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8 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

60
Average Ranked in the Top 98% of Playhouses.
Position 184 of 188 Playhouses - Up 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 8 x 6 Wooden Playhouse by Oakham Playhouses

If you’re on the lookout for a charming wooden playhouse for your children’s playtime adventures, the 8 x 6 Wooden Playhouse, crafted by Pine & Acorn, might have caught your eye. At a competitive price point of £2,281.50 from prominent retailer Mano Mano, this playhouse stands at an interesting confluence of quality, construction, and value. It fits snugly into the Playhouses category and even carves a niche under Wendy Houses and Wooden Playhouses. But is it truly worth the investment? Let’s delve into its features and performance.

Materials and Quality

One of the standout elements of this playhouse is its use of tongue & groove cladding. The cladding is known for its strengths among playhouses; in fact, it’s a preferred choice as evidenced by its inclusion in 35% of the 175 playhouses we examined. However, despite the solid build that tongue & groove provides, the playhouse scored a rather average 3 out of 5 in the materials quality department. This is indicative of the fact that while the choice of cladding is sound, the overall quality may not necessarily feel premium.

Construction Quality

In terms of construction, the 8 x 6 Wooden Playhouse scored a better 3.5 out of 5. This is quite reassuring considering that the industry average tends to hover around the same mark. The single door and the four styrene-glazed windows are thoughtfully integrated to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Styrene glazing is favored in the industry, found in 94% of the top playhouses, so it’s great to see Oakham Playhouses embracing this as well. Despite its quality scoring being below the average, at least the key construction points are solid.

Ease of Construction

This playhouse receives commendable marks for its ease of construction with a score of 4 out of 5. Given how pivotal easy assembly is for homeowners, especially for those with busy lifestyles, this playhouse stands out. You can look forward to a relatively painless setup process, which we find reassuring.

Value for Money

Unfortunately, not every aspect of the 8 x 6 Wooden Playhouse shines. A score of 1.5 out of 5 for value for money raises eyebrows. At £2,281.50, this playhouse is notably pricier than many of its contemporaries, some of which offer better expert scores at a significantly lower cost. For example, the 6×6 Mercia Honeysuckle Children’s Playhouse, priced at £565, boasts an expert score of 90 and is 304% less expensive.

Market Positioning

In the extensive landscape of playhouses, this particular model isn’t leading the pack. Out of a total of 188 playhouses, it positions itself relatively low, sitting at position 184. Thus, it’s evident that while the build quality is reasonable, its inefficient price-to-value ratio may limit its appeal.

Windows and Other Features

With four styrene-glazed windows, it creates an inviting atmosphere for children, ensuring ample light filters into their play space. The height of 1,760mm (6’) is right on par with the average for 7′ x 5′ playhouses, giving children plenty of headroom to play comfortably.

Considerations for Purchase

Before making your choice, it’s worth considering alternatives that may better suit your needs. Factors such as the intended environment—especially areas exposed to harsh weather—might warrant a more durable playhouse with thicker cladding and a strong base. If you’re situated in a coastal region, selecting a pressure-treated model, or even one made from metal or plastic, could offer a longer-lasting solution.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while the 8 x 6 Wooden Playhouse does have appealing features like quality cladding and ease of assembly, it struggles to justify its high price point. The scores indicate solid build and function, but the value proposition could be significantly improved for the modern-day buyer. If your budget permits, consider alternative options that provide better expert scores and superior overall value in the crowded playhouse sector.

Ultimately, while the playhouse may suit some needs adequately—especially those looking for aesthetic appeal—it’s imperative to weigh the cost against what the competition offers. With thoughtful purchases, you can certainly find something that will delight both kids and parents alike without stretching your budget too thin.

Product Details

Building Type
Playhouses, Wendy Houses, Wooden Playhouses
Metric Size (Meters)
7' x 5'
Material
Wooden
Number of Windows
4
Door Type
Single Door
Cladding Type
Tongue & Groove
Cladding Thickness
12mm
Treatment Type
Untreated

Q: What type of flooring does this garden building use?

A: The garden building features a Tongue & Groove floor material with a thickness of 12mm. This construction method is beneficial because it creates a sturdy and stable flooring option, which helps prevent warping over time. I find this makes the space feel solid underfoot and enhances the overall durability of the structure.

Q: How does the glazing in the door contribute to safety?

A: The building is equipped with a single door that utilises styrene safety glazing. This type of glazing is designed to be more impact-resistant than standard glass, adding an extra layer of safety especially in a busy garden environment where kids may be playing. It provides peace of mind for families, although it is important to handle it with care as it can still be susceptible to sharp objects.

Q: What are the height specifications of this garden building?

A: The eaves height is set at 1.76m (5' 9") and the ridge height reaches 2.30m (7' 6"). These dimensions mean that I can comfortably stand within the building without feeling cramped, which is a significant benefit if you plan to use the space for activities such as gardening, crafting, or as a workshop. The overall height also allows for ample shelving and storage options.

Q: How environmentally friendly is this product?

A: This garden building comes with FSC certification, which ensures that the wood used in its construction is sourced from well-managed forests. As someone who values sustainability, I see this as a considerable advantage. It supports responsible forestry practices and makes this building a good choice for environmentally conscious buyers.

Q: What material is used for the roof and what are its advantages?

A: The roof is constructed from OSB (Oriented Strand Board). While some may have reservations about OSB, it provides excellent strength and resistance to warping when properly installed. In my view, OSB is particularly beneficial for garden buildings as it is both resource-efficient and cost-effective, offered at a good balance between durability and affordability.

Q: What is the size of this garden building?

A: The base size of the building is 2.40m x 1.76m, making it a compact solution that fits well in smaller gardens. I appreciate how it doesn't require a large footprint, allowing homeowners to maximise their garden space while still providing enough room for storage or a small workshop. However, if you're looking for a more extensive workspace, this might be something to consider.

Comparisons of Similar Sheds

13554918-200494537390106613554916-702494537377842613554911-6544945373778519annex_interlocking_tongueandgroove_logcabin_playhouse_l0113554912-2024945373815515
Expert Score 5858636563
Price £2,995.00£2,995.00£2,240.00£1,985.00£2,240.00
Size 7' x 7'7' x 7'7' x 5'10' x 8'7' x 5'
Brand Country LivingCountry LivingCountry LivingBillyOhCountry Living
Material WoodenWoodenWoodenWoodenWooden
Cladding Thickness
Guarantee 10 Years10 Years10 Years10 Years10 Years
GoGoGoGoGo

Similar Categories

Wendy HouseWooden Playhouses
Joel Bird

Joel Bird

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Meet Joel, our expert in shed construction and design. Winner of the 2014 Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year on Channel 4 from over 10,000 entries and a subsequent judge on the show, Joel is also the author of The Book of Shed and a regular guest on prominent TV and radio shows. Click ‘Meet the Experts’ below to uncover more about Joel’s pioneering work.

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