Some of the world’s most impressive structures in terms of design and engineering have been created using sand. From pyramids to skyscrapers, it’s a wonder how much can be built with just this earthy material. Using this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about building your own sandbox so that kids and adults alike will always want to play on it!
The “how to build a sandbox with cover” is a guide that will teach you how to make a sandbox in your backyard. The sandbox should have a roof and be covered so the sand doesn’t blow away.
Have you ever fantasized of building a sandbox in your backyard? Sand play is not only a terrific kinesthetic exercise for kids of all ages, but it’s also a lot of fun! Sandboxes are classic playground equipment that will never go out of style in your fantasy garden.
There are three easy steps you may take to make your aspirations a reality. These step-by-step instructions will show you how to build a backyard sandbox.
There are three simple sandbox options:
-
- Using a storage container, no tools are required.
- A traditional 4′ by 4′ sandbox
- The main one is to make use of landscape timbers.
Contents
Option 1: Make Use Of A Container
There are no nails, no timber, and no tools! This is the sandbox for you if you have a tiny backyard or are unsure about building a permanent landmark in your yard. It’s also the most cost-effective and time-saving option.
If you look around your home, you’re likely to find anything that can be utilized as a fast sandbox. Consider disused toy containers or plastic storage container boxes.
If you don’t have anything to repurpose, a fast trip to the shop will provide you with everything you need!
Materials:
- Storage container made of plastic, such as an under-the-bed storage container
- 1 or 2 50-pound bags of play sand
Step 1: Select and Purchase a Container
Determine the size of the sandbox plastic container you wish to use. A lengthy under-the-bed plastic storage container is recommended. For a fast sandbox, though, almost any size container would do.
Step 2: Go out and buy some sand to play with.
Depending on the size of your bin, you’ll need roughly 1 bag of play sand. Pour the sand into your container outdoors. Spoons, glasses, and seashells may be added to the mix. Sit back and enjoy the company of your child while he or she plays for hours!
Snaplock Clear Storage Bin with Lid, Large-41 Quart, White, 2 Pack Homz Snaplock Clear Storage Bin with Lid, Large-41 Quart, White, 2 Pack
- Large bin with shallow profile has 41 quart storage space and is suitable for underbid storage of shoes, clothes, personal belongings, office supplies, toys, crafts, blankets, sheets, sweaters, boots, games, holiday decorations, kitchen, pantry, bathrooms, and more!
- Bins are composed of tough, see-through transparent plastic that can endure repeated usage and lets you to view what’s within without having to open the container.
- For a secure closing, the snap lock lid clamps into the container’s base. Interior sides are smooth for greater storage space. For optimal space efficiency, stacking and modular architecture is used. When not in use, bins nest into one another.
- EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: 34.375 inches x 15.5 inches x 6 inches with lid at widest point INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: 29. 68 inches x 12. 66 inches x 5. 53 inches at the narrowest point
- Two clear plastic bins and two white plastic lids are included in the set. Made in the United States of America
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-17
Option 2: A traditional 4’x4′ sandbox with a bench
This no-frills traditional sandbox design will take less time to construct, giving your kids more time to play! Two seats at the end provide a relaxing spot to rest or store sand toys. This is a DIY project you’ll be proud to show off to your friends!
Materials:
- Two 1 x 8 boards trimmed to 47 12″ (base)
- Two 1 x 8 boards trimmed to 46″ (base)
- (Supports) Four 2 x 2 boards, each measuring 7 12″
- Two 1 x 6 boards at 47 12″ (Bench)
- Screws, 1 1/4″
- 8 cu. ft. of play sand (or figure out how much you’ll need).
- Stain/Paint (optional)
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Saw
- Sander
*An important remark about the material: Cedar is the best choice for sandboxes and flower beds. It is inherently resistant to splinters, weather, and decay. Pressure-treated wood should only be used with caution and at your own risk. CCA-treated items contain arsenic, which may be dangerous. Please make sure that whichever material you pick is suitable for interaction with youngsters.
Step 1: Prepare the location
Choose an attractive location first. Take into account the quantity of sun/shade exposure as well as the drainage in your yard. Make sure your sandbox doesn’t turn into a pond after a rainstorm!
Second, remove all sod from the sandbox area. This will keep your sandbox from turning into a weed or grass garden!
Finally, we propose digging down around 4-6 inches in the region of your box. Digging down will assist to support and avoid bending of your box’s walls. If you don’t want to dig a hole for the sandbox, stakes may be needed to hold the sides.
Fourth, cover your prepared area with roughly one inch of sand or pea gravel. This will make it easier to level the frame once it’s in place.
Step 2: Assemble the foundation
- Begin by assembling the box’s basic frame from the two 47 12″ and two 46″ components.
- 2 inches inset from the ends of the 47 12″ pieces, measure and draw a line. This will indicate where the 46″ pieces will be inserted and screwed together.
- To make a box, pre-drill holes and screw the 47 12″ planks to the 46″ boards at right angles.
- To support the box, place the four 22-boards into the corners. Screws should be drilled from the outside in.
Below is a video of this process in action:
Step 3: Construct a Bench
- To make bench seats on the tops of the sides using the 46″ pieces, just use two 16 boards.
- Place each 16 board on opposing sides of the sandbox.
- To the end of the 47 1/2′′ boards, square the bench’s ends and corners.
- To keep each bench in place, use two screws on the ends.
4th step: sanding and painting
Now you can put your own stamp on it!
Sand the box first to get rid of any splinters. Then, using a moist towel, wipe the box down carefully. Finally, paint or stain the box to get the style you want, then let it cure.
