Playhouses are extremely popular among children of all ages. Types of playhouse construction include plastic playhouses, wooden playhouses, and doll playhouses. Playhouses allow for imaginative play among children by encouraging them to pretend. Through playing with playhouses, children learn to work together and imitate real-life situations. Toy stores, outdoor stores, and specialty stores all sell playhouses. Playhouses for children come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Some woodworkers build customized playhouses for children.

Many childcare centers and babysitters use playhouses in their business. There are several options for choosing a playhouse for your child-based business. When considering which type of playhouse is best for your business consider the following playhouses basics:

1. Children's playhouses are for outdoor and indoor use.

2. Manufacturers create playhouses to fit both children and dolls.

3. Playhouses help children understand and solve real-life situations.

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Consider a plastic playhouse if you need a portable playhouse

Thick plastic playhouses are the most common type of playhouse sold at chain toy stores. These are the most portable playhouses for children to play within; plastic playhouses usually have open-and-close windows and doors. Owners may keep the playhouse indoors or outside. They are weatherproof, but their color does fade after extended time outdoors. This type of playhouse is best for childcare centers that have limited outdoor room. These playhouses are less permanent than wooden playhouse.

I recommend: Discover the best plastic playhouses from Toddler Educational Toys. Read more playhouse reviews and ratings from Gal Tech.

Choose wooden playhouses for more permanent outdoor playhouse locations

Woodcrafters build and customize wooden playhouses, painting them in many colors and giving them designs to resemble a real house. Some are even considered luxury playhouses. These custom playhouses are heavier than plastic playhouses. They work best for preschools and childcare centers that own a permanent location. Child-size wooden playhouses are for outdoor use. Many businesses that sell outdoor storage buildings and gazebos also sell wooden playhouses.

I recommend: Gain some playhouse ideas from Family Businesses. Read an article from Enzine about childhood playhouses.

Use small doll playhouses for creative indoor play

Many childcare centers make use of a small dollhouse. Children can use imaginative doll play with these houses. Most doll playhouses are similar to a real house. They have room divisions including small kitchens, bedrooms, bathroom, and living rooms. Purchase small furniture to decorate the doll playhouse.

I recommend: Read an article about dollhouse scale from Green Leaf Dollhouses. Discover adjustable dollhouses by the reading the description from Cookie Magazine.

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• •  Childcare centers that rent or lease a location may wish to choose a plastic playhouse, as the business can take it along if there is a change of location.

Whether it's a dollhouse or a castle for slaying dragons, a nice addition to your child care facility will be to add a playhouse of some sort. Keeping the children happily playing and entertained can lessen the load for you as caregiver. Think of it as a business investment and not buying just another toy.

But with so many custom playhouses to choose from, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. Make sure you work with a reputable company that you feel comfortable with. Since the purchase will be a large one, receive a price quote that includes all the little details before committing to an order.

When purchasing a playhouse, take these factors into consideration:

1. Playhouse design: What size and shape will best fit your needs?

2. Style: What kind of architecture and materials will make up the playhouse? You can choose from wooden playhouses, plastic playhouses or others.

3. Features: Some luxury playhouses offer the inclusion of a porch or deck. What features are necessary?

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Look for options in children's playhouses

When it comes to playhouses the choices are wide open, from building your own, assembling one from a kit or using a design specialist to customize one. It may be best to determine your needs and budget before delving too far into the process. That way you can narrow down exactly what you're looking for.

I recommend: Lowe's offers playhouse kits and a number of other options. From a princess cottage to a cotton candy manor, browse the selection of luxury playhouses from Posh Tots.

Design a custom playhouse

Get exactly what you want and need, down to the trim color, when you create your own playhouse design. A number of companies offer this option for those who want complete control over what their playhouse will look like. Why not ask the kids exactly what they'd like to see in their playhouse? Then you can incorporate those items into the design.

I recommend: For a custom wood playhouse, consider CedarWorks. Kids Crooked House offers a built-to-order playhouse. You can pick different styles and body and trim colors.

Find portable playhouse accessories

Just because the playhouse is designed for little people, don't feel like you have to skimp on all the details. Fill the inside with fun play items such as special toys and art projects. You can also add special features to the outside such as extra windows, a porch, light fixtures and others.

I recommend: Find the extra building supplies you'll need to put the finishing touches on a playhouse from The Betty Mills Company. From table and chair sets to rocking chairs and toy boxes, find everything to fill up a playhouse at PlayHouses.com.

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• •  Plastic playhouses can be just as much fun and are easy to put together yourself. Plastic makes for a portable playhouse and is also durable in harsh weather conditions.

Playhouses construction education and training helps you feel confident and successful when you see the finished product and happy children. Such playhouses provide a special play area for children in day-care centers and schools. The best education and training available is guidance and experience. Building a playhouse may try your patience and skill, but can be rewarding no matter which avenue or format you pursue to construct a playhouse.

First, make an honest assessment of the construction skills of your employees at the day-care center or school, so you choose the best playhouse design. Kids playhouses are available through playhouse contractors, original design, and kits and ready to assemble. When you decide which child's playhouse to construct, consider the following information:

1. Choose an appropriate area for the child's playhouse.

2. Decide what playhouse design you want based on how much construction you want to do.

3. Visit trade shows or home shows to educate yourself on playhouse design.

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Gain instruction on planning and preparing the area for a child's playhouse

Before you begin construction, research and determine the best location for the playhouse. Once you decide on location, decide what type of surface you want underneath the playhouse and begin preparation. Safety is a top priority, especially with children, so find child-friendly materials for surface, equipment and hardware.

I recommend: Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls has instructions for playhouse layout, ground preparation and more. B4UBuild.com provides useful information on prepping an area and safety concerns to consider before construction, plus it offers links to a plethora of resources.

Buy supplies for children's playhouses that contain instructions

Many options exist depending on what type of playhouse you want for your business. Options include: an outdoor playhouse, an indoor playhouse, a portable playhouse, a basic playhouse, luxury playhouses or ones that resemble a dollhouse. Whether you order plans, a kit or prefabricated playhouse, read the directions and follow recommendations. Playhouse kits generally come with detailed instructions, necessary equipment and require minimum construction experience. Playhouse plans, especially custom playhouses, are often more intricate with construction experience needed, and you purchase playhouse items separately.

I recommend: For wooden playhouses with different options for assembly, see Practical Folly Playhouses. For plans for differing playhouse design, see FreeWW.com.

Try trade shows or home shows for custom playhouses

Educate yourself on the possibilities of playhouse design through trade shows or home shows. Trade shows for construction or toys often have a section devoted to playhouses and you can discuss your needs and the construction skills of your staff. Home shows often offer exhibits on playhouses for younger visitors.

I recommend: The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association has a trade show which has a "playhouses on parade" section showcasing different designs. The Augusta Home and Garden Show has a section showcasing custom kids playhouses.

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• •  When constructing a playhouse for your day-care or school, investigate to see whether any state or local ordinances exist regarding building construction.