Do-it-yourself sandbox at the dacha, drawings and dimensions. How to make a children's sandbox with a roof. Choosing the right sand
Little children love to play in the sand. To provide them with this opportunity, caring adults install sandboxes at home and in the country. Of course, there are ready-made ones for sale, but their price is not at all childish. The best way out- a sandbox made by yourself. When making it, you will certainly try to take into account all the characteristics and preferences of your child.
What can you make a sandbox out of?
The most popular material for building a children's sandbox is wood. It can be edged boards, small diameter logs, timber, block house. This is basically what they make from. To make the work go faster, you can buy polished materials. They are more expensive, but have a smooth surface. If you need to save money, take it ordinary materials, then manually or using a grinder you will bring everything to perfect condition.
You can use plywood (moisture resistant) or OSB (OSB). Not everyone likes them, due to the presence of glue and harmful fumes (formaldehyde). But in air these emissions are not dangerous, and you can also use material with emission class E0 or E1. It guarantees safety - children's furniture is made from this material. It is convenient to work with plywood and OSB: cut out the parts of the required shape, twist them together, process the ends and you can paint them.
At the dacha, you can use improvised material. For example, plastic bottles. Just so that they stick, they are attached to the board: the lids are nailed at a certain pitch, bottles are screwed into them. Having received one “sidewall”, take a piece of thick wire equal to twice the length of the sidewall + 20 cm, pierce the bottles with the wire, retreating about 5-7 cm from the bottom, turn the wire upward and pierce it in the opposite direction from above. The ends are twisted, trying to hide the “tails”.
This is how it will be necessary to “sew” the bottles with wire
This twist is obtained only on one side - on the other there is simply a bent wire. When you install the sides, place them so that the “tails” are covered by the bottle. The finished sides of the sandbox made from bottles are installed in a shallow ditch, the board and the tapering bottom of the bottles are sprinkled with soil, and compacted well. You can throw a sheet of plywood at the bottom, and pour sand on top.
The second most popular “waste” material for country houses. They also make sandboxes. It is necessary to cut off the side panel on one side old tire. You will get quite high sides. Then there are two ways:
In any case, the cuts will have to be secured. Some tires have plastic cord (reinforcing fiber), some have metal. The plastic one can be sanded, but the metal one will have to be covered somehow.
To make a sandbox, you can use fallen tree trunks cut into pieces. They make a very interesting and quite reliable fence. Before digging in, the wood needs to be treated so that it lasts longer. Eat modern impregnations with a simultaneous tinting effect. Comfortable. The treated stumps must be dried, and while they are drying, dig a ditch around the perimeter of the future sandbox. Its depth is at least 20-25 cm. There is no need to do less - the children will walk and jump on the stumps, so they must hold up well. Insert the logs into the ditch, level them, fill the gaps with soil and compact them well.
You can also make a fence for a sandbox from logs traditional type. Place a base on the ground: a piece of linoleum, for example, with several holes in it to drain water after rain. Place logs on the base, making a rectangle/square out of them. They can be fastened with long nails, but more securely with studs - steel rods with threads at both ends. Under them, you will need to drill a hole diagonally at the junction of the logs. The diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the stud. Drill out the edges of the hole so that you can recess the nuts and washers. Insert a rod into the hole, put washers on both ends, and tighten everything with nuts.
You can make benches on top - one or two boards and benches for kids are ready. Of course, they rarely sit on them. More often they build their sand castles on them.
How to make a sandbox: step-by-step instructions
First, let's look at general principles manufacturing sandboxes of any design. With some modifications they are repeated every time.
Step one. Selecting a location . The location must be chosen so that part of the sandbox is in the shade, part in the sun. If this is not possible, we put it in a sunny place and make a canopy over it. Please make sure that there are no large trees or bushes nearby. They, of course, provide good shade, but leaves fall off them, and the sand will have to be sifted often.
Do not place the sandbox in strong sun, nor should it be in a corner where there is no air movement at all. But it also has no place in a draft. Another important point: if you plan to let your baby out to play in the yard on his own, the place for playing should be clearly visible from the window of the room where you spend most time.
Step two. Marking . If the sandbox is rectangular, use pegs and threads stretched between them. We drove the pegs, measuring the required dimensions ( standard size children's sandbox for children from 2 to 5 years old - 1.7 m * 1.7 m). Twine, rope, and cord were pulled between them. We checked the diagonals; for the angles to be right, they must be equal.
