How To DIY A Backyard Sandbox For Kids

Making your outdoor space more kid-friendly can be fun with a little creativity. While you can always try exciting DIYs that reuse pool noodles to create the perfect outdoor activity for your kids, you also can't go wrong with the classic sandbox. This nostalgic play space is something that you can build in your backyard using supplies available at a local hardware store.

First, decide the size of your sandbox. Choose an easy square the same size on all sides, like a 6-foot-by-6-foot box, for a total area of 36 feet. The size of the wood planks you buy will also determine the depth of the box. If you purchase 6-foot-by-8-inch planks, your sandbox will have 8-inch-tall sides. Be aware of the height of your sandbox when considering safety for your children.

Once you choose the dimensions of your backyard sandbox, you will know how much play sand you need to buy. Calculate the volume of sand you will need based on how much you'd like to fill the box. For example, if you'd like to fill an 8-inch-tall sandbox with 6 inches of sand, you would find the necessary cubic feet by multiplying the length, width, and desired depth. In addition to sand, you will also need heavy-duty landscape fabric, pre-cut, treated wood planks, a sandbox cover, and screws. For tools, make sure to have a drill on hand, plus a rake or shovel to clear or level off the space in your backyard.

A sandbox is a timeless option whether you're trying to find unique ways to make your side garden the star of your backyard or make your backyard more welcoming for grandkids. First, you'll need to prepare your ground. Consider the site where your sandbox will go. If it's a little messy, you may need to do some work to clear off debris, mow down tall grass and weeds, or level off uneven ground. You don't want to construct a sandbox that tilts to one side or comes up in one corner.

Once your area is prepped and leveled, mark where the landscape fabric will go using rocks or spray paint. Your landscape fabric should cover the entire area of the sandbox to ensure no weeds grow through the sand. To prevent weeds and grass growing through your landscape fabric, you might need to place two layers of the fabric or try the easiest ways to kill the grass in your lawn.

Youtuber Frank from MI Off-Grid Adventures shows each step to build this durable DIY project. Pre-drill holes on the planks that will become the sides of the sandbox. Grab small wooden blocks for the inside corners to prevent your wood boards from splitting. If you screw your boards into a piece of wood on the inside, it provides the structure with more stability compared to screwing the boards directly into each other. Make sure to attach wood cut into triangles to each angle of the sandbox, too. This triangular piece serves a double purpose as a stabilizer for each corner and a sturdy seat.

Once you have your boards nailed down and everything finished, it's time for the best part of the whole project — adding the sand and getting it ready for the kids. Put enough sand to fill the sandbox, but do not overfill it so that you can add toys and place a cover over the top. This DIY sandbox offers a lot of room for personalization. Do your kids love dinosaurs? Or farm animals? Add sandbox toys like this set of 4 dinosaur construction trucks from Amazon ($19.99) for a fun theme that matches your kid's interests. You could even paint the wood in their favorite color using a durable, weatherproof paint.