How to Build a Sandbox Water Table

Sandboxes are simple, classic toys that parents often build for their children. A newer development gaining popularity is having a water table, either separate from or combined with a sandbox. Building a sandbox water table for your kids can save you money and provide you with a sense of accomplishment as well as give your kids easy access to two favorite childhood items---sand and water.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• 1 1x10 board, 10 feet long
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 1 1x4 board, 10 feet long
• 1 2x4 board, 8 feet long
• Drill
• Pilot bit
• Screwdriver
• 1 5/8-inch deck screws
• 2-inch deck screws
• Sandpaper
• Polyurethane
• Water-resistant wood stain
• 24-by-36-inch utility tub

Instructions

1. Saw the 10-foot 1x10 board into four pieces, two measuring 36 1/8 inches and two measuring 22 5/8 inches. Label the longer boards as "front" and "back," and the shorter pieces as "side." Cut the 10-foot 1x4 board into two 22 5/8-inch bottom lengths and two 34 7/8-inch slat lengths. Saw the 8-foot 2x4 into four 23-inch lengths for the legs. When cutting the boards, mark one measurement and saw outside the mark so the pieces do not end up an 1/8-inch too short.

2. Mark and drill seven pilot holes in each end of the front and back boards at the following positions: 2 1/2 x 3 inches from top corner and 2 1/2 x 2 inches from bottom corner for the legs, 3/8 x 1 inches from top and bottom corners and 3/8 x 4 5/8 inches from top corner for the sides, and 1 1/2 x 3/8 inches and 3 1/2 x 3/8 inches from bottom corner for the bottom boards. Note that all measurements are listed as "distance from side" x "height from top or bottom."

3. Align a side board perpendicular to the end of the front board, in line with the pilot holes, and join the boards with 1 5/8-inch deck screws. Lay a bottom board on the ground with one end up against the pilot holes at the bottom of the front board and attach it with 1 5/8-inch deck screws. Repeat this step at the other end of the front board. Screw the back board to the other ends of the side and bottom boards in the same manner, completing the frame.

4. Measure and cut a 9-by-2-inch rectangular mounting notch at one end of each leg. Keep the cuts inside the rectangle you mark.

5. Invert the frame for the sandbox water table so the bottom faces up. Hold the notched section of a leg to the outside of the front board so the board holds it up. Align it with the remaining pilot holes at one end and screw the 2-inch deck screws through the holes into the leg. Repeat at the other end of the front and both ends of the back board.

6. Turn the frame for the sandbox water table right side up and sand all the corners and sharp edges to round them off.

7. Finish the table with polyurethane or water-resistant wood stain. Lay the slats in the bottom of the frame resting on the bottom pieces. Set the tub in the frame with the slats inside the grooves of the tub.

Tips & Warnings

• Use protective goggles and follow recommended usage and safety precautions when using power tools.

References

• EricsProjects: Sand and Water Table Plans
• This Old House: How to Build a Simple Sandbox