How to build a sandbox for children. DIY children's sandbox

On suburban areas Sometimes the pressing question is how to arrange them so that young children can play safely and interestingly. One solution is to make a sandbox with your own hands. The simplest structure can occupy the attention of children for many hours.

When creating, you should consider some rules for placing the playground:

  • From a safety point of view, children should always be visible, which means it is better to place the sandbox in a clearly visible and accessible place.
  • According to hygiene requirements, the sandbox should not be located under trees so that falling leaves and bird droppings do not contaminate the sand.
  • Direct rays of the sun are more harmful than beneficial for small children, so the play area must be covered.

There are a number standard projects for children's sandboxes. As a rule, they are based on a square with sides of 2.5–3 m. To fill it, about 3 m 3 of well-sifted river sand is required. When assembling the structure, you should use environmental materials, and pine boards 25–30 mm thick are best suited here.

Having chosen a place for construction, mark the perimeter. For good foundation upper layer It is preferable to remove the soil. Therefore, it is necessary to dig a shallow pit, about 25 cm. This could be limited, however, the sand, in contact with the ground, will quickly become contaminated and will have to be changed. The working volume of sand must be isolated from the ground, and geotextiles or agrofibre are perfect for this.

A sand cushion is poured into the bottom of our pit, which is carefully compacted, and a cloth is spread over it. Its structure is capable of transmitting atmospheric moisture into the ground. This compares favorably with, for example, polyethylene, which will not allow water to escape and the sandbox will be constantly wet. Geotextiles can be replaced with ordinary plywood, only drainage holes must be drilled in it.

To build the sides of the sandbox you will need bars measuring 450x50x50 mm. They must be treated with an antiseptic and placed in the corners of the structure. The bars are driven into the ground at the corners by about 15 cm. These will be the support posts.

A shield of pine boards is assembled for each side of the structure. The width of such a side should be about 30 cm. All surfaces should be sanded well so that there are no protruding chips or nicks left.

You can also assemble benches around the perimeter of the structure where children can sit down and place buckets or other toys. Of course, they must also be carefully aligned and even covered with paint or varnish, so that the child does not risk getting a splinter.

Lid

The design can and should be improved by adding a lid to it. It will protect the sand from rain, leaves and other debris, and also will not allow animals to relieve themselves in clean sand.

The lid will be a removable wooden panel equipped with handles for easy lifting. Can be made in the form of doors mounted on hinges.

In the very simple case you can use an awning or film. Such a canvas needs to be secured with an elastic band or with bricks; it will protect the sandbox.

Canopy or fungus

The fungus over the sandbox is an excellent decorative element that also serves as protection from the weather. Under it you can wait out the rain or protect yourself from sun rays. Often a table is attached to the fungus column that can perform various functions, including serving as a storage place for toys.

For the stem of the fungus you will need a beam with a cross section of 100x100 mm. In order for the canopy to be stable, part of the beam, at least 1 m, must go deep into the ground. The wood should be pre-treated with an antiseptic to protect against rot and insects.

In order to make a mushroom cap, you need to build triangles from boards. WITH inside they should be nailed to the support, and on the outside they should be covered with thin plywood. The span of the cap is desirable about 2.5 m.

Choosing the right sand

Usually used for children's games river sand. The edges of its granules are polished with water and are not capable of injuring, moreover, there are almost no foreign impurities in it. If you decide to buy quartz sand, this can be done in shopping centers specializing in building materials. Any sand must first be sifted before pouring into the sandbox bowl.

Note! There is a special mixture for the playground; it is well suited for sculpting figures, since it additionally contains clay. Special fragrances are added to it to repel animals and insects from the sandbox.

There are many different ways, allowing you to decorate the sandbox and increase its attractiveness for young children. The main thing in this case is the ability to show your imagination and not be afraid to embody ideas. And then your playground will become your child’s favorite place to play.

Video

Photo

Options for children's sandboxes:

Making a sandbox with a lid:

A comfortable sandbox, once in which the baby forgets about everything in the world, must be in every yard. After all, she doesn’t just occupy a small growing man. It helps to hone fine motor skills, develop imagination, spatial thinking and logic. And finally, explore the world in every possible way through spatulas, molds and buckets. It’s not difficult to make such a sandbox with your own hands. To do this, you just need to collect a basic set of tools, find some free time and show a little imagination.