If the sandbox has rounded corners or sides, you can draw an arc using sand poured into a bag. A small hole is cut in the corner of the bag and in this way the required shape is “drawn”.
Step 3. We are digging a pit. We remove the sod and take it to the side, remove some soil, cleaning out the roots as we go, removing stones. The depth of the pit is 20-30 cm.
Let's get started earthworks- digging a pit
In the middle of the sandbox, make a small square of greater depth: with a side of about 60 cm and a depth of another 30-40 cm (the total depth of this hole will be 60-70 cm). Pour crushed stone into the hole. This will be the “water drainage system”. If you form a small slope from the edges to it, the sand will dry quickly after rains.
Step 4. Laying the base.
Add a little sand (5-6 cm) to the bottom of the resulting pit, leveling it well. Now you need to lay the foundation. Most the best option— . This non-woven material, very tear resistant. It will not allow grass to sprout and will not allow sand to mix with the soil. If you bring it to the edges of the pit, it will also “hold” the earth, preventing it from flowing inside when it rains.
If geotextiles are not found, you can lay a piece of plywood or linoleum. You just need to cut a few holes in them (1.5-2 cm in diameter) for water to drain.
DIY sandbox: step-by-step photo reports
No matter how simple the design may seem, when it comes to implementation, questions arise. To make there fewer of them, we publish several models of homemade sandboxes with step by step photos, capturing the main nodes.
Simple design
The simplest thing you can do is knock down a rectangle or square from the boards. For a sandbox, the normal side of a square is 1.7 m. So you will need 4 or 8, 12 boards of this length. Make the sizes larger or smaller - the choice is yours. The number of rows of boards depends on their width and how tall you want it to be.
If, as described earlier, you dug a pit 25 cm deep, then poured in 5 cm of sand, you get a 20 cm deepening. If you want the sides to protrude 10 cm from the ground (for 2-year-old children this is convenient, for older ones it can be from 20 cm and above), the total height is 30 cm. If the board is 10 cm wide, you will need 3 tiers (boards, respectively 3 rows * 4 pcs = 12 pcs).
You will also need a block with a cross section of 40*40 mm. It will need to be cut into pieces equal to the height of the sides of the sandbox. In our case it is 30 cm. You will need 4 pieces. The total length of the required timber is 1.2 m. All lumber is sanded well, then impregnated with protective impregnations, otherwise the wood will quickly lose its appearance.
We take two boards and fold them at an angle of 90°. We place a block at the joint, nail both boards or screw in self-tapping screws - two for each fastening. We attach the next board to one of the ends, place the block and repeat the operation. This is how we assemble the first row. It will look like in the photo on the left.
The second and third rows are assembled in a similar way. For each connection we place two hardware (nails or self-tapping screws). Just make sure that the heads do not protrude and the points do not stick out.
After the required height has been collected, we can consider that the sandbox is made with our own hands. But, as always, now I want to add something to make it more convenient for the children. They usually like to make Easter cakes, and they need a platform for them. You can nail small triangles made of plywood or also assembled from cut boards in the corners. Another option is to nail two longitudinal boards. They fit perfectly on the bars in the corners. We hammer nails into them.
Adding comfort
Continuing the theme of “improving” sandboxes. Carrying toys home that are stained with sand every time is not very pleasant. The problem can be solved simply: fence off the part for toys. Convenient for both you and the child. An additional wall is installed, which is also attached to the existing ones using bars.
Separate the compartment for toys - put an additional wall
And so that there is no temptation to pour sand there, you can come up with a lid. You can sit on it, or you can build Easter cakes.
A couple of boards, a little imagination and an ordinary box turns into a car. The boys will definitely like this one.
Transformable sandbox with folding lid
Construction begins in exactly the same way as described earlier: a box of boards is assembled. The trick is in the design of the lid. You will also need boards for the lid and hinges - four regular door ones and four with one long shelf.
In our example, there were 6 boards on each side of the lid. They were attached in pairs. First, two boards were nailed to the finished box on one side and the other.
A short shelf of a loop, similar to a barn one, was screwed onto them. Two boards were also attached to the long shelf. It is important that the second one is attached at least half the width, otherwise it can be twisted.
