EXPERT REVIEWED 
FREE DELIVERY 
INSTALATION AVAILABLE Mercia 14 x 10ft Pent Style Timber Playhouse with Tower & Activity Set
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 10 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 263307
Size: 14' x 10'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.
Mercia 14 x 10ft Pent Style Timber Playhouse with Tower & Activity Set Review
If you’re on the hunt for a spacious and engaging play space for your children, the Mercia 14 x 10ft Pent Style Timber Playhouse with Tower & Activity Set may just be the answer. Here we take an in-depth look at its features, construction, and overall value to determine whether this playhouse is a worthy addition to your garden.
Key Features
The first thing to note about this playhouse is its generous size—14′ x 10’—which provides ample room for children to unleash their imaginations. The pent-style roof not only adds a unique touch to its aesthetic but also helps with rain runoff, enhancing longevity.
This playhouse is treated with a dip-treated process, known for prolonging the life of wooden structures by guarding against moisture and decay. Coupling this with PEFC certified timber ensures that you are supporting sustainable practices while choosing a safe play environment for your children.
Design and Construction
The cladding of this playhouse is made from shiplap tongue & groove, which is widely regarded as one of the best construction methods available for wooden playhouses. This particular design allows for better weather resistance and improved insulation. With walls that are 12mm thick, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the average thickness found in similar products.
I really appreciate that the Mercia playhouse comes equipped with two styrene windows. Styrene is known for its durability and shatter-resistance compared to traditional glass, which provides peace of mind when it comes to safety while ensuring plenty of light fills the playhouse.
Roofing and Durability
The pent-style roofing is covered with mineral felt, a material recognised for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for playhouses. Notably, our analysis indicates that 88% of the best-performing playhouses implement this roofing solution, which highlights its reliability.
In terms of durability, the 10-year warranty stands as a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. This long guarantee period is reassuring, especially when investing in a playhouse that will see years of use.
Performance Scores
In our expert evaluation, we rated this playhouse 3.5 out of 5 for quality of materials and 4 out of 5 for both construction quality and ease of construction. It’s clear that while the materials may not be top-notch, the overall build quality excels. At a value score of 3 out of 5, it’s competitively priced, especially considering the excellent features it offers.
Market Position
Among the 188 playhouses evaluated, the Mercia model ranks 90th, a position that illustrates it as a strong contender; however, it’s important to note that it has fallen 15 positions recently, indicating increased competition in this category.
When investigating the available retailers, the Mercia playhouse is currently priced at £1,200 at Wickes, making it slightly above the average for similar playhouses. However, considering the unique structural and aesthetic advantages, I believe it offers good value for its quality and features.
Considerations for Purchase
Before making your decision, consider your garden’s specific needs. If you live in a high-wind area, look out for models with thicker cladding and frame building, perhaps verifying that sturdiness if this is a concern. Likewise, if you’re particularly concerned about safety, exploring alternatives with tougher glazing would be beneficial.
In conclusion, the Mercia 14 x 10ft Pent Style Timber Playhouse with Tower & Activity Set presents a fantastic play opportunity for children while supporting sustainable building practices. With its robust construction, engaging features, and a decent warranty period, it is certainly a product worth considering for your outdoor space.
Product Details
Q: What is the significance of the additional door in the playhouse design?
A: The inclusion of an additional door in this playhouse is a fantastic feature, as it enhances accessibility and ventilation. This means that children can enter and exit freely, promoting safer play. Furthermore, it adds a sense of authenticity and spaciousness to the playhouse, allowing for imaginative scenarios where kids can pretend they are opening a grand entrance. Overall, it's a thoughtful design element that I believe greatly benefits the play experience.
Q: How does the use of styrene for glazing impact safety and visibility?
A: Styrene is a robust plastic material that is often used as a safer alternative to glass. Its lightweight nature reduces the risk of injury if broken, which is crucial for a children's playhouse. The clarity of styrene also allows for good visibility, meaning that parents can easily keep an eye on their children whilst they play. From my perspective, this choice reflects a commitment to safety without compromising on playability.
Q: What are the advantages of having a mineral felt roof covering?
A: Mineral felt is an excellent choice for roofing as it provides reliable waterproofing, which is essential for ensuring the playhouse remains dry and comfortable inside. Its durability also means that the roof will withstand various weather conditions, extending the lifespan of the playhouse. In my opinion, this contributes not only to the playhouse's functional design but also gives parents peace of mind knowing it can handle the British weather.
Q: Why is dip-treated planed timber a noteworthy feature for the playhouse?
A: Dip-treated planed timber is a high-quality material that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. The treatment helps protect the wood from rot and decay, ensuring longevity. Additionally, the smooth finish is pleasant to the touch, making it safer for children to play in. It's an investment in quality that I sincerely appreciate, as it means less maintenance is required over the years.
Q: How does the internal area coverage of 8 square meters impact usability?
A: An internal area of 8 square meters provides ample space for children to engage in imaginative play. This is particularly noticeable in multi-child settings, where kids can use the area for various activities, from creating their own shops to hosting tea parties. In my experience, playhouses with generous internal space facilitate creativity and interaction, making it a worthwhile feature for both children and parents.
Q: Is the weight of the playhouse a consideration for stability?
A: Weighing in at 96 kg, this playhouse is quite substantial, which aids in stability and resilience against weather-related challenges such as wind. A heavier playhouse is less likely to be shifted or toppled, which is crucial for safety during play. However, it’s worth noting that this increased weight may make moving it more difficult if you ever want to relocate it in your garden, but its stability might be well worth the trade-off!
Q: Does the requirement for a specific base size affect the installation process?
A: Yes, the need for a base size of 14 x 10 feet can influence the installation process, as it dictates the area you’ll need to prepare in your garden. It's important that this space is level and properly laid out to ensure the playhouse is stable and secure once constructed. While this may require some additional groundwork, I believe it's vital to have a suitable foundation for any structure, enhancing safety and durability in the long run.