Selecting a location

Choosing a location for a sandbox is one of the most important stages its arrangement

Not only the peace of mind of the parents, but also the mood of the baby depends on the correct choice of location for such a structure. Therefore, the sandbox should:

  • be in sight of parents;
  • be simultaneously protected from the hot sun and drafts;
  • build on a hill so as not to collect sedimentary moisture;
  • be far from water;
  • be located away from excessive vegetation, otherwise you will have to constantly clear it of leaves and twigs;
  • be open enough to the rays of the setting sun.

Thus, it is better to arrange it next to the house, which will protect it from wind and heat. As an option, you can hide a piece of such a structure under a tree or fungus, providing shade at its location. However, the second side of the sandbox must be open so that the sand can dry out faster after rain. This will reduce the risk of hypothermia for the child.

Additionally, it is worth taking care of access for a car that periodically brings new sand.

Design calculation

The calculation of the future design is always carried out individually

There are a lot of options for designing a sandbox. Round or oval, in the shape of polygons, cars or stars, made by the caring hands of loving parents, its owner will definitely like it. But, as practice shows, square or rectangular ones are popular and easy to make. They can be easily equipped with a regular lid or a bench lid.

The selection of sizes for the sandbox is individual. The optimal design is considered to be in the shape of a square, the side of which is 1.2–1.5 m. Being compact, it is still suitable for games of 1–3 children. If there is enough space, the length of the side can be increased to 3 m. Surely the kids will appreciate this.

The height of the sides can vary between 25–50 cm. This will allow you to fall asleep sufficient quantity sand. And it will not create problems for the child when climbing into it independently.

When thinking about the design of the lid, you can settle on the knocked down wooden shield. Or build a hinged lid-bench, bringing pleasure to your children.

Required materials and tools

For a sandbox, it is better to choose boards made of pine, linden or larch

  • Boards for the frame and cover with a thickness of at least 32 mm. Their number is calculated individually. Based on the consideration that two boards on one side of the frame are enough, it is necessary to prepare at least 8 pieces. It is also worth taking care of the boards for the lid. It is better to give preference to pine, larch or linden, since these species are less susceptible to rotting;
  • 4 bars for fixing on the corners;
  • emery;
  • impregnation for wood;
  • 6 loops;
  • self-tapping screws or screws;
  • screwdriver or set of screwdrivers;
  • jigsaw or hacksaw;
  • agrofibre for bottom arrangement;
  • shovel;
  • pencil.

Manufacturing instructions

When appropriate place found for the sandbox, and all the tools and materials are prepared, you can proceed directly to the manufacture of the structure itself. Conventionally, this process can be divided into several stages.

Foundation construction

To set up a sandbox, you need to prepare the foundation

Initially, it is important to decide on the size of the future sandbox. Then it is advisable to apply them to the drawing and to the area itself. The latter must first be cleared of vegetation and debris. For marking, you can use 4 pegs driven into the ground and a cord stretched between them.

When installing pegs, it is important to take into account the additional 25 cm on each side for digging out the soil. You also need to mark the center of the future structure.

Now is the time to start removing the top layer of earth up to 30 cm thick and digging a hole in the center up to 80 cm deep. This will serve as the basis for drainage system, thanks to which sedimentary moisture can be absorbed into the soil. To do this, it is lowered into the dug hole. metal pipe with holes, which is covered with a mesh on top to prevent grains of sand from getting in.

If such a pipe is not available, coarse crushed stone can be used. It is poured to a depth of 15 cm and compacted. A “cushion” of sand 5–6 cm high is poured on top, on which the base itself can be laid directly. In addition to agrofibre, it can be:

  • dense polyethylene film;
  • geotextiles;
  • paving slabs;
  • a sheet of plywood with holes made for perforation.

Such bedding materials prevent sand from mixing with the ground. They also block the way for rodents and insects into the sandbox.

