There are many myths surrounding the pros and cons of both plastic and timber playhouses, but we are here to put things straight. With thoughtful consideration, we have quickly come to the conclusion that wooden playhouses are definitely the best. We haven't approached this topic lightly, though. In fact, we have all sat down together and discussed everything we could possibly think of, using our professional expertise that has led us through many years of great success, as well as our personal experience at home with our children and their own playhouses.

Let's face it, the main reason we like to give our little ones an oasis of their own is because of the magic and imagination it can foster. We can all remember the lucky little neighbour or the family friend who had the most beautiful playhouse we could ever have imagined, or perhaps we were lucky enough to have our own precious pad. Either way, the memories created in such a special place last a life time. So it's important that we provide the best possible space for these memories to blossom for our children, too.

Timber playhouses, if treated properly, last for a long, long time. The timber that we use provides natural protection against wood rot, mould and vermin.

Plastic playhouses, however, quickly become warped, mouldy and the colouring fades. One of the most misleading myths about plastic playhouses is that they're easier to install simply because they can be put straight onto any floor. However, this only contributes to the bending, distorting and collapsing of the plastic. The sides begin to cave in and before long the playhouse merely resembles a floppy lump of discoloured sadness. Whichever base that a plastic playhouse is placed upon, the deforming and withering cannot be stopped.

Having a level base for your timber playhouse takes no time at all and means that the little house will stay safe, secure and fully lined-up for many years. With just a tiny bit of maintenance, and a lot of love, your playhouse will be very, very permanent.

There is something about a timber playhouse that is so familiar and welcoming. It's something that can't be matched by plastic. It's a feeling. It's a lovely attachment to a cosy, warm and authentic space. It's a space in which the little ones can feel comfortable. The houses provide a brilliant, durable and safe environment for the children to explore their dreams and fantasies. The comfortable nature of timber allows the playhouse to blend into the garden and becomes a miniature home, not just a large toy.

The little ones can take part in an array of activities with a timber playhouse that just can't be enjoyed in plastic. With a sturdy build and brilliantly protected interior, they can relax and do crafts, put their feet up and read magazines, invite little companions over for a tea party, and even look forward to doing homework!

Wooden playhouses let the little ones enjoy the magic of make believe. The space and good insulation lets your children's playhouse perform as a log cabin, a home to raise dollies, an army fort, a cottage by the sea, a castle fit for a King, or a welcoming abode for party hosting.

The icy winter months render plastic playhouses as essentially useless, leaving them as functional for just the summer months, and in the summer months they can become uncomfortably hot. However, with just a lick of wood stain every now and again, the timber playhouse can be used all year round.

With just a little bit of treatment each year, your playhouse will have no leaks, no damp, no rough edges and a fully stable stature. Your secure playhouse will keep the little ones safe and sound, so you can feel confident and reassured while they play. The Big Game Hunters and Garden Games playhouses are part-finished, making the assembly quick and easy while also ensuring maximum safety.

So, wooden it is!

For one thing, the fact that it's wooden means that it blended beautifully into your garden from day one. So, it wouldn't look out of place if you kept it there. A brilliant way to make the most of your playhouse is to transform it into a shed. But, it's easy to get into the habit of hoarding. We all accumulate too many buckets and spades, ancient tins of mouldy wall paint ready for when the lounge needs some extra-vintage decor, and countless amounts of power tools that only proved useful for that one awkward wardrobe. However, now is the perfect chance to use this perfectly suitable wooden playhouse for your more functional items.

• First of all, if you purchased one of our funkier playhouses, you may wish to give it a splash of natural wood stain to help it blend in slightly more.
• If treated properly the playhouse will keep your belongings safe and protected from the elements, ready for when you wish to get them out and use.
• Great insulation treatment provides added protection.
• Superb for storing garden tables, chairs, the lawn mower, rakes, shovels, gardening materials (useful ones) and all sorts of garden accessories.
• As well as being functional and practical, the playhouse also makes a beautiful garden feature. Garden sheds are usually ugly things that wither with time and end up resembling a large lump of firewood. Be creative and let the playhouse be an attractive part of your home. All you need to do is add a bit of treatment and wood stain each year to maintain its good looks and charm (see Guides).
• Or, you could save the wonderful little playhouse for the grandkids. All you need to do is add a lick of wood stain each year to keep the playhouse happy and ensure that necessary checks are carried out and are up to scratch (see Guides).

However, if you wish to dispose of the playhouse instead, it's a perfectly simple process. Due to the timber being completely CCA free and sourced from sustainable and maintained forests, it's completely safe, ethical and easy for you to say farewell to the playhouse on a private bonfire; although we do recommend disassembling the playhouse prior to this, and you must remove the plastic components. Alternatively, you can dispose of the playhouse at your nearest timber tip.