I decided not to shelve the sandbox story that I mentioned and talk about the construction process. In addition, we still have warm Indian summer days ahead of us and, perhaps, someone will even have time to do something similar. :)
Almost all summer my wife and daughters spent at the dacha with grandparents. For children there expanse. You can walk on the street all day long, pluck raspberries and strawberries straight from the bushes, and generally enjoy your childhood and life. :)
But, no matter how good it is, and without the main component of childhood (unless, of course, it takes place in permafrost conditions), the mood of any child will not be the most positive. I'm talking, of course, about the sandbox. So my child at some point remembered that in the city, they say, there is this same sandbox, but in the country, much to the chagrin, no.
As a result, after agreeing with my grandmother (our main dacha field marshal), at an emergency family meeting, a decision was made - there will be a sandbox! :)
After wandering around the Internet and reviewing a bunch of sandboxes of various shapes and sizes, I decided to stop at a fairly simple, but functional and convenient option. But since I couldn’t find any diagrams and drawings, I had to do it “just like in the picture” :) The photo below was found by me on the Internet and was taken as the basis for construction.
Having estimated the approximate dimensions of the future sandbox, I went to the construction market. I bought boards, timber, wicket hinges and paint.
After I drank required amount parts, it remains only to grind everything and assemble it into a single structure. My faithful assistants helped me with these tasks :)
Grinding was carried out using a grinder and a grinding wheel, which is not entirely correct, since the process produces a lot of fine dust, which literally clogs everything. I want to buy next year grinder with a dust collector, otherwise cleaning takes almost as much time as the construction itself.
After all the details were processed, I proceeded to the assembly.
I extended the beam, to which the boards of the side walls of the sandbox were attached, since later I planned to dig it into the ground and these “tails” were supposed to serve as supports for the entire structure so that it would not fail.
Gathering everything together, pulled this colossus into the street. It turned out impressive (the sides of the square were about one meter and twenty centimeters).
For strength and reliability, I reinforced the corners with the help of the remnants of the timber.
Went through the first coat of paint. The “legs” of the sandbox were treated with used engine oil.
Well, more precisely, I didn’t paint the legs at all ... :)
I figured in place the pre-painted boards of the future sandbox cover.
With a grinder with a rough skin, he removed the edge from the boards, giving them a prettier look.
I firmly fixed the first two boards by screwing them with self-tapping screws. Then he began to assemble the first part of the movable sandbox cover, adding two more boards and attaching the gate hinges.
Something is starting to happen... :)
Then proceeded to the second part of the cover. The fact is that this lid is not simple, but with a curious mechanism that turns it into a shop! To do this, I added two more boards and fastened them with the help of bars.
Attached two boards, fixed with bars to the previous two boards, using the same wicket hinges. As a result, I got this design:
The bars are calculated so that when the lid is opened, they rest against the wall of the sandbox and serve as a support for the back of the bench.
Thus, our cover folds up and turns into a comfortable bench.
The fifth and sixth boards are fastened with the bars that I spoke about above. In the same way, I strengthened the third and fourth boards, reinforcing them with additional small bars. Now the boards are held not only on hinges and securely fastened to each other.
In addition, these short bars protect children's priests from being scratched on the hinges, and also serve as a back stop for the back of the bench so that it does not fold and fall on the children's arms and backs. Still, don’t say anything, but safety is above all! :)
So that the bench does not sag under the weight of those sitting, I screwed a small support plate in the center onto the first two boards.
After one side of the sandbox lid was finished, I proceeded to assemble the second side.
I decided to make the second half of the lid without a back, thus modifying and improving the original design. :) The fact is that if an adult suddenly decides to play with a child, it is convenient to do this without getting entirely into the sandbox, but sitting on its edge. In the original version of the sandbox, from which I took an example, both sides of the lid were with backs, which made it difficult for adults to board.
In my version, there are no such problems. :)
I closed the corners with a wooden corner so that the ends of the boards do not absorb moisture, and in general it looks much neater.
Having fully assembled and painted the entire structure, I went to look for a shovel ... :)
Having dug a ditch along the perimeter, I lowered into it support legs sandboxes so that side walls lay down on the lawn.
About the children's playground personal plot perhaps all young parents of little fidgets dream. Everyone knows about the benefits of children being outdoors, but when parents take their child out of town, they face the question: what to do with the baby. It is the sandbox that will occupy the child and allow parents to relax, develop their creative skills and spatial thinking. In this article we will talk about how to make a children's sandbox with our own hands, consider various photos and ideas for such structures.
It would seem that there is nothing difficult in building a sandbox: dig a hole, fill in the sand, enclose the sides, and you're done. But there are nuances that cannot be ignored.