Frame

Having prepared the boards for the sandbox, you can begin building the frame

To construct the sides, you need to dig the bars in the corners to a depth of 15–20 cm. And then nail the prepared boards to them. The process of their preparation also has its own characteristics. Like the bars, they should be:

  • polished to prevent splinters from appearing in children;
  • treated with drying oil, bitumen or any other antiseptic at least 2-3 times to prevent wood rotting.

Based on the fact that minimum height the sides are 25 cm, you need to nail 2 boards on each side. This means that to make the body you will need 8 boards of the required length. Using a hacksaw, grooves are cut into them and the boards are inserted into each other, forming two squares. The lower one is placed in the prepared recess. The top one is installed on it. And the structure itself is secured by using small bars in the corners.

The nails and screws that will be used to secure the wood must be completely buried in it, eliminating the risk of injury to children during play. For greater strength, they can be puttied.

Lid

One of the most interesting stages arrangement of the sandbox is its decoration

The process of decorating a sandbox is individual. It can be painted in all the colors of the rainbow or decorated with flowers, letters, numbers, geometric shapes and images of animals. The main thing is that the activity is a joy, and the result is to the taste of the future owner.

And if you have the desire and a piece of awning, you can build a real sail over the sandbox, turning it into a long-distance ship.

Video instructions for making it yourself

Watch this video to see one of the options for creating a sandbox with your own hands:

In order to build a sandbox with your own hands, you need to put in a minimum of effort, which will ultimately be rewarded with happy children's smiles. But they are priceless. Get creative, build simple structures for your children and enjoy their boundless gratitude!

Your baby is growing up, and it’s time to think about a cozy children’s corner in the garden. What is your favorite pastime at this age? Of course, games fresh air. One of the main attributes of a children's playground is a sandbox, where children can play with sand from morning to evening. Installing such a structure in the yard is as easy as shelling pears, since they are sold in specialized stores ready-made. However, their price often does not please caring parents. The best solution in this situation, a sandbox with a lid, made by yourself, will become. This does not require special skills, and you can use any available means as material.

Types of sandboxes for children

If you decide to make a sandbox for your beloved child with your own hands, so that you won’t be ashamed to show your friends a photo of the structure, then before you start work, you need to figure out what types of these structures exist.

By design features It is customary to distinguish between two types of sandboxes:

  • open;
  • closed.

Open structures

Perhaps the presented type can be called the most common and popular in playgrounds. It is made and installed quite simply. Although you can rarely find them in their “pure” form. Today, many masters complement them with a variety of decorative elements, giving them original shapes. Open sandboxes are often combined with houses, benches, slides and other elements. The most popular options are:

  1. Sandbox mushroom. In the center or on the side of such a structure they place wooden post with a roof so that children can play quietly without overheating in the sun.
  2. Sandbox sailboat. An umbrella or a canopy acts as a roof, which serves as a protection for children from the sun's rays.
  3. Mobile sandbox (foldable). A special feature of this structure is the ability to move it to any place. Perhaps this is due to the presence of a collapsible frame.

Advantages:

  • all materials for manufacturing are available and relatively inexpensive;
  • installation does not require special skills;
  • develops the child’s physical and mental skills;
  • if a breakdown occurs, it is quite easy to repair it;
  • simple and easy to use.

Flaws:

  • Since the structure does not close, leaves, sediment, and debris get into it.
  • while the sandbox is unattended, animals can “choose” it, turning the child’s favorite structure into a toilet;
  • sand erodes over time.

Despite the fact that the open sandbox has few disadvantages, its functionality compared to closed design sharply decreases, in particular due to the need for constant cleaning of debris.

Photo gallery: open sandboxes

Mushroom - a classic design for a children's sandbox The sandbox-sailboat perfectly protects the baby from exposure to sunlight A folding sandbox is perfect for those who like to travel a lot with children An open sandbox is the most popular option The canopy can also be placed near the sandbox

Indoor sandboxes for children

This type of sandbox appeared relatively recently, but thanks to many advantages it has already earned the sympathy of parents.

