FAQ 1001 PlayHuts
In this FAQ 1001 PlayHuts, we try to answer the questions you may have before you buy, or once you've bought a PlayHut. Feel free to browse through it, and to contact us via our contact page if you can't find the answer you're looking for.
What age range is 1001 PlayHuts designed for?
1001 PlayHuts is a game for children aged 3 to 77. It will grow and evolve with them.
The optimum age for using our products is between 7 and 10, because children in this age group are both independent builders and have a rich imagination that will enable them to enjoy the PlayHut play phase too.
Zoom and tips by age group :
- From age 3: 1001 PlayHuts can be used from the age of 3. In our experience, at this age, children need the help of an adult to build their PlayHut. However, they can choose the model of PlayHut to build and take part in the construction work (although the parent will remain the main builder, as assembling a PlayHut requires fairly good spatial projection, coordination and anticipation of the steps involved). Once the hut is up and running, the little ones will be able to play in their imaginary space for hours on end.
- From the age of 5-6, your child begins to gain autonomy in building his PlayHut. The parent teaches him the correct gestures for building and dismantling, and he begins to reproduce them. He'll gradually become familiar with the basic principles of construction (starting with the base, then the walls and finally the roof, learning about balance, symmetry, etc.). Your child will still need your help to check that the parts are properly assembled, and to install the higher parts. You work hand in hand with your child to bring the construction to life.
- Between 7 and 10 years: This is the optimum age for 1001 PlayHuts products. Your child is really gaining in independence. You take on the role of inspector of finished work.
- From 10 : Older children will enjoy setting themselves architectural challenges, or helping younger children complete their projects. The PlayHut can also become their secret corner in a bedroom, allowing them to satisfy their growing need for independence. The PlayHut is also ideal for sleepovers with friends.
Where are 1001 PlayHuts products made?
Sarbakane is a French company committed to manufacturing as locally as possible.
- Wooden parts are manufactured in Ukraine and Bulgaria.
- The fabrics are printed in Turkey and made in France, near Marseille.
- Packs are assembled in France (Paris region).
What's in a 1001 PlayHuts pack?
Depending on the pack model chosen, the number of connectors and rods varies to build larger or smaller creations. A 100% cotton canvas bag is supplied for storing the connectors and rods. You'll also find an instruction booklet to help you get the most out of your PlayHut. And don't worry if you're not sure about your creativity, it's full of model ideas too! The pack also includes a spray to moisten the wood in case of poor performance in dry weather.
What materials are used?
The wooden parts are made from solid beechwood. Fabrics are 100% Oeko-tex certified printed cotton.
Do the fabric canvases sold with the cabins have a pre-determined shape?
The 1001 PlayHuts philosophy is to give children as much freedom as possible in the construction of their playthings, so they can let their overflowing imaginations run wild.
For this reason, our fabrics don't have a predetermined shape that would only fit one construction model. Instead, we supply large rectangular pieces of fabric (1 or more depending on the Pack size chosen), which are draped around the construction to cover it completely. Fabric surfaces supplied range from 6m² (for the Dragonfly Pack) to 19m² for the Grizzly Pack.
How are the canvases attached to the cabins?
The canvases can either be simply laid over the built structures, or secured to the structure using clothespins (not supplied).
Can I use fabrics I have at home to cover the cabins?
We offer a wide range of 100% cotton fabrics with a dozen different patterns to choose from to cover your cabins.
However, you can also use sheets, blankets or plaids you have at home to cover your PlayHut. Once construction is complete and assembly checked by an adult, the structures created are strong enough to add another sheet or even a comforter (we tested it for you)!
What is the average size of the cabins once built?
The size of the PlayHut built varies according to each of your creations within a pack.
It differs greatly according to height and choice of construction. However, we can estimate the average size for each pack. The average floor area used is 1 x 1 m for the Dragonfly pack, 1.5 x 1 m for the Squirrel pack, 1.5 x 1.5 m for the Beaver pack and 1.5 x 2 m for the Grizzly pack.
Of course, once your child has finished playing, you can dismantle the construction and store it in a bag (supplied with your pack).