Step 5: Relocate the Sandbox
Move your sandbox to the yard location with the assistance of another adult.
Step 6: Put the Weed Barrier in Place
Inside the sandbox, lay down the weed barrier. Pull the box’s sides up approximately 4 inches. Make sure the fabric is pushed into all four corners. Use staples or tiny nails to secure the cloth.
Fill with sand in step 7.
Spread out roughly 8 cubic feet of play sand evenly.
How to Work Out How Much Sand You’ll Need
Although you may always approximate how much sand you’ll need, we suggest that you calculate the exact quantity. Cubic feet are calculated using the following formula: length x breadth x depth.
4 feet × 4 feet x 0.5 feet (6 inches) Equals 8 cubic feet, for example.
This will offer you the number of cubic feet you’ll need to fill your box. The majority of play sand bags are 0.5 cubic feet or 50 pound bags. You’ll need 16-50 pound bags of play sand to fill an 8 cu. foot container.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Toys
Toys such as scoops, shovels, vehicles, and sand toys may be added to your box. Enjoy hours of easy entertainment!
Using Landscape Timber as a Third Option
For a fast sandbox, landscaping wood is a solid alternative. We’ll use the whole 8 feet to keep things easy and avoid having to trim anything. This sandbox will be around 8′ by 8′ in size, big enough for all of your children to play at the same time!
Materials:
- 16 Landscape Timbers, each measuring 8 feet in length
- Pole Barn Nails, 8 7′′ Galvanized
- Exterior Wood Screws, 36, 5′′
- Drill/driver with no cord
- Weed Barrier Coverage: 70 sq. ft.
- Hammer
- Square Framing
- Knife for everyday use
- 2 cubic yards of play sand (or figure out how much you’ll need)
Step 1: Prepare the location
You will prepare your site the same way we instructed for the A traditional 4′ by 4′ sandbox.
The following are the most important aspects to keep in mind:
- Choosing a suitable spot in the yard
- removing the sod and leveling the ground
- Excavation of 4-6 inches of dirt: This will provide stability for your building and extend its life.
- laying down a 1 inch thick layer of sand or pea gravel
Step 2: Put the First Layer Together
First, start will two pieces of landscape timber and place them to form a corner of the sandbox. Next, use a level and Square Framing to ensure the pieces are as level and square as possible.
Finally, secure it to the ground with two pole barn nails.
Rep the process with the other corner. As illustrated in Part 2 Step 2 of this image, make sure you’re making a square by alternating the corners. Remember to use the pole barn nails to fasten the corner to the ground.
Step 3: Position the Weed Barrier
Cover the first layer of wood and the sandbox’s bottom floor with landscape fabric. Roll out the cloth and wrap it over the box’s sides. To cover the whole floor, you’ll need to make many passes. Overlap the cloth in the centre by 1-2 inches. Using staples or nails, secure the cloth to the tops of the first layer of timbers. Fabric that is not needed will be removed afterwards.
Step 4: Assemble the last three layers
Carry on adding layers in the same way you did in step 2. Remember to alternate the overlaying boards so that the one underneath it is offset. To keep each component in place, use three screws, one on each end and one in the center.
Cut away any extra fabric that may be seen around the sandbox’s perimeter.
Fill with sand in step 5.
Now comes the exciting part! Fill your new box with sand and watch it fill up! The amount of sand this sandbox can contain may surprise you.
Step 6: Relax and enjoy your new and spacious sandbox.
Invite your child’s pals over and watch the youngsters have a blast in the sandbox!
Taking Care of Your Sandbox
Consider your child rushing outdoors to play in the sandbox. They bring you a “gift” that some animal left behind in their box just when you are enjoying the peace and quiet! Yuck!
This is one reason we do recommend that you cover your sandbox when it is not in use. Taking Care of Your Sandbox will reduce the amount of debris that falls or is blown into the box. It will also keep unwanted animals (and their feces) out!
A tarp placed over the top may serve as a sandbox cover. Another option is to use foldable chairs that also serve as a cover, as seen below.
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-17
Conclusion
Making a sandbox in your backyard, no matter how big or tiny, is guaranteed to generate lasting memories!
We presented you with a number of design possibilities. In the time it takes you to go to the shop, a no-tools alternative will have your toddler playing! The traditional 4′ by 4′ box is a classic style that will complement any garden. Finally, the landscape wood sandbox will provide you with a big enough box for everyone to play simultaneously.
In your backyard, which sandbox did you build?
Now, while your kids are happily playing, bring up a beach chair and soak up the sun!
The “how to build a sandbox with canopy” is a tutorial on how to build your own backyard sandbox. This guide covers all the steps from planning and building the sandbox, preparing for construction, and finishing up with landscaping and decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I build a sandbox in my yard?
A: First you have to decide what your sandbox will be made of. Wood is not a good material for sandboxes because it absorbs water and turns into mud, which makes cleaning difficult. Plastic or newspaper are better options than wood as well. Next, you need to cover the ground with cardboard that has been treated with an antimicrobial agent (such as bleach) so no bugs can get in from underneath the flooring material. Use landscape fabric to create a perimeter around this area and make sure theres enough grass around the sides so that any dirt doesnt fall out when someone kicks up their feet while playing on top of it! Then fill up half way through with soil mixed with bark chips until its two inches deep at least then add gravel on top followed by more soil if needed before planting seeds or starting vegetables inside!.
How do you make a homemade sandbox?
A: Sandboxes are not a DIY project.
What do you put in the bottom of a sandbox?
A: Sand, water, and dirt.
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