Closed sandboxes are divided into:

  1. Classic (covered with a lid). In this version, the structure is tightly covered with a board after the game.
  2. A sandbox that transforms into benches or a table. This structure differs from the others in that it allows you to turn the lid into an additional playground or into seats with backrests on both sides.

Advantages:

  • the lid closes the sandbox from precipitation, debris and animals, and also prevents sand from weathering;
  • you can store various children's equipment (spatulas, scoops and rakes) under the lid;
  • there is an additional play area for children;
  • prices for materials for manufacturing are low;
  • reliable and durable design.

Flaws:

  • in the event of a breakdown, repairing a closed sandbox will be more difficult than an open one;
  • required a large number of materials for manufacturing.

Photo gallery: sandboxes with lid

The appearance of a closed sandbox can be absolutely anything The lid protects the sand from moisture and debris The lid can be transformed into benches

Almost every parent has the opportunity to build a sandbox on their garden plot for their beloved child. However, in order for the structure to last a long time and not pose a danger to the child, it is worth following several recommendations during its manufacture and installation:

  1. The sandbox should be within sight of parents so that they can check what their child is doing at any time.
  2. In order to reduce the likelihood of infection through sand, it is recommended to choose an installation location away from trees.
  3. The dimensions of the structure must be chosen such that it can ultimately accommodate more than three children.
  4. The structure should be installed on an elevated area, since with this location it will not collect sedimentary moisture.
  5. It is necessary to install the sandbox so that one part of it is in the sun and the other in the shade. This will allow the sand to warm up evenly without burning the child.
  6. It is better to choose river sand, because it is cleaner and contains minimal amount impurities.
  7. To prevent stray animals from trying to “take a fancy” to the sandbox, you can treat the outer perimeter with a special agent that repels cats and dogs.
  8. Before you start construction, you must check that all the boards are sanded.
  9. For manufacturing, use only high-quality materials.
  10. When choosing a location for installation, it is recommended to immediately check whether there are thorny bushes, allergens or other plants nearby that could harm the child.
  11. Ensure that there is no electrical wiring, various hoses and pipes.
  12. It is advisable to make a lawn around the sandbox, seeded with trampling-resistant grass.
  13. It is recommended to locate the structure on the south side - this way the sand will warm up faster.

Which material to choose

There are three classic options, which can also be combined with each other:

  • wood;
  • plastic;
  • metal.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Tree

Wood structures are classic and popular.

Advantages:

  • long service life with proper care;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • safety;
  • availability;
  • poor thermal conductivity.

Flaws:

  • the need for periodic painting to maintain a neat appearance;
  • susceptibility to rotting, since wood is easily susceptible to any influence (this can be avoided by processing by special means);
  • increased risk of injury if the surface is untreated and there are gaps.

Plastic

Constructions made of plastic and resin can be safely called modern version sandboxes They are often purchased ready-made, because these materials are extremely inconvenient to process with your own hands.

Advantages:

  • safe, harmless and high-quality plastic is used in production;
  • there is no need for constant maintenance and periodic painting;
  • He doesn’t care about any precipitation;
  • the sandbox is easy to install and operate;
  • has compact dimensions;
  • pretty plastic lightweight material, which means the sandbox design will be mobile;
  • There is a wide range of bright, colorful and rich design colors available.

Flaws:

  • plastic fades and becomes faded over time;
  • expensive;
  • unstable to ultraviolet radiation, as a result of which the plastic is susceptible to deformation.

Metal

Metal structures, like wooden ones, are familiar to everyone since childhood. Quite often they could be found in the courtyards of the city. However, today they are purchased and built quite rarely, since their disadvantages are several times greater than their advantages.

Advantages:

  • long service life;
  • strength and reliability of the structure.

Flaws:

  • manufacturing complexity, since without welding machine and you can’t build such a sandbox with special skills;
  • high price;
  • increased thermal conductivity;
  • susceptibility to corrosion.

Preparing for work

Careful preparation will help make the work of making a sandbox with a lid with your own hands easier.

Drawing up a drawing with dimensions

It is customary to start any construction with a design diagram. Having decided on the type of design and material for manufacture, you must consider whether you will have a regular lid or a transforming one. Also carefully plan all stages of creating a sandbox.