We screw the following board onto regular door hinges. The shelves are on the other side. Then it turns out that the second part of the lid tilts in the other direction. The second board is attached to the fixed one using an auxiliary block. It is stuffed on both sides at a distance of about 15 cm from the edge.
To prevent the folded lid from pressing on the hinges, an additional piece of board is stuffed onto the first two boards. It serves as a support; when loaded, the board does not bend.
Based on operating experience, we can say that children almost never play under the seats: it’s uncomfortable. To use this area more efficiently, it can be fenced off as a compartment for toys. Another advantage of this solution is that less sand is required.
In this example, the docks are painted with an impregnation, which at the same time gives color to the wood. If desired, you can use regular opaque paint. Only take it for wood, for outdoor use. Otherwise, after a couple of rains, it will bubble or crack. Using paint, you can paint the sandbox in more “girlish” colors, although impregnations can also be different color, but they just give a tint.
Sandbox boat
For boys you can make a sandbox-boat or ship. The main “body” is built as usual, all other superstructures are attached to it.
In this version, it was decided to make the sandbox low. A triangle was attached to the downed hull - the bow of the future ship. It is significantly higher than the main part. To ensure that the boards hold tightly, two boards are driven into the ground 60 cm deep on each side. The boards were nailed to them. In the corners they are also fastened, but only to each other - with nails (they were hit diagonally).
Since the height difference turned out to be significant, a staircase was made from the “deck” to the bow. The top is covered with boards and the masts are reinforced.
There are only Finishing work and equipment. After some time, it was decided to build an extension at the stern - a place to hide from the sun, and put a toy box there. They installed poles made of timber and covered them with plywood cut to size. In the final version the ship looked like this.
Another boat was built using approximately the same technology.
Awnings
It is not always possible to place a sandbox in partial shade. More often they place it in the sun, and then provide shading - some kind of canopy or umbrella. There are many interesting designs of such canopies that are quick and easy to make.
Perhaps the easiest to implement is this canopy: two posts are attached in the middle, with a crossbar between them. A thick tan is thrown over the crossbar and attached to the driven loops.
This canopy isn't much more complicated. Four racks are required. They are connected at the top by strips - they make the top trim. The awning is sewn to size and stretched. You can fasten it either with buttons or with decorative nails. The main thing is to have the opportunity to remove it in the fall.
Making such a roof is a little more difficult. Triangles are attached to the upper trim of the racks - rafter system. They are connected at the top longitudinal beam, which is correctly called “ridge”, and props are placed in the middle. Under soft tiles, which is used in this case, plywood or OSB is nailed, and roofing material is already laid on top.
Pay attention also to the decor of the sandbox itself: birch logs are driven/dug in around the perimeter, which are covered from the inside with boards: so that the peeling bark does not fall into the sand. Quite an interesting solution.
Another simple sun canopy for the sandbox. The two triangles are connected by thin strips. They are attached to the racks, but it is advisable to make the racks more solid. For small children, this section is enough, but for older children - from 4 years old - something more solid is required - at least 60 * 60 cm. To save money, you can sew two boards - nail them on both sides. Pulling the awning will not be difficult.
How to make a sandbox with a “fungus” with a small wooden canopy - watch the video
Lids
The second attribute necessary for sandboxes is lids. Not only do leaves fall into the sand and all sorts of garbage gets into the sand, but animals also love to be there...being there. You can prevent attacks on the purity of the sand by using a lid. In the very simple version This is a shield knocked out of boards or cut out of plywood, to which handles are attached.
Cover made of boards
To avoid having to remove and install the panels every time, you can attach hinges, and to prevent the doors from hanging, weld handles on which they can rest. When the lid is folded back, you get two small play areas. Children can sit on them or build their own sand castles. Therefore, it is more convenient to make such covers from plywood: there are no cracks and they are lighter in weight.
There is an even more interesting design - away. This type of cover is definitely made from plywood. Nail the top bar so that there is a gap left. A sheet of plywood is inserted into it. And so that the opposite end does not dangle, legs are nailed - small pieces of timber.
The same principle is implemented differently in the version in the photo below. It is already for those who are good at carpentry.
Blueprints
To build a sandbox with your own hands quickly and easily, all that remains is to provide you with a few drawings. You can build on them and take them as a basis. Adjustments can and should be made.
