Do It Yourself - Build A Sandbox

A sandbox can provide the novelty of some of the seaside in your yard and will alow for hours of fun for children. Later, when youngsters have gotten to old for it, you can always cover it with garden soil and use it as a garden box, or turning it into a dirt box that older kids will also love.

Required tools and materials

Wall blocks and Masonry glue (sold with blocks)
Landscape fabric /weed blocking fabric
Earth staples
Shovel
Carpenter's level
Sand
Tarp or old bedspread

Instructions:

Step one:
Choose the position for the sandbox. If you have a big backyard, choose a shaded area under a tree. If you have a small yard pick out an area that has the least amount of sun during the time you know kids will be playing the sandbox.

Step two:
Decide on the blocks you will use for the sandbox.

Step three:
With the measuring tape, measure out the area of the sandbox. Determine what will be the corners using rocks and sticks or more professionally with lay out the shape of the sandbox with some stakes and twine to be used as markers along the edges as a guide to dig.

Step four:
With the shovel start digging the centre of the sandbox and work your way out to the marked edges. Dig to a depth of 5 or so inches.

Step five:
Using the same measurements you have taken for the area of the sandbox, cut the landscaping fabric and set it at the bottom of the hole. This will prevent insects, weeds and animals from entering the sandbox. Secure the fabric to the floor with the earth staples (which can be bought wherever landscape fabric is sold)


Step six:
Determine how much sand you need. Do this by With the (depth x width x length in feet). Divide this number by 27 and you'll know how many cubic yards are required. You can always double check with your sand provider. The sand you will need is called Play Sand" or "Sandbox Sand." It is sterilized and sifted, and hence has no big particles that kids might swallow or choke on. It also won't get stuck to to kids and their clothes.
Step seven:
Place the wall blocks around the border of the sandbox, securing them to each other with the masonry glue.

Step eight:
Continue to lay the blocks on top of each other to make the walls of the sandbox as high as you want it to be, remember that you may need extra sand if you build a higher wall for the sandbox
Step nine
Re-check measurements for the sand, order and fill the box. It is now ready to be use.

Tips and Warnings:

1) Set the sandbox in a position that you can easily see from the house and from all angles of the yard to ensure the safety of children

2) If you are placing the sandbox near to a tree, avoid the tree roots as best you can.

3) Cover the sandbox with an old bedspread or tarpaulin when not in use to keep small animals from using it as a litter box and to prevent sand from washing away during rain.

4) Chose wall blocks that will fit the style of your background. Blocks come in a assortment of patterns colors and textures. Curved blocks can be used to construct sandboxes that are round or kidney shaped, while square blocks make square and rectangular boxes. Choose blocks with smooth surfaces to keep scrapes and scratches from climbing or falling on them.