Mercia 7ft x 5ft Swiss Cottage Double Storey Playhouse Installation Included

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.