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8×6 Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse

First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 4 2022 - 25 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: GTIN: 5060767735183.0

Size: 8'x6'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 1

Tiger Sheds
£1,428.99
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.

68
Average Ranked in the Top 41% of Playhouses.
Position 76 of 188 Playhouses - Down 46 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.

Our verdict on the 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse

The 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse is fit with lockable single doors that use a magnetic safety catch locking system and is treated using a tigerskin burnt orange (water based) process [1]. The 5 georgian windows used on this particular 8’x6′ use a 2mm styrene [2] material.

Base material: european softwood

Our experts say this has 5 stand out features. A stand out feature is something found on over 70% of the top 10% of products in a particular category or is an exceptionally good feature as rated by our panel of experts.

1. The choice of roof covering (mineral felt), is also what we find that 88% of the top 10% of playhouses use.

2. The styrene window installation is known to be a great choice, and our data shows us that 94% of the top 10% of playhouses make use of this kind of glazing.

3. The shiplap tongue & groove cladding used on this playhouse is one the best available for playhouses rated by our experts.

4. The tongue & groove construction like the one used on the roof of this playhouse is rated one of the best by our panel of experts.

5. Our experts say this the tongue & groove floor material used here is one of the best available on all playhouses.

Below is a brief overview of how some of the key points of this playhouse fairs across the market.

Cladding

The shiplap tongue & groove cladding(walls) used here is one of the best forms of construction for playhouse walls out of the 4 types [3] we’ve identified on same-size playhouses, that you’ll also see getting used on 59% (103 of 175) of all playhouses analysed [4], as well as being used on 47% (8 of 17) of the top 10% of playhouses [5]. You’ll also find the shiplap tongue & groove cladding showing up on 70% of 8’x6′ playhouses (19 in total) [6], and when taking the average Expert Score of those 8’x6′ playhouses (72), the 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse is the same with an Expert Score of 72.

The walls are 12mm thick and we rate this an about average thickness out of the 2 found on same-size playhouses [7]. It is used on 49% of all playhouses [8] and is also used across 59% of the top 10% of playhouses [9] we analysed. Even though the Expert Score of this particular playhouse is 3 points below the average 12mm clad 8’x6’s score of 75, the fact that 59% of the top 10% use a cladding this thick is reassuring as a sign of quality. 44% of 8’x6′ playhouses (12 in total) use 12mm thick walls [10].

Read full analysis for cladding.

Roofing

Tongue & groove is the cladding used for the roofing, our experts rate this the best form of roof material out of the 2 types we’ve found on same-size playhouses [11]. This roofing material is used on 26% of all playhouses analysed, and 12% of the top 10% of playhouses. While you’ll find that the Expert Score of this playhouse is 2 points lower than the average for 8’x6’s that use tongue & groove roof material (72 vs the average of 74), you can be sure it’s not due to the roofing as this one of the highest scoring materials found on 8’x6′ playhouses. 30% of 8’x6′ playhouses (8 in total) use tongue & groove construction for the roof.

A 12mm thick roof boarding was used on this playhouse which is one of the best thicknesses used for a roofing material out of 5 thicknesses identified on same-size playhouses [12]. It’s used on 18% of all playhouses and 12% of the top 10% of playhouses. Even though the Expert Score of this particular playhouse is 3 points below that of the average for 8’x6’s that use 12mm roofing (72 vs the average of 75), you can be sure it’s not due to the roof thickness as this one of the highest scoring thicknesses available on 8’x6′ playhouses. 26% of 8’x6′ playhouses (7 in total) use a 12mm thick roof boarding.

Mineral felt is used as the roof covering, and out of 2 types identified on same-size playhouses [13], is said to be one of the best roof covering materials. It comes fitted on 64% of playhouses and used on 88% of the top 10% of 8’x6′ playhouses. Even though the Expert Score of this particular playhouse is below the average 8’x6’s cover their roofs with mineral felt (72 vs the average of 73), with it being on 88% of the top 10%, this should give you confidence in its quality. 74% of 8’x6′ playhouses (20 in total) make use of a mineral felt material as a roof covering.

Read full analysis for roofing.