The sandbox cover consists of:

  1. Door hinges.
  2. Back support.
  3. Basics for fastening.
  4. Sandbox side boards.
  5. The backs of the bench.
  6. Limiter.

This version of the lid is optimal, since it not only covers the sandbox from debris, but also transforms into benches.

Tools and materials

Due to the fact that the structure is square in shape, we will need boards of the same length and width. Materials you will need:

  • 8 boards measuring 1500x150x30 mm (2 boards on each side of the side);
  • 12 bars measuring 700x50x50 mm (for securing wooden elements sides);
  • 4 boards measuring 1500x175x30 mm (for the bottom and base for fastening);
  • 4 bars - 1500x200x30 mm (for the back of the bench);
  • 4 limiters - 175x60x30 mm;
  • 4 stops - 700x60x30 mm;
  • 4 metal door hinges.

To cover the base you will need a special waterproofing coating. Great option It will be thick polyethylene. The area it will occupy is easy to calculate: you need to multiply the width of the structure by its length (1.5 m * 1.5 m = 2.25 m²). Since the sides will also need to be covered with polyethylene, it is recommended to leave a margin of 12 cm on each side.

For construction you will need a few more tools:

  • bayonet and shovel shovels;
  • hacksaw or jigsaw;
  • hammer;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • building level;
  • grinding machine or sandpaper;
  • brushes and roller for painting;
  • chisel;
  • electric drill;
  • square;
  • set of wood drills;
  • bolts with nuts;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • construction tape;
  • wooden stakes and cord.

Photo gallery: tools for making structures

A shovel will help make indentations for the base. A screwdriver will help speed up the process of tightening bolts Instead of a jigsaw, you can use a hacksaw The chisel will allow you to make indentations in the wood required sizes You can also take a professional angle

Step-by-step instructions for making a children's sandbox with a folding bench

  1. Once you have decided on the location, you need to mark the area. To make the calculations more accurate, it is recommended to install pegs around the perimeter and stretch a cord between them. Using a tape measure and a square you can make the corners even.
  2. Now you need to remove the top layer of soil with a shovel. It is advisable to make the depth a little more than 25 cm. This step will eliminate the rotting of plants and the appearance of various living creatures in the sandbox, and will also ensure the reliability and stability of the structure.
  3. Next, you need to level the bottom and fill it with gravel and sand in a 10 cm layer. Then the surface of the pit is compacted and leveled. Due to this, water will not accumulate under the sandbox.
  4. After preparing the bottom of the pit, you need to lay the base of the structure. Polyethylene is suitable for this. It needs to be laid at the bottom of the hole, after making several holes in it with a nail. This is necessary so that moisture does not linger in the sand for a long time, but goes into the ground.
  5. At this stage you need to make a frame for the sandbox. To do this, sides are constructed from two boards. For fastening it is customary to use self-tapping screws, bolts or metal plates. The connecting parts are bars - they fasten the sides on the inside of the sandbox.
  6. Before installing the sandbox in the soil, you need to dig 9 holes around the entire perimeter of the prepared hole, into which the supports will then go.
  7. Then the boards are secured with self-tapping screws to the upper edge of the side, serving as the basis for the lid.
  8. The boards you just installed need to be attached door hinges at a distance of 35 cm from the edge.
  9. Now you need to secure two more boards. The hinges are installed on the opposite side.
  10. Then you should install boards that will act as a backrest. Relevant wooden parts secured with self-tapping screws.
  11. Now you need to fix the stops to the base of the seat.
  12. In order for the back of the benches to have a stop, you need to install the bars and secure them with self-tapping screws.
  13. At the end, it is necessary to install the structure in specially prepared holes in the ground and secure it well.

Features of finishing of a wooden structure

Having completed the construction of the sandbox, it is necessary to treat it with special means that will make it look beautiful. It is important to choose the right paint. Cheap options can evaporate in the hot sun and release harmful chemicals that can enter the child’s lungs. Also, some paints and varnishes begin to stick to your hands after drying, and this is extremely undesirable. Therefore, you should contact a specialized store, where they will tell you the safest and most convenient option specifically for a children's sandbox.

