playhouse kits

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Kids Tree House Ideas: 5 Things to Know Before You Build

A backyard playhouse gives kids a dedicated space to explore, imagine, and play outdoors—while giving parents peace of mind. Unlike tree houses, playhouses offer a safer, ground-level alternative that still delivers adventure, creativity, and years of fun. Here are five key things to consider when planning a kids playhouse.

Cozy Cabin Playhouse 9x7 Western Red Cedar Playhouse Outdoor Living Today Cedar Playhouse Kit 4

1. Choose a Safe, Level Location

A playhouse should be installed on flat, stable ground with good drainage. Placing it on a level base helps prevent shifting over time and keeps doors and windows operating smoothly. Choose a location with clear sightlines from the house so kids can play safely while staying within view.

2. Prioritize Sturdy, Weather-Resistant Materials

Kids playhouses need to stand up to constant use and changing weather. Durable materials like Western Red Cedar are ideal because they are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. This means less maintenance, longer lifespan, and a safer structure for everyday play.

3. Think About Age-Appropriate Design

Design matters when it comes to safety and usability. Lower profiles, wide door openings, smooth edges, and proper ventilation all help create a comfortable space for kids of different ages. A well-designed playhouse encourages independent play while minimizing risks.

4. Allow Room to Grow and Customize

As kids grow, their play evolves. Look for playhouses that offer flexible layouts or space for customization—such as adding benches, shelves, flower boxes, or creative décor. This allows the playhouse to transition from imaginative play to a cozy hangout over time.

5. Assemble with Long-Term Use in Mind

Whether building from scratch or installing a kit, proper assembly is key. Secure connections, reinforced floors, and clear instructions ensure the playhouse remains stable and safe year after year. Quality playhouse kits simplify installation while delivering consistent results.

Why a Playhouse is a Smart Alternative to a Tree House

While tree houses can be fun, they also introduce challenges related to safety, wind, and long-term maintenance. Ground-level playhouses provide the same sense of adventure and imagination—without putting stress on trees or requiring complex structural support.

A thoughtfully designed playhouse creates a space where kids can play freely, safely, and creatively—right in your backyard.

SHOP PLAYHOUSES
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How to, playhouse kits, sheds

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How to Stain Your Shed or Playhouse

Stain Your Shed or Playhouse So you have decided to stain your shed or playhouse from Outdoor Living Today.com. Western Red Cedar has a reputation for holding finish exceptionally well, and for good reason too. After all, Western Red Cedar is pitch and resin-free and is usually milled with a rough finish. This means there’s nothing to interfere with the bonding of your finish and stain adherers to the rough fibers of the wood better. Here are a few tips to help your shed or playhouse stay beautiful for many years to come.

Before Your Shed/Playhouse Arrives

Western Red Cedar will actually start to weather to a silvery-grey even 3-4 weeks after being exposed to the sun. If you want to keep your product looking “new” and you can’t assemble your unit for some time after it arrives, make sure you cover the unit and protect it from the elements until you can get at it. If you have enough garage space available, that could be an ideal location – sheltered from the sun and also dry and safe. Consider clearing out additional garage space to store if possible.

After Your Shed/Playhouse Arrives

When your OLT product arrives, it will either be unloaded with a power tailgate to the ground on a contained pallet or off-loaded piece-by-piece by you and some helpers. If power tailgated down and you can’t get at it immediately, request the driver pallet jack the entire unit in that great space you made in the garage. Shipping companies sometimes can’t accommodate you but always ask! If the unit is left on your driveway, try to pick a spot not always in direct sunlight if possible. Either way, remove the protective plastic cover from the unit and cut the plastic banding holding the entire unit together. This will let the unit breathe to reduce moisture from the wood which will be great when you stain later. Consider removing various pieces from the package so they can start to dry and slowly reach the moisture equilibrium in your area. If your unit is hand offloaded from the delivery truck, sort pieces according to assembly section such as floor, walls, roof and trim. This will make it easier to locate pieces later and also get a game plan for what can be stained before and after assembly. If pieces are left outside, be sure to cover if exposed to direct sunlight or moisture for any period of time.

