unlocking this expert answer. It's very resistant to rot. It can be any shape you want it to be! How do I build the sandbox and bench-cover? Would this be recommendable? Attach three utility strap hinges to the outside edge of each piece. The last stage — cover for the sandbox. I just like to change things up and make a new one every summer with a different print on it). Try to build it so that there will be a slight slope. If you have kids in the house, a sandbox is always a great addition to the backyard! Make sure to use a level to keep the posts straight. A Sandbox Cover is an essential design component of any sandbox you might consider for your children. This diy sandbox with cover looks like a really good idea! 2. Sources – 1001 Pallets – TreeHugger – DIYNCrafts – DIYConfessions – ThrivingHomeBlog. Using a Plastic Tarp Take your numbered seat pieces and lay them on each sandbox corner, keeping the edges flush. The first step of the project is to build the sides of the sandbox. From Utah's Adventure Family, Sandbox for my kids if I had only seen it before my kids grew up :), We already presented sandpits projects made out of pallets (following the link here you'll find the pdf tutorial). Lock the piece of material tightly into place by using staples, before going to the next steps. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I secured the screws on the inside to make it look a little nicer on the outside. 4) Keep the Sandbox Protected and Safe. Oh and make sure your circle fits on the bottom nicely! Cool Sandbox Idea. Weighted Edge Sandbox Cover. Replace sand as often as necessary to keep it sufficiently clean to prevent the transmission of disease to children and free of foreign material that could cause injury. A sandbox protector could also stop the neighborhood cats or other animals from leaving some unpleasant surprises inside. Pre-drill and screw each board vertically into opposite sides of the sandbox. Then, add the dowel in-between the posts. I would like to put casters in the bottoms of the posts for easier sliding. Use 2×12 lumber to make the components and make the cuts with attention. But, you want to make sure it is covered so critters don’t use it as a bathroom. You may not be able to keep every last bug out of your sandbox, but you can help keep lots of them away by planting insect-repelling plants near your sandbox and adding some natural ingredients to your soil. Is there a child anywhere who doesn’t love playing in sand? You can skip this step if your sandbox is under cover. Make your job easier later by marking the center line of the support beam on the front of the long side board. Genius! For the sandbox cover, cut two 23 x 46-inch pieces of plywood. For tips on making a cover for your sandbox, read on! It’s a bit challenging, but thisoldhouse has a full tutorial, which definitely helps you to make it! There’s a good chance that you’ve got some of these items on hand. If not, your lumberyard will be able to do this step for you. Enjoy ! Complete the information and email to coverlockcovers@yahoo.com. 3 Sandbox Cover Ideas 1. exterior-grade pressure-treated plywood on top of your sandbox, leaving a 1/4-in. Building the sides . Also called "weed barrier," landscape fabric lets water through but prevents insects, weeds, and small animals from coming up into the bed. Step 3: Remove Soil. This is a terrific DIY sandbox project. 4x4 lumber is actually only 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 square. Summer is coming . Nothing says "childhood" like summertime and sandboxes. Purchasing a Cover From an Online or Local Vendor Often, the easiest route is simply purchasing a ready-made item,... 2. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. DIY Sandbox with Lid & Benches […] 14 Unique Small Backyard Ideas to Add Character - The Most Viral collection of feel good stories & videos, delicious recipes and awesome DIY projects - August 21, 2017 […] them! Attach one of the pieces to the bottom of the box with 3” screws. Lay two sheets of 5/8-in. Lastly, use your waterproofing sealant to touch up the seats, including the screw heads. Drainage. Every home improvement store has sand. Last Updated: March 8, 2021 This can be near the house or a shade tree (be careful you don't damage the roots when digging). If you're following the example, you'll want 10 boards for each bench, plus an extra which will need to be split lengthwise down the middle with each bench taking a half. Not only will it give you great satisfaction, it will make you the local hero to your kids! A few power tools and basic construction skills are all you need to nail this gorgeous project. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Remember that you will flip the box over after construction, so the bottom of the sandbox is actually the top of the box while building. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Sand that is used as a building material or is harvested from a site containing toxic substances may contain potentially harmful substances. This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Use mason string and stakes to mark the layout of the sandbox. If you enjoy to upcycle then you’re mosting likely to love these ways to make decorative boxes from old boxes. Repeat with the remaining corners. The formula for figuring out the length of the long side joining boards is your total sandbox side length + ~9". Step 4: Attach Horizontal Roof Support Cut one more 5’ length of 2x4. To make this sandbox you will be joining the boards together, and this is why the individual boards need to be shorter by this amount. How to Make an Easy DIY Portable Sandbox with Cover. A little sandbox doesn't allow for friends. Sand, already installed in play areas, cannot be safely cleaned without leaving residues that could harm children. It comes with a cover that turns into benches that both children and adults can sit on. Shade. Tap the boards with a mallet until they're level, then put down the second layer and screw them together with the first. Then, add a layer of sand about 4 inches wide for the boards to sit on before putting down your first layer of boards. 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. Nothing like building a sandcastle, at home. After the bottom is cut out, you will need to do the same thing for the top of the sandbox. In the example used above where the box is 6'x6', the short-end joining board would need to be ~38 3/4". Finally, trim the fabric and add sand to your box until it's full. If you're having trouble finding the center to nail down the boards, either measure for the center or use the guideline you put in when you made the brace beam. For the lining, place a sheet of landscaping fabric across the box so it covers the bottom and sides before adding the third layer of boards. Step 4: Add Landscape Fabric. But on a hot, sunny day, or after a heavy rain, the fun can easily turn to misery. Add a layer of sand. DIY Sandbox with Cover. Drill pilot holes and install the seats using deck screws. Cut Out the Bottom and the Cover Cut two pieces of pressure-treated plywood that match the outside dimensions of the sandbox. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Begin conserving those empty boxes or old storage containers to transform them into easy and also stunning attractive boxes. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Wooden Sandbox with Seats. Instead, a length of chain is sewn into the outside edges of the cover. This DIY Portable Sandbox is a project that anyone can tackle. It can also be a portable patio umbrella, which has the advantage of being able to be placed where needed for maximum shade. Secondly, if a child pulls it out they can suffocate. This article has been viewed 384,612 times. Then build the sandbox as shown above, using 3″ screws to fasten the corners. White cedar still holds up well. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If there are lots of cats, rabbits, other 'friendly' creatures in your area, consider enclosing the sandbox in screening or chicken wire so the kids aren't playing in animal leavings. Summer and sandboxes go hand in hand in our life. Sand can come from many sources. Welcome Pinners! Here’s a great DIY sandbox that keeps the sand in and the cats out. If your aim is to make a sandbox that is nice and deep for kids to play in (with well-loosened soil for that future raised garden bed, too), dig down 4 to 6 inches. It will protect the sandbox... 3. The beach ball which lifts the cover in the center, allows for water to drain of the edges and not collect. Your best bet is to level the surface beforehand, that way your build is on a solid surface and can be used in other places if you decide to sell or move. Make sure each 2x4 is exactly centered on the box, and use your framing square to make sure each 2x4 is perpendicular to the 2x8 box. Your kids will want to spend hours in the sandbox, so make sure it's someplace that is protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. Make it about 4" wide and 1" to 2" deep. Here it is with the waterproof sandbox cover on it. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? One will be for leveling, called "leveling sand" and the other will be called "play sand" or something to that extent. diy shade cover for kids sandbox. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. Child care providers should be sure they are using sand labeled as a safe play material or sand that is specifically prepared for sandbox use. What kind of lumber is safe for children and rot resistant? Cedar. Using Plywood Plywood can provide a cheap alternative to store-bought sandbox covers. Plant a bug-repelling garden. Find Wood Sandbox With Cover. Not only is the sandbox a great place for your kids to learn the fine art of sandcastle building, truck driving, and sharing, it's also a gathering center for the community of children, a place where they can have fun and let their imaginations run free. Step 3: Dig out the center of the box Building a sandbox may not be child's play, but it is very easy, and can be done in an afternoon. By instinct, cats like to excrete in soft soil or sand to facilitate easy burial. Make a Sandbox with a Tire Make sure the brackets are small enough to fit underneath the support beam without going below the bottom edge of the long side boards. Only the best materials are used to make these covers, webbing reinforced permiters, stainless steel snaps or brass grommets for easy attachment. Use a jigsaw to round the notch cut along the top of the component. This will help with drainage. Using the hinges as templates, mark the locations for screw holes. Sight. