This step by step woodworking project is about sandbox with cover plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a nice sandbox with benches and a full cover. The best part of this project is that you can build the wooden sandbox in less than a weekend. The total cost of the materials should be less than 30 dollars. We have designed the plans to keep the expenditures under control and to involve the least amount of work possible. It is an ideal project for putting a big smile on your kids faces. Premium Plans available for this project in the Shop.
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 sand box 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
Sandbox with benches plans
Building-a-sandbox-with-benches
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 46 1/2″ long BOX
- B – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long 2xSEAT
- C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 7 1/2″ long 2xMIDDLE SECTION
- D – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14″ long 2xBACKREST
- 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8′
- 7 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
- 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 6′
- 1 5/8″ screws
- landscape fabric
- wood putty, outdoor paint
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
How to build a sandbox with cover
Building the sides
The first step of the project is to build the sides for the sandbox. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to use 1×8 lumber. Make 10 degree cuts to both ends of the slats using a circular saw. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
Assembling-the-sandbox-box
Cut the rest of the components for the box at 46 1/2″. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components and secure them to the sides using 1 5/8″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.
Fitting landscaping fabric
In order to keep the weeds and other insect away from the sandbox, we recommend you to fit landscaping fabric to the inside of the frame, as shown in the diagram. Staple the fabric to the interior faces of the box, making sure it is perfectly stretched.
Attaching the fixed seat slats
Start building the benches for the sandbox using 1×4 slats. Smooth the exposed edges thoroughly using 120-grit sandpaper. Leave 1/2″ between the slats and secure them to the box using 1 5/8″ screws.
Building-the-seat
Build the next components for the cover using 1×4 slats. Attach the cleats to the slats by using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Leave 1/2″ between the slats to get a professional result.
Fitting the seat
Fit the components to the sandbox, placing the cleats downward-oriented. Attach hinges to the lock the components to the seat slats, as shown in the diagram.
Building-the-backrests
Build the backrest for the sandbox using 1×4 slats and 2×4 lumber for the cleats. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the slats to the cleats.
Fitting the hinges
Attach the backrest to the structure, after folding the middle section of the cover. Use hinges to lock the backrest into place. Repeat the process for the opposite side of the sandbox.
Sandbox with cover plans
After all the components are assembled, the sandbox will be covered entirely. In this manner, you will be able to keep the leaves away, as well as other unwanted guests. In addition, the sandbox with cover will have a neat look that matches the style of any backyard.
Sandbox with benches plans
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Attach handles to the lid, to ease the opening process.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden sandbox from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Premium Plans available for this project in the Shop.
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7 comments
Awesome idea!! Can we get a list of the uncut materials? I don’t math no good and there’s usually a materials list without the cuts needed yet. Thanks in advance!
I have updated the list. Good look and I’m looking forward to seeing your projects!
t wait to built this for my kids 2nd bday.
Just an FYI some of the materials are missing including the hinges and the 1 1/4″ screws.
Thanks
Hello. I believe there may be a mistake, happy to be wrong if I am, but I believe you need 6 1×4. There are 6 times you need a 48” boards. Thanks.
You are looking at the materials list. You need 4 pieces of 1×4 at 8 ft, which you will cut to the 6 pieces at 48″ and 2 at 7 1/2″.
Great plans and idea! Only thing is, in your material list you actually need 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′. I blindly followed your list and now I have to go back to the store LOL
7 actually, unless you will use 2x4s for the supports instead of listed 1x4s. Updated the list. Thanks for letting me know. Looking forward to seeing your project!