Choosing the Right Size Cubby

How to Choose the Right Size Cubby House for Your Backyard

One of the most common questions parents ask when shopping for a cubby house is: "What size should I get?" It's an important decision that affects how much your children will use and enjoy their playhouse, how it fits in your yard, and your budget.

This comprehensive guide helps you determine the perfect size timber cubby house for your family's needs.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right size cubby house impacts several important factors:

• Play Value: Too small and children outgrow it quickly; too large and younger kids may feel overwhelmed
• Yard Integration: Cubby should complement your outdoor space, not dominate it
• Budget: Larger cubbies cost more initially and require more paint/maintenance
• Assembly: Bigger structures take longer to build and may need more help
• Longevity: Right size ensures years of use as children grow
• Multiple Children: More kids need more space to play together

Understanding Cubby House Size Categories

We categorize kids cubby houses into three main size ranges:

Small Cubby Houses (Under 2m x 2m footprint)

• Interior space: Cozy, suitable for 1-2 children at once
• Height: Usually 1.5m-1.8m peak height
• Features: Ground-level or low platform, simple design
• Yard space needed: Minimum 4m x 4m including clearance
• Assembly time: 3-4 hours

Medium Cubby Houses (2m x 2m to 3m x 3m footprint)

• Interior space: Comfortable for 2-3 children simultaneously
• Height: 1.8m-2.2m peak height, elevated platforms 600-900mm
• Features: Elevated design, slides, sandpit space, room for accessories
• Yard space needed: Minimum 6m x 6m including clearance
• Assembly time: 4-6 hours

Large Cubby Houses (Over 3m x 3m footprint)

• Interior space: Spacious for 3-4+ children, room for play furniture
• Height: 2.2m-2.6m+ peak height, may have multiple levels
• Features: Multi-level platforms, extensive decking, room for multiple add-ons
• Yard space needed: Minimum 6m x 6m including clearance
• Assembly time: 6-8+ hours

Factor 1: Your Children's Ages

Current and future ages of your children significantly influence the right size choice.

Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

• Best fit: Small to medium cubby houses
• Why: Easier for them to navigate, less overwhelming, appropriate scale
• Features needed: Ground-level or low platform, simple access, cozy spaces
• Examples: Arlo, Herbie, Millie

Primary Ages (Ages 5-8)

• Best fit: Medium to large cubby houses
• Why: More active play, friends visiting, growing rapidly
• Features needed: Elevated platforms, slides, room for accessories
• Examples: Millie, Charlie, Oscar, Marlie

Older Children (Ages 6-12)

• Best fit: Large cubby houses or fort-style designs
• Why: Need substantial space, enjoy challenges, social play with friends
• Features needed: Multiple levels, climbing features, "hangout" space
• Examples: Frankie Grand, Billie Grand, Newport

Factor 2: Number of Children

How many children will regularly use the cubby?

One Child

• Small to medium cubby usually sufficient
• Consider if friends will visit regularly
• Cozy spaces can be perfect for solo imaginative play
• Budget may allow for more features in smaller footprint

Two Children

• Medium cubby generally ideal
• Consider age gap - larger gap may need bigger cubby
• Need enough space for both to play without conflict
• Separate areas (inside cubby, outside pergola) can reduce arguments

Three or More Children

• Large cubby recommended
• Multiple play zones important
• Consider multi-activity designs, such as forts and swing sets
• Spacious interior allows different activities simultaneously

Frequent Playdates

• Add 1-2 children to your count
• Choose next size up from what seems sufficient
• Overcrowding leads to conflicts and less cubby use

Factor 3: Available Yard Space

Your backyard size is a practical limiting factor.

