How to Build a Simple Sandbox

By: This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 4x4 CEDAR TIMBERS
to make up the sides of the sandbox

2. SCRAP 2x4
to hold the timbers square while you fasten them down

3. 3-INCH DECKING SCREWS

4. 6-INCH SELF-TAPPING TIMBER SCREWS

5. LANDSCAPE FABRIC
to line the box and keep weeds from growing up through the sand

6. PLAY SAND
aka natural sand

7. TARP
large enough to cover the completed sandbox

8. VELCRO TAPE
to hold the tarp down

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Spade and Shovel
- Circular saw
- Speed square
- Framing square
- 4-foot level
- Rubber mallet or sledge
- Hammer
- Heavy duty drill/driver or impact driver fitted with 1/4-inch nut driver bit
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Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

4 hours
$200

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Digging and carrying timbers requires some strength, but assembling the parts is simple.

Age Range: 6 to 12 years

Kids are fascinated with digging and playing in dirt. Which is why a sandbox is a perfect alternative to the backyard mud pit. Self-contained, free of debris, and easy to dig up with the most plastic of toys, a sandbox can keep kids occupied for hours. And as This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows here, building one is as straightforward as stacking lumber in a square, fastening it together, and filling it with sand—a feat that can be accomplished in an afternoon. In fact, it's so simple it’s practically child’s play—and we can dig that.

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