How Much Does it Cost to Build a Playhouse?

Every kid dreams of having a backyard playhouse. The perfect spot for kids to explore their imaginations, a playhouse provides hours upon hours of fun and entertainment. Better yet, from a kid’s perspective, is that most adults can’t fit inside.

Playhouses come in all sorts of designs, from basic to extravagant. You can opt for a Playhouse with very few frills or a mock mansion complete with running water and electricity. There are little log cabins, Victorians, castles, windmills, pirate ships - you name it.

Types of Playhouses

There are three basic options when it comes to building a playhouse: Build it yourself from scratch, buy a prefabricated model or hire a contractor to do a custom build. Prefabricated playhouses are typically the least expensive and the fastest to put up.

With DIY or a custom-built playhouses, the possibilities are almost endless. You could build a two-story, 1,000-square-foot treehouse that would be the envy of kids across town. Of course, the price tag for a project like that could rival the cost of a real home.

These days, prefabricated playhouses come in myriad styles and designs, too (including all of those mentioned above.) They come in a variety of sizes, some of the most popular being 8X10, 6X9 and 8X9. That’s enough space for children to move about comfortably, but not so large that the playhouse becomes an eyesore in your backyard. Most require some assembly.

As with real homes, playhouses can be constructed using a variety of materials, including wood, composite, vinyl and aluminum.

Keep in mind that some states require any structure of a certain size to have a foundation. In California, for example, that size is 8X8. Other states have no such restrictions. Be sure to check with local officials on the rules before having a playhouse built or delivered.

Cost to Build a Playhouse

Prefabricated wooden playhouses typically cost anywhere from $1,000-$5,000, while custom-built playhouses range from about $3,000 to upwards of $100,000.

• A very basic 5X5 prefab cedar playhouse might cost $1,000-$1,500, not including delivery or assembly.
• A larger 8X9 prefab cedar playhouse with features such as functional windows and doors, a porch and planter boxes might cost $3,000 to $3,500.
• An 8X10 Victorian playhouse kit with a door and two windows might cost $2,000-$2,500. That does not including finishing options such as the floor kit, shingles and paint, which could add $500 or more. Upgrades such as a deck, a loft and extra windows also add to the price.
• An 8X10 log cabin with a porch, door, windows, flower boxes and interior details such as a mock kitchen might cost $3,700 to $4,200.

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