Measuring Your Space:

1. Identify potential cubby locations
2. Measure the area accurately
3. Remember to include 2m safety clearance on all sides
4. Account for slide landing zones (additional 2m)
5. Consider future yard plans (pool, patio, garden beds)

Small Yards (Under 50m²)

• Small cubby houses are best choice
• Consider ground-level designs to maximize usable space
• Vertical features (loft style) maximize limited footprint
• May need to sacrifice some features for size constraints

Medium Yards (50-150m²)

• Can accommodate medium cubby comfortably
• Most versatile size range
• Room for cubby plus other yard activities
• Can include most desired features

Large Yards (Over 150m²)

• Any size cubby will fit
• Can choose based entirely on needs, not space
• Large cubbies won't overwhelm the space
• Room for extensive add-ons and surrounding features

Factor 4: Budget Considerations

Size directly impacts cost in several ways:

Initial Purchase Price

• Small cubbies: $400-$900
• Medium cubbies: $900-$1,500
• Large cubbies: $1,500-$2,500+

Painting Costs

• Small: $150-$250 in paint supplies
• Medium: $250-$400 in paint supplies
• Large: $400-$600+ in paint supplies

Foundation Costs

• Small: $100-$200 (sleepers)
• Medium: $200-$350 (sleepers)
• Large: $350-$600 (sleepers)

Ongoing Maintenance

• Larger cubbies require more paint for touch-ups
• More surface area to clean and maintain
• More fasteners to check and tighten
• Consider 5-10 year total ownership cost, not just purchase

Factor 5: Desired Features

Some features require certain minimum sizes to work well.

Features That Need Space:

• Slides: Require elevated platform (medium+ size)
• Multiple Levels: Only available in medium-large cubbies, forts and swing sets
• Interior Play Furniture: Needs medium+ for comfortable use
• Sandpit Underneath: Requires elevated design
• Pergola/Carport Add-ons: Need medium-large base cubby
• Multiple Access Points: Medium-large cubbies have room

Feature Priority Exercise:

1. List must-have features
2. Identify which size category supports them
3. Compare against your space and budget
4. Find the sweet spot that balances all factors

Factor 6: Future Planning

Think about your family's evolution over the cubby's lifespan.

Growing Family Considerations:

• Planning more children? Factor them into size decision
• Babies become toddlers who'll use the cubby in 2-3 years
• Larger cubby may seem excessive now but perfect in a few years

Yard Development Plans:

• Planning pool, patio, or major landscaping?
• Consider how cubby fits into long-term yard vision
• Smaller cubbies easier to relocate if yard plans change
• Larger cubbies more permanent commitment

Resale Value:

• Medium cubbies have broadest appeal for resale
• Well-maintained large cubbies command premium prices
• Small cubbies may be harder to sell to families with older children

Size Comparison: Real Examples

Let's compare specific models to make size differences concrete:

Small: Arlo Cubby House

• Footprint: Approximately 1.0m x 1.2m
• Best for: 1-2 toddlers/preschoolers, very small yards
• Features: Ground-level, simple cottage design, cozy interior
• Play style: Quiet imaginative play, tea parties, reading nook
• Lifespan: Typically enjoyed ages 2-6

Medium: Millie Cubby House

• Footprint: Approximately 2.0m x 1.5m
• Best for: 2-3 children ages 3-8, average backyards
• Features: Good interior room, cottage style
• Play style: Active play, hideout, imaginative games
• Lifespan: Typically enjoyed ages 3-10

Large: Frankie Grand Cubby House

• Footprint: Approximately 2.1m x 1.6m
• Best for: 3-4+ children, larger yards, ages 4-12
• Features: Spacious interior, room for multiple add-ons
• Play style: Complex games, friend groups, hangout space, adventure play
• Lifespan: Typically enjoyed ages 4-12+

The "Goldilocks" Principle

Finding the size that's "just right" involves balancing multiple factors:

Too Small Indicators:

• Children bump into each other constantly
• Can't accommodate friends visiting
• Limited play activities possible
• Children outgrow within 2-3 years
• Conflicts over space and "whose turn"

Too Large Indicators:

• Dominates backyard, leaving no room for other activities
• Young children feel overwhelmed or lost inside
• Higher maintenance burden than family can manage
• Budget stretched uncomfortably
• Cubby feels empty most of the time

Just Right Indicators:

• Room for children to play together without crowding
• Fits in yard with space for other activities
• Budget allows for quality paint and maintenance
• Will suit children for 5+ years
• Feels substantial but not overwhelming
• Leaves room for 1-2 add-ons if desired

Common Size Selection Scenarios

Scenario 1: "One 4-year-old, medium yard, moderate budget"

