge height of 2.35m (7' 7") and an eaves height of 1.72m (5' 6"). This generous height allows for a spacious interior, giving you the freedom to move about comfortably, whether you're using the space as a garden shed, workshop, or even a small office. Personally, I find that high ceilings not only improve comfort but also create a feeling of openness, which can enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

Q: What roofing material is used and what are the implications for longevity?

A: The roof of this garden building is constructed with OSB (Oriented Strand Board). OSB is a robust building material which provides good resistance to moisture and can handle various weather conditions, making it a suitable choice for outdoor structures. However, it’s crucial to ensure that it is adequately treated to avoid any potential water damage over time. Overall, I view OSB as a practical solution that balances cost and durability effectively.

Q: Is the environmental impact of this building taken into account?

A: Yes, this garden building comes with FSC certification, indicating that the wood used has been sourced from responsibly managed forests. This is an important feature that contributes to sustainability. By investing in products with environmental credentials, I feel that we can all play a part in protecting our planet while enjoying our outdoor spaces. It's a win-win situation!

Q: Can this garden building comply with safety standards?

A: This product is CE certified and complies with BS5665 EN71 standards, which means it meets specific safety and performance criteria. Having this certification ensures that the structure is made with quality materials and processes, and it provides peace of mind that it is safe for use. In my opinion, knowing that a product has passed rigorous testing adds significant value and encourages trust in the purchasing decision.

Q: How does the size of the building affect its versatility?

A: The building spans 1.60 x 1.68m, which makes it a compact yet usable space for various applications—from storage to a small workshop or hobby area. While it may not offer vast amounts of space, its size allows for easy placement in most gardens, including those with limited room. If you’re looking for something multi-functional in a tighter footprint, this could be a great option. Just remember to maximise vertical space with shelving or pegboards!

Joel Bird

Joel Bird

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Joel, our shed expert, won Channel 4’s Shed of the Year in 2014 and is the author of The Book of Shed. Click ‘Meet the Experts’ to learn more.

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