Playhouses

Cubby Houses

A cubby house gives kids a patch of the backyard that's genuinely theirs, and the first fork in the road for most parents is timber or plastic. Wooden cubby houses last longer outside and suit a long-term backyard setup. Plastic playhouses cost less, need almost no upkeep, and often suit toddlers and smaller spaces better.

Wooden or plastic cubby house, what actually matters

The honest answer comes down to three things. Money, maintenance, and how long it lasts outside.

If you're staying put and want something the kids will use for years, go timber. If your child is 2 to 4, or space and budget are tight, plastic is often the smarter pick. Not a compromise.

Wooden cubby houses

Wooden cubby houses are usually built from cedar, fir or treated pine. They look at home in a backyard the way plastic never quite does. You'll find ground-level timber cubbies for younger kids and elevated designs with ladders and verandahs for 4 to 8 year olds.

Prices sit higher because you're paying for timber, hardware and a build that stands up to years outside. Worth it if you've got the yard and plan to stay in the house.

Plastic cubby houses

Plastic cubby houses wipe clean, don't need oiling, and are light enough to shift when you're mowing. Bright colours and moulded details also appeal to younger kids in a way plain timber doesn't.

They're often the right first cubby for a 2 to 4 year old, and they work indoors on wet days or out on a covered patio. In strong Australian sun the colour will fade over the years, so shade helps.

Cubby houses with a slide attached

An elevated cubby with a slide gives kids a climb, a hideout and a way down all in one. Look for 1.8m slides for 3 to 5 year olds and 2.2m slides for 5 to 8s.

Leave about a metre of clear space at the slide exit, and put something soft underneath. Bark, soft fall or thick grass all work. If your yard's tight, standalone slides can be the better call.

Indoor playhouses and how they differ from an outdoor cubby

Indoor playhouses have a smaller footprint and use softer materials like fabric, cardboard or lightweight plastic. They're built to sit in a lounge or bedroom, not weather a summer outside.

Best for younger kids and wet-weather play. If you just want something for imaginative play in the corner of a room, play tents often do the job for less.

What age a cubby house suits, and how long they use it

• 2 to 3: ground-level plastic or a low timber cubby, no tall ladders.
• 3 to 5: peak cubby house years, imaginative play is at its strongest.
• 6 to 8: still in use, usually paired with a slide or a bigger climbing setup.

Around 8, most kids graduate to play centres for older kids. Use the Shop by Age filter (0 to 3, 3 to 5, 6 to 8) to narrow the range fast.

Assembly, tools and how long it takes

Plastic cubbies usually go together in under an hour with a screwdriver, and one adult can manage. Timber cubbies are a different job. Half a day for a smaller one, a full weekend for a large elevated build with a slide.

You'll want two people, a drill, a spanner and a level surface. Clear and level the ground before delivery day.

Looking after a timber cubby outside

Oil or stain the timber once a year to keep water out and stop it drying. Check bolts, hinges and ladder rungs each season, they loosen with use.

Full sun ages timber faster, so partial shade helps. Sit the base on pavers or a gravel bed rather than straight on soil. Ground moisture is what rots the footings.

Accessories worth having, and ones to skip

The ones that get real use are play kitchens, mailboxes, curtains and a sandpit under an elevated cubby. Soft fall matting under any elevated platform is worth the spend.

Skip novelty add-ons your child won't touch after week one. If you're not sure what suits your setup, our expert help is available 5 days a week.

Cubby house FAQs

Is a wooden or plastic cubby house better for Australian weather?

Wooden cubby houses handle long-term outdoor use better if you oil them each year. Plastic holds up well too, but colours will fade in strong sun over several summers. For a permanent backyard fixture, timber wins. For shaded spots or short-term use, plastic is fine.

What age is a cubby house for?

Cubby houses suit kids from about 2 to 8 years old. The peak years are 3 to 5, when imaginative play is strongest. Younger toddlers need ground-level or low-platform designs. Older kids often want a slide or climbing wall attached to keep it interesting.

How much space do I need for a cubby house with a slide?

Allow at least a metre of clear space around every side, and about a metre and a half at the slide exit. A cubby with a 2.2m slide typically needs a footprint of around 4m by 3m once you factor in safe run-off space.

Can a cubby house be used indoors?

Yes, indoor playhouses are made for it. They're smaller, lighter, and often use fabric or soft plastic. A full outdoor timber cubby is too big and heavy for most indoor spaces, so look for models labelled as indoor playhouses.

How long does a plastic cubby house last outside?

A good plastic cubby will last many years outside, though colours fade in direct sun over time. Keeping it in partial shade and hosing off dirt regularly helps. The structure itself usually outlasts the years your child actually uses it.

Do cubby houses come pre-assembled?

No, almost all cubby houses arrive flat-packed. Plastic models take under an hour. Timber cubbies take half a day to a full weekend depending on size and whether a slide is attached. Two people and basic tools make the job much easier.

What goes underneath an outdoor cubby house?

Soft fall bark, rubber matting or thick grass works well under elevated cubbies. Sand is a popular option under raised platforms, doubling as a sandpit. Avoid concrete or pavers directly under any elevated play area. For a full yard setup, browse outdoor play equipment for the whole backyard.

Can you move a cubby house once it's built?

Plastic cubbies can be shifted by two adults without dismantling. Timber cubbies, especially elevated ones, usually need to come apart before you move them. Plan the location carefully before you build.