A wooden playhouse is more than just a structure in your garden—it's a space for children’s creativity, joy and countless memories. Whether it's the classic kid's wooden playhouse or a towering wooden wendy house, proper care is essential to ensure that your wooden playhouses remain safe, enjoyable and long-lasting for years to come.
This guide will give you detailed tips on how to care for your two-storey wooden playhouse, covering everything from maintenance to improvement ideas for long-term use and enjoyment.
The Importance of Regular Inspections
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure the longevity of your kids wooden playhouse is through regular inspections. It’s a good idea to look for any signs of damage, such as splits or cracks in the wood, loose joints, or checking for rot. Inspect the walls of the playhouse, roof, floors and support beams for signs of deterioration. This routine will help you spot problems early on before they become major issues.
Signs of Damage to Look Out For
- Checking for rot (this is particularly common if your playhouse is in direct contact with the ground or constantly exposed to wet conditions).
- Loose hinges or locks on doors and windows.
- Splintered or cracked wood which may need wood treatments or replacement.
- Faded paint or stain, which might indicate a need for wood stain or re-treatment.
What to Put Under Wooden Playhouse: Essential Safety Guidelines
It's crucial to ensure safety when setting up any TP Toys playhouse, especially two-storey models. Never position outdoor toys on hard surfaces (such as concrete) unless the area beneath and the surrounding free space is covered with a certified safety surface. A fall onto a hard surface can cause serious injury.
Ideal surfaces include grass, sand, or a certified play surface, which provide necessary impact absorption. Playhouses should be installed on level ground to prevent leaning, which could damage joints and is not covered by our guarantee. Avoid placing the playhouse near overhanging branches, washing lines, electrical wires, or other hazards.
Two-storey playhouses must be concreted into the ground on a soft surface, such as grass, for added stability and safety.
Following these guidelines ensures that your playhouse provides a safe and fun environment for your children.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your wooden wendy house is essential for both safety and aesthetics. A dirty playhouse might encourage mould and other damaging problems. For regular cleaning, a mild detergent mixed with soapy water is perfect for removing dirt and grime without harming the wood.
How to Clean Your Playhouse:
- Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt from all surfaces, including doors and windows.
- Mix soapy water with a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
- Using a sponge or cloth, gently wash down the playhouse, paying extra attention to spots that are prone to grime build-up.
- Rinse with clean water and allow to dry thoroughly. Make sure any doors and windows are open during the drying process to prevent trapping moisture.
Pro Tip: Regular cleaning helps maintain the wood’s appearance and prevents issues like rot and insect infestations.
Wood Treatments and Wood Stain: Essential for Longevity
A major component of wooden playhouse care is applying the right wood treatments. These treatments serve as protective layers, preventing water absorption and wood rot. There are two main types to consider:
1. Water-Based Treatments
Water-based treatments are a popular choice thanks to their environmentally friendly nature. They penetrate the wood to form a durable barrier against moisture and decay without releasing harmful chemicals. Look for wood preservatives that are specifically designed for outdoor structures.
2. Wood Stain or Paint
Reapplying wood stain or paint to your kids' playhouse not only improves the look but also provides protection. A wood stain deeply penetrates the wood to give it a long-lasting colour and defence against the elements, whereas paint adds a surface layer of protection. Make sure the product you choose is water-based and suitable for outdoor use.
Maintenance Tips for Treating Wood:
- Apply treatments every 1-2 years, depending on weather exposure.
- Sand down rough patches before applying a new coat.
- Use weatherproof sealants around doors and windows for added protection.
Improving the Lifespan of Your Playhouse: Pressure-Treated Wood
If your playhouse is made of pressure-treated wood, it has an extra layer of protection against rot, insects and moisture. While pressure-treated wood is more durable, it still benefits from regular cleaning and an occasional reapplication of treatment to keep it looking fresh.
Weatherproofing Your Outdoor Playhouse
A two-storey outdoor playhouse faces various weather conditions, from scorching sun to heavy rain. By weatherproofing the structure, you ensure that it remains resilient year-round. Here’s what you can do:
- Install a roof covering: Protect the roof from direct sunlight and rain. Felt roofing or shingles are excellent options for a tower playhouse.
- Check for gaps: Regularly inspect the joints and corners of the playhouse. Seal any gaps with a suitable filler to prevent water from getting in.
Practical Tips for Enjoyable Play
A clean, well-maintained playhouse is not just about how long it lasts—it's also about ensuring that your kids have a safe and enjoyable space to play. Keep these tips in mind:
- Regular cleaning: Sweep away any debris from the inside and outside of the playhouse. Clean the surfaces with soapy water as part of your cleaning routine.
- Check for safety hazards: Look for nails or screws that might have come loose and ensure that all hinges on doors and windows are secure.
- Personalise and decorate: Encourage your children to decorate the interior with weatherproof accessories, such as outdoor rugs, cushions, or fairy lights. This can make the playhouse a warm and welcoming space for them.
Seasonal Care Tips for Long-Term Enjoyment
Seasonal care is a proactive way to ensure that your two-storey wooden playhouse stays in top condition for many years:
- Spring: Conduct a thorough inspection after winter. Look for any water damage or signs of damage caused by frost. Reapply a wood stain or wood treatments if necessary.
- Summer: Frequent use means more wear and tear. Ensure the playhouse is kept clean and check for any loose boards or splinters.
- Autumn: As the weather starts to change, inspect the playhouse for gaps or cracks that need sealing. Clear any fallen leaves from the roof and around the base.
- Winter: If possible, cover the playhouse with a protective tarp during heavy snow or rainfall to minimise exposure to moisture.
Conclusion
A wooden playhouse is a valuable investment in your child’s playtime, and with a little care, it can provide endless joy for years to come. By following these maintenance tips—from regular cleaning to applying wood treatments and ensuring the right foundation—you can protect your wooden wendy house from the elements and create a safe, beautiful space for your kids to enjoy
Don’t forget to perform regular inspections, especially after extreme weather, and keep an eye on signs of damage. By dedicating some time to care for your kid's playhouse, you'll extend its lifespan and ensure that it remains a beloved part of your garden for many happy years.
