Frequently Asked Questions

Our cubby houses are made from quality timber that is not chemically treated — a deliberate choice for children's safety. We avoid chemical preservatives and pressure treatments. To protect the timber, we recommend painting with a quality exterior water-based paint. We have a trade account with Dulux, so we can point you toward the right products and colours for your cubby. See our Painting, Install & Maintenance guide for full details.

Yes — painting your cubby house is essential for protecting the timber in Australian conditions. Our cubby houses arrive unfinished, ready for you to paint in whatever colour suits your backyard — which means you can fully customise the look and repaint as tastes change over the years. We recommend a quality exterior water-based paint. We have a Dulux trade account and can recommend specific products and colours to suit your build. Check out our full maintenance guide for step-by-step instructions.

Assembly time varies by model — most of our cubby houses take anywhere from 1 to a few hours for a couple of adults working together. All our cubby houses are designed for DIY assembly and come with clear step-by-step instructions. No special tools or trade skills required. Many families make a weekend morning of it! Check the individual product page for the estimated assembly time for your chosen model.

This depends on your available space and how many kids will be using it. As a general guide, allow at least 2m clearance around the structure for safe play and maintenance access. Ground cubby houses also need a level base to sit on. We'd recommend measuring your backyard carefully and comparing against the dimensions listed on each product page at hideandseekkids.com.au. If you're unsure, our team is happy to help — contact us.

In most Australian states, residential cubby houses under 10m² don't require a development application or building permit — but this varies by council and state. We always recommend checking with your local council before installation to confirm the rules in your area, particularly around boundary setbacks and maximum height. Better to check first than be surprised later.

Our cubby houses are designed for children aged 3 and up. Toddlers under 3 should always have adult supervision, particularly around any elevated platforms, ladders, or stairs. All our products are designed with children's safety in mind and use non-toxic, non-chemically-treated timber. Each product page lists the recommended age range. If you have a very young child, our ground-level cubby houses are a great starting point.

Ground cubby houses sit directly on a base at ground level — they're the classic house-shaped playhouse with a door, windows, and usually a verandah. They need a timber base or sleepers to sit on (not soil or grass directly). Forts are elevated on legs, giving kids that treehouse feeling without needing a tree. Forts typically include a ladder or stairs and are great for smaller backyards as play can happen both underneath and on the platform. Browse both ranges at our cubby house collection.

Ground cubby houses need a solid, level timber base to keep the structure off the ground and away from moisture. The base must be a complete level platform — not just a perimeter frame. Timber sleepers or decking boards laid flat and flush create the right foundation. Avoid pavers, bricks, pallets, rocks, or mulch — these shift over time, hold moisture, and won't give you the flat, stable surface the cubby needs. The base must be perfectly level and square before assembly begins; even a small amount of unevenness will cause panels not to align and doors not to close properly. See our installation guide for full details.

Absolutely. Many families start with the core structure and add accessories as their kids grow and their budget allows. We offer a range of cubby house add-ons including slides, climbing ropes, sandpits, and more. It's a great way to keep the cubby feeling fresh and exciting for older kids too.

Annual maintenance keeps your cubby looking great and structurally sound. Check and tighten all bolts and screws (especially after winter), inspect for any timber that needs touching up, and reapply paint to worn areas — particularly high-traffic spots like stairs and decking. We recommend Dulux exterior paints and can advise on the right products via our trade account. Keep drainage clear around the base. Full maintenance schedules and product recommendations are in our Painting, Install & Maintenance guide.

With proper painting and annual maintenance, a quality timber cubby house can easily last 15–20 years — long enough to be enjoyed by multiple kids, and in some cases passed on to grandchildren. The biggest factor in longevity is keeping the timber sealed and protected from Australian weather. Neglected cubby houses deteriorate; well-maintained ones age beautifully.

Our cubby house range starts from $349 and goes up to $1,999, covering everything from compact starter designs to large multi-level forts. All prices are listed on the product pages at hideandseekkids.com.au. We also offer lay-by — see our lay-by terms for details.

Most of our swing sets and forts are designed for children aged 3 and up, with adult supervision recommended for younger children. Each product page lists the recommended age range. We have designs suited to toddlers right through to older primary school kids — check the individual product for details.

Yes — for safety, swing sets should be anchored securely. Our installation instructions include anchoring guidance. The ground underneath should be level, and we recommend a soft fall surface like bark, rubber matting, or sand beneath the swing area to cushion any falls. Full installation guidance is included with every product and in our maintenance guide.

No — our cubby houses, forts, and swing sets are separate structures and cannot be joined or attached to each other. This is a deliberate structural decision: attaching swings to a cubby house creates dangerous leverage forces that the cubby structure is not designed to handle. We explain the full reasoning in our blog post: Why We Don't Attach Swings to Cubby Houses. The good news is that a cubby and a separate swing set side-by-side creates a fantastic backyard play zone — and both can be positioned to suit your space.

As a general rule, allow the height of the swing set as a clearance zone in front of and behind the swings. Check the exact footprint dimensions listed on each product page at hideandseekkids.com.au — these include the minimum safe clearance zone recommended for each model.

Yes — like our cubby houses, swing sets and forts should be painted or oiled to protect the timber from Australian weather. Annual checks on hardware (bolts, chains, swing seats, and connectors) are also important for ongoing safety. Replace any worn or rusted hardware before the next play season. Our maintenance guide covers swing sets specifically.

