Summer is the best time to be a child.In addition to being a great place for your kids to learn the fine art of sandcastle building, truck driving, and sharing, it is also a gathering center for the community of children, where they can have fun and let their imaginations run free.It isn't child's play, but it is very easy to build, and can be done in the afternoon.It will make you a local hero to your kids.
Step 1: Pick a place where the sandbox can be located.
There are a few basic things to keep in mind when planning where to put your sandbox.One of the most important things to consider is the location.There is a shade.The sun's harmful UV rays will make your kids want to spend hours in the sandbox, so make sure it is protected.You don't want to damage the roots when digging near a shade tree.The advantage of being able to be placed where needed for maximum shade is what makes it a portable patio umbrella.Sight.Adults watching the children can keep an eye on them if your sandbox is easy to see.There is drainage.After a summer shower, you'll want to make sure your sandbox can drain naturally, so build it at a higher elevation if possible, and definitely not in a low spot in your yard.There will be a slight slope if you build it correctly.It will help with drainage.
Step 2: You should get lumber that is the right size.
If you can specify how long you want your boards to be, you will be able to purchase lumber that is 3-1/2" shorter.You can cut them to size yourself.Cut each board to 5'8-1/2" in length for the example.You can do this on your own if you have a circular saw.If you don't, your lumberyard will be able to do this step for you.The 4x4 lumber is only three quarters of a square.The individual boards need to be shorter by this amount because you will be joining the boards together.
Step 3: You should set boundaries.
Remove the boards from the outside perimeter, then dig out the inside to a depth of six inches.If you want to dig in a particular area, make sure to call the Digline first.
Step 4: A layer of sand has been added.
It should be about 4 feet wide and 1 to 2 feet deep.If the ground is not level, the sand bed will help you level the boards.
Step 5: You should lay out your boards.
The first layer of boards should be in the shape of a square.
Step 6: There is a layer of boards on the sand bed.
Attach the corners with scrap lumber and use a framing square to make sure they are square.
Step 7: The first layer needs to be leveled.
Once your first layer is tacked together and square on all 4 corners, level it with the rubber mallet, tapping each side into the sand, and checking the level frequently.It needs to be level all around.
Step 8: The second layer needs to be added.
Carefully remove the corner tacks and lay down the second layer of boards.
Step 9: Remove the first two layers.
Attach the second layer to the first using timber screws and a drill driver.Three are on each side.Installation of screws to the base requires a pilot hole at least half the diameter of the screw.
Step 10: Line up the boxes.
To completely cover everything, lay a sheet of landscaping fabric across the sandbox and work it all around the edges and bottom of the pit.It will allow water to drain out and keep weeds from finding a new home.
Step 11: You can add the final layer.
Attach the third layer of boards to the timber screws using the same method as the second layer.You need to offset the screws from the ones below.
Step 12: Attach the fabric to the body.
Use heavy duty scissors or a utility knife to trim the extra landscaping fabric.
Step 13: Add sand to the ground.
Divide the length x width x depth number by 27 to figure out how much sand you'll need.This will let you know how much sand you'll need to fill your sandbox.The play sand has been cleaned and is less dirty than building sand.
Step 14: There is a cover.
It's important that you have some kind of cover on your sandbox.Wild animals and domestic animals love to poop in kids' sandboxes.Oh no!You can build a basic cover by getting two doors and attaching them with hinges to the outside of the box, or you can follow the directions below to make two benches which slide over it.The bench creates seating at the side of the box for the parent and the child plays in the sand.
Step 15: Get some posts.
4x4 lumber should be used for these posts.Their length will be determined by how high you made it.The box needs to be at least 5" higher than the ground.Four posts will be used for the benches.
Step 16: The sides should be short.
Four posts and eight 1x4s are needed to join them.The length of the boards depends on the number of boxes you built.Once the boards are cut to size, use 2 wood screws at each end to attach the board so that it is flush with the side of the posts.The box is 6'x6' and the short-end joining board needs to be 38'.1/2 the length of your box is used as the formula for figuring out the lengths of the short end joining boards.
Step 17: They should join the short ends.
There are 6 1x4s for each bench.The long sides of the bench are formed by these.The length will be determined by how long the sides of your sandbox are.The long boards will need to be attached to the outside, flush with the sides of the posts, as well as the top and bottom.There is a long board at the top of each bench.There are 2 wood screws at each end.The long boards need to be 6'9" in the example above.The total sandbox side length is the formula for figuring out the length of the long side joining boards.
Step 18: Attach the beam to the brace.
Attach two more 1x4s, the same length as your short end joining boards, to each bench using brackets.The support beam should be flush with the long side boards.Make sure the brackets are small enough to fit under the support beam and not below the side boards.You can make it easier by marking the center line of the support beam on the long side board.This will be used to figure out where to put the seat of the bench.
Step 19: Attach the seat.
Take 1x4s the same length as your long side boards and screw them at the ends or center of the bench.Two screws should be used at each end and center.From one side to the other, lay the boards out.As you lay them out, place tile spacers between the boards.If you are following the example, you'll want 10 boards for each bench, plus an extra which will need to be split down the middle.In other words, 21 boards.Use a table saw or jigsaw to cut the board.The air between the boards can circulate, but do not allow naughty cats in.If you're having trouble finding the center to nail down the boards, you can either measure or use the guideline you put in when you made the brace beam.
Step 20: The benches should be put over the box to close it.
To create seating for kids and adults alike, open them only part way, so that the seat stops at the edge of the sandbox.
Step 21: To protect the wood, Stain it.
The cover should be removed with regularity to prevent mold growth.