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

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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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Photo: This Old House television

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

1. Cut the timbers

The timbers that make up the walls of the sandbox will butt end-to-side at the corners. So to determine how long the timbers have to be, subtract 3½ inches (the true width of a 4x4) from the length you want each side to be. Using a circular saw, cut the timbers to these dimensions. You will need 3 pieces for each side of the box.