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. This is a prudent step that will allow you to hide the sand from rain and Pets who love going there to the toilet. To fill the sandbox, I picked up (15) 50 lb bags of Play Sand. This sandbox cover doesn’t require ties or snaps to keep it in place. It will also protect against falling leaves and other debris, which in the future will have to clean the sandbox. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. Your local hardware store probably sells play sand, so buy it there instead of online, because the shipping fees may be very high. The custom fit square green nylon cover fits the 4' x 4' x 6" or 4`x 4`x 12`square sandbox and attaches in minutes and keeps out pests, rain water and yard debris. Use 3” decking screws to secure the ends together to create a sturdy frame. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 384,612 times. Simply decide how big you want your sandbox to be, and screw pieces of wood together to make a frame. The people have spoken, and they want their husbands to build the Deluxe Sandbox. The spacers between the boards allow air to circulate, helping to prevent mold, but do not allow naughty cats in! By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Incredibly creative ways to use Pallets and these Awesome ideas are so easy to make! Casters on grass won't really make a difference, but if you're on concrete or a deck surface, it may. Sandbox plus stage and puppet theater. Here is the evidence that it is waterproof. You’ll be blown away by these 12 simple diy box ideas. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For the DIY lovers, they are good materials for many useful and fantastic projects from furniture to home...Read More ». That is, of course, unless you have cats, too. The sandbox cover will keep out the neighborhood cats and prevent you, and your children, from unnecessary exposure to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that causes a very serious infection called; Toxoplasmosis.This is particularly important if you are pregnant. What You Need to Make a Homemade Portable Sandbox. In the example used above where the box is 6'x6', the long boards would need to be ~6'9". Don't miss the latest DIY's and Tutorials from Small & Friendly, please subscribe via email or in a reader! RATIONALE: Uncovered sand is subject to contamination and transmission of disease from animal feces (such as toxoplasmosis from cat feces) and insects breeding in sandboxes. The heavy edges hang over the sides of the sandbox and weigh down the cover. (I don’t think that’s necessary!) Predrill and countersink your screw holes. Therefore, cover the roof with thick and waterproof fabric, as in the image. Mint and basil are … He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Step 2: Attach the Bottom. How to build a sandbox with cover Sandbox plans . Drill holes for the hinge screws through each cover piece. It isn't that the leveling sand is bad for humans or something, it is that it makes much more of a mess due to the makeup of the sand mixture. How do you prevent insects getting into the sand pit? Another option is to build it and then build a level surface for it to sit on -- this calls for more materials. That’s right. Imagine all the play possibilities. If you want to build a sandbox, measure out your perimeter and dig the area to a depth of 6 inches. Dig. Support wikiHow by Check to see how well it slides on the surface in question. They usually have two types. The Weighted Sandbox Cover (prices start at $200) is available in many sizes and you can choose from mesh or vinyl fabric. Bigger is better for the kids. To reduce the amount of sawing, our sandbox is designed to use pre-cut 8-foot cedar lumber. By using our site, you agree to our. How to Build a Sandbox. Level the sandbox by using rocks as shims or digging down high points. What about a slanted yard? Find Large Sandbox With Cover. % of people told us that this article helped them. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. How to build a sandbox with cover Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. (If you haven’t invested in one, you will be surprised how easy they are and how many random uses you will have for grommets!) References. