Your kids are bouncing off the walls about getting a cubby house, but you're stuck on one big question: should it be up in the air or firmly planted on the ground? Both elevated and ground level cubby houses have their place in Australian backyards, and the right choice depends on your family's specific needs, space, and - let's be honest - your comfort level with little ones climbing up high.
THE BASICS
What Makes a Cubby House Elevated?
An elevated cubby house sits raised off the ground on a platform or deck, typically 1-1.5 metres high. Think of it as a treehouse without the tree. Kids access it via stairs, a ladder, or climbing features, and many come with slides for a quick exit.
Ground level cubby houses, on the other hand, sit directly on your lawn or a prepared base. No climbing required - kids simply walk through the front door.
The Charlie Cubby House is a perfect example of elevated design, featuring a raised platform with stairs and slide access. Meanwhile, the Frankie Grand Cubby House showcases ground level appeal with its spacious cottage-style layout.
QUICK COMPARISON
- Elevated: Better views, more play features, smaller footprint
- Ground level: Easier access, safer for toddlers, more interior space
- Both styles: Made from quality timber, require painting
ELEVATED ADVANTAGES
Why Raised Cubby Houses Win Hearts
The Adventure Factor
Let's start with the obvious: elevated cubby houses are simply more exciting. There's something magical about climbing up to your own special space that's literally above the everyday world. Kids love the sense of achievement that comes with scaling those stairs or climbing wall.
The height adds an element of adventure that ground level cubby houses can't match. Your kids aren't just playing house - they're conquering their castle, manning their fort, or escaping to their secret hideout.
Built-in Play Features
Most elevated cubby houses come loaded with extras. Slides are the big drawcard - what kid doesn't love a quick escape route? But you'll also find climbing walls, rope features, and sometimes even swings attached to the structure.
The Marlie Cubby House takes this to the extreme with its 2.2m wavy slide, large climbing wall, and built-in sandpit. It's basically a mini adventure playground in one package.
Space Efficiency
Here's where elevated designs really shine in smaller backyards. By going up instead of out, you create play space without eating up precious lawn area. The space underneath becomes bonus storage or even additional play area - many families set up sandpits, outdoor kitchens, or simply use it as shade on hot days.
Better Drainage and Longevity
Raised off the ground means better airflow underneath, which helps prevent moisture buildup and extends the life of your timber. No sitting in puddles after rain, no contact with wet grass, and less chance of pest issues.
GROUND LEVEL BENEFITS
The Case for Keeping It Simple
Toddler-Friendly Access
If you've got little ones under 4, ground level cubby houses make much more sense. No stairs to tumble down, no heights to worry about, just walk-in-walk-out simplicity. Your 2-year-old can play independently while you watch from the kitchen window without heart palpitations.
More Interior Space
Without the need for structural support underneath, ground level cubby houses can offer more generous interior dimensions. The Newport Cubby House exemplifies this with its spacious Hamptons-style design and elegant arched windows.
More space means room for furniture, tea party setups, reading nooks, or whatever your kids' imaginations conjure up. It's the difference between a cozy hideout and a proper play room.
Lower Installation Complexity
Ground level means simpler assembly and less precise leveling requirements. You're not dealing with platform supports, railing safety, or ensuring stairs are perfectly aligned. For DIY-hesitant parents, this can be a significant advantage.
Better for Group Play
When the neighbourhood kids come over, ground level cubby houses handle crowds better. Multiple entry/exit points, no bottlenecks on stairs, and room for everyone to spread out comfortably.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Height vs Accessibility: The Safety Balance
Both styles are manufactured to Australian safety standards (AS/NZS ISO 8124), but they present different safety considerations for parents to weigh up.
Elevated Safety Features
Modern elevated cubby houses include safety rails, non-slip stairs, and climbing grips. The height itself isn't inherently dangerous when proper safety features are in place. However, you'll need to consider:
- Age-appropriate supervision levels
- Clear landing zones around slides and stairs
- Regular safety checks of railings and climbing features
- Teaching kids proper climbing and sliding techniques
Ground Level Considerations
Ground level doesn't mean zero safety considerations. You'll still want to ensure proper drainage, level installation, and secure assembly. The main advantage is eliminating fall risks from height.
"The safest cubby house is the one that matches your child's developmental stage and your family's comfort level with supervised play."
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Measuring Up Your Backyard
Elevated Footprint Planning
Don't just measure the cubby house base - factor in slide landing zones (typically 2 metres clear), stair access space, and safe zones around climbing features. The Oscar Cubby House, for example, needs extra space for its slide extension and climbing wall.
Ground Level Space Needs
Ground level cubby houses need more base area but less total backyard space. Consider door swing clearances and whether you want decking or verandah areas extending the play space.
Planning Tip: Use chalk or rope to mark out the full footprint (including slides and stairs) before ordering. This helps you visualise how the cubby house will fit with existing features like pools, trampolines, or garden beds.
COST COMPARISON
Budget Reality Check
Elevated cubby houses typically cost more due to additional structural requirements and included play features. A basic elevated design like the Charlie starts around $1,359, while comprehensive setups like the Marlie reach $1,999.
Ground level options can be more budget-friendly initially, though you might find yourself adding separate play equipment later. The key is comparing total play value, not just upfront costs.
Remember, with Afterpay, Zip, and our flexible lay-by option, you can spread the investment over time regardless of which style you choose.
MAKING THE DECISION
Which Style Suits Your Family?
Choose Elevated If:
- Your kids are 3+ and love climbing adventures
- You have limited backyard space but want maximum play features
- Slides and climbing walls excite rather than worry you
- You're happy with active supervision during play
Choose Ground Level If:
- You have toddlers who need independent access
- Interior play space is more important than adventure features
- You prefer simpler installation and maintenance
- Multiple children will play together regularly
Still Unsure?
Consider visiting our full cubby house range to see detailed specifications and customer photos. Our cubby house buying guide also covers additional factors like timber types, painting requirements, and seasonal considerations.
The choice between elevated and ground level isn't about right or wrong - it's about matching the cubby house to your family's current needs and play style. Either way, you're creating a space where childhood memories are made and imaginations run wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for an elevated cubby house?
Most elevated cubby houses are suitable for children 3 years and older, though this depends on your child's climbing confidence and coordination. Always supervise younger children and ensure they understand safe climbing and sliding practices.
Do elevated cubby houses need more maintenance than ground level ones?
Elevated cubby houses actually require less maintenance due to better airflow and drainage. However, you'll need to regularly check safety features like railings, stairs, and climbing grips as part of routine safety maintenance.
Can I add a slide to a ground level cubby house later?
While some modifications are possible, slides work best when integrated into the original elevated design. Check our cubby house add-ons for compatible accessories that can enhance ground level cubby houses.
How much clearance space do I need around an elevated cubby house?
Plan for at least 2 metres clear space around slides and climbing features, plus adequate clearance for stairs (usually 60cm extension). Always check the specific dimensions for your chosen model before installation.
Are elevated cubby houses harder to assemble than ground level ones?
Elevated designs require more precise leveling and alignment, particularly for platform supports and stairs. However, all our cubby houses come with detailed instructions and pre-fabricated panels to simplify assembly regardless of style.