Assembly time depends on the model — simpler swing frames can be done in an hour, while larger fort and swing combos may take a few hours with two adults. All products include step-by-step instructions for DIY assembly. Check the individual product page for the estimated build time.

Yes — swing seats and accessories can be replaced over time. We stock swing set accessories and spare parts. If you need a specific part and can't find it, contact our team and we'll help you source what you need.

Mud kitchens are fantastic for kids from around 18 months upward — they're one of the best open-ended outdoor play tools for toddlers and preschoolers. The sensory play and imaginative cooking scenarios keep kids engaged for hours. Our mud kitchen range suits children up to around 8–10 years. Younger kids need supervision around water and soil.

Yes — because mud kitchens are used with water and mud regularly, painting the timber is particularly important. Apply a quality exterior water-based paint before first use, and touch up annually. Pay special attention to the benchtop and sink area where water exposure is highest. We recommend Dulux exterior paints — we have a trade account and can point you to the right products. See our care guide for more.

Our mud kitchens are primarily designed for outdoor use but can absolutely be used indoors — a laundry, playroom, or covered entertaining area works brilliantly. They can also be plumbed directly to a regular garden hose for running water, which takes the play experience to another level. Whether inside or out, kids will find a way to get properly grubby regardless.

This varies by model — check the product pages for what's included with each design. We also stock separate accessories and add-ons. For the full mud kitchen experience, kids love real (cheap) pots, pans, and utensils from an op shop — these hold up far better than plastic toy sets.

Our mud kitchens are freestanding and separate from our cubby houses — they work best positioned alongside each other to create a complete outdoor play zone rather than attached. The serving window on many of our cubby designs works beautifully as a café counter for the mud kitchen chef outside. Browse our mud kitchen range and cubby house collection to find combinations that suit your space.

Mattress compatibility varies by model. Each product page on hideandseekkids.com.au lists the exact mattress size and recommended mattress thickness. Always check the product listing before purchasing a mattress to ensure the right fit.

Yes — we have designs suitable for toddlers transitioning from a cot, right through to older kids who need a full single or feature bed. Check the age range and weight limit on each product page. For loft-style beds, we recommend waiting until your child is confident on ladders and can understand basic safety rules.

Yes — all our kids beds come pre-painted in a child-safe paint, so they're ready to go straight into the bedroom. Available colours depend on the style, but most designs come in white, dark grey, or natural pine. Check the individual product page for the colour options available on your chosen design.

Most of our kids beds assemble in 1–2 hours with basic tools. Full step-by-step instructions are included. We recommend having two people for loft and bunk-style beds to make panel handling easier. Check the individual product page for the expected assembly time.

Weight limits vary by model and are listed on each product page. Never exceed the stated weight limit, particularly for loft and elevated designs. If you have questions about a specific model's capacity, contact our team and we can advise.

Yes — we ship to most locations across Australia from our warehouse in Geebung, Queensland. Delivery to metro areas is generally faster, while regional and remote locations may have longer lead times. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your postcode and the size of your order. See our full shipping policy for details.

Delivery timeframes vary by location and product availability. QLD metro orders are typically the quickest, while interstate and regional deliveries take longer due to freight carrier schedules. Current estimated delivery times are shown at checkout. During peak periods like Christmas, we recommend ordering early. See our shipping policy for up-to-date timeframes.

Yes — once your order is dispatched you'll receive tracking information via email. You can also track your order directly at hideandseekkids.com.au/pages/track-your-order using your order number.

Due to the size and weight of our products, most deliveries are kerbside — the driver will bring the freight to your property boundary or garage, but won't carry items inside or to specific locations. Make sure you have enough people on hand to move boxes from the delivery point. If you have specific access requirements, contact us before ordering and we'll advise on options.

Yes — you can collect from our Geebung, QLD warehouse. Select the pickup option at checkout. We'll contact you when your order is ready. Please don't arrive without confirming first, as some products require preparation time.

If your order arrives damaged, please photograph the damage and packaging immediately and contact our team as soon as possible. Do not assemble a damaged product. We'll work quickly to resolve the issue — whether that's replacement parts or a full replacement depending on the situation. See our refund and returns policy for full details.

Our products come with a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty periods and conditions vary by product — full details are in our Warranty & Repairs Policy. Note that normal wear and tear, weather damage from lack of maintenance, and damage from incorrect assembly are not covered.

Please review our Refund & Returns Policy before purchasing. Due to the large size and freight costs involved with our products, change-of-mind returns can be complex and costly. We strongly encourage checking dimensions, product details, and suitability carefully before ordering. If you're unsure about anything, contact us first — we'd rather help you choose right than deal with a return.

Yes — we offer lay-by to help families spread the cost of larger purchases. Full terms and conditions are on our Lay-by Terms page. Lay-by is a great option if you're planning ahead for Christmas or a birthday and want to secure your order without paying in full upfront.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay at checkout. We do not currently accept bank transfer or cash on delivery for online orders. If you have questions about payment options, contact our team.

Yes — if you're missing a part from your order, contact our team with your order number and a description of the missing component. We also have a spare parts range for common hardware and components if you need a quick replacement. We'll get you sorted as fast as we can.