Stain Choice

Walk into any home do-it-yourself paint and supply store and you’re bound to be inundated with finish-stains. These products provide protection and also dress up the wood’s surface, enhancing cedar’s natural colors and textures or changing its face altogether. Three common choices are solid-colour stains, semi-transparent stains, and transparent stains. Solid-colour stains act as a barrier between the elements and the wood, forming a film around the wood. Semi-transparent stains are ideal when you want to maintain western red cedar’s natural finish without weathering. Semi-transparent stains penetrate the wood’s pores, to varying degrees based on product. Transparent stains enhance the wood’s colour and act as an invisible protectant. We here at Outdoor Living Today.com have experimented with many name brands, and in our opinion, a couple have stood out: Cabot Stain and Sikken’s. Both of these companies offer an opaque stain as well if your desire is to ‘color’ your shed. Expert Advice – bring a sample of cedar from the package and test the color so you know exactly what it will look like after you stain your shed or playhouse! The bottom skirting trim supplied with your shed/playhouse is a great piece to try this with. Test various stains and colors on the inside of the skirting. These won’t be seen when the assembly is complete, and will help you decide on your stain choice a lot more definitively than some arbitrary ‘color guide’ on a sample rack.

When to Stain Your Shed or Playhouse – Before or After Assembly?

There are many benefits to staining pieces of your shed or playhouse prior to assembly and some negatives. Staining pieces before assembly allows you to work in a safe, comfortable position. It has the added benefit of allowing you to apply a finish to all sides of your wood before installing it, thus ‘protecting’ every surface of your shed or playhouse. A good example of pieces we recommend staining prior to assembly would be the roof panels, filler shingles and roof ridge caps. The inside roof panels do not need to be stained! These pieces are much easier and safer to stain on saw horses. The entire trim kit can also be done prior to assembly. One negative is you will probably use more stain and it may take longer to complete the job as opposed to staining after you assemble the entire unit.

Brush versus Spraying?

While it may be easier and quicker to stain your shed or playhouse with a paint sprayer on certain components such as the walls and roof panels, we still recommend you brush the stain in after spraying to get an even and penetrating coat. Conditions must also be right (temperature and wind) if using a sprayer so with that said, a brush will most likely be your most effective tool. The brush is also very effective on wall siding and end grains of trim pieces. Using a brush will give you the most control. Brush application (natural bristle) is the preferred method because it works the stain into the wood fibers and cells more effectively. To avoid lap marks, make sure that the leading edge is kept wet and that the wet stain is brushed into the wood. A very good method is to brush the stain over an area, and then follow up with a sponge to catch any puddles or drips. Any stain left to sit on a surface will soak in more than surrounding areas and appear darker. Work in small manageable areas. Try this technique: brush with one hand, and a sponge in the other. Brush an area with the stain, and follow up with the sponge if there are drips and puddles. It won’t take long until you have developed a rhythm and the job will be done in no time. While stain brands recommend a drying time of 12 to 24 hours, allowing the cedar to dry between 24 and 48 hours ensures that it is completely dry before you handle it for assembly. There’s always the low-maintenance option of letting your western red cedar outdoor projects weather to a beautiful silver grey. But if that doesn’t suit your personal palette, follow these tips when you decide to stain your shed or playhouse for a beautiful finish that will last for many years! Enjoy your Shed or Playhouse from Outdoor Living Today.com!
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gazebos, playhouse kits, sheds

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Converting Existing Garden Structures into a Playhouse

Converting-Existing-Garden-Structures-into-a-Playhouse As your children grow older, they require some space away from you to develop their independence and creativity. While you need to ensure that you are not stifling them with over protectiveness, you also need to ensure that they are safe. One way of doing this is building a playhouse in the garden for your children. This will let them play independently while having some protection from the elements.

Repurposing Existing Garden Structures

While a playhouse is a terrific idea to provide children with their own secure space, most homeowners have space and budgetary concerns about this. One way to overcome the problem is to convert an existing garden structure into a playhouse. You can convert any garden structure such as the garden shed, gazebo, or arbor into a charming playhouse for your children.

