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Cedarshed Review

Tuesday, June 6th

2023 Playhouse Reviews

Cedarshed Review 3 Star Rating

Cedarshed

3 Star Rating
  • Customize your playhouse with multiple designs and add-on options
  • Prices start at $5,479 on Backyard Kids Clubhouses and $6,164 for Kids Bunkhouse Kits
  • Free shipping
  • "A+" rated by the BBB
  • In business for 40+ years

Cedarshed is based in British Columbia and has been making playhouses, sheds and pergolas from Western Red Cedar for over 40 years. There are two styles of playhouses available here, Bunkhouse Kits and Clubhouse Kits, and you'll need some basic carpentry skills to put yours together (or to hire someone else who does).

Clubhouse kits in multiple sizes

Cedarshed's Clubhouse Kits are priced from $5,479 to $8,759. You'll see all of the different configurations in the dropdown box, with lower pricing on OSB roofs (that will require you to buy and install shingles or metal roofing) than on cedar roofs. Sizes range from 8x12 to 10x20, and all styles include a covered porch. It's not easy to tell from the product images how to get a slide included, since the designs are all one-story models.

Choose a bunkhouse for a larger floor plan

Bunkhouses have a slightly different style and are generally larger than the clubhouses, starting in a 9x10 size priced at $6,164 and going up to a 12x14 for $8,889. These models have 6' high interior walls, so you can add a storage loft if you wish. While all of these playhouses have opportunities for upgrades and options, the lack of photos showing more than just a few outside shots leaves a lot to the imagination.

You'll want to add a finish for greater longevity

We appreciate that some details on care and maintenance are provided on the Cedarshed site. They recommend that you apply a protective finish within two weeks of assembly, depending on what's appropriate in your geographic area. This could include water-repellent preservative and oil with fungicide, semi-transparent stain, solid color stain, or paint.

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Positive feedback from customers

Reputation-wise, Cedarshed is probably not going to be a disappointment. The company has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and the handful of reviews we found on the website, the company's social media channels, and a few other places were positive overall.

Limited warranty and return period

There are a couple of reasons why Cedarshed doesn't rank as highly as their competitors. First, the company offers no refund/return policy: all sales are considered final once they've shipped, and the only exception is for items that are damaged in transit and can't be salvaged. Also, you only have 14 days from the date of delivery to notify Cedarshed if there are any broken or missing pieces; unless you get an extension (in writing) within that first 14 days, you'd better plan on setting up your playhouse soon after it comes. Finally, their playhouses and other structures are only warrantied for one year after purchase; another cedar-based playhouse brand in our review offers coverage of 1-2 years on accessories and 5-10 years on the wood components.

Good playhouses, less-than-impressive process and policies

Could you get the playhouse of your dreams here? Maybe. Will it take quite a bit of extra work to determine if Cedarshed has what you want, how long it will take to get to you, and how to put it together? Absolutely. And, there are other cedar playhouse companies out there that aren't quite as difficult to figure out. We wouldn't say there's anything bad about Cedarshed; it's just not quite up there with our highest-ranked retailers.

Where Can You Buy the Best Playhouses?

A playhouse can be a simple, inexpensive way to keep a toddler occupied for a few hours in a pop-up structure in the living room - or a sturdy, wooden structure that might last long enough to give your children and later your grandchildren years of happy memories. From pirates to princesses, kitchens to caves, the adventures provided by playhouses are only limited by one's imagination.

Your first consideration when buying a playhouse is where it will be used. Obviously you won't want to buy a cardboard design for use outdoors, but it could be exactly the thing for a rainy day inside. If it's going to be set up outside, you'll want to choose a playhouse that can withstand the elements where you live, from snow to sunshine, and that fits the space you have in mind.

