Home Furniture Sandbox Picnic Table Plans

Sandbox Picnic Table Plans

by Ovidiu

 

This step by step diy project is about sandbox picnic table plans. I have designed this picnic table with sandbox so you can surprise your kids with a great project that will keep them busy and happy for hours and hours. This sandbox that can be easily converted into a table by fitting the lid. Remember that you need to adjust the size and the design of the sandbox table to suit your needs. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

 

 

Projects made from these plans

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Sandbox Picnic Table Plans

Building-a-kids-picnic-table-with-sandbox

Building-a-kids-picnic-table-with-sandbox

 

Cut & Shopping Lists

  • A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 27 1/4″ long LEGS
  • B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long, 2 pieces – 42″ long SUPPORTS
  • C – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 23 1/2″ long TRAY
  • D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 37″ long, 2 piece – 21″ long BRACES
  • E – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long SEATS
  • F – 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 49 1/2″ long, 3 pieces – 22″ long LID

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

 

 

How to build a kids picnic table with sandbox

Building-the-legs

Building-the-legs

First of all, you need to build the legs for the picnic table. Cut both ends of the legs at 60 degrees using a miter saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Building-the-table-supports

Building-the-table-supports

Continue the project by cutting the 2×4 braces for the kids picnic table. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Assembling the sides

Assembling the sides

Next, you need to assemble the sides for the picnic table. Lay the components on a level surface against a straight line. Make sure you follow the instructions described in the diagram to get a professional result. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat and tabletop braces. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.

Fitting the stretcher

Fitting the stretcher

After assembling the two sides for the kids picnic table, you need to install the 2×4 stretcher so you join them together tightly. Drill pilot holes through the seat supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the stretcher. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Building the bottom of the tray

Building the bottom of the tray

Assemble the tabletop from 2x6s. Drill pocket holes along the edges of the slats, as shown in the image. Add glue to the joints and make sure the edges are perfectly aligned. Insert 2 1/2″ pocket screws to lock the slats together tightly.

Assembling-the-sandbox-tabletop

Assembling-the-sandbox-tabletop

Continue assembling the tray by fitting the 1×6 slats around the bottom slats. Align the edges and make sure the corners are perfectly right-angled. Add glue to the joints and insert 1 1/2″ brad nails.

Attaching the top tray

Attaching the top tray

Lay the tray on a level surface, as shown in the plans. Next, you need to drill pocket holes along the tabletop supports. Center the frame of the picnic table to the bottom of the tray and insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock the components together tightly. Add glue to the joints for a stronger bond.

Building the braces

Building the braces

Cut the braces for the picnic table from 2×4 lumber, using the instructions in the diagram. Make sure you take accurate measurements, otherwise the braces won’t fit into place tightly.

Fitting the braces

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the stretcher and secure them into place with nails. Use a spirit level to make sure the top is perfectly horizontal and that the sides are plumb. In addition, I recommend you to check if the corners are square.

Fitting the seat slats

Fitting the seat slats

Fit the 2×4 slats to the seats, leaving 1/4″ between them. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.

Building the top lid

Building the top lid

Last but not least, you need to assemble the lid for the sandbox table. Lay the 1×4 slats on a level surface. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats so you create even gaps between the slats. Fit the supports to the slats, using the instructions described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to secure the supports to the slats. Insert 2 screws through each support into each slat.

Fitting the top

Fitting the top

Fit the lid to the tray so you make sure it fits into place properly. If it is a tight fit, then you should sand the supports a little.

Sandbox picnic table plans

Sandbox picnic table plans

After assembling the picnic table with sandbox, you need to take care of the finishing touches. For example you should consider fitting landscape fabric inside the tray, so you protect the lumber against moisture. In addition, you need to smooth the whole surface paying more attention to the edges, so the kids won’t get injured while playing. Then apply a few coats of outdoor stain or paint to enhance the look of the project. Fill the tray with sand and you are DONE!

Sandbox table plans

Sandbox table plans

This is a simple project you should be able to build in one day without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your own needs. This picnic table / sandbox combo is one of those projects that will help your kids become more creative and you to watch them playing. When they are done playing, you fit the lid and they can serve a snack or drink a lemonade.

If you want to get this plan as a PDF file with 1 full Cut list and 1 full Shopping list, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS bellow. Thank you for your support!

 

 

This woodworking project was about sandbox picnic table plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

 

 

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11 comments

Donna L Hendricks -

love your site… thanks for sharing!

Reply
Julian -

Thank you for the feedback, Donna. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing your diy projects.

Reply
Gerry Wilson -

Your plans for the 6ft Picnic Table were great. Very easy to understand and assembly straight forward.
We are now on our 3rd table and about to try a couple of children’s Sandbox / Picnic Tables.

Reply
Ovidiu -

That’s great. Congratulations for the projects and good luck with the new ones. Looking forward to seeing your projects. You can send pics here: http://myoutdoorplans.com/contact/

Reply
Maq -

Dumb question. Is the lumber size, actual size or the short version? (Ie. 2×4 is actually 1.5×3.5). If I need an actual 2×4 do I need to get a size up and cut it down to an actual 2”x4” board, etc?

Reply
Ovidiu -

2x4s are 1.5×3.5 and so on. Everything is designed using the actual size of the lumber. See this table for reference: http://myoutdoorplans.com/imperial-to-metric-conversion/

Reply
Jaylin -

I am working on starting the kids picnic/ sandbox the plans ar eso easy to follow and understand thank you

Reply
Ovidiu -

Thank you. Can’t wait to see it.

Reply
John -

WE ARE LOVING THIS TABLE SO MUCH. THE TABLE IS ONLY ABOUT $50 TO MAKE AND SUCH A GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT. WE ARE ON OUR 9TH TABLE. WE HAVE MADE SOME FOR FRIENDS AND A FEW FOR OURSELVES. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!! KEEP POSTING MORE THINGS LIKE THIS PLEASE!!!!!!!

Reply
jim revell -

unable to print the plan……use to have a print logo on left side on the screen

Reply
Ovidiu -

Currently not available.

Reply

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