Check the Sturdiness of the Structure

Before you begin the conversion process, you need to check the sturdiness of the garden shed, arbor, or gazebo. Check that the foundations, walls, and roof are strong and can handle vigorous play by the children. If there are problems, reinforce the foundation, walls, or roof to ensure that they are strong.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Since the children are likely to spend a lot of time playing in their playhouse, you need to ensure that it has adequate ventilation. You also need to ensure that it can be weather proof if needed to ensure that the children’s treasures, toys, and other possessions are not damaged by moisture or exposure to sunlight.

Paint the Interiors and Exteriors

Next paint the interiors and exteriors in washable paint. Choose bright and cheerful colors and trim to make the playhouse stand out in the garden and appeal to the children.

Provide Furniture

Depending on the size of the room, the number and age of the children who will be suing the playhouse, place suitable furniture. These can be low chairs and benches as well as tables. If possible, include seating and other furniture that can be cleaned easily and also double up as storage. A chest for toys can also be used as a table or seating if needed, ensuring that the small space is well used. You can also use child size furniture that will make the place more comfortable for the children. When putting in furniture for the playhouse, make sure to include individual storage areas for each child.

Add Furnishings

Once you have placed a few pieces of furniture in the playhouse add furnishings. This can include curtains, a rug or two, and a few colorful cushions.

Decorate the Exteriors

Once the interior has been fixed and decorated, you need to decorate the exterior. As the playhouse is situated in the garden, you can cover it with growing vines, place flowering plants around it, and so on. Another incredible way to make the playhouse appealing is to install a short wooden picket fence around the playhouse and place a swing or hammock in the garden.

Convert an Arbor into a Playhouse

To convert an arbor into a playhouse, ensure that there are plenty of vines growing up the walls and roof of the arbor. Create a green wall on three sides of the arbor, by either using vines trained on trellises or by planting a tall hedge along one side. Leave space for a doorway. In the interior of the arbor, place a few benches or chests that can store toys and double up as seating. Cut a few window openings in the walls of the arbor to let in light and let your children enjoy time in the arbor. You can spread a canvas sheet on the floor of the arbor to keep the place clean. Well, that will enable cleaning more easily at least since the canvas sheet can be swept.

Convert an Gazebo into a Playhouse

A gazebo can also be converted into a playhouse or play pavilion by hanging cheerful curtains or blinds along the sides. This will provide a cozy and covered place for the children to use in the summer. As the gazebo is likely to have some seating space, just include a set of lockers for each child and provide your children with hours of fun in their own space. Make sure they lockers are tight so no bugs can gain access to them. Providing a playhouse for your children will enable them to become more independent and creative while you can enjoy quiet time indoors or in the garden. Any existing garden structure can be converted into a playhouse by adding furniture that provides both seating and storage and a few rugs and cushions. The cushions can have bugs on them if left overnight so this option is up to you. Before you furnish the playhouse, you do need to check that the structure is sturdy and that there are no sharp edges or ledges that can injure children when they are playing. A playhouse with very basic furniture will encourage the creativity of your children since they can convert it into whatever they wish – a castle, a ship, theater, Optimus Prime, and so on.
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Backyard Inspirations, playhouse kits

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Backyard Playhouses: More Than Just a Structure—A Gateway to Lifelong Memories

A Backyard Playhouse Is More Than Just a Toy

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When we think of childhood, we often recall the simple joy of playing outside—running around the yard, building forts, or imagining distant lands. A backyard playhouse brings those memories to life and creates the perfect environment for your kids to form their own.

But this isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about empowering creativity, supporting independence, and encouraging healthy outdoor play. And in today’s tech-saturated world, that’s more important than ever.

Why Every Child Needs Their Own Outdoor Playhouse

OLT Western Red Cedar Product Cards Playhouse

A backyard playhouse offers far more than just a pretty addition to your garden. It becomes a sanctuary—a space where your child can:

  • Play independently and safely

  • Host tea parties, secret meetings, or read quietly

  • Develop their imagination and role-play skills

  • Enjoy screen-free time outdoors

  • Learn responsibility by maintaining “their own” space

You might find your yard has suddenly become the neighborhood’s most popular hangout—and that’s a good thing.