Sandbox with roof - photo and drawing
- This great way manifestations of love and care for your baby, and also a source of pride and admiration. After all, what could be better for your beloved children than a safe, environmentally friendly and simply beautiful place for relaxation and fun.
It is important to remember that games in the sandbox develop children’s creative abilities, fine motor skills hands, eye, patience, balance and even perseverance in achieving the goal - after all, sand is not the strongest construction material. In addition, according to psychologists, sand has a positive effect on the human psyche, absorbing negative energy, calms and stabilizes the nervous system.
How to make a sandbox with your own hands: step-by-step instructions
Today, parents and children are offered a large assortment sandboxes The most advanced of them are plastic made from linear polyethylene. They are very safe - no splinters, plus - the rounded shapes significantly reduce the possibility of injury.
In addition, they are UV resistant, remaining bright and attractive, they do not need to be painted annually, as wooden, and easy to wash. When left in the sun, unlike metal ones, they practically do not heat up.
And in terms of durability, they are significantly superior to both wooden and metal samples. Thanks to its low weight and modular design they are quite mobile - they can be transported in a car, and brought into the barn. However, with all its advantages, a plastic sandbox is quite expensive, especially considering the “temporary” nature of the purchase.
This could be simply four high poles at the corners of the sandbox, on which an awning canopy will be attached, or a canopy-roof made of wood, covering the entire area of the sandbox. But a mushroom sandbox made with your own hands from timber (10x10 cm cross-section) and a “hat” of triangular pieces of plywood will look more decorative. Under it you can wait out the sudden rain and hide from the sun.
And transitions. For young children, a simple sandbox is enough to spend their leisure time, in which they can master the skill of making Easter cakes, and eventually sand castles. Unlike bulky playgrounds, the design of a sandbox is very simple. This means that you can make it yourself. In the article we will tell you how to make a children's sandbox with your own hands, demonstrate diagrams, drawings, as well as photo and video instructions.
Finding a suitable location
While playing in the sandbox, each child will develop their creativity, fine motor skills, eye, patience and balance. In order for the game object to be built according to all the rules and to be safe, it is necessary to be guided by the standards for its placement:
- Accessibility and viewing. Regardless of where the child plays, he should be clearly visible, so the children's sandbox should be clearly visible and there should be no obstacles on the way to it.
- Hygiene. To reduce the likelihood of getting an infection through sand, you should choose a place away from trees.
- Sun. Undoubtedly sunlight good for children's skin, but excessive amounts can be harmful, so protection must be provided.
- The sandbox must be sized for at least 3 children.
According to psychologists, sand has a positive effect on the human psyche. It absorbs all negative energy and thus stabilizes the nervous system.
After the location has been selected, you can begin to develop and draw up a drawing on paper. First of all, you should decide on its size. Since there are no standards or any restrictions, parents have the right to choose the dimensions themselves. Most often, sandboxes have a standard square or rectangular shape, the dimensions of which will depend on the length of the purchased boards. For example, with a board length of 4 m, the height of the sandbox should be 25 cm.
The optimal size of board thickness is considered to be 32 mm, since this is the standard that is used for most types of construction work. Such a board will not only be reliable and durable, but will also reduce the likelihood of cracking, which means the structure will last for many years. When drawing up a design drawing, it is important to indicate the thickness of the sand layer, which should be at least 15-20 cm.
In addition to preparing the main material, boards, in the amount of 4-8 pieces (depending on the height of the sides) and 4 bars, you need to select the following tool:
- pencil;
- roulette;
- shovel;
- hacksaw;
- screwdrivers or screwdriver;
- fasteners;
- door hinges (if the sandbox has a lid);
- sandpaper;
- paints;
- tassels.
It is more practical to choose wooden boards length from 2 to 6 m. Using door hinge You can attach the lid for the sandbox.
Preparing the place
It is very important to prepare the base for a children's sandbox. You can skip this step, but in this case the sand will be in constant contact with the ground, which means it will become dirty faster. To make caring easier play area it is necessary to carefully prepare the site, which will minimize the contact of clean sand and soil.
Let's look at the example of constructing a children's sandbox measuring 2x2 m. It can comfortably accommodate 2-3 children. By preliminary calculations Using rope and pegs we outline the perimeter. We dig a hole 20-25 cm deep. As in the case of the foundation, for greater reliability the foundation needs a cushion, in our case it is 5 cm of sand. It must be evenly distributed around the entire perimeter and the base must be laid.
