How to Build a Sandbox

Learning how to build a sandbox can be quite easy if you "think outside of the box."

How to Build a Sandbox
If you don't have a lot of room, but still want a sandy area for the kids, particularly if the kids are still rather small, find a storage box with a lid. A long, low one might do quite nicely. Fill the box with sand and your kids will be ready to play. You can put the cover back on the box when the sand is not in use. Another advantage to this kind of sandbox is that you can move the sandbox to another location as the season changes or even store the sandbox when the weather is going to be bad for a few days.

Do you have an old wading pool? Fill it up with sand. If you want a more permanent sandbox, dig a hole the size of the pool into the ground a few inches deep. Then, poke a few holes in the sides and center of the pool to allow for drainage. If the ground isn't level, don't worry too much. You can level the ground underneath the pool by pouring in sand until the ground is level or simply ignore it. Just poke more holes at the lower end of the pool. Fill with sand and play.

If you decide that you want to make a wood-sided sandbox, use standard construction grade lumber rather than treated wood. The chemicals in treated wood were not designed to be in close contact with children. Your home center or lumber store should be able to cut the lumber to size for you if you don't have a circular saw. When nailing the corners together, use a square to make sure that the corners are at 90 degree angles if your sandbox is going to be square or rectangular.

Cut a piece of landscape fabric to fit inside of the sandbox. The landscape fabric will prevent weeds from growing up into your sandbox while allowing the sandbox to drain. A wood-sided sandbox can be placed above ground or built into the ground. An in-the-ground sandbox is usually sturdier.

By the way, you don't have to make a square or rectangular sandbox. You can build a triangle or add rectangles and squares together for an unusual shape.

While it can be expensive, you might prefer to fill your sandbox with sterile sand, which is labeled as "playground" or "sandbox." And, don't forget to buy a tarp to cover your sandbox to keep out unwanted visitors, such as the neighbors' cats.