KidSafe Playhouses
By
Master Carpentry
Edward Roberts
Box 953
Elkader, IA 42043
563-245-2295
Edward1960@hotmail.com
Why a Playhouse
Children need a place for imaginative play. It develops creativity, socialization and encourages exploration of ideas. If that place is unsafe and a child gets hurt they will not want to use it (and is thus money wasted). Furthermore, play is most developmental if it is interactive with other children. A safe playhouse means a child can invite friends over and all parents can rest easy. Developing friendships and interaction involved is a major stepping stone in the development of the child. My playhouses also encourage parents and grandparents to participate in the play since all are built with an adult door. It is hard to come for “tea” if the only entrance is 4ft tall and only 18 inches wide.
Properly constructed playhouses can be used for many, many years. With the adult door it can be used for winter storage. As the child grows it can be a quiet place for a teen to study. When the child finally out grows it, as a young adult, it can become a potting shed, a sewing room or even just a place to display a collection. In fact, the dressing up of the playhouse can occur though out its use by children. Imagine a spooky haunted house, or place to hold a child’s thanksgiving feast suitably decorated with corn stalks, Indian Corn, Squash and anything else the parent and child can think of. Maybe Santa’s workshop for a Christmas theme, at 8 x 10 feet (and low to the ground) two strings of holiday lights will do all of the roof edges, windows doors and maybe more. Valentines Day, St Patrick’s and Easter are also possible with in the attention span of child given the small size of a playhouse.
However none of this means anything if the playhouse is not designed for children or worse yet, not safe for them.
Roof Corners
Above is a picture of a metal drip edge corner. Metal drip edge is typical on most commercial playhouses and playhouse plans. This makes corners very sharp and potentially dangerous.
Below is an example of the corners found on a playhouse built by Master Carpentry. Corners are rounded and non-metallic
What kinds are available?
Here is a selection of some recent playhouses. All playhouses are custom built rather than kits and are delivered fully assembled. (prices are as shown, base prices:$1,250 for 6x8, $1,450 8x8 and $1,650 8x10).
Victorian Cottage, 8x8 with loft $2,605
Small Cabin 6x8 log sided & porch $1,890
Grand Farmhouse Dormer and loft $2,915
(8x10, insulated windows, the same as on the cover)
Picture of the loft in the Grand Farmhouse
What are Vanity playhouses
Despite their name, vanity playhouses are designed to mimic a real house. Either a miniature of the house where the playhouse is located or even the house you grew-up in. Master Carpentry specializes in “vanity” playhouses. Since all of these playhouses are custom built, one at a time, a vanity playhouse can be quite affordable.
Molly Madison, Two story, real stairs, finished interior vinyl siding, electrified (picture taken at night 7 windows, porch and four panel front door 11 x12 and 14 ft tall $12,600
How do I get more information?
Drop me a quick e-mail and I will send color pictures and the text of my Playhouse Safety article (first published in the journal for build-ers, The Construction Guide). If you would prefer, give me a call and I will come to you.
Your Friendly builder
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