Would you prefer a tree house or climbing frame system?

It’s a common question “Do I want a tree house or do I want a climbing frame system?” The two types of structures are quite different and here we help you decide what’s best for you, your family and your children.

But, before we begin looking at the differences between the two, let’s look at something, or, more specifically, someone who is central to your decision – your children.

What is it that you want your children to do outside? Do you want to create somewhere to play that provides them with their own ‘mini home’ where they can hide away in their own space or do you want to provide them with some exercise, something to do (or a lot to do), something that will be an outlet for their boundless energy, enthusiasm and excitement?

If it’s to create a place to play, a mini home then a tree house may be for you but if it’s something to use up all that boundless energy a climbing frame system may be best. We outline the pros and cons of each type here for you:

Climbing Frame Systems

Action stations! – Climb, hang, swing, crawl. Whatever your children like doing you can be sure that they’ll be using that boundless energy time and again, for years to come.

Variety is the spice of life – choose from a wide range of options, including spiral slides, swings, cargo climbing nets, rock walls, monkey bars, fireman’s poles and so much more. A climbing frame can be custom designed to suit your children, to include many of their very favourite activities.

Pounds for Play – Most climbing frames are manufactured in large numbers and this keeps the cost lower than that of a treehouse. With less custom work required to build they are more affordable and, if you choose the right ones, will last all the way through their childhood, and even into your grandchildren’s!

Outside is inside – Still want that hideaway for your children? Well you can have the best of both worlds with a playhouse built high on a climbing frame system platform (or even one below) , complete with windows, doors and even a trap door!

Tree houses

For many of us, a treehouse is something we’ve probably seen on television or in luxury magazines. A large tree with a wonderful treehouse built into it, complete with some fairy-tale styling? A beautiful little home for your children to have their own private space, an area just for them which will encourage imaginative play. It sounds perfect doesn’t it? And indeed it can be, but before you get a little carried away with this dream it’s worth bearing in mind these potential hurdles.

Do you have a tremendous tree? – Very few trees have a shape suitable for a treehouse. If you turn your hand ‘palm up’ and then curl your fingers up too, this is the type of space you will need for your ideal treehouse. If your tree have a large, thick central trunk, this would take up a lot of space in the middle of a treehouse if you built it around this.

Don’t touch your tree! – Do your trees have a Tree Protection Order? These are more common than you might think and can stop you building a treehouse or at the very least stop you attaching anything directly to the tree. Typically, in such circumstances, platforms are built around the tree without touching it directly.

As high as tree house – The ‘deal breaker’ for many people is cost. A high quality treehouse will be custom built from high quality materials and this means it will be a labour intensive process. Costly – but the best is never cheap! How much? You’re , typically looking at £10,000+.

Space Out– Ultimately, and probably the second most common reason people do not choose a tree house is this: a tree house is just another indoor space in your home. It is, of course, a lovely space and one situated in the branches of a tree but nevertheless, it is a just a space to play albeit imaginatively.

So there you have it – a quick run down on the differences between climbing frames and tree houses. Now all that’s left is to make a decision. . . .