How to Build a Simple DIY Wooden Sandbox

How to Build a Permanent DIY Sandbox

1. Lay Out Landscape Fabric

   lnstall landscape fabric across the sandbox area. Roll four 9-foot strips of 3-foot-wide landscape fabric across the area, overlapping each row by 1-foot.

2. Arrange the Lower Tier

   Lay four of the four-by-six posts in a square on the landscape fabric. The wide side of the posts should be facing up. Arrange the four-by-sixes so that the end of each post meets the side of the adjoining post.

   Tip

   Set up the posts in the DIY sandbox’s eventual home. Once assembled, it will be too heavy to move.

3. Square the Lower Tier

   Measure the lower tier at each of its two diagonals. When both diagonals are the same measurement, the tier is in square. With the hammer or sledgehammer, gently tap posts to move them into position.

4. Add the Upper Tier

   Add the remaining four four-by-sixes as the upper tier. The posts should be arranged the same way, except the upper tier should be turned 90 degrees (either direction) from the lower tier. As with the lower tier, square the upper tier with the tape measure and adjust any of the lower posts that may have moved out of position.

5. Drill Pilot Holes

   Drill pilot holes for the lag screws. Chuck the 5/16-diameter by 6-inch drill bit into the drill and drill two pilot holes at each corner. Drill down 5 inches per hole. Be sure to keep the posts steady as you drill to avoid misaligned holes.

   Tip

   Add a ring of painter’s tape 5 inches up from the end of the drill bit as a depth guide.

6. Drive the Lag Screws

   Slip a washer through a lag screw, then drive the screw into one of the holes. Keep the lag screw vertical. Drive the screw with a 9/16-inch socket. Repeat for all of the eight holes.

7. Add the Sand

   Add enough clean play sand to fill the sandbox halfway, or about 3-1/2 inches deep.

8. Trim Landscape Fabric

   Cut excess landscape fabric with the utility knife.

How to Build a Simple DIY Sandbox With Seats

1. Dry-Fit the Side Panels

   Lay four two-by-eights on edge to form a square. Work on a flat surface such as a garage floor or a concrete patio.

2. Drill Pilot Holes

   Drive three pilot holes into each end. This will avoid split ends when you drive the deck screws. Have an assistant hold the boards steady.

3. Attach the Side Panels

   Drive three 3-inch deck screws into each end to attach the board to its neighbor. The assistant should continue holding the boards.

4. Cut the Seats

   Run the straightedge from one corner to the opposite corner on the 4-foot-square plywood panel and draw a line with the pencil. Do the same for the other two corners. Cut the panel into four triangles with the circular saw.

5. Square the Sandbox

   Measure opposite diagonals on the sandbox. Then, measure the other two diagonals. The two measurements should be the same when the sandbox is square. Square the box by pushing against a corner, with an assistant at the opposite corner.

6. Install the Seats

   With the sandbox in square, attach one triangle seat at each corner. The seats will maintain the box’s square after all have been installed. Drive six 1-1/2-inch deck screws per seat.

7. Add the Landscape Fabric

   lnstall landscape fabric inside the sandbox. Roll four 9-foot strips of 3-foot-wide landscape fabric across the inside. Overlap each row by 1-foot. Continue the excess landscape fabric up the sides of the box. Staple at about the halfway point. Cut off the excess with the utility knife.

   Tip

   Hammer the staples flat for safety.

8. Add Sand

   Add clean play sand to the sandbox to about the halfway point.