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. No, not always. The top 20 Ideas About Diy Sandbox Cover. Is there a child anywhere who doesn't love playing in the sand? How to build a car sandbox. You can, but it will create some scenarios not found when using wood. We can make your sandbox cover to nearly any size that you may need. Sandboxes can be a fun place for kids to play and be creative. Premium hair loss prevention shampoo that gently cleans away toxins and buildup while infusing the hair and scalp with essential revitalizing nutrients. Using a spade or square-edged shovel, mark the sandbox's outline by cutting vertically through the turf both inside and outside the loose-laid timbers' perimeter. Arrange four timbers in an outline of the sandbox, butting each timber's end against the next timber's side. gap between them in the box's center. Red cedar is most resistant. No play material should contain toxic or harmful ingredients such as Tremolite, an asbestos-like substance. In other words, 21 boards total. We can make a Sandbox Cover to fit any size or dimension (Free Shipping on the Magic Sandbox Cover!) In fact, I recruited my 5-year-old to help. Cover it up if you don't want your sand to get wet, or uncover it … A large sandbox with a cover, fixes that problem, keeping the sand cool, dry, and readily available for the kids to get back to being … I made a total of five grommets along the non-scalloped edge. Choose from our pre-sized Mesh Sandbox Covers, or have a one custom made to perfectly fit your own outdoor DIY sandbox. You'll use this line later for cutting the plywood. To make your DIY sandbox well protected, invest in a sandbox cover so you can stop things like outside dirt, sticks, leaves, and even rain from getting in. This will later be used to figure out where to nail the seat of the bench. Instructions Step 1: Sandbox Layout. For tips on making a cover for your sandbox, read on! Never have the beach wash away your work, when you can build or dig in the sand in your very own wood sandbox with cover. If you have a circular saw, you can do this yourself. (Last year I made the same thing but in a different pattern and it held up to feet of snow piled on it and never let one drop of moisture into the sandbox. Where do I get the sand for a sandbox and what is the best type for it? No. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-simple-sandbox, https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/project-guide-building-a-sandbox-2463#floor-or-no-floor, https://utahsadventurefamily.com/build-your-own-sandbox/, https://modernparentsmessykids.com/how-to-build-sandbox-finally/, https://kaboom.org/resources/enhancement_projects/how_to_build_a_sandbox_with_lid_and_seats, http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skill-builder/0,,20176667,00.html, http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/sandbox.html, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. My sister had a sandbox as a kid and when she forgot to cover it that usually ended up happening and then my parents would have to clean it out and put in new sand (pricey! Wood pallets are abundantly available, for free or a nominal cost, anywhere that accepts deliveries of heavy goods. How to order a Sandbox Cover for your playground. Once you zero in on a spot to set your sandbox, you should start with your digging. Dig. Andy drilled in screws about every inch. ). Glad to hear you decided to add a cover – I was thinking, I hope they thought to build one so when it rains the sand doesn’t get nasty and so the cats don’t pee in it. When possible please include a picture of the sandbox so we can give you the best possible option for your cover. Located at UtahsAdventureFamily.com . Use a pencil to mark a line on both sheets of plywood where they overhang the sandbox. You may order these sandbox covers directly online at our sister site www.sandboxcoversusa.com. It depends on the surface. Step 2: Prepare Edges. To place an order over the phone, just give us a call at 877-840-0707. For this example, we'll assume a 6' square sandbox, so cut each board to 5'8-1/2" in length. Sharp rocks pose a threat to your children the same way a corner of a wooden framed sandbox would. Reserve the other piece to be used as a sandbox cover. Make sure your sandbox is easily within the line of sight so that the adults watching the children can keep an eye on them. Step #5: Time to pull out the grommet maker! Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The formula for figuring out the length of the short end joining boards is 1/2 the length of your box + ~2.75". Should I put plastic in the bottom of the sandbox? And they can be easily disassembled into wood planks that can be used for any size of furniture pieces. This article has been viewed 384,612 times. First of all, you're not supposed to. It tends to stick to the skin and clothes more and make a mess inside if don't have an airlock with a shower at your home entrance. Rake, whatever you need to do, create a level surface for your sandbox. Use a table saw or jigsaw to cut the board down the center. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Next, drill in screws every inch or two. For a FREE, no obligation quote for your custom cover, simply download the Request A Quote Form. Place landscape fabric at the bottom. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. Step-by-step tutorial on how to build it. Rocks will require some sort of bonding so they don't fall or move, and you'll have to do some sort of masonry type work getting them fit for the edges. Here is another design submitted by a. This sandbox is awesome with benches that turn into the cover! How to build a sandbox.