How to build a sandbox

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a sandbox. If you want to learn more about building a sandbox, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.

There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the sandbox plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the sandbox to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Building a sandbox

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 72″ long, 2 pieces – 96″ long SIDES
C – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 86″ long, 4 pieces – 73″ long TRIMS
E – 100 sq ft of landscaping fabric FABRIC

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 6 ft
4 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 8 ft
6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
landscape fabric 100 sq ft
3 1/2″ lag bolts
2 1/2″ screws
1 5/8″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
wood filler
wood glue
stain/paint

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Building a sandbox

Building the frame of the sandbox

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the sandbox. Therefore, build the corner supports out of 4×4 lumber and the sides out of 2×10 lumber. Cut both ends of the side slats at 45 degrees and attach them to the corner supports.

It is essential to take accurate measurements and to align the components with great care, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Leave no gaps between the components when inserting the screws. Drill 12″ deep holes into the ground to set the posts. Remove the vegetation layer and fit the posts into place tightly.

Fitting the sides

Continue the garden project by fitting the sides to the sandbox. Therefore, you need to cut both ends of the 2×10 lumber at 45 degrees and fit them to the frame. Make sure you add waterproof glue to the joints and you leave no gaps between the components.

Attaching the slats

It is essential to create rigid joints, so make sure you drill pocket holes and countersink the head of the screws. After aligning the components with attention, we recommend you to insert the 2 1/2″ carriage bolts.

Fitting the fabric

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to fit landscaping fabric inside the frame of the sandbox. Cut the fabric at the right size and glue it to the frame, making sure the material is as stretched as possible.

Fitting the trims

In order to get a neat appearance, we recommend you to attach 1×6 trims to the wooden sandbox. Therefore, we recommend you to cut the components as described in the diagram and to secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws.

Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the head of the screws are at the same level with the wooden surface. Smooth the wooden surface using a nice orbital sander.

How to build a sandbox

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.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a sandbox. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

How to build a sandbox

Projects made from these plans