Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse

In-Depth Review of the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse

If you’re looking for an engaging play environment for your children or a charming structure to complement your garden, the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse is a strong contender. Positioned under the broad category of Playhouses, it also straddles the subcategories of Wendy House and Wooden Playhouses. This review will dive deeper into its design, build quality, and overall market standing.

Design and Construction

The first thing that catches one’s eye is the design. This playhouse features an apex roof, which adds a touch of traditional charm while also effectively allowing rain and snow to run off. The overall dimensions of 7′ x 5′ provide an ample play area while fitting comfortably in most gardens. With a height of 2040mm (7′), it’s higher than the average for similar playhouses, granting your little ones extra headroom as they play and imagine.

Constructed from European softwood, the exterior boasts shiplap tongue & groove cladding. This type of construction is lauded for its robustness, ranking as one of the best cladding options for playhouses, as it significantly reduces the chances of warping and enhances insulation. In terms of expert evaluations, the quality of materials used scored a fair 3.5 out of 5, which suggests room for improvement but is by no means poor.

Durability and Protection

One of the key highlights of this playhouse is its dip treated finish, which will help it withstand the elements for several years. This treatment is common among durable playhouses and aligns with our findings that over 82% of top-rated models employ similar protective measures. While you might still want to consider re-treating after a few years, this initial treatment speaks to the longevity of the structure.

Fenestration

This playhouse comes with three windows fitted with styrene glazing, a material favoured by over 94% of leading products in this category. Styrene is less likely to shatter than glass, offering a safer option for kids while providing ample light inside. The design is both functional and attractive, demonstrating Mercia’s attention to detail and adherence to safety standards with EN71 certification.

Assembly and Value for Money

From our analysis, this model earns an impressive 4.5 for ease of construction out of 5, making it user-friendly for those who might be intimidated by assembly. Most customers can expect to set it up in a reasonable timeframe without professional assistance.

When evaluating value for money, the playhouse scores a commendable 4 out of 5, balancing cost with quality effectively. Priced at around £770 from reputable retailers like Wickes, the Mercia playhouse sits slightly below the average cost of similar structures. In comparison with other playhouses rated within the same size and specifications, it’s noted to be about £56 less expensive, making it an attractive deal for budget-conscious families.

Market Standing

According to our expansive market analysis, this playhouse ranks around the 49th position out of 188 in the Playhouses category. This places it in the top 26% of products, reflecting its suitability and popularity. Our expert score of 80 out of 100 is a solid indicator that it performs better than the majority of the products in its class.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a well-constructed, charming, and durable playhouse, the Mercia 7 x 5ft Wooden Double Storey Playhouse is definitely worth considering. It strikes a fine balance between quality, aesthetic appeal, and value for money, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Plus, you can rest assured that your children have a safe and delightful space to unleash their creativity.

For those seeking alternatives, we recommend comparing with similar models like the 6′ x 6′ Shire Jailhouse Kids Wooden Playhouse for best value or the Shire Command Post & Platform Wooden Playhouse for the highest expert score in comparable specifications.