Flooring

The manufactures of this playhouse chose tongue & groove for the floor construction, we rate this the best form of floor construction out of 2 types found on same-size playhouses [14]. This type of floor construction is used on 41% of all playhouses we analysed, and 24% of the top 10% of those playhouses. 48% of 8’x6′ playhouses (13 in total) use tongue & groove construction for the floor. Additionally when taking the average Expert Score of those 8’x6′ playhouses (71), the 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse is just above the average with an Expert Score of 72.

A 12mm thick floor boarding is used here, this is one of the best floor board thicknesses according to our experts out of 4 found on same-size playhouses [15]. It’s found on 26% of all playhouses and used on 24% of the top 10% of playhouses. Even though the Expert Score of this playhouse is 2 points lower than that of the average for 8’x6’s floored with a 12mm material (72 vs the average of 74), you can be sure it’s not due to the flooring because this one of the highest scoring flooring thicknesses available on 8’x6′ playhouses. 37% of 8’x6′ playhouses (10 in total) use 12mm thick floor boarding.

Read full analysis for flooring.

Window

Styrene windows come installed on this playhouse. As a glazing option, we rate it one of the best out of the 2 glazing types found on 8’x6′ playhouses [16]. This particular type of glazing is used on 77% of all windowed playhouses and 100% of the top 10% of playhouses with windows we analysed. Even though the Expert Score of this particular playhouse is 1 point below the average of 73 for windowed 8’x6’s use styrene windows, with it being on 100% of the top 10%, you can be assured that this playhouse is using a quality glazing type. 83% of 8’x6′ playhouses with windows (20 in total) use styrene windows.

The windows on this playhouse use a 2mm thick glazing, we rate this one of the worst thicknesses for window glazing. You’ll also find this is the only thickness glazing used on same-size playhouses [17]. Glazing this thick is found on 17% of all the windowed playhouses we analysed and used on 13% of the top 10% of windowed playhouses. 25% of 8’x6′ playhouses (6 in total) use 2mm thick glazing.

The 457mm x 610mm windows on this playhouse are 5% larger than the average 8’x6′ playhouse. The window height is 610.00mm (2′) tall which is 8% taller than the average 8’x6′ with 45.75mm (0.2′) extra height. The window width is 457.00mm (2′) wide which is 3% narrower than the average 8’x6′ with 15.25mm (0.1′) narrower width.

Read full analysis for window.

Height

The height of this playhouse is 1759mm (6′) which is 28% more than the average 8’x6′ playhouse, giving you 386.0mm (1′) extra headroom.

Read full analysis for height.

Doors

The door height is 1,130.00mm (4′) tall which is 4% or 39.88mm (0.1′) shorter than the average 8’x6′.
The door width is 548.00mm (2′) wide which is 14% or 77.33mm (0.3′) narrower than the average 8’x6′.

Read full analysis for doors.

You Might Also Consider

We found 5 8’x6′ playhouses with comparable specifications. The 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse has an Expert Score that is 3% lower than average and is £16 more expensive than average. If you are looking for the best value or highest expert scoring playhouses out of the 5 with comparable specifications the following might be of interest.

Best value – If you are looking for something comparable that costs less, then you could save £430 with this 8’x6′ Tigercub Funhouse | Playhouse. It is priced at £827, this is 52% less than this and has an Expert Score of 77, 5 points higher than the 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse.

Highest Expert Score – With an Expert Score of 77 vs 72 for this product, the 8’x6′ Tigercub Funhouse | Playhouse is the best 8’x6′ playhouse with comparable specifications, and is priced at £827, that’s £430 less than the 8’x6′ Tigercub Crazy Cottage | Playhouse.

High Wind Area – If you live in a particularly exposed or high wind area then having a playhouse with a thicker cladding and higher than average frame thickness can be preferable. We found at least 3 playhouses that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
8′ x 5’6 Shire Loft Childrens/ Kids Wooden Garden Playhouse
8’x6′ Tigercub Funhouse | Playhouse
8’x6′ Tigercub Magic Mansion | Playhouse

Coastal Consideration – If you live in a particularly wet or harsher environment such as by the coast then you might want to consider something with a more robust pressure treatment or something made from metal or plastic, both materials that are particularly suited to such harsh environments. We’ve found at least 3 playhouses that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
Shire 7 x 7ft Children’s Wooden Penthouse Playhouse with Bridge, Slide & Climbing Wall
6 x 8 Hideout Wooden Playhouse with Apex Roof, Single Door And Window + T&G Verandah
8′ 7″ x 6 Cottage Playhouse