Please refer to the video on the home page to help you choose your pack.
What is the average assembly time for a PlayHut ?
The average assembly time depends on the child's age, the degree of parental help and the complexity of the structure you're creating. It takes around 10 min with the Dragonfly pack and 30 min with the Grizzly pack to assemble a PlayHut with the help of a parent.
I find that the stems don't hold up as well. Is this normal?
Our products are made from natural, untreated wood for your children's safety. As wood is a living material, it reacts to the humidity conditions in which it is stored.
If your PlayHut is stored for an extended period of time in a dry place, such as a heated room, the pins may not adhere as well. Don't panic, a small spray is supplied in your pack. Simply fill it with water, and moisten the rods and connector holes to instantly restore their perfect hold.
I'm having trouble inserting the pins into the connectors. Is this normal?
When first used, the rods are a little more difficult to insert. The wood will gradually come together, and rod insertion will become easier as you use the equipment.
It's also worth noting that in damp weather, the wood expands slightly (in the same way that the doors in your home can start to rub in their frame), which may explain why insertion is more difficult. In these conditions, the help of an adult may be necessary. You don't necessarily have to try to insert the rods as far as possible into the connectors.
We've also developed a little tool, the "Coup de pouce" mallet, to enable young children to take a more active part in construction if they're having trouble with the management of cubes and rods.
Is the Coup de Pouce mallet included in our 1001 PlayHuts packs?
The mallet is not included by default in our packs. In fact, even without the mallet, the PlayHut can be assembled and disassembled without difficulty.
We offer this accessory as an option, because although its use is not essential to kit assembly, some of our customers find it very practical. For young children in particular, having a mallet can be appreciated to facilitate their participation.
Is it possible to order individual parts?
Connectors and rods can be ordered individually from our online store. If you want to create larger structures, you can also add a new pack, which are of course compatible with each other. If you have any regrets, or if you'd like to change the atmosphere, the canvases are also sold separately!
I understand that the equipment is guaranteed against breakage?
We offer a guarantee against breakage on wooden rods and connectors. We undertake to return the same number of defective components free of charge. Details of this guarantee can be found in our general terms and conditions (article 8.2).
This guarantee applies from 1 broken cube or when the number of broken rods exceeds 2 (2 additional rods are already included in each pack).
To benefit from this warranty, please contact us by mail, either via the contact form available on the website, or by email at contact@sarbakane.fr, and we will ask you to provide proof of purchase, as well as a photo of the damaged parts. This warranty is limited to 10 years from the date of purchase.
What is the return and exchange policy if I am not satisfied with my purchase?
Returns are possible and must be made in their original condition and complete within a maximum of 30 days following receipt of the product. Return shipping costs are at the customer's expense.
Exchange (subject to availability) or refund will be made within 14 days of receipt. For more information, please refer to our general terms and conditions (article 7).
Are the huts safe for use by children?
Connectors and rods are made from lightweight, untreated natural wood. Our products comply with CE toy safety standards, and are certified by an independent laboratory. So your children are safe in the company of our playhouses as long as they play under adult supervision, as with any play area.
Can I use 1001 PlayHuts outdoors?
Yes, but VIGILANCE!
1001 PlayHuts products are made from untreated solid wood.
For this reason, the material must not be exposed to strong variations in temperature or humidity, or to the elements. It should not be left outdoors for more than a day (day/night variations in temperature and humidity are likely to cause the wood to splinter).
However, you can also use your PlayHut outdoors for a picnic, a tea party or a sunny afternoon in the garden.
What are your delivery times?
Our delivery times depend on your country of residence and the delivery method you choose.
For metropolitan France, under normal circumstances, delivery times are 4 to 6 working days for delivery to a relay point (free of charge) and 2 to 3 working days for home delivery.
For other geographical areas, the estimated delivery time is displayed when you enter your address when choosing your shipping method.
Where else can I find your cabins?
We have developed a network of independent stores that distribute our 1001 PlayHuts products. You'll find details of these partners in the " Our retailers" section. We invite you to contact our sales outlets to check their stocks before visiting them.