Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
8 - 1-in x 6-in x 8-ft Cedar Boards (Actual: 3/4-in x 5-1/2-in x 8-ft)
4 - 1-in x 4-in x 8-ft Cedar Boards (Actual: 3/4-in x 2-1/2-in x 8-ft)
- 1-1/4-in Deck Screws
- 3-in Deck Screws
- Construction Adhesive
- Landscape Fabric
- Landscape Fabric Pins
- Play Sand
- Sandpaper
- Mason Line
- Landscape Stakes
- Exterior Stain
Planning Your DIY Sandbox
Pick a location with enough space for the finished sandbox: the below 8-foot-by-8-foot frame takes up 64 square feet. If you can't spare the space, build a smaller sandbox in the area that you have. The plans are easy to modify as needed.
Sun or Shade?
A sandbox in full sun means exposure to UV rays and potentially hot sand but choose a shady spot under a tree and you might deal with digging debris out of your sand. Ultimately choose a spot that works best in your yard or can get shade from your home.
When choosing the size, think about including extra room for sand toys and room for your kids’ friends too. Think about how much sand you'll need. The below build needs 32 cubic feet of sand (about sixty-four 50-pound bags). You can easily reduce the dimensions. The bracing and corner assembly construction will be the same regardless of the length and width.
What Kind of Wood?
We recommend using cedar for this design because it's durable and weather-resistant. Cedar is also waterproof, attractive and approved for ground contact. However, there are other wood types you can use for your DIY sandbox. If you plan on having your sandbox for only a few years, you can use materials like hardwood or softwood boards, which are less expensive but don't last as long as cedar.
Preparing the Sandbox Site
Step 1: Once you've decided on your sandbox's location and size, you can measure, mark and prepare the area. Use mason string and stakes to mark the layout of the sandbox.
Step 2: Cut out the shape with a shovel and remove the sod. Dig out the soil. You'll want the bottom edge of the sandbox slightly below the surface to keep the walls in place. Put down a layer of landscape fabric. This allows drainage and prevents weeds and grass from popping up through the sand.
Assembling the Sandbox
Step 1: To reduce the amount of cutting, our sandbox is designed to use pre-cut 8-foot cedar lumber. To get the depth we need (about 11 inches), you'll need to join the 1-inch-by-6-inch boards. Square four of the 1-inch-by-6-inch boards and trim them to the same 8-foot length, if necessary. Be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting or sanding lumber.
Step 2: Use construction adhesive to glue two pairs of 8-foot boards edge to edge. Clamp and allow the adhesive to cure according to the product instructions.
Step 3: Cut eight 10-inch pieces from one of the 1-inch-by-4-inch boards. These are the inside supports. Use 1-1/4-inch deck screws to secure one inside support 3/4 of an inch from the end of each glued 8-foot sidepiece. The 10-inch pieces should be on the inside face, flush with the ends of the 8-foot boards.
Step 4: Square and cut four 7-foot, 9-inch boards from the 1-inch by 6-inch lumber. Use construction adhesive to glue two pairs of 7-foot, 9-inch boards edge to edge as you did the boards in Step 1 above. Clamp and allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Secure one inside support flush with each end of each sidepiece.
Step 5: Cut the remaining 1-inch-by-4-inch boards into 20-inch lengths. You should now have twelve 20-inch-long, 1-inch-by-4-inch pieces. Cut one end of each piece to a point. These will serve as support stakes for the sides of the sandbox.
Step 6: Sand all of the pieces and finish with an exterior stain.
Completing Your Sandbox
Step 1: Stand one of the 8-foot sidepieces on its edge and place the end of one of the 7-foot, 9-inch pieces against the inside support on the 8-foot piece. The end of the 8-foot piece should be flush with the outside face of the 7-foot, 9-inch piece. Drill pilot holes and then drive 3-inch deck screws through the 8-foot piece into the 7-foot, 9-inch piece. Do the same on the opposite end of the 8-foot piece. Remember to keep the inside supports facing the inside of the sandbox.
Step 2: Attach the second 8-foot piece to the 7-foot, 9-inch piece the same way as the first to square the sandbox. Secure the two halves together to complete the box.
Step 3: Drive three of the stakes you cut into the ground along the outside of each side of the sandbox to prevent the frame from shifting. Position the first stake at the center of the sidepiece. Space the other two stakes evenly to the left and right of the first. Drive each stake into the ground until its top is flush with the top edge of the sidepiece. Drive 1-1/4-inch deck screws through the stakes into the sidepieces.
Sandbox Sand
To calculate the volume, multiply the box's length by its width and then multiply that number by the box's height. For example, our sandbox is 8-foot-by-8-foot-by-1-foot, so the volume is 64 cubic feet.
Usually called play sand, prepackaged, multipurpose sand is typically washed river sand, which is smooth and clean.
A 50-pound bag takes up about 1/2 of a cubic foot. You don't need sand all the way to the top, so 64 bags will be enough to fill an 8-foot-by-8-foot sandbox about halfway for an ideal play space.
Covering the Sandbox
Covering the sandbox when it's not in use keeps the sand clean, dry and prevents animals from getting inside. Plastic tarps make quick, inexpensive covers. Try putting a 5-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.
Wood or plastic lattice is an alternative, or a metal screen, hardware cloth or chicken wire can be attached to a wooden frame. This cover keeps debris out but won't keep sand dry. 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.