You can take one of two materials as a basis:
- geotextiles;
- agrofibre.
Both materials do not retain moisture, so rain and melt water will flow into the ground without obstacles. But, at the same time, this layer will not allow insects and worms to approach the sand.
There are several ways to secure the boards together. The simplest and most common option is to fasten the parts using long nails that are driven in with a hammer. It is worth noting that this design will not last long, so experts recommend using a more complex but practical technology.
So, all elements, bars and boards, must first be treated with antiseptics, which protect them from rapid destruction and soaking. It is necessary to secure the boards to the bars measuring 45x5x5 cm using nails (screws) or special corners.
When the structure is completely assembled, you can begin to remove irregularities and corners using sandpaper. After this, wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and prime it. This will allow the layer paint and varnish material spread evenly over the surface without forming drips. The sandbox can be any color. If there free time and desire, you can apply some kind of pattern or design. Ready frame driven into the ground to a depth of 15 cm.
The design of the sandbox can have sides on which it will be comfortable for children to sit and play. For this, boards are also used, which are fastened with screws and reinforced with corners.
Filling the structure with sand
Experts recommend using it for playgrounds river sand, since it is several times cleaner and the percentage of foreign impurities is quite low. A good alternative would be quartz sand, but its price will be significantly higher.
It is worth noting that in stores you can find special sand, which is intended for organizing children's games. Due to the high clay content, it will be more convenient to sculpt figures and build castles. Manufacturers add special fragrances to such products that will repel:
- insects;
- dogs;
- cats.
Fill the sand about 5 cm short of the edges of the sandbox. After this, you can put the sandbox into use for children.
Regardless of the type of sand, it must be sifted, since insects or foreign objects may have gotten into it during storage and transportation.
Children's sandboxes with lids
A lid will provide additional protection from animals and large debris for the sandbox. You can cover it plastic film or an old bedspread, but their service life will be short. It would be more practical to make a special lid. It can be performed in a variety of options:
- removable;
- single leaf;
- bivalve;
- transformable cover.
The last option is considered the best, since when the sandbox is opened, the lid will transform into benches on which children can sit. Secure the lids to the sandbox structure using conventional door hinges. For convenience, you can screw handles to the doors. To make such a structure, hinges are fixed between the boards, which will form a bench when the sandbox is opened.
As you can see, there are many benefits to be had when choosing a sandbox with a lid. Simple and lightweight designs can be opened by the baby himself, so parents don’t have to worry.
The sandbox lid performs several functions at the same time: protective, practical and decorative.
Having a lid on a children's sandbox has many advantages. For example, it protects the structure:
- from encroachments by cats and dogs, go to the toilet;
- from garbage, rotten fruits and branches;
- from excessive getting wet in the rain;
- from throwing sand all over the playground.
In most cases, making a lid is not particularly difficult. It is enough to knock down the shield from the boards. But in practice, such a lid will turn out to be quite bulky and heavy that not even every child will be able to lift it. For this reason, it is worth considering a lightweight version of making a transforming lid. Although it will take more time to make, the overall result will be much better.
- Boards for constructing a frame measuring 1.5x1.5 m in two copies. The board should have dimensions of 32x120x6000 mm.
- Boards 2 pieces 20×120×6000 mm.
- Beam 2 pieces 50×50×1000 mm. They will be needed to fasten the back and the lid body.
- Agrofibre in one piece 1.6×1.6 m.
- Door hinges 8 pieces.
As for tools, prepare the following:
- Staples.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Impregnation for wood.
- Stain.
- Jigsaw or saw.
- Screwdriver.
- Stapler.
- Planer or grinding wheel.
- Roulette.
You should start by making the frame. You cut the boards to the required size.
If the board is 6 m long, then saw it into 4 equal sections. The result is waste-free production.
It is recommended that all workpieces be well sanded and pre-planed. The result should be smooth and smooth surface. Otherwise, children may get hurt or get splinters. Also, all workpieces should be treated with a special solution that prevents rotting and fungus. Next, take the timber and cut it into 4 pieces of 25 cm each. The timber should be subjected to the same processing as the boards.
Using timber, you fasten the boards in the corners, and before that, assemble a two-tier body of 8 boards. The heads of self-tapping screws or if you use nails must be well “sunk” into the workpiece. To prevent sand from spilling into the cracks between the boards, glue a self-adhesive sealant. If the frame has the exact dimensions, then you can begin making the transforming lid.
