Dual Purpose More Than Just A Backyard Deck – Coolest DIY Project Ever!
May 7, 2015 | DIY Backyard
| Covered Sandboxes – Options 1 and 2
Below is the tutorial for Option 1. Scroll Down to see Option 2.
Tools needed:
- power drill
- power saw
- sander (optional)
- paint brush
Materials:
- 8 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ pieces of wood
- 2 – 2″ x 6″ x 8′ pieces of wood
- 1 piece of plywood (optional for bottom)
- a box of 2 1/2″ screws (stainless are ideal)
- 3-4 stainless steel door hinges
- sand paper
- 1 jug/can of wood sealant or exterior paint
- 6-8 bags of beach sand
You will need basic construction skills and a few power tools, namely a saw and drill. We encourage you to use salvaged lumber, if you can get your hands on it. The finished box is a little under 4′ x 4′ closed and 4′ x 8′ open, you will need a level space of this size.
This incredible DIY project was brought to us by Carla and Jason of Small & Friendly. Carla, a modern homemaker, is a “crafty, cookin’ DIY mama,” whose adorable son Jude loves the sandbox his daddy made for him.
For the full set of instructions, please visit Small & Friendly for the Deluxe DIY Sandbox Tutorial.
Now, remember this:
FOR SANDBOX 2 REVEAL – CLICK ON PAGE 4!
11 Comments
WHEN IT IS CLOSED FOR THE NIGHT, IT KEEPS THE ANIMALS FROM USING IT AS THEIR PRIVATE OUTHOUSE. THUS THE CHILDREN WILL NOT DISCOVER IT THE NEXT TIME THEY PLAY IN IT. THIS IS A GREAT IDEA. THANKS.
LOL! What great foresight! We never thought about that. Just one more reason this is such an innovative idea.
very interested in your DIY projects
So glad you are interested our DIY projects. We really appreciate you letting us know. If you try your hand at any, be sure to share them with us. Also, feel free to pass along our posts to your friends who are equally crafty, especially if you know they’ll enjoy them as well. Happy DIYing!
The sandbox deck is cool but the hinged lid looks very heavy for grandmas and kids alike. I can see strong potential for injury when attempting to open or close the lid. However, a safe solution can be made by using a roller or sliding mechanism. That way you can just slide the cover off and have your side deck.
That’s a clever idea to have the top slide or roll. If you figure out how to do it, please share it with us and our fans. We’re always open to seeing variations of the ideas we provide for you so feel free to share your designs. Stay safe!
It would make a lot more sense to waterproof the cover. Once the sand gets wet (sprinklers or rain) sand takes forever to dry out.
Good point, Fred. We were wondering if you ever figured out a way to waterpoof the cover? If so, leave us your thoughts.
You couldn’t use a waterproof sealant to keep water out?
I imagine a waterproof sealant would help preserve the wood,but not necessarily preventing the water from getting through to the sand. What do you think?
For weather proofing, lay a $ store tablecloth on top of sand.