Step 1: Cut the timbers

building a sandbox
Photo: This Old House television
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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.
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    Tools List

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    • square shovel
      Spade and Shovel
    • circular saw
      Circular saw
    • speed square
      Speed square
    • framing square
      Framing square
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • mallet
      Rubber mallet or sledge
    • hammer
      Hammer
    • drill
      Heavy duty drill/driver or impact driver fitted with 1/4-inch nut driver bit

    Shopping List

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    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