Building a ChoiceDek® Sandbox

	Tools & Materials
	Planning
	Site Preparation
	Cut and Assemble the Pieces
	Assemble the Sandbox
	Bring in the Sand
	Cover the Sandbox

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Tools Circular saw Square Tape measure Caulk gun Hammer/mallet Drill/driver Clamps Safety glasses Shovel

Materials 2- 16' ChoiceDek decking boards 5- 1 1/4"x1 1/4"x30" ChoiceDek balusters 1 Tube construction adhesive 2" stainless steel screws Landscape fabric Mason's line Stakes

The location of the sandbox is often determined by where you have space available. The four-foot by four-foot frame we're building takes up 16 sq. ft. You may be pleased to have less yard to mow, but if you can't spare the space, work with a smaller sandbox in the area that you have. The plans below can easily be re-sized to fit your space.

Good idea: When planning a location, remember your sandbox probably won't be a permanent fixture. When the children outgrow it, convert the area back to lawn or a make a new flower bed.

Sun or shade? Remember that a sandbox in full sun means the youngsters are exposed to UV rays. On the other hand, placement directly under a tree requires cutting tree roots when digging. At best this is a difficult task—it could also damage or kill the tree. Look for a spot that receives some shade from the house or from nearby trees. For safety's sake, locate the sandbox where you can keep an eye on the youngsters while they're playing.

When planning the size, make room for dump trucks, sand buckets and the neighbors' children. Remember that you're going to have to put sand in it—perhaps a lot of sand. The example we're using requires 7 cu. ft. of sand (about 14 fifty-LB. bags).

When you've decided on site and size, measure, mark and prepare the area.

1. Use twine and stakes to make straight lines.
   
   
2. Cut out the shape with a shovel.
   
   
3. Remove sod (use it to cover bare spots in your yard if you have any).
   
   
4. Dig out the soil. You'll want the bottom edge of the sandbox slightly below the surface to help keep the walls in place.
   
   
5. Level the cleared area if necessary.
   
   
6. Put down a layer of landscape fabric (not plastic) to allow drainage and prevent weeds and grass from popping up through the sand.

Parts of a sandbox

To get the depth we need (11"), the ChoiceDek decking boards require joining.

Construction note: The ribbed face of the ChoiceDek boards should face toward the box's outside.

1. Square and cut four ChoiceDek decking boards to 4' lengths.
   
   

2. Inside supports

   Use construction adhesive to edge glue and clamp two sets of 4' boards. Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. The glued 4' boards are sides A and C of the sandbox.
   
   
3. Cut eight 10" pieces from three of the ChoiceDek balusters. These are the inside supports.
   
   
4. Use 2" stainless steel screws to secure one inside support 1" in from each end of each glued 4' board. The 10" ChoiceDek balusters should be on the inside face, flush with the ends of the 4' boards as shown in the picture.
   
   
5. Square and cut four of the ChoiceDek decking boards to 3' 10" lengths.
   
   
6. Use construction adhesive to edge glue and clamp two sets of 3' 10" boards. Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. The glued 3' 10" boards are sides B and D of the sandbox
   
   
7. Secure one inside support 1 1/4" in from each end of each glued 3' 10" board (see Step 4).
   
   
8. Cut the remaining ChoiceDek balusters into 15" lengths. You should have four 15" ChoiceDek balusters.
   
   
9. Cut one end of each 15" ChoiceDek baluster (see diagram). The balusters will serve as stakes for the sides of the sandbox.

When you're putting together your box, remember that tight construction prevents sand from leaking out so make sure the sandbox is square.

1. Assembled corner

   Stand one of the 4' side-pieces on edge and butt the end of one of the 3' 10" pieces to the inside support on the 4' piece. Drive 2" stainless screws through the 4' piece into the 3' 10" piece. Do the same on the opposite end of the 4" piece. Remember to keep the inside supports facing the inside of the sandbox.
   
   
2. Attach the second 4' piece to the 3' 10" piece the same way as the first and square the sandbox. Secure the two halves together to complete the box.
   
   
3. Drive a baluster stake into the ground along the outside of each side of the sandbox. Position the stake centered on the side-piece. Drive each stake so its top is flush with the top edge of the side-piece
   
   
4. Drive 2" stainless steel screws through the stakes into the side-pieces. The stakes help reinforce the sides of the sandbox and keep it square.
   

ChoiceDek Finishing Note: Left unfinished, ChoiceDek will weather to a beautiful grey patina. If you wish, you may apply paint, stain or a clear, topcoat finish to ChoiceDek. Allow the material to weather slightly before applying any finish.

You'll need to know the volume of the box before buying sand.

Length x Width x Height = Volume

Example: For our box, 4 x 4 x .83= 13.28

The volume of the sandbox is 13.28 cubic feet. Round the volume up to the next whole number for 14 cubic feet. Prepackaged, bagged sand is available. Usually called play sand, it's most likely washed river sand, which is smoother and cleaner than builder's sand. A fifty-pound bag is about one half of a cubic foot, so 14 bags should fill it about halfway. Leave room in the box for toy dump trucks, buckets, shovels and the kids. You can always buy a few more bags of sand to add if needed.

Cats are especially fond of sandboxes. If you have cats around, it's advisable to cover the sandbox when it's not in use. Covers also keep moisture out while reducing leaves and other debris that make their way into the sand. The perfect sandbox cover is perhaps yet to be invented, but here are some options:

• Plastic tarps are quick, inexpensive covers, however they will blow off unless attached by snaps, bungee cords or rope. Tarps may also fill with water after a rain. Try putting a five-gallon bucket upside down in the middle of the sandbox. The peak will allow water to drain off of the tarp and keep it from sagging.
  
  
• Lattice is an inexpensive alternative, available in wood or plastic. While it might keep the cats out, it won't keep out water and may break if stepped on.
  
  
• Metal screen, hardware cloth or "chicken wire" can be attached to a wooden frame. This cover keeps debris out but won't keep out water.
  
  
• Sheets of exterior grade plywood can be cut to fit and laid on top of the frame. Attach the plywood to the frame with hinges if you prefer.