Newbie to DIY, need help with sandbox!?
Question:I really want to build my two little girls a sandbox. We have a community sandbox but, no one covers it..and then cats come...and use it as their own personal litterbox.
So, the sandbox I want to make is going to be small enough to fit on a ground floor patio, but big enough to make a few castles and have some fun. I don't want anything extravagant.
I know virtually nothing about DIY. I think this simple project will be a good starting point.
Here are my questions:
Can I just buy some cheap fir wood for this project? I am thinking that I will have to put some kind of weatherproof sealant on the wood. What do you suggest?
I know I have to put down some sort of tarp/foil to hold the sand in. What is the cheapest yet most effective kind?
Since this is a small sandbox, could I just build a wooden frame complete with tarp and skip building some sort of bottom out of wood? Or do you think the tarp would slip around too much on the tiles of the patio? The patio is rain-free. Thanks!
Answers:
The easiest way is to got to a home store and pick up some 2x6 lumber. If you want something deeper you can use a 2x8. Fir will do since its out of the weather. But I would paint it anyway to make it look good and it will help if it gets wet. You can have them cut it to length. Remember two will be one length and the other two need to be 3 inches shorter to get a square. Use some construction adhesive in the corners to help keep is secure and to seal it so sand doesn't leak out. Screw the corners together with at least 3- 3" screws. If you don't have a drill you can buy corner brackets and put them on the inside. and use 1" screws. Take a tape measure and check the measurement diagonally from corner to corner. When you have the same both ways it means the box is square. You can get some wood and cut it into triangles 1 foot by 1 foot and put them on the top of the box corners to stiffen it up and keep it square. At HomeDepot they have a cart with cut off pieces of wood that you can get cheap for the corners. You can put it directly on the patio but if you want nail a tarp on the bottom with some roofing nails and cut it to the right size. Any tarp will do and they sell then pretty cheap at any hardware store. Play sand is also sold at HomeDepot.
if it is just for your patio why dont you buy one of those plastic turtles that have the lid attached? lots cheaper and last longer than cheap wood ! if you really wish to build out of wood i recommend using cedar not anything treated.
The easiest way is to buy a small, hard plastic kiddie pool. They are strong enough to withstand the weather, and 2 kids. You could cover it with a tarp in case there are cats around.
I would just use that cheap wood you are talking about. You can paint it if you like for looks and a little more durability. If you will be putting the sandbox right on the ground, I would not worry about the bottom, at all. I would just use the frame, making sure that it cannot tip over if the kids sit on the edges. You may like to connect some triangle-shaped pieces at each corner for little seats, and this will also help stabilize the entire frame. Use screws to connect the wood, with pre-drilled holes, just slightly smaller than the screw you are using. Make certain the wood is thick enough that it will not split as you put the screws in. Perhaps two long pieces of wood with the tarp attached in scroll-like fashion would work for the cover, but seems like rain would collect in it. Maybe screens would work to keep cats out of the box, placed over the whole frame? Regarding the bottom, if you do make it out of wood, you will need to be careful that it is not the type that will splinter with little shovels and such, as it is exposed to any moisture and scraping. Splinters would be hard on little hands and feet. Lumber yards are usually good places to ask additional questions, and if you live where there is one who provides good service, this way, they usually are more than happy to answer any questions regarding wood type, screws to use, etc. Sand boxes are so much fun for kids. Even if the box is a little messy, just keep a tub of water nearby for rinsing feet before coming back into the house, and another tub of water so they can mix it with the sand, as this is loads of fun, too!
go to your big box (depot or lowes ) have them cut the boards to your specs
2 by 6 white wood or spf will work like the other said --no treated ,,but cedar is overkill
whitewood or spf will last several years
FORGET ALL THAT
one of the big box has choice deck boards--boards come in 12 foot pieces and are about 5 1/2 " wide( made from recycled plastic--it will last a lifetime and does not have splinters)
get them cut to your size( 1 cut is free--jack with them and they will cut it all for you)tell them that is the only way you will buy the board
predrill holes in ends and screw together
get some 3" screws
if you want to get fancy --figure another square large enough to go over the first--lay your tarp and put second frame on --wind, rain, dark of night or cats dont get in this way
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