Public-Facing – Extra security measures might be more of a concern if you’re placing your building in an area that is more public-facing than a garden. Features such as security windows or even having no windows at all, and the ability to lock all opening doors are usually much more important when you have something that is more public-facing. We found at least 3 playhouses that have options that you might find a better fit if this is a concern you have.
8′ x 5’6 Shire Loft Childrens/ Kids Wooden Garden Playhouse
8’x6′ Tigercub Funhouse | Playhouse
8’x6′ Tigercub Magic Mansion | Playhouse

More Child Friendly – If you have children and you are looking for something that has that little extra in terms of durability then tougher glazing options might be a better option. Here we have at least 3 other options that will fill those needs.
Mercia 10 x 5ft Wooden Snug Playhouse including Tower & Slide with Assembly
6×8 Mercia Bramble Cottage Childrens/ Kids Wooden Garden Playhouse
8′ x 5’6 Shire Loft Childrens/ Kids Wooden Garden Playhouse

Product Details

Building Type
2-Storey Playhouses, Large Playhouses, Large Wooden Playhouses, Playhouses, Wendy Houses, Wooden Playhouses
Metric Size (Meters)
8' x 6'
Material
Wooden
Number of Windows
5
Door Type
Single Door
Cladding Type
Shiplap Tongue & Groove
Cladding Thickness
12mm
Treatment Type
TigerSkin Water Based
Locking System
Magnetic Safety Catch
Floor Material
Tongue & Groove
Glazing Material
Styrene
Roof Covering
Mineral Felt
Glazing Thickness (Imperial)
2mm
Glazing Thickness (Metric)
2mm
Floor Thickness (Imperial)
12mm
Floor Thickness (Metric)
12mm
Eaves Height (Imperial)
1759mm
Eaves Height (Metric)
1759mm
Ridge Height (Imperial)
2591mm
Ridge Height (Metric)
2591mm
Door Height (Imperial)
4'
Door Height (Metric)
1130mm
Door Width (Imperial)
2'
Door Width (Metric)
548mm
Roof Material
Tongue & Groove
Roof Thickness (Imperial)
12mm
Roof Thickness (Metric)
12mm
Depth (Imperial)
92.52"
Depth (Metric)
2350mm
Width (Imperial)
68.9"
Width (Metric)
1750mm
Framing Size (Imperial)
1.1" x 1.73"
Framing Size (Metric)
28mm x 44mm
Packaged Weight (Imperial)
514 lbs
Packaged Weight (Metric)
234 kgs
Window Size (Imperial)
457mm x 610mm
Window Size (Metric)
457mm x 610mm
Framing Style
Standard
Window Style
Georgian
Door Size (Imperial)
548mm x 1130mm
Door Size (Metric)
548mm x 1130mm
Base Size (Imperial)
92.52" x 68.9"
Base Size (Metric)
2350mm x 1750mm
Internal Size (Imperial)
89.05" x 65.43"
Internal Size (Metric)
2262mm x 1662mm
Internal Ridge (Imperial)
2479mm
Internal Ridge (Metric)
2479mm
Internal Eaves (Imperial)
1703mm
Internal Eaves (Metric)
1703mm
External Size Excluding Roof (Imperial)
93.46" x 69.84"
External Size Excluding Roof (Metric)
2374mm x 1774mm
External Size Including Roof (Imperial)
97.4" x 76.14"
External Size Including Roof (Metric)
2474mm x 1934mm

Comparisons of Similar Sheds

13555819-1934945383540531tra108swi_01-min12822469-1444949331932358lodg0809dsl-1aa_insitu1-min_113554911-6544945373778519
Expert Score 7370736863
Price £1,560.00£1,829.00£1,160.00£1,699.00£2,240.00
Size 8' x 6'10' x 8'8' x 7'8' x 9'7' x 5'
Brand MerciaTraditionalMerciaShireCountry Living
Material WoodenWoodenWoodenWoodenWooden
Cladding Thickness 12mm12mm12mm
Guarantee 10 Years1 Years10 Years1 Years10 Years
GoGoGoGoGo
Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Our resident shed building expert Joel was the 2014 winner of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year having beat over 10,000 applicants to win. He returned to the show the following year as a judge. He is also the author of The Book of Shed and has designed & built over 50 small bespoke garden builds. Joel has appeared on various TV or Radio shows include George Clarkes Amazing Spaces, Alan Titchmarsh Love your Garden, Chris Evans Breakfast Show and BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.