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

Despite the fact that one generation gives way to another, all children at all times love to play in the sand. To provide children with such joy, you need to think about how to make a sandbox for them. It is very important for children to have a playground not only in the yard, but also in the country, so a do-it-yourself sandbox is the only right choice provide children with an opportunity to do active games, and not sit near the TV.

Sandbox materials and sizes

If you look in the children's department of the hypermarket, they also sell sandboxes: plastic, wooden. But as soon as you look at the price, the thought immediately arises: maybe you can make a children’s sandbox with your own hands, so as not to pay such a large amount? But when returning to your summer cottage, difficulties may arise with the choice of material and the size of the boards.

In order to have general idea about what is required for this, it is better to first look at a photo of a sandbox made by yourself, and you can get to work. First of all, you will need to find boards. But keep in mind that this will require well-planed boards so that children cannot get hurt.

To make the sandbox for children beautiful, you should first draw up a drawing. But when drawing up a drawing, it is very important to take into account the size of the area.

In most cases, such a playground is made square. Most optimal size such a structure is 1.5 or 2 meters in length and width, and 20-30 cm in height.

Before you make a sandbox with your own hands, you should decide on the thickness of the boards - they should be no thinner than 30 mm.

How to make a children's sandbox?

Before getting started, it’s better to watch the video self-creation sandboxes - this will allow you to have an idea of ​​what needs to be done.

Since sand will be poured inside, which will put pressure on the boards, it is best to fasten them to each other with self-tapping screws. But before assembling the structure, the wood must be treated with an antiseptic.

Since rain and snow will fall on the sandbox, rot and various insects should not appear in the boards. This treatment of the boards will allow this playground be more durable.

In order for the sandbox at the dacha to last as long as possible, it is necessary to make a canopy for it. Such a canopy will protect children from bright sunlight, and, if necessary, from short-term rain.

To protect children from troubles, it is necessary to make a bottom for this playground. If you use agrofibre as the bottom, then various beetles and other insects will not get into the sandbox from the soil. In order for agrofibre to hold better, it must be attached to the boards with a furniture stapler.

It is also worth thinking about providing children with somewhere to sit in this playground. To do this, you will need to attach boards on top or make them on opposite sides wooden benches with backs.

In this case, children will have the opportunity not only to play in the sand, but also, if necessary, to relax on a bench.

18.07.2016

It's the middle of summer. Tired of the heat and bustle of the city, we try to get out of the city more often, and on weekends we head to the dacha to have a good rest in nature. Many people plan to spend their entire vacation there. And if the family has Small child, then this is one of the most best options rest, because doctors do not recommend sudden changes in climate and time zone for children under three or four years old. Therefore, many parents spend the whole summer at the dacha, enjoying the picturesque landscapes, silence and fresh air.

At the dacha you can organize a useful and enjoyable holiday for the whole family - the main thing is that everyone’s interests are taken into account. Therefore, when planning a recreation area, make sure that older family members can sit comfortably in the gazebo or sit on comfortable bench, read a book while lying in a hammock, and set the table in the fresh air. However, this is clearly not enough for kids - after all, they love to play most of all and they always need something to do. Therefore, little fidgets simply need a children's sandbox!

Experts have long agreed that playing with sand is not only interesting, but also useful. This develops children's creative abilities, eye and fine motor skills, makes kids more patient and balanced, because it’s not always possible to build a beautiful tower or sculpt the perfect Easter cake the first time. In addition, the sandbox can be called a real school of friendship, because it is here that kids gain their first experience interpersonal communication. Playing with sand has a beneficial effect on the baby, and sand heated by the sun has healing effect and improves health.

In this article we will tell you how to make a children's sandbox yourself. And become a real decoration of your personal plot Aerosol paints from the Motip Dupli Group will help her - bright, durable and extremely easy to use. In a rich color palette aerosols, Crafts Spray, Trendy Specials and you can easily find not only popular shades, but also quite rare colors, as well as paints with various special effects.


