Dual Purpose More Than Just A Backyard Deck – Coolest DIY Project Ever!
Tools and Materials Needed to Make the Elite DIY Sandbox
This is where the fun begins . . . putting it all together. Gather up your tools, wood, and hardware and let the games begin. Ready, set, go!
image credit: Utah’s Adventure Family
Tools you’ll need:
A “chop” saw or miter saw
A power drill with 1/8″ bit and Phillips head bitWood you’ll need:
11: 2×6 boards that are 10 feet long
4: 2×6 boards that are 8 feet long
4: 2×4 boards that are 8 feet long (see comments below. I was able to use some scraps I had laying around)Hardware you’ll need:
4: 4 inch T-hinges (pictured below)
4: 11 inch regular hinges (pictured below)
125 (or so): 2.5 inch wood screws
20 (or so): 1 inch wood screws if your hinges don’t come with screws
4: handles
1-2: gallons of Deckover or other exterior wood paint
Total time I spent on the project including painting, cutting, and assembly: 8 hoursTotal cost: about $200
Step 1: Cutting
The cutting on this project is simple.
Take all 11 of your 10 foot 2×6’s and cut them in half with the miter saw giving you 22 2×6 that are 5 feet long. This is the width of the sandbox. Leave the four 8 footers alone, that’s the length of the box.
FOR CUTTING & PAINTING – CLICK ON PAGE 6!
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.