Meet the experts

Sources

Merchants Checked

12 different sources were used to research information on this product, and 1 contained information that we were able to use to compile the data used on this page.

The following merchants were checked on the 06 August, 2022 to see if they stocked this product.

Tiger Sheds – 635 products checked, found 1 match.
Waltons – 231 products checked, found no matches.
Wickes – 19576 products checked, found no matches.
B&Q – 78905 products checked, found no matches.
ManoMano UK – 922302 products checked, found no matches.
Wilko.com – 21232 products checked, found no matches.
Homebase – 35509 products checked, found no matches.
Buy Sheds Direct – 1635 products checked, found no matches.
sheds.co.uk – 1999 products checked, found no matches.
BillyOh – 1244 products checked, found no matches.
Garden Buildings Direct – 1284 products checked, found no matches.
Shedstore – 1373 products checked, found no matches.


1. TigerSkin®: Is a solvent based wood treatment that is manufactured by AChem. Solvent based wood treatments are considered better than water based wood treatments. A solvent based treatment typically consists of 70% white spirit, this helps the treatment penetrate deeper into the wood. Water based treatments typically only consist of 10% white spirit, this reduces the penetration effectiveness of the treatment.

Achem claim the treatment acts against wood discolouring fungi (blue stain) as well as against wood boring insects. They say that the preservative requires 2-3 coats, and dries in 12 hours under normal conditions (20 °C / 65% rel. humidity). Low temperatures, increased humidity may increase drying time. The treatment is regulated under the European Biocides Regulation (EU BPR; EU 528/2012). 

2. Styrene (Polystyrene (High Impact) HIPS): Styrene as it is commonly known or High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a very versatile form of plastic. It has a very wide range of uses but for garden buildings styrene is typically used as a budget option for windows.

Styrene is a shatter-resistant material, which is why it is ideal for situations where safety needs to be considered, such as playhouses. This benefit can be offset by a few other drawbacks, unfortunately styrene has a tendency to yellow over time (the technical term is Photoyellowing and it is caused by prolonged exposure to UV Light), the degradation of its polymers over time also causes it to become more brittle.

Another drawback of styrene is its thermal coefficient of expansion (it is 80 x 10-6), this is higher than most other glazing options. This means that as the material heats up and cools it can contract and expand more than other glazing options. This cycle can lead to a loose fit of windows over time.

According to data from the British Plastics Fedaration the physical properties of Styrene (Polystyrene (High Impact) are that it is not very good when exposed to high heat with a maximum continuous use temperature of between 60 to 80 °C. This is coupled with the fairly low range the Notched Impact Strength data shows of 10.0 – 20.0 Kj/m². 

4. Global cladding data sourced from: All shiplap tongue & groove playhouses 

5. Top cladding data sourced from: Top 17 shiplap tongue & groove playhouses 

6. 8’x6′ cladding data sourced from: 27 8’x6′ shiplap tongue & groove playhouses 

7. Cladding thickness types identified: 12mm 

8. Global cladding thickness data sourced from: All 12mm playhouses 

9. Top cladding thickness data sourced from: Top 17 12mm playhouses 

10. 8’x6′ cladding thickness data sourced from: 12 8’x6′ 12mm playhouses 

11. Roof material types identified: osb, tongue & groove 

12. Roof thickness types identified: 8mm, 11mm, 12mm 

13. Roof covering types identified: mineral felt, styrene 

14. Floor material types identified: osb, tongue & groove 

15. Floor thickness types identified: 10mm, 12mm 

16. Glazing material types identified: single glazed, styrene 

17. Glazing thickness types identified: 2mm 

Product ID: GTIN: 5060767735183.0

Size: 8'x6'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 1

Tiger Sheds
£1,428.99
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.