Wooden playhouses are a part of every child's dream life, from little girls who want gingerbread cottages to little boys who want to pretend they have a military base in the garden. With dozens of styles to choose from, you can find your little one's perfect play home by keeping a few things in mind.

First, how old is the child? Because these structures can be expensive, you want to choose one that will last your child for years if possible. A small child should have a playhouse that is size...