Inspiring Playhouse Ideas for Any Yard

At Outdoor Living Today, we believe every child deserves their own space to dream. Whether you have a small yard or a sprawling garden, we offer DIY cedar playhouse kits to match your needs. Made from sustainably harvested Western Red Cedar, our kits are naturally beautiful, resistant to rot and pests, and easy to assemble.

Browse our most popular styles:

You’ll find no shortage of inspiration in our customer photo gallery, where real families share their custom setups—from pirate ships and treehouse hideouts to flower-covered reading nooks.

Easy to Build, Built to Last

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Worried about the complexity? Don’t be. Our kits are panelized for quick assembly, and each one comes with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. No specialized tools are required.

And because we use durable cedar instead of cheap plastic or treated lumber, you can be sure your playhouse will stand up to the elements—and time.

Want to customize it? Add a coat of paint, hang string lights, install a mailbox, or even build a little garden in front. The possibilities are endless.

Beyond Fun: Developmental Benefits of a Backyard Playhouse

Aside from the joy and fun, there are developmental benefits too. A backyard playhouse can help children:

  • Improve social skills through group play and sharing

  • Enhance language skills through storytelling and roleplay

  • Develop a sense of independence and ownership

  • Explore emotional expression in a safe and imaginative space

It’s a small investment that pays dividends in your child’s growth.

Build Memories That Last a Lifetime

Playhouses Little Cedar with Sandbox 6x6 4 web 300x210 1

At the end of the day, what makes a playhouse truly special isn’t the roofline or the windows. It’s the memories your children create inside. The giggles, secrets, imaginative games, and even the quiet moments of reflection.

With Outdoor Living Today, you’re not just buying a structure—you’re building a foundation for creativity, connection, and joy.

🎈 Start your family’s next adventure today
Browse our full collection of playhouse kits and create a space your children will cherish for years to come.

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backyard, How to, playhouse kits

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Create a Backyard Fort Playhouse That Fuels Your Child’s Imagination

Create a Backyard Fort Playhouse That Fuels Your Child’s Imagination

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Remember how magical it was to have a secret fort as a kid? That cozy hideout where only you and your closest friends were allowed? Forts spark a sense of adventure, creativity, and freedom—and your child can experience all that and more with a backyard fort playhouse.

Whether you build one from scratch or opt for a ready-to-assemble kit, an outdoor playhouse gives kids their own space to dream, play, and grow.

Why Every Kid Deserves a Fort

Playhouse Kit 66 K. Meyer 225x300 1

Outdoor playhouses offer much more than just fun. They foster:

  • Imaginative play

  • Creative thinking

  • Independent exploration

  • Social bonding with friends and siblings

From defending a castle to hosting a tea party, the stories kids tell in their forts become the foundation of lifelong memories.

Design Essentials for a Fort Playhouse

Before building or buying your playhouse, consider these key elements:

• Keep It Cozy

Forts should feel snug and secure. A smaller footprint (room for 2-3 kids) creates a better hideout atmosphere. Include a door, a few small windows, and low walls for safety and visibility.

• Decor and Furnishings

Let your child help decorate their new space. Add a DIY flag, soft rug, cozy chair, or storage trunk that doubles as a bench. Glow sticks or battery-powered lights add a warm, mysterious vibe. Make sure everything is durable enough to withstand the elements.

• Hidden Entry Points

Want to up the mystery? Install a secret entrance behind shrubs or trees, or create a crawlspace tunnel with a low door that only kids can access.

Fort Playhouse Materials: What Works Best?

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While plastic or vinyl structures exist, wooden playhouses are ideal for outdoor settings. Cedar, especially Western Red Cedar, is the top choice because:

  • It’s naturally resistant to rot and decay

  • It smells wonderful and repels pests

  • It blends beautifully into natural surroundings

You can build your own fort using pallets or timber, or choose a pre-designed playhouse kit from Outdoor Living Today made from high-quality cedar.

DIY Pallet Fort: A Fun Family Project

Want to build it yourself? Here’s a basic plan using wooden pallets:

  1. Lay down 1–2 pallets for the floor (use OSB for a smoother surface)

  2. Stand other pallets vertically to create walls, then screw into the base

  3. Sand down splinters for child safety

  4. Build the roof frame with 2x4s and galvanized panels for waterproofing

  5. Add fun accessories like flags, glow sticks, or toy storage bins

This is a great weekend project for parents and kids to tackle together!

