How to Build a Custom Sandbox

In under a minute, you can find a dozen hits on the Internet showing you how to build a bland “square-shaped” sandbox in your backyard. True, building a super-simple playpen is the easiest way to go, but not if your kids want to stand out from the summertime neighborhood crowd. With a little imagination, your sandy oasis could trump the grill as the hottest backyard attraction.

Things You'll Need

• Circular saw
• Tape measure
• Caulk gun
• Paint
• Boards
• Hammer
• Nails
• Sand

Instructions

1. Determine the size. A square box measuring 8 feet x 8 feet will hold 32 cubic feet of sand, which means you’ll need about 64 bags weighing 50 pounds each. If this is too much for you, consider a smaller area, regardless of what shape you decide to use.

2. Pick out a theme for the sandbox and be sure to get some feedback from your kids. If they like space cartoons on TV, then consider a rocket ship theme. If your little girl loves dolls, fashion her play area to look like a dollhouse.

3. Think outside the box. Build a shape that matches the theme. Various basic shapes such as stars and triangles are easy to construct, but you’ll want more of an oval if you decide to make the custom box look like a pirate ship.

4. Accessorize. Assuming you’ve chosen a pirate ship design, add a toy storage area that looks like a treasure chest. Then tack on a rope net for the little buccaneers to scale into their playground. Why not add a short board so they can “walk the plank” when it’s dinnertime? The possibilities are limitless.

5. Apply polyurethane and paint to make your custom sandbox shine. Not only will they protect the wood from the elements, but exterior coating can also serve to highlight your accessories. Gold straps on the treasure chest are much more affordable when they’re made of paint rather than precious metals.

6. Prepare a lid that complements the theme. Sandbox covers keep out rain and other debris such as leaves and sticks. They’re also known to prevent the occasional cat from leaving your kids a smelly surprise. Instead of using an ordinary tarp, try a plywood lid painted like a skull-and-crossbones pirate flag.

7. Pick the perfect sand. Top-grade sand includes washed play-sand, but this can get pricey. A creative alternative for a pirate-ship playpen is black sand. Although this type is a bit harder to find, your choice will ensure your custom sandbox is unique.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to the sandbox’s location. Children play for hours in them and are exposed to dangerous UV rays if left uncovered in the sun. Position the custom sandbox beneath a shade tree or near the evening shadow of your home. Another option is setting up a large umbrella that provides the kids with protection from the sun regardless of the box’s location.