A Done with That® Project by Koper America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©
A well-constructed sandbox will provide years of enjoyment for your children. This version, which is sturdier than most commercial sandboxes, is a weekend project that will give your child years of creative play.
This easy-to-build sandbox, measuring eight feet by four feet, is a versatile addition to any yard or
outdoor playground. Surrounded by a wraparound seat, it is large enough to hold three or four youngsters at a time. On one end, a sturdy table with bench seat can be used as a play platform, picnic table or even a stage.
You can construct this economical, sturdy sandbox in just one afternoon. The key is the cross-lap joint design — the same carpentry principle used in log cabin construction. After cutting notches in the ends of boards, you match up notches and set the boards into place. The table and seats are securely attached to the frame base with screws. The sand sits directly on the ground — there is no need to build a floor. This prevents rotting from being a problem, and rain runs through the sand to allow quick drying.
Since the sandbox will be outdoors, choose lumber that holds up well in rain and changing temperatures. Redwood or western red cedar are excellent choices because they naturally resist decay and weathering. Pressure-treated pine boards may be less expensive, but you must coat them with a non-toxic, weatherproof sealant to prevent children and pets from coming in contact with chemical preservatives in the wood.
When selecting boards, hold one end of aboard at eye level and look down the length to check for defects. Avoid warped or split boards because they may cause problems when you try to interlock the lap joints. Knotholes can be awkward to cut through, so be sure none are located where you need to saw.
This sandbox is solidly designed to prevent accidental tipping by children, but an adult can easily move it to a new location as needed. The unit can be readily lifted into the shade, or into a garage or shed for winter storage. If you wish to disassemble it for more compact storage, just remove a few screws and the interlocked boards easily separate.
When the sandbox is not in use, you can keep pets, rain and leaves out by covering it with a tarpaulin, propped up in the center to allow water to run off.
Preparing the Materials
- Choose a fairly level location for the sandbox. Measure the area to avoid flower beds or sidewalks.
- Use stakes and string to outline a rectangular area, 8 feet by 4 feet. Make sure corners are square.
- To avoid grass growing through the sand, dig up all turf within the outline to a 6-inch depth.
- For the tong sides, use six 8-foot 2x4s. Three boards for each side in make the box about 1 foot deep.
- To determine placement of the notches, make a line 3 inches from the end of each 2×4.
- Measure the thickness of the 2×4. Mark this measurement on the 2×4 for the width of the notches.
- Use a marking gauge tmeasure a 1-inch depth for the hotches; mark this depth with a pencil.
- Brace the board on edge. Use a hand saw to cut several 1-inch- deep grooves between the markings.
- Brace the board on its side. Use a hammer and chisel to cut the notches. Repeat for each board.
- Each board should have 4 identical notches. Measure carefully so all notches are equal.
- Use a plane or sandpaper to I I smooth all corners and edges throughout construction.
- For the 2 short sides of the sandbox, measure and saw six 4-foot 2x4s. Cut notches, as before.
- Cut notches on four 4-foot boards. Measure half the width on the length of the boards.
- Make 2 notched 2x2s by using I a hand saw to cut each board in half lengthwise.
Assembling the Pieces
- Lay 2 short, half-width boards on the ground, notches facing up. Interlock them with 2 long boards.
- Build the sides of the rectangular sandbox by alternating and interlocking short and long boards.
- On one short side, tap a half- width board into place. Secure a full-width board on the other end.
- Cut two 18-inch and two 19-inch boards from a 2×4. Saw one end of each on a 75-degree diagonal.
- Cut 2 notches in each board’s square end. Tap the 19-inch boards onto the sandbox’s long side.
- Place the last short, full-width side board in place. Tap it with a hammer to make sure it is secure.
- Complete the long sides by securing the 18-inch boards. All diagonal edges slant toward the table top.
- Finish the sandbox’s table end by pressing the last half-width board firmly into place.
- Cut five 4-foot boards from 2x6s. Use screws to fasten 3 boards to the sandbox sides for a table top.
- As you did for the table top, attach the remaining 2 boards toformaseat atthe table. Use4 screws for each board to make sure the seat is secure.
- Measure from the outer edge of the table seat to the far end of the side board. Transfer this measurement to two 2×6 boards; cut the boards to length for side seats.
- Align the side seats on the long sides and attach with 4 screws in each board. Be especially careful to smooth rough edges and corners on these seats.
- On the end opposite the table, measure the distance between the long side seats. Cut a 2×6 to fit snugly between them.
- Finish the short end of the wraparound seat by attaching the board to the short end of the sandbox with screws.
- Place the sandbox in the deI sired location. Coat wood with a nontoxic paint or sealant and let dry. Fill with fine sand.
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