Kits vs. Custom Builds: Which Is Right for You?

OptionProsCons
DIY From ScratchCustom design, creative bonding experienceRequires tools, skills
Professional BuildPerfect fit and pro finishExpensive
Cedar Kit (Best Value)Easy assembly, comes with all hardwareLess customization

Our recommendation: choose a cedar kit if you want something fast, sturdy, and child-friendly. Browse our playhouse kits for durable options that ship across North America.

Give the Gift of Adventure

An outdoor fort playhouse is more than just a structure—it’s a space for growth, storytelling, and freedom. Whether they’re hiding from dragons, reading a book in solitude, or dreaming up their next big idea, your child will benefit immensely from having their own space outside.

Add some shrubs around the fort for privacy, or let climbing plants create a natural green curtain. Whatever you do, just make it theirs.

Ready to give your child a magical backyard escape?

Explore Outdoor Living Today’s wooden playhouse kits and let the adventure begin!

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backyard, DIY, How to, outdoor living, playhouse kits

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How to Maximize Your Backyard Space for Play

Backyard Play Area Ideas for Kids: How to Clear Space & Create a Fun Outdoor Retreat

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Creating a dedicated play space in your backyard doesn’t just offer your kids a safe place to explore — it supports their mental and physical development while giving them the joy of nature. With a few creative changes and smart backyard shed storage, you can transform even the most cluttered yard into a functional play area for children.

Why Natural Outdoor Play Matters

Research shows that kids thrive in outdoor environments rich with natural elements — trees, flowers, insects, and open air. In fact, White and Stoecklin found that if given the chance, children would design play spaces brimming with natural features like ponds, plants, and wildlife. As a parent, you can bring this vision to life right in your backyard.

Step 1: Clear & Clean the Backyard

Remove Overgrown Bushes and Trees

Start by trimming or removing any overgrown shrubs and low-hanging tree branches. An open lawn makes a better canvas for a safe, imaginative play zone. You can replant with colorful flowers and maintain trimmed grass to create an inviting, open space.

Eliminate Rotting Plants and Weeds

Clear away any decaying plant matter and aggressive weeds. Not only does this create more usable space, but it also improves safety and aesthetics — two things kids (and their parents) appreciate.

Declutter the Odds and Ends

Old toys, broken bikes, garden tools, and unused lawn equipment often clutter backyards. Store what you still need in a shed or garage, donate working items, and toss the junk. You’ll reclaim valuable space for your kids to roam.

Step 2: Use Space-Saving Backyard Furniture

Opt for Foldable Furniture

Replace bulky wooden seating with foldable outdoor furniture. Lightweight plastic or collapsible options are ideal — easy to move and even easier to store in a shed when not in use. This keeps your backyard flexible and play-ready.

Step 3: Involve Your Kids in the Design

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Children are full of creativity. Let them help brainstorm how the play area should look. Whether it’s a flower garden, a mini wildlife pond, or just a cozy sandbox — your kids’ ideas will make the space feel like their own.

Step 4: Add a Shed for Storage and Play

Install a backyard shed to serve as both a storage unit and a part-time clubhouse. Opt for something practical like a Western Red Cedar shed — naturally beautiful and durable. Store seasonal furniture, tools, or even create a reading nook or board game station inside.

➡️ Explore cedar sheds at Outdoor Living Today

Step 5: Build Multi-Level Fun

Add depth and wonder to your yard with multi-level flower beds, stair-step planters, or seating platforms. Children love different vantage points and textures, so steps and platforms invite exploration and imaginative play.

Step 6: Install Kid-Friendly Play Features

Water and Sand Elements

Set up a sandbox, water table, or mini pond. Kids love tactile experiences — and these features keep them entertained without screens.

Add Play Equipment

Install a small swing, seesaw, or slide in a clear and safe area. Use natural barriers like flower beds or bushes to define the play zone.

Final Thought: Outdoor Play > Screen Time

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A well-designed backyard encourages kids to engage with nature and each other. With a few simple changes, you can create a playful sanctuary that your kids will love — and maybe even get them to forget about their tablets for a while.

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