If you're considering purchasing a cubby house for your family, you've come to the right place. The world of cubby houses can seem overwhelming at first—with dozens of options ranging from simple plastic playhouses to elaborate multi-level timber structures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision that your family will enjoy for years to come.
What Exactly is a Cubby House?
A cubby house is a small-scale house designed specifically for children's play. The term "cubby" is distinctly Australian—elsewhere they might be called playhouses, wendy houses, or play dens. The name comes from "cubbyhole," referring to a small, cosy space where children can escape into their imaginary worlds.
Cubby houses range from simple fabric tents that can be set up indoors, to permanent outdoor structures that become backyard landmarks. They provide children with a space that's truly their own—a place to play house, run a pretend shop, create secret clubs, or simply enjoy quiet time away from the main household.
âś“ Benefits of Cubby House Play
- Encourages imaginative and creative play
- Develops social skills through role-playing
- Provides outdoor exercise and fresh air
- Builds independence and confidence
- Creates a dedicated play space in the backyard
- Offers years of entertainment value
Types of Cubby Houses
Understanding the main categories of cubby houses will help you narrow down your options based on your space, budget, and children's needs.
Wooden Cubby Houses
Timber cubby houses are the classic choice that many parents remember from their own childhoods. They offer an authentic, charming aesthetic that blends naturally with garden settings. Modern wooden cubbies range from simple single-room designs to elaborate structures featuring multiple levels, verandahs, slides, and climbing features.
Pros: Durable when maintained, attractive natural appearance, can be painted or stained to match your home, good resale value, often expandable with accessories.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, higher initial cost, heavier and more difficult to relocate, typically requires assembly.
Wooden cubbies are best suited for families who plan to stay in their home long-term and are willing to invest in regular maintenance. They're ideal for school-age children who will use the cubby for many years.
Plastic Cubby Houses
Plastic cubby houses have come a long way from the flimsy models of decades past. Modern plastic cubbies are made from durable, UV-stabilised materials that resist fading and cracking. They're available in cheerful colours and often feature realistic design details.
Pros: Low maintenance, lightweight and easy to move, relatively affordable, quick assembly, no splinter risk, resistant to rot and insects.
Cons: Can look less natural in garden settings, may become brittle over time with UV exposure, generally smaller than wooden options, can get hot in direct sun.
Plastic cubbies are excellent for toddlers and preschoolers, families who rent (as they're easily relocated), and anyone wanting a low-maintenance option.
Fabric and Tent Cubby Houses
These lightweight options include teepees, pop-up tents, and canopy-style cubbies. They're the most affordable and flexible category, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros: Very affordable, extremely portable, easy storage, suitable for indoor use, no assembly tools required.
Cons: Less durable, limited weather resistance, not suitable as permanent outdoor structures, smaller play space.
Fabric cubbies are perfect for apartments and small spaces, indoor playrooms, portable play options, and families with very young children just starting to enjoy cubby play.
đź’ˇ Quick Selection Guide
Choose Wood if: You own your home, want a long-term investment, have children aged 3+, and don't mind maintenance tasks.
Choose Plastic if: You want minimal maintenance, have toddlers, might need to relocate, or are on a moderate budget.
Choose Fabric if: You have limited space, want indoor play options, need portability, or are on a tight budget.
Key Features to Consider
Size and Footprint
Before falling in love with a particular cubby, measure your available space. Remember to account for the fall zone—the area around the cubby where children might land if they fall. For elevated structures, this should extend at least 1.9 metres from all sides. Even ground-level cubbies benefit from surrounding space for play.
Consider not just the footprint of the cubby itself, but how it will fit with the rest of your backyard activities. Will there still be room for ball games? Will it block light to garden beds? Can you still access your clothesline?
Age Appropriateness
Cubby houses are designed with different age groups in mind. Features like elevated platforms, climbing walls, and slides are exciting for older children but can be dangerous for toddlers. Conversely, a simple ground-level cubby might bore a 10-year-old.
Think about the age range of children who will use the cubby now and in coming years. If you have multiple children of different ages, look for designs that can accommodate everyone safely.
Additional Features
Modern cubby houses can include a variety of add-on features:
- Slides: Fun for exits but require additional fall zone space
- Climbing walls: Great for physical development
- Sandpits: Often integrated into base area
- Swings: Require significant clearance space
- Verandahs: Add character and shade
- Flower boxes: Encourage gardening interest
- Kitchenettes: Built-in play accessories
While additional features add excitement, they also add cost and complexity. Consider which features your children will genuinely use versus which simply look appealing in photos.
Installation Considerations
DIY vs Professional Assembly
Most cubby houses arrive as flat-pack kits requiring assembly. The complexity varies significantly—some plastic cubbies can be assembled by one person in an hour, while large timber structures might take a full weekend and multiple helpers.
Be honest about your DIY skills and available time. Poorly assembled cubbies can be dangerous, so if you're not confident, investing in professional installation is worthwhile. Many retailers offer assembly services, and there are specialists who specifically install outdoor play equipment.
Site Preparation
Proper site preparation is essential for safety and longevity. The ground should be level—use a spirit level to check. Unlevel surfaces cause structural stress and can make elevated platforms unsafe.
For permanent installations, consider whether you need council approval. In most Australian states, cubby houses under a certain size don't require permits, but rules vary. Check with your local council, especially for larger or elevated structures.
⚠️ Council Regulations
Generally, cubby houses under 10m² floor area and under 2.4m high don't require council approval in most Australian states. However, setback requirements from boundaries still apply. Always check your specific council's regulations before purchasing a large structure.
Budget Considerations
Cubby house prices in Australia range from under $50 for simple fabric tents to over $5,000 for premium timber structures with all the bells and whistles. Here's a rough guide to what you can expect at different price points:
Under $100: Fabric tents, pop-up cubbies, basic indoor options.
$100-$300: Small plastic cubbies, quality fabric options, basic outdoor playhouses.
$300-$700: Mid-range plastic cubbies, simple timber cubbies, cubbies with basic features.
$700-$1,500: Quality timber cubbies, plastic cubbies with features, small elevated options.
$1,500-$3,000: Premium timber cubbies, elevated structures with slides, multi-feature designs.
$3,000+: Luxury timber structures, elaborate play centres, custom-built options.
Remember to factor in additional costs such as delivery, assembly, soft-fall surfacing, and any site preparation needed.
Making the Final Decision
With all this information in hand, how do you actually choose? We recommend following this process:
- Measure your space and determine your maximum footprint
- Set a realistic budget including delivery and installation
- Consider your children's ages and how long they'll use the cubby
- Decide on material type based on your maintenance willingness
- Identify must-have features versus nice-to-haves
- Research specific products within your criteria
- Read reviews from other Australian families
- Consider longevity—will it grow with your children?
Ready to Explore?
A cubby house is more than just play equipment—it's an investment in your children's development, creativity, and outdoor time. Whether you choose a simple plastic cottage for your toddler or an elaborate timber treehouse for your school-age adventurers, the memories created will be priceless.
Take your time with this decision. Visit display centres if possible, involve your children in the selection process, and don't be swayed by features you don't need. The perfect cubby house for your family is one that fits your space, your budget, and your children's play needs.