Whether you’re using your garden building for storage, work, or play, safety becomes a top priority when children are around. From sharp tools and slippery surfaces to fragile décor and heavy doors, garden buildings present more hazards than many realise. If you want to make your shed or summerhouse family-friendly, it’s essential to childproof your summerhouse or shed before little feet start exploring.

Thankfully, you don’t need to strip the charm or function out of your space. With a few clever adjustments, you can create a garden retreat that’s safe, stylish, and suitable for all ages. Whether it’s a playroom, shared family hangout, or a shed used for gardening or DIY, here’s how to make it child-safe from the ground up.

Start with a Safer Floor

One of the most overlooked areas in child safety is flooring. Timber floors can splinter, cheap laminate may be slippery when wet, and rugs without grip pose a trip hazard. Choosing the right floor covering is crucial.

Opt for rubber mats, interlocking foam tiles, or soft vinyl if you expect kids to play or crawl on the floor. These shed flooring options are easy to clean, shock-absorbent, and less prone to becoming slippery. For sheds used for storage, even a basic anti-slip coating can prevent accidents.

If you’ve already installed flooring, consider adding an extra layer of protection in high-traffic areas, especially near entrances or under furniture.

Secure Doors and Windows

Sheds and summerhouses often have large, heavy doors — some even with auto-close hinges or glass panels. To keep children safe, fit a slow-closing hinge or door stay to prevent slamming. For glazed doors or windows, ensure they’re made of toughened safety glass and install shatterproof film if you’re unsure of the glass type.

Use lockable windows where possible and keep keys well out of reach. To allow ventilation without risk, consider fitting child-safe window restrictors that prevent them from opening fully.

Also check that any gaps or finger traps in folding doors or bi-fold systems are safely covered.

Choose Non-Toxic Finishes

Paints, wood treatments, and sealants used in garden buildings can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), especially when freshly applied. If children will be spending time inside, it’s worth switching to child-safe, water-based treatments and avoiding solvents entirely.

Look for paints and stains labelled as EN71-3 compliant — a European safety standard for toys, indicating they’re safe for use around children. Be especially cautious with any painted surfaces at child-height, like walls, window sills, or furniture.

Organise and Store Safely

Whether you’re using the space for tools, crafts, or relaxation, how you store your items makes a huge difference to child safety.

Install wall-mounted shelving well above a child’s reach, and use lidded, lockable storage boxes for anything hazardous. If you have power tools, sharp gardening equipment, or small objects that pose a choking hazard, store them in cupboards with childproof locks.

For a playroom-style summerhouse, label toy storage clearly and avoid any containers with heavy lids or stiff catches that small fingers could get trapped in. Keep electrical wires tucked away using cable covers or trunking to avoid tripping or chewing risks.

Add Soft Touches to Hard Edges

Timber buildings are known for their sharp corners, low windowsills, and firm benches — none of which are ideal for toddlers or younger children. Add corner protectors to furniture, use foam pipe lagging along low beams or edges, and ensure seating is cushioned where possible.

If your summerhouse has a veranda or raised base, make sure there’s a secure handrail, no large gaps where a child could fall through, and consider fitting a safety gate at the entrance if needed.

Electricity and Heating Safety

If your garden building is powered, keep sockets high up and cover unused ones with childproof plug covers. Make sure all cables are secured and not trailing where children can tug or trip on them. If using heaters during cooler months, choose oil-filled radiators with cool-touch exteriors and avoid fan heaters or anything with exposed elements.

For added peace of mind, install a battery-operated smoke alarm inside the summerhouse — particularly if electrics or heating are present.

Encourage Safe Independence

Childproofing isn’t just about locking things away. It’s also about enabling children to enjoy the space safely. Consider installing low shelving for their books or toys, soft lighting that can be controlled without climbing, and comfy seating scaled to their size.

If your summerhouse will be used for arts, games or homework, invest in a compact child-sized table and chairs set. This not only encourages independent play, but reduces the risk of climbing on unsuitable furniture.

Final Thoughts on How to Childproof your Summerhouse or Shed Without Sacrificing Style

Creating a garden building that works for the whole family is more than possible — it just takes a little forward planning. By choosing the right materials, installing smart storage, and securing doors, windows and furnishings, you can childproof your summerhouse or shed without turning it into a sterile or boring space.

At Midlands Sheds and Summerhouses, our high-quality timber buildings can be customised with family-friendly layouts, durable finishes, and flexible interiors to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re creating a playroom, a shared retreat, or a hybrid space for work and fun, we’re here to help you build it safely and beautifully.