Sand Box

RollTideRam · Apr 8, 2008

I want to build my boy a sand box to play in. Maybe 10x10 or 8x10, big enough for several boy with toys. I'm looking for ideas on what to surround it with, besides landscape timbers. Also what could be used to cover it to keep the neighbors cats from burying things in it? Thanks for any ideas. JC

RobS · Apr 8, 2008

I built the sandbox from "The New Yankee Workshop" a while back. It's smaller than you want though. What works for the cats is plastic lattice panels. Apparently, they don't like walking on it. They're light enough to handle easily.

Knight9 · Apr 8, 2008

I used pressure treated 2x8's with PT 2x4 spiked into the ground on the outside at intervals to keep the boards from bowing. Added a top lip 2x4 for sitting comfort. I too use lattice (although mine is generic PT wood lattice) to keep the cats out. Works well.

jeffinsgf · Apr 8, 2008

Trexｮ or one of the similar recycled plastic decking materials would make a good sandbox. I had not heard of the lattice for cat protection. However, lattice isn't going to stop the sandbox from getting wet when it rains.

RollTideRam · Apr 8, 2008

Thanks for the tip on the lattice, never heard that. As far as keeping the sand dry, my poor little fella's mother won't let him out of the house if it has rained. JC

Sniggle · Apr 8, 2008

I used 4 pressure treated 2 in*12 in*10 ft, cut some angled 2*4 pieces for each corner (inside bottom), screwed it all together, stapled weed mat to the bottom and found a level place to put it. It is plenty big for 3 or 4 kids to play, and deep enough that they can dig holes and stuff.

If you have cats, you will need to keep it covered when not in use, or they will create buried treasure.

Knight9 · Apr 9, 2008

However, lattice isn't going to stop the sandbox from getting wet when it rains.

That's what I count on!!!

I have to hope for rain, or the kids just get the hose and buckets out!!! Rather use free rain right?!

Egon · Apr 9, 2008

Kevin, you should have an acreage south west of Edmonton in the sand dunes. There there is no problem with a sand box.

emmy71 · Apr 10, 2008

Here's a link to the one I built.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/111854-new-garage.html

I used 4" x 4" x 8' three deep. That gives about 10.5" deep for sand. I covered the bottom with landscaping fabric. As you can see in the pictures I only have about 7" to 8" of sand. That is a lot of sand. For the cover I made a frame out of 2" x 4" and 1" x 1" and covered that with vinyl soffit. The covers will not keep the sand from getting wet, but some moisture helps to pack it together and build things. I put handles on each end and can pretty much just pull them off. Just be sure to check for spiders before the little ones get in. I had a problem with stray cats and I have seen them sitting on the cover at night, but they can't get in. I have managed to "relocate" quite a few of them. That reminds me, I need to get a back hoe.

Terry