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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse with Assembly
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: 169614
Size: 7' x 5'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review of the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse
If you’re hunting for a delightful outdoor addition to spark creativity and provide endless entertainment for your children, the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse is a prominent contender. Based on meticulous analysis and expert feedback, we’ll delve into its construction, features, and overall market performance, ensuring you have all the information you need before making your purchase.
Product Overview
The Mercia Double Storey Playhouse stands out in the cosmos of children’s play structures. With dimensions of 7 feet by 5 feet, it captures not just space but also imagination. Constructed from high-quality European softwood and clad in reliable shiplap tongue & groove, this playhouse embodies durability and functionality. It features an apex roof that contributes to its cottage-like charm, while the 3 styrene windows provide ample light for an inviting atmosphere.
Key Features
- Roof Style: The apex roof style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, promoting rain runoff and preventing water accumulation.
- Cladding: The use of shiplap tongue & groove cladding is one of the superior choices available, providing strong structural integrity while enhancing insulation.
- Treatment Process: The dip-treated finish affirms the longevity of the wood, helping it withstand inclement weather conditions for years to come.
- Windows and Light: The incorporation of styrene glazed windows (though thickness is unspecified) is a smart move, with our data indicating that they form a significant majority in the top-tier playhouses for safety and aesthetics.
Performance and Construction Quality
Our experts have assigned this playhouse commendable ratings across several categories:
- Material Quality: 3.5/5 – While the materials are decent, there are playhouses with superior quality available.
- Construction Quality: 4/5 – The construction is robust and appears to be well thought out in terms of structural safety.
- Ease of Installation: 4.5/5 – We appreciate that assembly is straightforward, allowing even novice builders to feel accomplished.
- Value for Money: 3.5/5 – At a retail price of £1,100, it’s essential to weigh features against cost, especially as competitive options might be more economical.
Market Position and Competitiveness
In a bustling market of Playhouses, the Mercia Playhouse is ranked at position 60 out of 188 similar products, reflecting a steady standing despite a slight downward movement. Our analysis shows that this playhouse scores 4% higher than the average for its size category, indicating a reasonable offer right within your budget.
Comparison with Competitors
Out of 12 retailers checked, the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse with Assembly is exclusively available through Wickes. Comparatively, it remains just £9 below the average price of similar products. For those looking for alternatives, here are a few worth considering:
- Best Value: The 6′ x 6′ Shire Jailhouse Kids Wooden Playhouse at £660 is £440 cheaper, with an expert score of 75.
- Highest Expert Score: For a slight premium, the Mercia version with an elevated model offers an expert score of 80 for £770.
Final Thoughts
The Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse strikes a robust balance of aesthetic appeal and functional design. While it stands slightly above average in terms of construction quality and ease of assembly, the overall value might prompt you to keep a keen eye on competing playhouses that offer similar benefits at lower prices. However, if you’re particularly drawn to its design and structure, it certainly provides a worthwhile play environment for your children, enhancing outdoor fun and creativity.
As always, ensure to assess your garden’s space availability and understand your children’s needs before making a purchase. A playhouse is more than just a structure; it’s a place for memories and adventures!
Product Details
Q: What type of door does this playhouse have and how does it enhance accessibility?
A: This playhouse comes with an additional door, which significantly enhances accessibility. It allows for easy entry and exit, especially if multiple children are playing at once. As an expert, I find that having multiple access points can reduce congestion, making playtime more enjoyable and safer. It also adds to the structural integrity by providing a balanced weight distribution, which I appreciate when considering long-term use.
Q: The playhouse features Styrene glazing material—what are the advantages and disadvantages?
A: Styrene has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it is a lightweight and shatter-resistant material, which is particularly beneficial for children's safety when they are playing. However, it's worth noting that Styrene is not as durable as glass and may scratch more easily. In my opinion, the use of Styrene makes this playhouse a safer option for young children, but if you are concerned about long-term durability, you might want to consider alternative materials.
Q: What roofing material is used in this playhouse and how does it perform against the elements?
A: The playhouse features mineral felt roofing, which is a cost-effective option that provides decent weatherproofing. This type of roofing can withstand light rain and offers good insulation. While it's not the most long-lasting roofing material available, with proper maintenance, it can perform well for several seasons. Personally, I find that if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides adequate protection, mineral felt is a solid choice.
Q: The playhouse is listed as unpainted—what does this mean for potential buyers?
A: Being unpainted means you have the freedom to personalise the playhouse with colours and designs that your children will love. This is fantastic for creativity! However, it does require additional maintenance. Unpainted wood is more susceptible to weathering and UV damage, so applying a protective stain or paint can be crucial for extending its life. I always recommend that customers factor in the time and cost for this when making their decision.
Q: Can you explain the dimensions of this playhouse and how they enhance usability?
A: With an internal depth of approximately 1480 mm, a height of 2040 mm, and a width of 2020 mm, the overall size of the playhouse provides ample space for children to play comfortably. The generous height allows children of varying ages to stand and move freely without feeling cramped, which is something I consider vital for encouraging imaginative play. The footprint of nearly 3 m² means it can fit reasonably well in most gardens without overwhelming the space.
Q: What assembly service is required for this playhouse and why is that important?
A: The playhouse requires an assembly service, which is crucial for ensuring that it is put together safely and structurally sound. It's always beneficial to have experts handle the assembly process, particularly for a product intended for children. This can provide peace of mind regarding its stability and safety during use. If you're not the DIY type, this feature is something to seriously consider, as it may add to the overall cost but is undoubtedly worth it for your child’s safety.
Q: Can you explain what the EN71 Certification means for this playhouse?
A: The EN71 Certification indicates that the playhouse meets European safety standards for toys, ensuring that it is safe for children to use. This is something I value greatly as it assures parents that the materials and design have been rigorously tested for safety. When looking for play equipment, having this certification gives me confidence that I am offering my children a safe environment to play in.
Q: How heavy is the playhouse and does that affect its stability?
A: Weighing in at 220 kg, this playhouse is surprisingly sturdy for its size, which bolsters its stability, especially in windy conditions. However, this weight does mean you may need assistance in moving it during installation or relocation. In my opinion, this weight ensures it is less likely to topple or shift, providing a safer environment for children to play in, which is, of course, a top priority for any parent or guardian.