Of course, you can buy a ready-made plastic sandbox in the store, but its size will most likely be small. It is inconvenient for even one child to play in a standard sandbox - there is simply nowhere for him to turn around. What if you need to call your mom, older brother or sister for help? And I would also like to invite friends to visit, because together it is much more fun and interesting to sculpt Easter cakes, build entire cities out of sand and pave a road through the entire sandbox.

It is also important that high-quality sandboxes are quite expensive, especially considering that you will only use it for a few months a year. Therefore, a DIY sandbox for children will help not only diversify your vacation, but also save your budget. In addition, an older child can be periodically involved in the creative process. He will be happy to help fulfill the most simple work, and then proudly tell everyone about what beautiful sandbox you were able to build together. Well, in the eyes of your baby you will look like a real wizard!

The main thing to remember is that any place for children's games should be environmentally friendly and safe. And when choosing a form and appearance sandboxes, you can show all your architectural and artistic abilities and completely give free rein to your imagination. For example, you can complement the sandbox with various decorative elements.

Choosing the classics

The simplest and easiest option to implement is a rectangular or square open sandbox made of wood, which can be made in a few hours.

Where to place the sandbox?

Children should always be visible, so don't hide the sandbox in the corner summer cottage, behind the bushes, tall grass or outbuildings. It should be clearly visible even from the window of the house. Try to find a place that will be in the shade during the midday heat, but do not place the sandbox near fruit trees– fallen fruits and bird droppings should not fall into the sand. If you can’t find a suitable flat area, you can make a sandbox with a roof for protection from the sun, install a mushroom umbrella there, or use a removable awning.

Preparing the surface

So that the poured sand does not mix with the ground, and the remains of grass do not interfere with your baby’s games, the surface on which the sandbox will be located must be carefully prepared. First you need to mark the boundaries of the planned sandbox and remove the top layer of soil inside.


Making the base and benches

In each corner you need to dig holes for the racks with a depth of 35–40 cm. Since the racks will be partially underground, they must be treated with an antiseptic solution and covered with bitumen.

The racks are buried in the ground, and the sidewalls are nailed to them. They can be made from one wide board or several narrow ones knocked into a shield. You can determine the height of the side yourself; usually it is about 30 cm.

Important: the boards must be carefully processed and sanded so that the child does not get hurt or get a splinter.

We nail horizontal boards at the corners. These sides can be used not only as benches, but also as stands for molds, and also as a “table” for making shortbread cakes.

Painting the sandbox

Of course, the sandbox needs to be painted - as your imagination dictates. This will completely transform the sandbox, and will also protect the wood and allow it to last. long years. Motip aerosol paints will help you with this - you can find cans of paint in all the colors of the rainbow, as well as the rarest and most unusual shades!

Apply a few thin layers from a distance of 20–30 cm, choosing paints of the child’s favorite colors. If desired, you can decorate the surface with various designs and patterns using a stencil. These can be not only flowers, animals or funny fairy-tale characters, but also numbers, letters, and various geometric shapes.

Finishing touch

Before pouring sand, we recommend laying it on the bottom of the future sandbox paving slabs or fill it up cement mortar. For children's games in the sandbox, it is better to choose river sand - it is much cleaner and does not contain clay, but you can also use ordinary sand from a quarry. However, in any case, it must first be sifted.

Sandbox with lid

The sandbox can be equipped with a lid to close it at night or during rain, protecting the sand from getting wet and dirty.


The easiest way to do this is to use a regular shield, which can be easily put together from the remaining boards or plywood. But the main drawback here is that the baby will not be able to remove such a cover on his own. Therefore, if you have some experience, it is better to build a transforming cover with hinged door hinges. The child will be able to open and close it independently, and during games such a lid will turn into a bench.


Sandboxes made from scrap materials

A sandbox at the dacha can be built from the remains of wooden posts, old car tires, plastic bottles and many other unnecessary things by painting them with spray paints. And when creative approach to the point, it will not only serve as a place for children’s games, but also act as a decorative element.

To find suitable material, often it’s enough just to go out onto the site and look around. And we invite you to look at photographs that will inspire you to create your own unique sandbox! After all, it’s not difficult at all – you just need to show your imagination and stock up on Motip aerosol paints!