How to Build a Sandbox

Are you looking for a fun, inexpensive addition to the kids' backyard playground? A sandbox is just the ticket. It will give them a place to build and explore their creativity and won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Pencils
• Pencils
• Circular Saws
• Combination Squares
• Drill Bits
• Multiuse Screws
• Screwdriver Bits
• Variable-speed Drills
• Drill Bits
• Pencils

Selecting Your Materials

1. Choose four pieces of 2-by-6-by-12 construction-grade lumber that are straight and true.

2. Cut and code your pieces with pencil or letter labels as follows: A - two pieces, 60 inches (Long Sides); B - two pieces, 57 inches (Short Sides); C - four pieces, 68 inches (Benches); D - eight pieces, 6 inches (Support Blocks).

3. Miter cut both ends of each "C" piece on opposing 45-degree angles.

Assembling the Sandbox

4. Assemble as follows using weatherized wood screws that are 2 1/2 inches long. (This project can be built in place where the sandbox will sit.)

5. Set the two "A" pieces (Long Sides) up on edge in a parallel position approximately 57 inches apart.

6. Place the two "B" pieces (Short Sides) between the long sides at each end so that they form flush, square corners. Use two or three screws in each corner to hold them together.

7. Attach two of the "D" pieces (Support Blocks) on the outside of each side of the square approximately 6 inches from each corner. Make sure that all the top edges are level.

8. Place the "C" pieces (Benches) around the top edge of the box. Adjust them so that all inside edges are flush and the angled corners are tight. Attach the benches to support blocks and the top edge of each side.

9. Realize that the sandbox is now ready to be filled. You'll need approximately 1 ton of sand to fill a sandbox this size.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to cover the bottom of the box with a weed block or landscape fabric to allow for drainage and discourage weeds. Do not use plastic, as it doesn't allow water to drain.
• The size of the sandbox can easily be scaled up or down to fit your yard or number of children.
• Avoid using treated lumber. The chemicals used to treat it may be harmful to children.

on 8/8/2006 You may want to build a lid for your child's sandbox, too. And keep it covered when the children aren't using it. Otherwise the neighbor hood cats will definitely use it as a litter box. And I'm sure you don't want your kid digging away in the sand only to grab a handful of poop or pee soaked sand.

on 11/22/2005 Use the newer composite decking material instead of CCA wood for a no-hassle sandbox. Most options work just like wood.

on 11/22/2005 Use a landscape fabric designed for weed blocking. If you use plastic, it will not drain and you'll have a stinky wet mess.

on 11/22/2005 CCA (chromated copper arsenate) lumber is treated with harmful chemicals! Don't surround your children's sandbox with these chemicals. Untreated lumber will last long enough for your children to out grow the sandbox itself, before it breaks down.

on 11/22/2005 Don't ever let them touch it. The splinters are toxic. Use redwood. If you must use treated wood, prime and paint it!

Also, if you put plastic in the bottom and it rains, what happens? This article basically stinks. Use landscape fabric that blocks weeds but allows water to pass.