Style and Design
A mid range chalet style wooden playhouse, the A1 Deluxe Playden has plenty of interesting features, including the twin level interior with an upper play bunk, stable style door and window box with some nice touches such as the attractive scalloped fascia and mock shutters. The playhouse is constructed in quality materials and is available in three sizes making it suitable for a variety of garden sizes. Safety features include perspex windows with wooden retaining beads and finger saving safety strips on the door. The upstairs bunk is accessed by a ladder with handrail.
Materials/Construction
The playhouse is constructed throughout in 12 x 120mm tongue and groove boarding mounted on 32 x 44mm smooth planed framing with rounded edges. The windows are glazed in safety perspex and the door hinges feature attractive antique styling. The roof is finished in mineral felt to aid weatherproofing and all timber used is from FSC or similarly approved sources.
Dimensions
The Playden is available in three sizes; 7'x5' (2.13x1.52m), 7'x7' (2.13x2.13m) or 8'x8' (2.44x2.44m). The ridge height on the 7' models is 7'8'' (2.34m) and 8' on the 8' models. All sizes have ridge heights of 4'8'' and 5'11'' (1.41 and 1.8m).
Finish/Treatment
The playhouse is treated in a light oak style factory dip prior to delivery. A suitable decorative/preservative finish will require to be applied at the time of assembly and maintained on a regular basis thereafter.
Delivery/Assembly
The A1 Deluxe Playden is delivered for home assembly by the purchaser. The playhouse comes in panels so assembly should be reasonably straighforward for a minimum of two persons with basic diy experience.
Availability
See the details of sellers and prices given above.
Our Verdict
The A1 Deluxe Playden is a fairly standard wooden playhouse of its type. It's one of a number available in roughly the same size in a similar price range so before ordering we'd suggest you also check out the others such as the Wilton Lodge, Crib, Bramble and Crystal Palace. We like the upper bunk and the stable style door but we do feel it's perhaps a little short of windows compared to some other models available. That said, there are no real drawbacks and the tongue and groove floor and roof are a bonus when it comes to durability. There's a good choice of sizes as well.
As is the case with most playhouses in this price range you'll need to apply a suitable decorative/preservative finish at the time of assembly as the factory dip treatment is only really sufficient to protect the woodwork during storage and delivery. As long as you take the time to do this - and to maintain it on a regular basis - the A1 Deluxe Playden should give many years of happy garden play.
