Simple Sandbox Build

6 Materials
$200
4 Hours
Easy

Sandboxes sometimes seem like all a part of “the dream” – a house, two kids, and a sandbox in the backyard. What makes sandboxes popular is that they offer an open space for kids to play freely, use their imaginations. Alton specifically loves any and every piece of construction equipment he sees, so I’m working on building up his Tonka collection so he can get a whole construction site running in there. And really? If you want to forego the concept of the plastic turtles or crabs of my youth, a sandbox isn’t hard to build.

A complete video of the build is available on YouTube and is also linked on the blog post.

First, I cut up the lumber. A complete cut list is available on my blog post, but I made a 6'x6' sandbox.

After cutting, I sanded -- nothing discourages a child from playing with something more than a splinter, so this was actually a pretty crucial step.

Assembly was pretty simple--I used a combination of wood glue and spax screws to hold the sides together.

I put the sand in before I actually finished the sandbox--long story short, my son really wanted to play in the sand.

I added seating to the corners for my son, as well as his mother and I.

The completed project!

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Andrew Laine - The Hesitant Handyman
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Betty Dillon Betty Dillon on Apr 30, 2020

    What do you do to cover it when it is not in use? I can foresee feral cats using it as a litterbox.

  • TJ TJ on May 01, 2020

    In the photo where the Dad had installed the sand, from the color of the sand it appears he used unwashed sand. Unwashed sand is generally used to add to cement mix, when adding the ingredients from scratch.


    My Question is: How come he didn’t use Washed Sand? Washed Sand is made deliberately for sandbox purposes. It may cost a few dollars more, but in my opinion, it’s a better grade for children to play in.


    BTW: Anytime an individual chooses to apply a cement pad to an area, after removing the sod, install a 2x4 or 2x6 frame between the existing sod and the area where the sod had been removed.


    (The framing permits support around the four sides of the cement and gives it form.)


    Unwashed Sand can be applied over the ground first.


    Then an inch or two of River Pea Stone can be applied over the sand.


    Finally, add the mixed cement, directly on top of the stones and spread it out evenly.


    Allow for it to dry & cure at least for 24 hrs., before building a structure, e.g. a shed or child’s playhouse on top of the cement pad.


    The pad will permit both elevation above the ground and surrounding lawn and as well, having an even level floor for the structure being erected on the pad.


    Best of Luck with your projects!


    Advice from a retired General Contractor.

  • Maggie Maggie on May 01, 2021

    Did you make a cover to keep it from becoming the special spot for kitties to poop?

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  • Diana Diana on Apr 30, 2021

    I needed a little pool for my pups.

    I bought a covered sandbox for them.

    It works great as a pool and being able to cover it keeps the water clean.

  • Happy Days Hometalker Happy Days Hometalker on May 01, 2021

    The sandbox turned out just right, your little one will have so much fun playing with trucks in it while the " folks" watch him play. Agreed on the need for a cover and feral cats.

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