adauria

After seeing the awesome projects that regularly get posted here, I'm a little shy to post these. But hey, we all started somewhere. Here is a sandbox I designed in Sketchup and built from 2x6s, 4x4s, and 1/2" CDX plywood. I may end up replacing the lids with something lighter and less prone to warping (lattice with screen?).






Please note that the children are a couple of my earlier projects, which were actually a lot more fun to make and turned out quite a bit nicer than the sandbox!

-Andrew

GeorgeC

A very nice starting project.

I would keep the top solid, regardless of the material. The kids want to play in dry sand, not wet. Of course a lid is imporant to keep out animals like cats who would make the sand box their litter box.

G

RLHERRON

You have to be real carefull when building a sandbox. i started one for my grandson a couple of years ago. The danger is that you may want to add 4 - 4x4 poles, one on each corner, go up adout 5 ft and add a deck, then go up another 4-5 ft then add a roof. and then branching off from that you run another 4x4 post supported by two other 4x4's for swings, ropes, etc., then coming down off that first deck you will have a slide., then theres the ladder to climb up.

Point is, it's dangerous to build a sandbox ($$$$$$$$$$)
but the rewards are worth it.

Very nice,
RLH

Geoguy

Looks like the kids like it - so don't worry if it's not the world's most beautiful sand box. Being functional is important! Good Job!

jeffbayne

Excellent job, obviously makes the kids happy. however... doesn't look like its doing a good job of keeping the sand inside

greg donovan

my sand box was never covered growing up and we had 2 dogs and an unknown number of barn cats. it was like finding buried treasure!

adauria

Thanks for the comments folks!

As for the playset, etc. thankfully that was already professionally built and resides in a different part of the yard. A deck, however, will be the next thing the wife asks for.

The sand around the box is actually there "on purpose." The box takes about 3/4 of a ton of sand, and the minimum delivery was a full ton. Still, we choose that site behind the house because it gets a lot of shade and no grass seems to want to grow there. Unfortunately, it also gets a bit muddy without any grass there, especially with a condensation pipe exiting over there. With 500 extra lbs of sand, I figured it would be good to place it around the box. The sand is actually doing a reasonable job of covering the dirt and mud in that area, at least for the time being (less than a week).

As for a substitute lid... you've got a good point! I don't want the kids digging for buried treasure! The 1/2" CDX plywood lid is already buckling in the middle. I could reinforce it or replace the lid with something else. Solid is a key point there - keep it dry. Any ideas on materials or design for this? It would also need to be light enough for the Mrs to lift on and off. As it is, those CDX heptagons with 2 rope handles are a little unwieldy for her 4'10" body to move around.

-Andrew

Kenbo

I personally think that you did a fantastic job on the project......however, I have to correct you and say that you didn't make a sandbox, you made memories that will last in your children's minds long after you are gone. Far more precious than beautiful joinery or a mirror finish. "remember when Dad made us that sandbox? That was great!!!"
Excellent work.
Ken

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The Tropical Chippy

Looks great!
Your kids will get loads of use out of it & its something they will remember ,so whats the next project gonna be?

Allthumbs27

We never had a sandbox. My brother and I would get whippings all the time because we tore out grass to get to the dirt. Now that I think about it I am surprised we are still alive. I guess my mom can control her temper a little bit. Great Job on building your first project. Hopefully the first of many more to come.

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ThomasOSB

Looks like you have some satisfied customers and you can't ask for much more than that.

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Fr. Thomas

adauria

Thanks guys, the kids really do seem to love it. That is really the best reward for the hard work.

As for my next project, I already have the lumber to build a simple workbench from 2x4s, plywood, and MDF. The plans are from a book called "The Complete Guide to Woodworking," my first real introduction to this world. I hope to get started this weekend. Pics will be posted of that one too, assuming the results are not too embarrassing!

-Andrew

frankp

To replace the lid, I would go with some frames and waterproof nylon or some heavy canvas that has been weatherproofed. Might be a little bit light but at least it would be solid. If you feel something more is necessary, just use some 1/4" ply with some stiffening frame added to it. Again, you'd probably need to waterproof it with some sealant or other for truly good results, but it would be heavy enough not to blow away (in non-hurricane winds) but light enough to move.

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trident98

Forget about the cover. The kids won't use it as often if it's cover'd. Their smiles tell the story so your project was a success. Good job

blondewood

How about just covering it with a tarp. Since you want it to be light weight for your wife you could make a frame from 1X4 to tack the tarp to. Or give her some bricks to weight it down or use a couple of 2X4's. Or investigate the different tarp hold down gizmos that exist. From my experience, thin plywood is a waste of time for stuff like that. It always warps and the water will seap through if you don't paint it.
Vicki

adauria

Thought about the tarp... the plywood I have on there now isn't going to make it a year, that much is clear.

You can see the current lids off to the side in the picture. They are non-reinforced ply and they are starting to warp.

I think a framed out fabric / tarp thing will probably replace it, but maybe not until it gets a little worse.

-Andrew

TS3660

How about putting a PVC pole in the middle and drapping a tarp over it? The pole wouldn't be prermanent. One kid could hold the pole while the other puts the tarp on. Then the kid would climb out from under the "fort". Course, I think what would happen is the kids would end up playing in the box without taking the tarp down.

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