• Recommendation: Medium cubby (like Millie or Charlie)
• Reasoning: Room to grow, accommodates playdates, won't dominate yard, good feature set
• Alternative: Small if budget is tight, but may regret in 2-3 years

Scenario 2: "Three kids ages 3, 6, 9, large yard, flexible budget"

• Recommendation: Large cubby (like Frankie Grand or Marlie, Kidzshack or Newport)
• Reasoning: Space for all three, various age-appropriate features, will last through teen years
• Alternative: Large fort-style for maximum play value across age ranges

Scenario 3: "Two toddlers, small yard, tight budget"

• Recommendation: Small cubby (like Arlo or Herbie)
• Reasoning: Appropriate scale for toddlers, fits yard, affordable, can upgrade later
• Alternative: Wait 1-2 years and buy medium size when children older

Scenario 4: "Two kids ages 5 and 7, medium yard, want maximum longevity"

• Recommendation: Large cubby if budget allows, otherwise top-end medium
• Reasoning: Children at perfect age for cubby use, larger size extends usefulness into pre-teen years
• Alternative: Medium with good add-on options to expand features

The "When in Doubt, Size Up" Rule

If you're genuinely torn between two sizes and other factors are equal, we generally recommend choosing the larger option because:

• Children grow faster than expected
• Larger cubbies retain value longer
• More space = fewer conflicts during play
• Room for future add-ons
• Accommodates friends and social play
• Higher initial cost spread over longer useful life

However, DON'T size up if:

• Yard genuinely can't accommodate larger size safely
• Budget would be stretched to breaking point
• Maintenance requirements exceed your capacity
• Current children are already approaching upper age range

Space Planning Exercise

Before making final decision, do this practical exercise:

1. Mark the Space: Use stakes and string to mark exact cubby footprint in your yard
2. Add Clearance: Mark 2m clearance on all sides (different color string)
3. Mark Slide Zone: If including slide, mark 2m landing area
4. Live With It: Leave markers up for a few days
5. Observe: Watch how it affects:
   • Movement through yard
   • View from house
   • Available space for other activities
   • Visual balance of yard
6. Adjust: Try different sizes or locations if first choice feels wrong

Making Your Final Decision

Use this decision framework to finalize your choice:

Step 1: Determine Constraints

• Maximum budget (total project cost)
• Maximum yard space available
• Current children's ages

Step 2: Identify Priorities

• Must-have features
• Desired longevity
• Number of children who'll use it

Step 3: List Suitable Options

• Which cubbies meet constraints AND priorities?
• Usually narrows to 2-3 models

Step 4: Compare Finalists

• Create comparison chart of features, sizes, costs
• Read reviews if available
• Visualize each in your yard

Step 5: Trust Your Instinct

• Which option excites you most?
• Which do you envision children using most?
• Which fits your family's lifestyle?

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my children are very different ages?
Choose size based on youngest child's needs but ensure features appeal to oldest. Multi-level cubbies work well for age gaps as different areas suit different ages. Generally, size up one category from what youngest needs.

Can I add on to make a small cubby bigger later?
Limited expansion options with most cubbies. Pergolas and carports add play space without changing interior. Better to buy right size initially than try to expand later. Some families buy second cubby and connect with deck.

Is bigger always better?
No. Small cubbies can be perfect for right situation (young children, small yard, limited budget). Bigger cubbies require more maintenance, more paint, longer assembly. Choose size that matches your situation.

What size do most families choose?
Cubbies like Millie, Frankie Grand, Marlie and Billie Grandare most popular. They balance size, features, cost, and longevity well for average families. Suit typical backyards and 2-3 children.

My children are 8 and 10 - is it too late for a cubby?
Not too late if you choose right style! Large cubbies or fort designs appeal to this age. They become hangout spaces, reading nooks, or creative play areas. May get 3-4 years of good use, which can still be worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size cubby house involves balancing multiple factors - there's no single "right" answer for every family. The perfect size for you depends on your unique combination of yard space, children's ages, budget, and priorities.

Take time to consider all factors, do the space planning exercise, and visualize your children using the cubby. The effort you invest in making the right size choice pays off in years of happy play and backyard memories!