How to Make a Wooden Sandbox

Sandbox and dimensions

This article explains how to build a medium sized sandbox, out of wood, for children to play in. It is a moderately easy project and is fairly inexpensive.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Construction-grade lumber
• Circular saw
• A box of 3-inch galvanized nails
• Hammer
• 50 pound bag of playground sand

How to Build a Wooden Sandbox

1. Choose what type of wood you want to use. Chemically treated wood is not suggested. Untreated spruce, fir or pine are excellent choices.

2. Cut the wood to size. You will take two pieces of 2X12 inch lumber and cut them into 3 foot, 10 1/2 inch lengths. Take two more pieces of 2X12 inch lumber and cut them into 4 foot pieces. Cut four pieces of 4X4 inch lumber into 11 1/4 inch lengths. Then cut four pieces of 3/4 inch plywood into trianges with the sides equaling 15 inches and a 90 degree angle (optional). Finally cut one piece of decorative lattice into 4X4 foot square (optional).

3. Side assembly provided by Bob Vila.

   Assemble the frame using the 2X12 inch lumber. The shorter pieces will be used for the sides and the longer pieces for the front and back. You will secure all the pieces with the 3 inch nails at the corners.

4. Brace the corners using one 4X4 inch block per adjoining side. If done correctly, it will create a 90 degree angle and secure each angle with three nails on each side of the block.

5. Corner seats for the sandbox provided by the Bob Vila website

   Create seats if you choose. Corner seats are a nice touch. To do this, install the triangle pieces, that you previously cut, to the corners of the sandbox to form seats.

6. Lattice cover, picture provided by Bob Vila website.

   Use lattice to cover the box. This step is optional. If you chose to use the lattice, cut it into 4X4 foot size, and use this as a cover for the sandbox when it is not in use.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing the sand for your sandbox be sure to use playground (or sandbox) sand as construction sand may contain harmful particles that may hurt your children.