I am thinking about building a sand box for my kids?

Question

in my almost acre backyard, maybe a 5x5 or 6x6, I pretty much have an idea of how to do it but I am not sure where to purchase or look for sand to fill it and how much I would need for that size. any handy men out there that could give me advice or links to some places to buy sand and how much I would need.

Thankx

Answer 1

You can buy sandboxes with a cover, so the rain doesn't fill it ith water and the neighbour's cat doesn't do his business in there at night.The one we had was in the shape of a turtle and when we no longer wanted it we sold it in a yard sale and get some of our money back.
The store bought ones are safer(no splinters exposed nails or screws,no one falling and hitting their head on a board)
Play sand you can get at any building supply store and it comes sifted and prewashed.

Answer 2

I actually prefer, as answer number one states, buying one. Certainly the cost, minus labor and materials would be similar, and the kids might actually find it kinda cool. They aren't usually that large however, which may be a problem.

Treated 2x8,10,12's nailed or screwed at the corners would work, and if you expect they may try to dig a hole to China, you might dig a pit area, just inside the frame dimensions to allow for more sand. I'd put a liner in the frame, for weed or insect intrusion, and that can be anything from weed barriaer material, to a Tarp. It will degrade over time, but initially will help.

The sand is the easy part. Any big box home store sells play sand by the bag, Home Depot/Lowes/Ace/Menards/Walmart even and usually about 1.5 ??? CU. FT. per bag. It's modestly priced, can be replaced when dirty. For the enjoyment of the children it probably shouldn't be "sugar sand" but play sand actually will retain some moisture, allowing sand castles etc.

To keep the frame/box, in place you can add treated 2x2's screwed or nailed in at corners, kind of like what is used to frame out pouring a concrete slab.

Have Fun...smile

Answer 3

We built a 4x6 foot frame out of 2x4's, lined it with green astroturf lapping it over the sides and nailing it down good, and put in 10 bags of play sand. It has held up well over 6 years. Rain just drains through the astroturf and in no time the sand is dry again. Bought all material at Lowe's. Have fun.

Answer 4

Yes this is true make sure you get the PLAY Sand the other stuff for building has all kinds of junk in it and can be harmful we looked into this for our animals that needed sand for tanks, and yes they can still build stuff with the play sand... Good Luck