How to Build a Sandbox

By learning to build a sandbox, your kids can experience the joys of playing in the sand. Fortunately, this project is quite simple to do. It won’t take you long to make a new play structure for children.

Required Tools and Materials

Saw
Wood boards
Galvanized screws
Pencils
Weed fabric
River sand
Drill bits
Stakes
Measuring tape

Choose a Site

This is important. Once the structure is filled with sand it can be hard to move around. Pick an open spot in your yard. Of course the larger the structure the more space required. A nice spot would be near trees. Not only is it pretty but they can provide shade when the sun gets very hot. Once you pick the site to build a sandbox, make measurements. Now you can calculate how many wood boards are needed.

Dig the Hole

Mark the corners if needed. Next make a hole about 6” deep. You can make it deeper but this is usually enough. The stakes can be planted a few inches deep. This needs to be placed accurately as it will support the sides.

Make the Walls

Assuming the structure is 8 x 8, 8 x 8 boards will be sufficient. Put a gap between each, about a penny size. Use a pencil to highlight the midpoint. Cut some support blocks from the wood board. Drill openings at the 1/3 point and fasten it with screws. Drill four more holes. Fasten this section with screws when you build a sandbox.

Now get the wall boards and attach to this support block. Make drill holes as needed. Repeat the procedure for the three other wall boards. Sand the edges if they are too rough and sharp.

Put the Pieces Together

Start this step by getting the weed fabric. Set it over the hole. This should have been pre measured to be somewhat larger than the hole itself. Make drain holes in the material if there aren’t any yet. This will serve as a draining system.

Now you can set the walls in place. Use screws to connect all sides. Cut four more pieces of wood. Make each one a triangular shape. Drill four holes in each. Put them at the corners and fasten them in place.

Fill it with Sand

The final step to build a sandbox is adding the sand. River sand is the best choice. Constructor’s sand is mixed with other compounds and not suitable for kids’ play. The amount you put depends on the size. In this example the structure was 8 x 8. That size needs fifty 50 lb sand bags.

Tips

Cover the structure to protect it from rain and other natural elements. Some also suggest not to use treated lumber. They may contain chemicals unhealthy for kids. If you want treated lumber, be sure to paint it.

By studying how to build a sandbox, you’ll be able to give the kids something new to play in. Now you can sit back, relax and watch them play in your handiwork.