5 Tips to Choose the Best Kids Cubby House

Whether you’re planning to purchase cubby houses online or at any renowned store, it is obvious you will be a little confused if you're a first-timer. So, if you're in utter confusion about how to choose the best cubby house for your kids, it's time you scroll down! With our list of tips below, we're sure you're going to fetch yourself the best advice, and then no one can stop you from getting your kid the suitable play area! So, if you're just as excited as your kids, read on!

What Are The 5 Pro Tips to Choose the Best Cubby House?

With kids hardly going to school now, it's obvious that parents are frantically thinking about providing them a great play area. And for that, what better than placing a cubby house in your backyard? But how to choose the best one? For that, read our 5 pro tips, and we're sure you'll not go wrong with your decision.

Safety

Be it clothes, furniture, toys, or accessories, your primary concern is that it must be safe. So, how can you miss out on this when purchasing a cubby house? When you're purchasing a cubby house for your kid, make sure you get the ones that are open-faced. In this case, you will be able to keep a watch on them while they are at play. Another thing you need to consider is that the cubby house is anchored well. Check whether there are any crannies and nooks present in the house. Check out if the borders are secured, and there are no chances of your kid running into your driveway. Since the cubby house is going to have a staircase, be sure you get the one that has a 30-degree angle. This is because if you get the stairs with a 45-degree angle, you will increase the chances of your kids falling. Follow AS 4685 guidelines where possible even though no mandatory national standard exists for residential structures. Allow at least 2 metres clear space around the entire cubby house. Soft fall surfacing at a minimum 300mm depth is recommended under any elevated areas. Vertical guardrails are preferred over horizontal rails because they reduce climbing risk.

Colors and Designs

Well, this is where parents and children also get confused. With such a lot of options available these days, there are high chances of one getting confused. You will find several types starting from fort styles to cottage styles and much more. Also, when it comes to colors, you get a lot of options to choose from! But the foremost decision you have to make is whether you want a pre-painted cubby house or get one and paint them at home. Doesn't that sound like fun? So, it is always best you go for what your kid prefers, whether it's the color or the theme! Considering their choice, in this case, is extremely important!

Quality

When it’s your kids in concern, how can you not prioritize the quality? So, make sure the material you purchase is of high quality and the construction is done properly! Go for high-quality timber to make it sturdy and durable. Once you ensure this, you can be relieved that your cubby house will be safe for any climatic change. Many people might prefer plastic cubby houses, considering the price of the wooden ones. But always keep note that the plastic ones can wear off easily. However, if you at all purchase one, make sure it is kid friendly! Cedar or pine with sealing lasts longer in outdoor conditions. Regular protective coatings extend life further. Plastic tends to wear faster in outdoor conditions and offers less long-term durability.

Consider Size

How old is your kid? That is what will decide the size of the cubby house! If your kid is 4 years old, don't think of purchasing a cubby that is for a 10-year-old. So, consider your kids' age and then purchase one. Another factor that you might want to consider is the location of the cubby house. Not everyone out there has a big backyard to place their cubby house. Since a cubby house will take up some space, measure the place where it is going to be placed to get your kid the suitable size. A 900mm platform is suitable from age 3. Platforms between 1200mm and 1500mm work better for ages 5 and up. Ground-level structures remain the safest choice for toddlers under 3.

Think About Some Add-ons

Apart from the cubby house, you can also get your kid a toy kitchen, monkey bars, toy furniture, swings, and slides. These will enhance their experience and give them a feeling of living in a real house! Slides and mud kitchens rank high in actual play use. Swings and climbing elements remain common additions that children return to repeatedly.

Installation and Site Preparation

Proper installation starts well before the structure arrives. Level the ground first so posts sit square and stable. Mark out at least 2 metres of clearance on every side before anchoring begins. Impact-absorbing material at minimum 300mm depth should sit directly beneath any elevated platform. Anchor points must reach below the frost line or into solid subsoil depending on your region. Check that vertical guardrails are fitted correctly and that no horizontal bars create climbing opportunities. Walk the finished site with a measuring tape to confirm all clearances before letting children near the cubby house.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular upkeep keeps the cubby house safe and extends its usable life. Inspect for splinters, cracks, and loose hardware at the start of each season. Apply protective stains or sealants every twelve to eighteen months to maintain weather resistance. Use mild detergent solutions when cleaning surfaces and avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade timber treatments. Check that soft fall surfacing remains at the recommended depth and rake it regularly to prevent compaction. Tighten bolts and replace worn ropes or chains before they become hazards. Consistent attention prevents small issues from turning into costly replacements.

Sustainability and Material Choices

Timber sourced from responsibly managed forests offers clear environmental advantages. The material is renewable and stores carbon throughout its service life. Properly treated wood delivers durable outdoor performance while requiring only periodic sealing rather than frequent replacement. Plastic alternatives degrade under UV exposure and often end up in landfill after shorter use periods. When comparing options, ask suppliers about chain-of-custody certification for the timber. Sustainable choices reduce long-term waste without compromising strength or safety standards.

Age-Appropriate Features and Supervision

Design choices should match developmental stages rather than simply fill space. Open designs aid adult supervision by removing blind corners and solid walls. Lower platforms reduce fall risk for younger children while still offering play value. Ground-level cottages suit toddlers who are still developing balance and coordination. Elevated structures with slides become appropriate once children reach the recommended platform heights for their age group. Supervision remains essential regardless of design because even well-built cubby houses carry inherent risks. Match features to your child's current abilities and adjust as they grow.

Final Thoughts

So, this brings us to the end of the blog today. We hope all the tips mentioned above come to your help and will guide you to purchase the best and most suitable cubby house for your kid. Go ahead and get your little one this and see how it changes their playing experience.