If desired, you can place two benches opposite each other or a table on one side.
Let's consider the option of making a lid with a table. To do this, attach the first board to the sandbox with self-tapping screws, and the second to the first using hinges. 2 loops are enough. Thus, you can adjust the size of the table, making it wider and vice versa.
To make a bench, take 6 equal boards. Two will be used for the seat, 2 for the back and the remaining 2 for attaching to the frame. The diagram below shows what it looks like:
TO outside screw the lids on the hinges. They are necessary so that the slats bend when opening upwards. To fix the backrest, you also use a beam that has previously been carefully processed. Its length should be sufficient to ensure good stability and sufficient support when open.
If the sandbox is used frequently, then instead of screws for fastening, you can use bolts. The screws may start to fall out.
Finally, the agrofibre is fixed to the bottom using a stapler. Using this simple scheme, you can make your own sandbox with a lid.
A children's sandbox made of wood is a classic option, but it is worth noting that it is not the only one. The photos that you can see at the end of the article will help you make your choice. You will be able to examine all the details and main structural elements.
The shape of the sandbox does not have to be square. Other options are also common:
- circle (from car tires);
- hexagon (from logs);
- oval (plastic);
- labyrinth (made from several types of lumber).
Also, don’t give preference to just one color, use all the colors of the rainbow, and your baby will be delighted with such a playground.
To organize a sandbox in the shape of a labyrinth, more space will be required, but it will not have clear shapes and geometric accuracy.
Making a children's sandbox for your child is very simple and the financial costs will be small. It is important to choose the right material, make it safe, and also prepare the site. It is enough to spend just a few hours and the site will be completely ready for children's games. A child who is captivated by the game will be able to spend half a day in it without a break, which means that parents will have free time.
Video
By watching this video you will learn about simple methods organizing a sandbox for children's games:
Photo
In the photographs provided, you can see a lot interesting ideas on creating a sandbox:
Blueprints
Below are various drawings that can be used as a basis for making a children's sandbox:
Do you dream of returning to childhood at least for a moment? This is not at all difficult to do. Just create sandbox with lid, and then build castles or make sand cakes with your child.
In this article we will tell you about such an important part of the sandbox as the lid and offer several options for it manufacturing.
In addition, the article contains useful tips on the correct placement of the sandbox on the site, the selection of high-quality sand and the construction sequence.
Types of children's sandboxes
Let's try to consider the main types of children's sandboxes. They may differ in material for manufacture, design, design.
The most common ones not so long ago were wooden sandboxes, but today manufacturers also offer plastic that delight the eye with a rainbow bright colors and all kinds of forms.
But if you still decide to create a sandbox with your own hands, the list of materials can expand significantly, since both improvised means. After all, a sandbox can be made from old tires, used plastic bottles, pallets.
The simplest design of the structure can be supplemented benches, sun umbrella, lid and other accessories. And you can design the sandbox in accordance with your own imagination and level of skill.
Sandbox in the form boat, turtles, ladybug or a stylized truck with sand Kids will definitely like it.
Selecting a location
First of all, you should look for the most suitable sandbox appropriate place according to some requirements:
- A place for children to play is a must must be visible, because you will have to constantly look after the child. Therefore, you should not hide the sandbox in a secluded corner behind overgrown bushes;
- Give up places windswept. There is absolutely no need for grains of sand to get into the baby’s eyes under gusts of wind. In the wind to a small child it’s easy to catch a cold, so you shouldn’t risk his health;
- Find a place on the site where one edge of the sandbox will be in the shade, and the other in the sun. Most likely, it is better to install it near a large tree with a spreading crown. If it is not possible to find such a place, the problem of creating a shadow can be solved either with the help or by installing a “mushroom” type umbrella.
Materials and tools
When starting to purchase everything you need, still ask your child’s opinion regarding sizes future building.
What if a small builder plans to create sculptural compositions or a castle with towers, a moat and fortress walls? In this case you will need big sandbox.
To create a standard wooden sandbox you will need the following:
- 4 wooden bars about 50 cm long;
- dense polyethylene or plywood sheet for the base;
- boards for making frames and benches;
- material for making covers.