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Playhouse FAQ

Playhouses are used for having fun! They are a place where children can make memories and use their imagination. They might pretend to be adults and make meals, take care of babies, and have sleepovers with siblings or friends. Playhouses often look like mini replicas of real homes and can be as simple or fancy as you want them to be. The selection available online for children's playhouses is extremely impressive.
It's not uncommon to put a children's playhouse in your backyard or playroom. As long as you have plenty of space and a good area for adult supervision when necessary, a playhouse could really go anywhere. Just make sure it's on level ground to ensure doors can open freely so that kids can play safely!
The simple answer is that playhouses should be big enough for children to easily walk in and out and play inside without feeling too constrained. Most people don't have an area in or outside of their house for a giant playhouse, so it just needs to be big enough to play comfortably. The technical answer is that some experts say playhouses should be between 50 and 100 square feet with a maximum wall height of 6 feet.
When buying a playhouse, you could either go with a wood exterior or an all-weather durable plastic. Wood is easy to paint and customize whereas plastic won't show as much wear and tear overtime like dents, paint chips, or scratches. When deciding what you want your playhouse to be made of, consider the weather in your area, how hard your kids will be on it, and if it will be inside or outside. You also might decide just based on the style.
Playhouses can be expensive if you want your children to have a mini mansion in the backyard! If you want a multi-level, fully accessorized playhouse, you can easily spend a few thousand dollars. This is definitely not necessary though. You can get a fun, long-lasting playhouse your kids will love for barely over $150. The end cost will really be determined by the style and size of the playhouse you choose.
Playhouses are most commonly used by kids between the ages of 1 and 12. But let's be honest, adults have a blast playing with children in the playhouses too! They are a staple "toy" that everyone can enjoy and they'll entertain children for hours on end. Whether you have boys or girls, playhouses are one of the most fun purchases you'll ever make for your kids.
Most retailers allow you to return playhouses within 30 days if it is in new condition. However, you'll probably pay hefty shipping costs that might deter you from deciding to send the playhouse back. If it comes damaged or has missing parts, you'll be able to exchange it for a new playhouse at the expense of the company you purchased the playhouse from.
Playhouses are built to last for years! It's not uncommon for parents to buy a playhouse for their children and hang onto it for their grandchildren to use as well. As long as it is well taken care of, your playhouse will probably be around longer than you will, and the memories too! It's a purchase that will be worth the cost tenfold.
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Continued from above...

The next factor in your decision is the age range of the kids who will be using the playhouse. A huge climber with rock walls, rope swings and a lookout tower will be the envy of the big kids in your neighborhood, but if the child(ren) in your life can't quite walk yet, it's not going to be the right fit.

Finally, are you looking for a playhouse that's permanently installed or something that can be moved - around the yard or across the country? The most long-lasting, packed-with-features playhouses usually require you to set them up with the expectation that that's where they'll stay.

There are so many places you can buy a playhouse online, from your trusted home improvement store's website to family-owned companies that have been making sturdy wood playhouses (complete with window boxes and porches) for decades. Where should you start? Follow this list to help guide your decision:

  • Playhouse Type. As we said, you may be looking for a small plastic design for a toddler or a structure that can be used by kids of all ages. While some online retailers offer both kinds, you'll usually find that it's an either-or situation.
  • Selection. How many playhouse designs does the retailer have to choose from? Are they all in stock?
  • Delivery. Will you pay for shipping? How long will it take for your playhouse to be delivered? On the custom-made wood styles, it's not uncommon for it to take a month or more for it to be made to order and trucked to the destination.
  • Refunds/Returns. It's not all that common for people to want a refund or return on their playhouse orders, but it happens (especially for the lower-priced models). What is the store's policy?
  • Reputation. What do previous customers say about the playhouses and the company's fulfillment on orders? Can you browse reviews or see user-submitted photos of the playhouses in different, real settings? Can you expect a friendly, professional response if you need to reach out for some reason?

To help you add the most fun to your basement or backyard, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular retailers of playhouses. We're sure this information will make it easy to get the cutest cabin or climber for the children in your life!

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