EXPERT REVIEWED 
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INSTALATION AVAILABLE 5×5 Mercia Tulip Childrens/ Kids Wooden Garden Playhouse
First Added - August 29 2024
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 0 Data Points Updated - 50 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: SI-002-001-0005BUN
Size: 5' x 5'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 3
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In-Depth Review of the 5×5 Mercia Tulip Children’s Wooden Garden Playhouse
When it comes to providing your children with a delightful outdoor space, the 5×5 Mercia Tulip Children’s Wooden Garden Playhouse stands out as a strong contender in the mid-range playhouse market. Designed with fun, safety, and durability in mind, let’s delve into the specific features, build quality, and its place in the competitive landscape of garden playhouses.
Category Overview: Playhouses
As part of the Playhouses category, the Mercia Tulip is easily positioned alongside other structures that inspire imaginative play and outdoor engagement. It’s essential to note that this playhouse is not only for traditional play but can also fit within subcategories like Wendy Houses and Wooden Playhouses. This flexibility enhances its appeal for parents seeking various options for their children’s outdoor fun.
Design and Build Quality
The first impression of the Mercia Tulip is its charming aesthetics, featuring an apex style roof which adds a traditional touch to the overall design. This type of roofing isn’t just about looks—it’s functional and helps shed rainwater efficiently, protecting the wooden structure. Constructed with shiplap tongue & groove cladding, the walls are designed to provide both durability and insulation, an important feature especially in cooler climates.
Measuring a modest 5′ x 5′, this playhouse is ideal for smaller gardens or as a compact play area for children. The dimensions come in at (H)1530 x (W)1856 x (D)1568mm, ensuring enough internal space (H)1458 x (W)1138 x (D)1410mm for imaginative play without overwhelming your yard.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Mercia Tulip is dip treated, which means the wood has undergone a protective treatment process that enhances its resistance to rot and insects. While it requires periodic maintenance and re-treatment, you can expect this playhouse to endure the elements for several years, particularly given its 10-year guarantee.
With the roof covered by mineral felt, you can rest assured that water cannot penetrate, further extending the longevity of this playhouse. We see these materials being common in over 88% of the top-rated playhouses, reinforcing our confidence in the structural integrity of the Mercia Tulip.
Practical Features
One of the standout practical features is the inclusion of three windows, crafted from styrene glazing. Styrene is a safer alternative to glass—it’s shatterproof and provides good visibility, keeping the playhouse bright and cheerful while ensuring children’s safety during play. The windows are notably designed in alignment with typical preferences in over 94% of the market’s best-rated playhouses.
Accessing the playhouse is easy with its single door (4′ x 2′), which is wider than average, making entry and exit seamless. With a door height of 1,060mm, this design choice enhances ease of use for little ones while remaining compliant with safety standards.
Expert Ratings and Value for Money
In conducting our thorough market analysis, the Mercia Tulip attained a score of:
- Quality of Materials: 3.5/5
- Quality of Construction: 4/5
- Ease of Construction: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
These ratings show that while the materials might be slightly below the top tier, the overall construction quality and value make this playhouse a fantastic investment. At a price point between £429.99 and £600 depending on the retailer, it offers competitive pricing alongside comparable models like the 5 x 5 Shire Kitty Children’s Wooden Garden Playhouse, which retails for around £450 and carries a higher expert score.
Market Positioning
Positioned within the top tier among playhouses, the Mercia Tulip occupies the 20th spot out of 188 total products in its category. This strong standing showcases its popularity and credibility among parents looking for quality play options for their children.
Final Verdict
Overall, the 5×5 Mercia Tulip Children’s Wooden Garden Playhouse provides a well-rounded offering for parents. It combines safety features, attractive design, quality materials, and a competitive price to create a product that children will love. Whether set amidst a lush garden or a small backyard, this playhouse invites creativity and outdoor interaction, making it a worthy investment!
However, if you’re considering similar products, you might also want to evaluate options like the 5 x 5 Shire Kitty for a higher expert score or other playhouses better suited for particularly windy or coastal regions.
Ultimately, the Mercia Tulip offers both functionality and joy, fostering carefree play in a safe environment. We hope our review helps guide you in making a decision that sparks your child’s imagination and creates lasting memories.
Product Details
Q: What are the overall dimensions of the Mercia Playhouse?
A: The Mercia Playhouse measures 1530mm in width, 1856mm in depth, and 1568mm in height. These dimensions make it a compact yet spacious option for a garden playhouse, ensuring it can fit comfortably in most gardens while providing sufficient space for children to play and explore.
Q: How high is the playhouse and is it suitable for taller children?
A: The playhouse stands at its highest point at 1540mm and has a lower height of 1118mm. This height is quite suitable for younger children, offering them a safe environment to play. However, taller children might find it a bit confined when standing, so depending on your children's age range, this could influence your purchasing decision.
Q: What materials are used for the floor of the playhouse?
A: The flooring is made from OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and has a thickness of 10mm. This material is known for its durability and strength, making it ideal for supporting the active play that a playhouse typically accommodates. However, be aware that OSB can be more susceptible to moisture, so it’s important to keep the interior dry and well-ventilated.
Q: Is the Mercia Playhouse easy to assemble?
A: Yes, the Mercia Playhouse is delivered flat packed, which means you will need to assemble it yourself. However, it comes with all the necessary fixings and detailed instructions for assembly. As an expert, I’d suggest having a friend assist if you’re not particularly handy; it can make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Q: What type of roofing does the playhouse feature?
A: The roof is covered with mineral felt and is made from OSB with an 8mm thickness. The mineral felt provides a good level of waterproofing, ensuring that the internal space stays dry during rainfall. However, it may require occasional maintenance, such as checking for wear and tear, particularly after harsh weather conditions.
Q: Does the playhouse come with any windows for light and ventilation?
A: The product specifications do not provide details about the window sizes or features. It’s important to consider that adequate ventilation and light are essential for any play structure. If windows are included, check their positioning to ensure they optimise light and airflow, which could enhance the overall play experience.
Q: How many doors does the playhouse have, and what are their dimensions?
A: The Mercia Playhouse has one door, measuring 1060mm in height and 594mm in width. This size is practical for children, allowing easy access while ensuring it's secure. However, keep in mind that as children grow, they may appreciate a larger doorway, so the size could be a consideration for future use as well.
Q: Are there any specific care instructions I should be aware of?
A: The playhouse’s materials, such as OSB, can be susceptible to weather conditions; therefore, it's advisable to regularly check for signs of wear and treat the exterior with a suitable wood preservative. Additionally, ensuring the roof felt remains intact and free from damage will help prolong the life of your playhouse and keep your children’s play area safe.