You can easily make a children's sandbox with your own hands
When choosing a place where the future sandbox will be located, preference should be given open areas, where you can easily watch the child during the game. The sandbox should not be located in direct sunlight, but it is undesirable to do it in the shade. Penumbra - best option. Build a sandbox near a large tree or place it under an umbrella so you don't have to worry about your little one overheating in the sun. But do not place it too close to the tree, as the leaves and fruits will constantly fall and pollute the sand.
There are many interesting sandbox options that can be purchased.
It is better to have a children's sandbox near the house, in full view of the parents.
Second stage: preparation of drawings and tools
A standard sandbox for kids under 5 years old is square and 2x2 m in size. However, the choice of size and shape is limited only by your imagination. If desired, draw up a drawing or diagram of the proposed playing place and enter the dimensions of the length, width, height there. Sketch the shape and additional details (umbrella, roof, partitions, seats). After that, it will become much easier for you to calculate the amount of building material required.
Tip: The sandbox shape doesn't have to be in shape geometric shapes. A variety of sailboats and ships, flowers and even sand labyrinths will decorate the site no worse than designer things. Match them with various sandbox decorations that will complete her look.
So that the child does not overheat, it is better to make a sandbox with a canopy
An interesting option would be to make a whole sand maze
Choose natural Construction Materials for the construction of a children's corner: birch or pine boards will be a great choice. You will also need bars, protective impregnation for wood, varnishes or paint, geotextiles or agrofibre.
Stock up on the following tools:
- Sander;
- Screwdriver or hammer;
- Self-tapping screws or nails;
- Saw:
- Shovel.
The third stage: preparing the foundation
Drive in pegs at the corners of the selected area and pull the rope. Inside the fenced area, remove the top fertile soil layer to a depth of about 30 cm.
For a sandbox, you need to choose high-quality sand
Sand can be poured already on an earthen base, but this will create difficulties in the future: the sand will settle and become contaminated. To avoid this, between the ground and the sand, a gasket is made of "breathable" materials. To do this, it is recommended to use agrofibre or geotextiles, which pass moisture well and protect the sandbox from plants and soil animals. For these purposes, plastic film or plywood will also go, but using them, make ventilation holes in them in advance.
So that plants do not germinate and moisture does not accumulate, it is better to lay sand on geotextiles
Then prepare the wood: carefully sand each board, bars (to reduce the risk of getting a splinter or scratch in the future), cover their surface with a protective impregnation.
At the corners of the pit, drive in the bars to a depth of 20-25 cm and attach pre-treated boards to them around the perimeter. They can be both wide and narrow. If desired, for strength, the corners of the frame are reinforced with the remains of a beam.
Do-it-yourself children's sandbox closing will protect from precipitation
It will be convenient for both kids and parents if seat-sides are nailed along the edges to the sandbox, as shown in the figure. In the future, children will be able to sculpt their masterpieces on them and put them on display or sit and relax.
Coloring the sandbox, if desired, easily turns into a real creative process. Color it with the children in all the colors of the rainbow or limit yourself to a strict monochromatic style. Paint color is a matter of taste, and all parents decide this issue based on their preferences.
DIY sandbox is a great addition to any playground
These hosts decided to stick with a monochromatic design.
You can emphasize the color of natural wood that has not gone out of fashion for a long time. Such a sandbox is universally suitable for any design of the site and is pleasantly pleasing to the eye.
It is interesting to paint the sandbox with bright drawings, your kids will really like them.
But the most interesting and original version there will, of course, be painting the sandbox with all the colors of the rainbow. The kid will be delighted with the diversity of bright colors, and they will charge you with a good mood for the whole day.
Sides and seats can be decorated with drawings of animal figures, plants, favorite cartoon characters, geometric figures or even original ornaments. Such unusual design your baby will love it, and you will develop his cognitive skills. He can decorate playing place developing creativity and imagination.
The tire sandbox can be covered with a film from rain and debris
Lid for sandbox
Extremely required part for the playground - cover. It will protect the sand from bad weather (rain, snow, strong wind), prevent its contamination with various debris: branches, leaves, plastic bottles, etc. It is important that if the sandbox is securely covered, this will exclude the possibility of stray or pet faeces in the sand, and you can safely let the baby go for a walk without fear for his health.
Interesting fact. The cover performs not only a protective function, but also a decorative one. Various design solutions for its design will give the originality of the design.
The simplest version of a playground cover is an awning that is pulled up when the child has finished playing until the next walk. For this purpose, it is possible to apply polyethylene film. But such a shelter has a drawback: insecurity. Both the awning and the film are easily damaged, not resistant to weather conditions.
A reliable and common option for sheltering a sandbox is a wooden cover. There are three options here:
- Cover-shield: the initial boards are nailed onto the bars, carefully measuring the size. This is a very simple design, but the child himself will not be able to open and close the sandbox on his own.
- Lid-door: two shields of a suitable size are made in exactly the same way, which are attached to the sides of the sandbox with loops, and handles are nailed on top. This design looks original, and the child will be able to easily open and close the lid.
