Sand Box

[RollTideRam]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[emmy71]

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

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Maybe catch the kitty's and plant them head down and use the other end as a flower planter for the kids Mom

 

[mjncad]

Maybe catch the kitty's and plant them head down and use the other end as a flower planter for the kids Mom

Works for me!

 

[Grand_Pooba]

I built one a few years back with 2x12x8' sides. I cut 4 triangle 2x12 pieces and screwed them to the top of the corners to keep it square. They also make great seats. For a cover I made a 2x4 frame just largerthat the outside of the boxand tied the corners together with plywood triangles. Stretch a poly tarp over that and staple it in place. Keeps it dry and litter box free.
An upside down sand bucket in the middle helps keep the center of the tarp up for better drainage. Here's a quick sketch.

 

[Knight9]

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

Egon,

How true! However, I'm south west in clay country and we try to cover that sticky stuff up with anything we can!!!

 

[RobJ]

landscape timbers and keep it 8x8. Very cheap and easy. If the sand is on the ground and you have ants...you will have an ant problem. The one I made for my kids years ago was much smaller, off the ground, and covered with fiberglass panels to keep the cats out.

Of find you a big arse tractor tire, that's what we played in.

good luck!

 

[MaineTWLSB]

Haven't posted for quite some time but this thread got my attention. A sand "box" (for lack of a better term) was one of the first things I made for my kids when I got my tractor last year. The tooth bar is what made it all possible. I need to replace the gravel someday with really sand but it works for now.

As you can see the tooth bar scarred up the big rock quite a bit but the kids don't care. The last pic (kind of purplely looking rock) was my first experience with "The Pucker Factor" on my tractor, nearly rolled it...or at least felt like. Gotta love that "quick dump" feature!!

John

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i want to be a kid again.....