Important tip! When choosing wood as a material for a sandbox, take care of the antiseptic with which the boards are impregnated. This can be a primer or alkyd impregnation, which will preserve wooden surfaces on for a long time from rot, fungus and pests.
Once you have stocked up on everything you need, you can begin making a sandbox.
Preparation and marking of the site
A standard sandbox for children has the shape of a square with a side 1.7 m. But that doesn't mean you have to follow those standards.
So, using pegs, a tape measure and a cord, mark the perimeter of the area required size and shapes. This is done as follows:
- We drive in 2 pegs on distance 1.7 m from each other (we measure the required distance using a tape measure);
- From the first two pegs at an angle of 90° we again lay 1.7 m and drive in the third and fourth pegs;
- To make sure that the corners of the future sandbox are planned correctly, we check the length both diagonals(the length of the diagonals of the square must be the same);
- If diagonals are not equal, move one of the sides (both pegs at the same time) until the length of the diagonals coincides, while maintaining right angles.
Only now we stretch the cord, marking the perimeter of the base.
Preparing the base
It is important to consider some kind of drainage so that the water in the sandbox and next to it didn't stagnate:
- Removing the soil layer to depth 30–40 cm inside the marked area;
- We dig a hole in the center to the depth about 60 cm. To allow water to be absorbed into the soil after rains, we make a slight slope towards the center of the sandbox. To do this, we simply remove a little more soil: a little from the edges of the sandbox and more from the center;
- Then the hole needs to be filled with small gravel or pebbles, a layer at 20 cm.
It turned out simple drainage well, but thanks to it, even after heavy and prolonged rainfall, the water will quickly go away and the sand will not be damp.
If you abandon the foundation, then after a while the sand will mix with the ground and there will be insects in it, which is completely useless.
To prepare the base for the sandbox, pour it onto a layer of crushed stone or pebbles. The layer thickness should be approximately 5 cm. We lay plywood or thick plastic film on this “pillow”.
Frame making
The manufacturing process for a sandbox includes the following steps:
- In the corners of the future sandbox, in places marked with pegs, we dig in the prepared bars to a depth 20 cm;
- The surface of each board for the sides of the sandbox and future benches is of high quality polish, otherwise the baby risks getting more than one splinter;
- Using self-tapping screws, we attach the sides from 2-3 boards. The height of the sides should be approximately 30-35 cm;
- All that remains is to lay it and strengthen it with self-tapping screws 4 horizontal benches along the perimeter of the sides.
Recommendation! The frame and benches should under no circumstances be fastened with nails. Over time, the structure can become loose, so the fastenings must be as reliable as possible. It is better to use self-tapping screws for this purpose - easy to use and reliable fasteners.
Cover selection
Without covers The sandbox is indispensable. It will protect the sand from debris, leaves and twigs getting into it, and will also prevent pets and stray animals from getting into the habit of doing their toilet chores in it.
There are several options for making the lid:
Sandbox finishing
We decorate the finished building to your liking. Coloring the sandbox bright colors and draw funny pictures.
If your artistic abilities are questionable, that's okay. There are all kinds stencils for printing designs, with their help decorating the sides will not be difficult.
It remains to install bright Beach umbrella for protection from the hot sun. If the sandbox has a “mushroom” canopy, it can be decorated by painting it like a fly agaric. In general, do not limit your imagination to any boundaries. Then your sandbox will look bright, unusual and original.
Selection of sand, its preparation and backfilling
Left fill sandbox. But even here there are possible subtleties.
It turns out that the purest sand is river sand, but even before filling it will have to be sifted through a special construction sieve.
This procedure will help get rid of pebbles, pieces of shells and dangerous glass shards. You can buy it in stores washed or quartz sand. Sometimes you can find sand with special additives to repel animals.
And be sure to check out when purchasing quality certificate, which must indicate that this sand is suitable for use on playgrounds. This way you will show concern not only for the children’s leisure time, but also for their safety.
Where to buy a ready-made sandbox
Plastic, wooden and metal sandboxes with and without lids, as well as other equipment and accessories can be purchased via the Internet and in specialized shopping centers.
Prices for products shown vary from 1500 rubles for the smallest and simplest plastic sandboxes and above.
The cost of sand in construction supermarkets and online stores directly depends on its quality. starting price river sand amounts to 950 rubles for 1 ton and above.
You can watch how to make a sandbox with fungus with your own hands in this video.
