Mercia 8 x 6ft Double Storey Garage Timber Playhouse

In-Depth Review of the Mercia 8 x 6ft Double Storey Garage Timber Playhouse

When it comes to choosing a playhouse for your kids, it’s important to look for quality, safety, and durability. The Mercia 8 x 6ft Double Storey Garage Timber Playhouse offers a blend of all these elements along with an appealing design that any child will adore. Below, we delve deep into its features, performance, and how it stands in the market.

Categories and Subcategories

This playhouse fits seamlessly into the main category of Playhouses, and it finds itself in various subcategories such as:

• Wendy House
• Wooden Playhouses
• Large Playhouses
• 2 Storey Playhouses

Design and Construction

This playhouse features an apex roof, which not only looks quaint but also helps with rain drainage – an often-overlooked aspect in outdoor structures. Constructed from shiplap tongue & groove cladding, it’s noted for its sturdy resilience and aesthetic appeal. The timber is protected using a dip-treated process, promoting longevity, although you’ll need to apply a wood preservative annually for best results.

The dimensions of the playhouse (8ft x 6ft; 2407mm x 2663mm x 2224mm) provide ample space for kids to enjoy. With five windows made from styrene, this playhouse remains well-lit while ensuring safety and durability. The windows are known to resist shattering, adding an extra layer of protection for your young adventurers.

Quality of Materials and Construction

Our experts have appraised the quality of materials at 3.5/5 and construction quality at 4/5. It’s important to consider these metrics – a score of 3.5 indicates that while the materials are satisfactory, there could be room for improvement, perhaps in terms of finish or premium upgrades. The proven quality of construction, rated at 4, signals a solid build that won’t easily succumb to the whims of the weather.

Ability to Assemble

Ease of construction also shines with a score of 4/5. This playhouse is designed for self-assembly, which requires two people for efficiency during installation. The kit includes comprehensive instructions and all necessary fixings, making it straightforward to put together. Just bear in mind that you may want an extra pair of hands for lifting and aligning pieces accurately, given its size.

Value for Money

Priced around £1,150 at Wickes and £1,240 at HomeBase, it holds a value for money score of 3.5/5. Compared to market rates, the Mercia playhouse competes well against others with similar specifications, albeit with a slightly better value than average. You’ll appreciate how it balances cost against quality, particularly when factoring in its 10-year guarantee on the structure itself.

Market Standing

Amongst the 188 products analysed in the playhouse category, the Mercia playhouse is positioned at 112, holding a 59.57% ranking placement. This suggests it is relatively competitive but implies that there are numerous alternatives vying for attention in this market space.

Key Features

The Mercia playhouse boasts standout features that enhance its profile:

1. The apex roof covering with mineral felt which is standard in 88% of top products, adding durability against rain.
2. Styrene glazing used in the windows, preferred by 94% of top competitors, is an excellent safety consideration.
3. Dip-treated timber ensures longevity, as seen in 82% of the market’s finest.
4. Shiplap tongue & groove cladding, recognized as one of the most effective types for playhouses, is a prevalent choice in the upper tier of products.
5. The tongue & groove flooring further enhances durability, rated highly among playhouses.

Overall Verdict

In conclusion, the Mercia 8 x 6ft Double Storey Garage Timber Playhouse stands out as a good-quality option for families looking for a stylish yet practical outdoor play solution. While it has its caveats regarding material quality, its solid construction, appealing aesthetics, and safety features make it a compelling candidate. If your child is ready for their own little cottage getaway, this playhouse could provide countless hours of imaginative play in your garden.

For those seeking better value or higher scoring options, we suggest considering the Mercia 10 x 5ft Wooden Snug Playhouse or the Shire 7 x 7ft Children’s Wooden Penthouse Playhouse, both of which may better meet specific needs without compromising on quality.