How to Make Your Own Sandbox From Wood

A wooden sandbox is a simple and sturdy play area for children

A backyard sandbox is a simple children's play area that will keep them amused for hours. Sandboxes, made from a variety of materials, can be purchased in different sizes. Plastic sandboxes are commonly found in toy and garden sections of department stores. A wooden sandbox is a construction that is sturdy and safe for children to play in. With the purchase of lumber and a few other materials from a home store, a wooden sandbox can be built at home.

Things You'll Need

• 1 3/4-inch 4-by-8 foot sheet CDX exterior plywood
• 3 2-by-8 8-foot fir boards
• Saw, hand or power
• Measuring tape
• Square
• Pencil
• Galvanized nails, 2 inches long
• Galvanized nails, 4 inches long
• Hammer
• Sandpaper, medium grit
• Waterproof wood sealer
• Paint brush, 2 inches wide
• 6 sacks of play sand

Instructions

1. Set one 2-by-8 board on the ground with the 2-inch side up. Lay the 8-foot edge of the plywood on the 2-inch side of the board and flush the edge of the plywood to the outside edge of the board. Bring the ends of the board even with the ends of the plywood. Drive a 2-inch nail through the plywood and into the board every 4 inches for the length of the board.

2. Repeat this procedure for the opposite 8-foot side.

3. Flip the plywood over so that the 2-by-8 boards are on top. Go to one 4-foot end of the plywood and measure the inside distance between the sideboards.

4. Measure that distance on the third 2-by-8 board and mark it with a pencil. Place the square on the mark and draw a line straight across the board. Cut the board at this mark.

5. Repeat this procedure for the opposite end board.

6. Flip the plywood back over so the 2-by-8 boards are on the bottom. Set one end board, 2-inch side down, in between the sideboards and flush the edges of the boards and plywood together. Drive a 2-inch nail through the plywood and into the board every 4 inches for the length of the board.

7. Repeat this procedure for the opposite end.

8. Flip the box over so the boards are on top. Where the boards join at the corners, drive 3 evenly spaced 4-inch nails through the outside edge of one board into the end of the board it is pressed against. Do this to all four corners.

9. Place pieces of board under the box to raise it off the ground. Sand the edges smooth on the corners and tops of the boards. Sand the plywood smooth on the bottom of the box.

10. Paint waterproof wood sealer over the boards and plywood, pushing it well into the corners and seams. Leave the box to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Drying time is dependent on the temperature and humidity. Paint on a second coat of sealer when it is dry. Let it dry.

11. Flip the box over so the bottom is up and repeat the sealer painting as with the top. Apply two coats letting it dry thoroughly. Once the bottom has dried, flip the box back over on its bottom with the board sides up.

12. Fill the box to the desired level with white play sand.

Tips & Warnings

• A 2-by-8 actually measures closer to 1 1/2-by-7 1/2 inches. To get the exact measurement for the end boards that go in between the sideboards, a measurement must be taken. Do not estimate based on the board being an actual 2 inches.

• If you choose to paint the sandbox rather than putting a sealer on it, first paint the entire box with a house paint primer. Let the primer dry and paint the box with exterior house paint in your chosen color.

• Woods other than fir can be used for the side construction; however, fir is the most inexpensive and the standard wood for building construction.

• Failure to seal or paint the wood will allow moisture to enter the wood and it will soon warp and deteriorate.

• Thoroughly sand the bottom and sides of the box smooth to protect children from getting splinters.

References

• "Kids Places To Play;" Jeanne Huber; 2003
• "Backyards for Kids;" Ziba Kashef; 2008