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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Mercia 7ft x 5ft Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse Installation Included
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 11 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 633141
Size: 7' x 5'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review of the Mercia 7ft x 5ft Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse
The Mercia 7ft x 5ft Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse is an enticing option for parents looking to provide their children with a delightful outdoor play area. With a classic apex style roof and made from high-quality materials, this playhouse combines functionality with a touch of charm, making it a great addition to any garden. Below, we delve into the details of this product, reviewing its specifications, construction quality, and market position.
Key Features
- Dimensions: The playhouse measures 7ft x 5ft (approximately 2.4m x 1.5m), providing ample space for children to enjoy.
- Roof Type: An apex roof design enhances the aesthetics and offers effective rainwater drainage.
- Cladding Material: The walls are constructed from shiplap tongue & groove, providing durability and resistance against weather elements.
- Protective Treatment: The playhouse is dip treated, ensuring a longer lifespan and safeguarding against rot.
- Window Glazing: The inclusion of styrene glazing enhances safety while allowing for ample natural light.
- Manufacturing Guarantee: A generous 10-year guarantee attests to the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability.
- Ease of Assembly: With an ease of construction score of 4.5 out of 5, installation is straightforward, and the service is included.
Construction Quality
Upon inspection, the Mercia playhouse received a quality score of 3.5 for materials used and 4 for construction quality. The shiplap tongue & groove cladding, which is used in 59% of similar-sized playhouses, is regarded as one of the best in the market. The walls’ thickness of 12mm is standard for this size category, providing a sturdy build that adds to the structure’s overall stability.
Our analysis shows that the mineral felt used for roofing is a common choice, present in 64% of playhouses. This type of covering is typically favoured for its reliability and weather protection capabilities. While the Mercia model scored just below the average for 7′ x 5′ playhouses in expert grading, its scores still reflect a solid construction standard.
Benefit Highlights
What we particularly appreciate about the Mercia Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse is its well-thought-out features:
- The dip-treated wood is a standout, significantly extending the life of the playhouse compared to untreated options.
- The styrene glazing is a brilliant safety feature, as it is shatterproof and reduces potential hazards.
- A tongue & groove floor construction offers a robust flooring alternative that facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance.
Market Position and Value
Currently priced at £1,320.00, the Mercia Swiss Cottage Playhouse positions itself in the mid-to-high range of the market. With an expert score of 75, it sits about average for 7′ x 5′ playhouses. However, there are more competitively priced options available, such as the 6×6 Mercia Honeysuckle Children’s Playhouse, which offers similar specifications at a significantly lower price of £565.
In total, our analysis covered 188 products across the playhouse category, with this specific model occupying the 108th position, indicating that it faces stiff competition. While it is a strong product in its own right, prospective buyers should weigh the value offered against comparable options in the market.
Installation Insights
One major advantage to consider is that installation is included within the purchase price. Mercia Garden Products provides a two-man installation service, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the customer. The team will contact you pre-delivery to facilitate a well-organised setup. Keep in mind that you will need to prepare a suitable base, which should be level and slightly larger than the playhouse’s footprint, to ensure stability and longevity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Mercia 7ft x 5ft Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse is a well-designed option for families seeking quality outdoor play equipment. While its price point may be higher than some alternatives, the combination of safety features, aesthetic appeal, and a solid construction guarantee makes it a viable investment for your children’s playtime. However, do consider exploring other budget-friendly, high-scoring options within the market to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Product Details
Q: What are the external dimensions of this playhouse?
A: The external dimensions of this playhouse are 2407 mm in length, 2663 mm in width, and 2224 mm in height. This size is ideal for a children's play area, providing ample space for play while being compact enough to fit in most gardens.
Q: What kind of materials are used in the construction of this playhouse?
A: This playhouse is constructed with PEFC certified timber and features a shiplap construction style. The floor is made from durable tongue and groove boards, which provide a solid foundation. The use of quality timber ensures enhanced durability and a pleasing aesthetic.
Q: Is this playhouse safe for children?
A: Yes, it is safety tested to EN71 standards, which cover the safety of toys, so you can be assured that it meets rigorous safety requirements for children's equipment. This gives peace of mind to parents concerned about the safety of their children while they play.
Q: Does the product come with any installation support?
A: Absolutely! The installation service is included and provided by Mercia Garden Products. A two-man team will handle the installation, ensuring that the playhouse is set up correctly. However, it's essential to prepare a suitable base ahead of time, as the installation service is not available in Ireland.
Q: What maintenance does this playhouse require?
A: This product does require some maintenance; it must be treated with a wood preservative and a waterproof top coat once installed and then annually thereafter. Regular treatment is essential to protect the timber from weather-related damage and to prolong the life of the playhouse.
Q: Is the floor of the playhouse durable?
A: Yes, the floor is made from 12mm thick tongue and groove boards, known for their robustness and stability. This thickness provides a solid, flat surface that's perfect for play activities, making it a functional space for your children.
Q: Are there any windows in the playhouse?
A: The glazing material used for the windows is styrene, which is a safer alternative to glass, reducing the risk of injury. However, specific details regarding the size and number of windows were not provided, so it is advisable to check if they meet your requirements for ventilation and natural light.
Q: What kind of roof covering does the playhouse have?
A: The playhouse features a sturdy mineral felt roof covering, which is excellent for waterproofing. This roof type helps protect the timber structure from rain and moisture, ensuring that your playhouse remains in good condition throughout the seasons.
Q: Does this playhouse offer any specific aesthetic or finish features?
A: The playhouse is dip treated, which not only enhances its appearance but also provides a certain level of protection against rot and decay. However, I must note that this treatment needs to be followed up with regular maintenance to keep the wood in optimal condition.
Q: What is the overall weight of the product?
A: The playhouse weighs approximately 180 kg. While this may seem hefty, it is indicative of a robust construction. However, it is essential to have the proper base prepared as a solid foundation will help ensure stability and longevity for your children’s playhouse.
