Playhouse On Stilts

How We Help You Find the Right Playhouse on Stilts

Finding the perfect playhouse on stilts for your children can be an exciting process, but with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. At WhatShed, we make the search easier by providing detailed reviews and comparisons of the best playhouses on stilts in the UK. Our goal is to ensure you find a safe, durable, and adventurous playhouse that fits your garden space and meets all safety regulations.

What Defines a Playhouse on Stilts

A playhouse on stilts is an elevated outdoor structure that offers children a unique, adventurous play space. Raised off the ground by supporting stilts, these playhouses often feature ladders, stairs, or slides for access and are equipped with safety features like guardrails or balustrades. The raised height adds an element of excitement while maximising space underneath, which can be used for additional play areas or storage.

Key Factors for Classifying a Playhouse on Stilts

Height Above Ground The height of a playhouse on stilts typically ranges from 1.2 meters (4 feet) to 1.8 meters (6 feet) above the ground. A height of 1.2 meters (4 feet) is standard and suitable for younger children, providing them with a sense of elevation without being too high. This height often supports features like slides or low climbing walls. Taller playhouses, at around 1.8 meters (6 feet), are better suited for older children, offering steeper ladders and more adventurous play options. The space beneath can also be used for a sandpit or storage.

Safety Considerations and Regulations For any raised playhouse, safety is a top priority. Guardrails or balustrades are essential to prevent falls, especially if the height exceeds 1.5 meters. According to UK safety standards (BS EN 1176), raised platforms should have guardrails that are at least 1 meter high, with gaps between balustrades no larger than 89mm to ensure children’s safety. Ladders or steps leading to the playhouse should be securely attached, with anti-slip treads or handrails for secure access. Additionally, a clear fall zone around the playhouse should be covered with impact-absorbing surfaces like bark chips, rubber matting, or sand to minimise injury from falls.

Materials and Durability Most playhouses on stilts are built with pressure-treated timber to prevent rot, fungal decay, and insect damage. The stilts need to be thick and sturdy, usually made from 4×4-inch timber posts or larger, ensuring stability and security. These timber stilts are often weatherproof and treated to withstand moisture. In some cases, metal stilts made of galvanized steel may be used for enhanced durability and rust resistance, although these are less common and more expensive.

Key Uses for a Playhouse on Stilts

Adventure Play The elevated height adds an exciting element of adventure for children. They can climb ladders, slide down slides, or imagine themselves in a treehouse or castle. The elevated position encourages imaginative play and exploration.

Multi-Level Play Areas The space underneath the elevated playhouse can be transformed into a shaded play zone, a sandpit, or a storage area for toys and outdoor equipment, providing additional versatility in smaller gardens.

Space-Saving In gardens with limited space, a playhouse on stilts offers a great way to use vertical space effectively, leaving the ground area free for other activities, such as garden beds or more play areas underneath.

Advantages of a Playhouse on Stilts

Height and Adventure Being raised above the ground gives children the thrill of playing in a treehouse or a fort, enhancing the play experience with ladders, slides, or multi-level platforms.

Maximising Space By elevating the playhouse, the space underneath can be used for other activities or storage, making it ideal for gardens with limited space.

Enhanced Durability Since the playhouse is raised off the ground, it is less exposed to ground moisture, which can prolong the life of the structure, especially for wooden models.

Disadvantages of a Playhouse on Stilts

Increased Safety Requirements Due to the raised height, playhouses on stilts require additional safety features such as guardrails, impact-absorbing surfaces, and secure ladders. These features can add to the overall cost and complexity of installation.

Complex Installation Installing a playhouse on stilts involves more planning, especially in preparing the ground. The stilts need to be securely anchored, often requiring concrete footings to ensure the structure’s stability.

Suitable Age Range While older children may enjoy the excitement of a raised playhouse, younger children under 3 years old may find the height intimidating or difficult to navigate, requiring extra supervision.

Final Thoughts

A playhouse on stilts offers an adventurous, elevated play experience that children will love, while also maximising space in your garden. When choosing one, it’s important to ensure that it meets safety regulations, including guardrails, secure ladders, and impact-absorbing surfaces. At WhatShed, we provide expert reviews to help you find the safest and most durable playhouse on stilts for your children, ensuring years of fun and imaginative play.