Metal roof corners, a really bad idea

 
Typically found on most commerical playhouses. Consider what the sharp metal corners will do if a child runs into this.

Kid Door

 
The camera distorts the top, but here is the "Kid door" from the inside.

Interior

 
An interior shot of the log sided playhouse, finishing the interior adds about $500 to the cost of the playhouse.

Roof corners

 
Note the rounded corners not only on the heavy support but on the roof corner itself. While this may not seem like much it does make a difference. IF you have ever seen a scalp wound you know how they can bleed. the rounded corners can be seen in all of the other pictures. As a rule if a corner is less than seven (7) feet off the ground the corners MUST be rounded

Adult door

 
Another view. This shows the adult-sized door. All playhouse should have two doors. One that opens in another that opens out. That way a child can neither be trapped nor prevent a parent from entering. For a parent to enter it is nice that there is a door one can use without stooping. It is no fun to “come for tea” if you have to crawl into the playhouse.

The other reason for an adult door is that the little house can be used once the child has grown (they do become adults eventually). Perhaps it is not the child who will use it but it might become a potting shed, a mini-office or just a place for a teen to study and/or read in peace.

First Picture

 


I hope this works. IF it does you see a 6x8wide playhouse that is log sided with a two foot porch. The exterior, This playhouse is 6x8 feet although the “footprint” is closer to 9x9 feet. This playhouse without a finished interior was $1890.

New to me

Trying to sort out this whole blogging thing. Especially loading pictures.... uhgh. Until I get that completely figured out here is a site that you might wish to visit. It is run by a friend so stop and say "Hi".

Playhouses

Warning the link contains a couple of pictures of ME. Sorry

Why Playhouses

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 Patties 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.