Building A Backyard Sandbox

There’s no doubt about it, kids love sand – digging, burying, sifting, pouring, shaping, smoothing, and shoveling! Building a sandbox is actually easy enough that the kids can be quite involved in the process. This is an ideal project for Grandpa or Dad and the kids. A sandbox can bring forth hours of fair weather entertainment for your kids. All you have to do is build it, and they will come! To build your sandbox, you will need the following materials and tools:

Materials

• 3 8′- long 2″ x 6″ boards
• 4 1″ x 2″ -18″ wooden stakes
• 40 square feet of WeedBlock Landscape Fabric (can be purchased by the roll)
• 25 – 30 50-lb. bags of play sand (we used 27)
• 4 #10 sinker nails
• 4 2-1/2″ galvanized screws, rust resistant

Tools

• hammer
• sledge hammer
• scissors
• electric screwdriver
• staple gun
• saw (optional)

1. Begin by choosing a location that has ample shade to protect your kids from the hot summer sun, while allowing for some sun exposure to allow sand to dry after rainfalls. We chose a spot beneath our largest tree, not far from the back door of the house, a spot which receives wonderfully warm morning sunshine.
2. Create the frame by laying two of the 2″ x 6″ boards parallel to each other. Using the saw, cut the third 2″ x 6″ board in half, or have this done at the lumberyard when you purchase the wood. Line the short boards up with the long boards to create a rectangle. Boards should be standing on their sides so that the sides of your box frame are 6″ high. Nail the boards together at each corner evenly.
3. When you are certain you have your frame exactly where you want it, spread the weed block inside of the frame, completely covering the ground and coming up the sides. Tuck in any overlapping sides and trim excess with scissors.
4. Using the staple gun, secure the weed block to the inside of the wooden frame, keeping the weed block loose. You do not want the weed block tight or it may tear when sand is poured in, or when you step inside to spread the sand. Allow enough give so that you can walk inside the frame without causing damage or stress to the weed block. The weed block protects your sandbox from pesky weeds, and allows for drainage after a rainfall or kid-made rivers and volcanoes. We do not recommend plastic, as it does not allow for drainage.
5. Empty the sand into the frame over the top of the weed block. Spread the sand inside the box until it is at the desired level. This is a perfect job for the kids! This could take anywhere from 25 to 30 bags of sand, depending on how high you want the sand to be. Ours took 27 bags.
6. Using the sledge hammer, pound the wooden stakes into the ground. Be sure that the stake is flush with the corner of the sandbox. Pound in at least one foot. If there is any stake remaining at the top, saw it off, then secure the stake to the corner of the sandbox with a screw. Sand off the tops of the stakes to avoid splinters.

Voila! You’re done! This project took less than one hour to complete and the children were very involved in the process. When your children have outgrown their sandbox, it can be easily converted into a raised bed as an added feature to your garden.

Seat Option

A seat is one feature that we chose to do without, but may add later on. A seat can be added by purchasing enough 2″ x 6″ or 2″ x 8″ boards (depending on your seat width preference) to go around the frame. Simply secure boards on top of frame by centering them and nailing in place. A seat is also good for keeping the sand from jumping out of the sandbox.

Costs

Our total cost for this sandbox was US$72.98 plus tax. The following were the prices that we paid for our materials. Prices will vary depending on where you are located. Be sure to shop around for the best prices and deals. We do not recommend saving money on the lumber by purchasing untreated wood as your sandbox will not last as long as it would with treated lumber.

2″ x 6″ lumber
@ 3.50 per board x 3 boards = $10.50

1″ x 2″ -18″ wooden stakes
@ 4.94 per bundle x 1 = $4.94

WeedBlock Landscape Fabric
@ 7.68 per roll of 75 sq. ft. x .5 = $3.84

25-30 50-lb. bags of play sand

@ 1.79 per bag x 30 bags = $53.70

Related reading:
Walking the Line: Loving Well and Letting Go – How can parents balance control, guidance, and freedom for their children?

Note From The Author: “A VERY SPECIAL THANKS goes out to my father, Dominic Ovington, of Ovington Home Services, in Chicago, Illinois. This project would not have been possible without his guidance, caring and love for his children and grandchildren. I love you, Dad! Ovington Home Services has been servicing the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs for almost 20 years. It includes anything from fixing a doorbell to finishing your basement. All aspects of home repair and remodeling are considered. For a free estimate, call 773-456-2924 or email OvingtonHomeSvc@familycorner.com.

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