Sandboxes

Sandboxes have been among the most enjoyable backyard play tools for kids. It gives children the opportunity to indulge in their favorite “play thing” –sand. Sandboxes also encourage creativity in children, as well as keep them entertained during the day. It’s also a great way of promoting the outdoors to kids, especially the garden, and allows them to have fun and enjoy the sun and fresh air.

Moreover, a sandbox isn’t a pricey piece of outdoor equipment, yet they provide excellent child activity by simply creating sandcastles or structuring sand “stuff”. The best thing is it’s easy to build your own sandboxes in the garden or backyard. Those with the “do-it-yourself” skills may want to consider these tips for building sandboxes for children:

Choose A Perfect Location

Ideally the sandbox must be placed on a “level space” having at least 6-feet clearance around the sandbox’s perimeter. Placing the sandbox closer to the home and/or other play equipment like swing sets will create a defined and cozy “playing area” for the children, and will make it easier to monitor the kids.

Find a level ground, ideally one that has partial sunlight so its sand dries quickly after rains, but is also located in an area that has periods of shade –particularly during hot hours in the afternoon.

Choose Good Materials

Wood that’s rough-cut and untreated may rot if exposed to rain and warp during months of cold winter. Conversely, wood that’s pressure-treated may be hazardous as several are treated using arsenic, as well as requires the use of urethane and other types of treatments so that it’s suitable for sandbox use.

Some wood designed for sandboxes use a combination of UV-protected polypropylene and wood fiber –these types don’t splinter, resist warping, don’t rot, and are safe for kids.

Make Sandboxes Big Enough

Sandboxes must be big enough to have room for both the kids and their playmates, as well as give them sufficient room to play in it. There are sandbox kits in the market that are designed to offer children a spacious playing space.



Keep It Uncomplicated

Not unless you’re a professional carpenter, you’d want your sandboxes to be something that is “easy-to-build” and trouble-free to maintain. Don’t complicate things by trying to create an elaborate sandbox; you’ll be happy to know that easy-to-build sandbox kits are available in today’s market, and all you’ll need is a tape measure, Phillips screwdriver, and a hammer.

Keep It Protected And Covered

Sandbox covers are very essential to keep the playing area of your child clean. Bird dropping, organic matter, and animal waste can turn your child’s sandbox into a box of bacteria hazard. Plastic or wood panels, as well as tarps are very common ways of covering and protecting sandboxes.

Using cut wood to cover the sandbox may be time consuming and kids may not be able to lift it up when they want to play. Tarps are good, but they need to fit the sandbox well. On the other hand, most sandbox kits come with an especially made cover that provides a secure and attractive protection for the sandbox that’s easy to take off and put on.

Building sandboxes these days are easier and trouble-free with many available easy-to-install kits. These sandbox kits have changed the way sandboxes are built, and even those with only the basic know-how of carpentry can assemble and build one in a breeze. Gone are the days of unattractive green and blue plastic “monstrosities” that tend to overpower the beauty of the garden. With these simple kits, one doesn’t have to waste long hours in measuring lumber, measuring angles, and aligning seams.