- Cover-transformer. An unusual and practical solution when the lid forms a bench when opened. To do this, the initial boards are rigidly fixed to the sides of the sandbox, and the subsequent ones are fastened with hinges so that when folded, a seat with a back is formed. This design does not require a lot of effort and energy, and the result will pleasantly surprise and delight you.
The sandbox can be in the form of a table
Canopy for sandbox
In order for the child to feel comfortable during the game, when it is hot and scorching sun outside, it is recommended to install a sun canopy in the sandbox. As already mentioned, it is better to place the playground in partial shade, but if this cannot be done, then the canopy will become great solution Problems.
Simple and effective cover from direct sun rays- umbrella. This is not a stationary canopy, so you will need to remove it daily after a walk and fix and move it as the sun moves during the game.
Another option for a canopy is a canvas awning, mounted on wooden racks. But a stationary wooden canopy-roof fixed on wooden racks is more reliable. In this photo, we seem to have a combined version: wooden roof covered with tarpaulin. This design is light and airy, but at the same time reliable.
Canopy - sandbox fungus
A decorative solution will be a canopy in the form of a "fungus", familiar to us since childhood. This will require one wooden rack, to which several triangular sheets of plywood are fixed so that a kind of umbrella is formed, resembling a mushroom cap. By coloring such a fungus, you can give free rein to your imagination, and it will turn out decorative ornament For suburban area.
The choice of sand for a children's sandbox
The choice of sand is approached carefully. There are three options here:
- River sand, which today considered the most appropriate. It is natural, does not contain harmful impurities and foreign smell, clean. Everyone sculpted sea castles in childhood, relaxing on the banks of the river. The child will be delighted with the opportunity to build the same structures without waiting for a trip to the lake.
- Quartz sand. It is purchased in construction stores. A good option, but it is not natural and may contain harmful building impurities in its composition.
- Sands with a high content of clay. These are special children's sands that are suitable for modeling, due to the special composition. Special substances are added to it that can drive away stray animals from sandboxes.
Sand is better to choose without pebbles and impurities
Interesting fact. Psychologists have proven that sand suppresses negative emotions, negative energy, having a calming effect on a person and his nervous system.
Before pouring sand on the playground, be sure to sift it. So you will be sure that there are no foreign objects in the sandbox. You will need about 1 ton of sand. Specify in advance the volume of the order, do not be discouraged if you order more than necessary. Remember that sand is also a versatile building material.
Show your imagination and make it unforgettable children's Corner in your area! It will please the baby, decorate the design of the suburban area, and you will always find something to do with the child.
DIY sandbox
40 photo ideas:
The sandbox brings so much joy to children! But it is very easy to build it yourself, you only need a little material, skill, imagination and skillful hands.
Theory
Sandbox placement
First you need to decide where to organize a cozy corner for the baby. When choosing a place, be guided by the following rules:
- The sandbox should be located in plain sight so that adults can control baby activities. A playground for children's games is not a place behind a barn or high bushes.
- think about shadows. The play corner must be equipped so that one half of it remains in the sun, and the other allows you to hide from the scorching rays. It is good if a tree with a lush crown grows nearby.
- Or create a shadow themselves. There are no tall trees on the site, or are you not ready to constantly sweep fallen leaves from the sandbox? It doesn't matter: make a nice canopy in the form of an umbrella.
Size and preparation of the base of the sandbox, protection from moisture
Anyone can make a children's sandbox with their own hands! If there are a lot of kids, then, of course, it should be more spacious. However, the most common are square structures measuring 1.7x1.7 m - it will be cozy here for both two-year-old little ones and already grown up tomboys. It is not difficult to build such a structure. But first you need to mark the site and make basis. To do this, you need a cord, marking tape and pegs.
The preparation of the base is carried out in several stages:
- Fence off the desired area around the perimeter.
- Delete upper layer soil - about 30 cm is enough.
- In the center, dig a hole with a diameter of 40-50 cm and a depth of 60-70 cm, fill it with small loose material, for example, crushed stone, and tamp it down. This is necessary so that excess moisture does not accumulate in the sandbox.
- From the sides to the center, make a slope along which rainwater will flow.
- When everything is ready, you can begin to build the base of the sandbox.
Sandbox base
This role can be played by anyone dense material: polyethylene, plywood (just do not forget to make holes in it, otherwise water will constantly accumulate in the sandbox), paving slabs. The main thing is to pour a small layer of sand before laying the material.
DIY sandbox photo step by step
The foundation performs several important functions. So, it protects the play area from mice and insects that are not averse to settling in the sand. And also a film or plywood will help keep the sandbox clean, preventing earth and stones from getting into it.
Sandbox sides
It's time for the sandbox. They help to mark the territory of the playground, do not allow the sand to crumble and are actively used by children as an "exhibition area" for Easter cakes or just for relaxation.
For the sides will come in handy:
- bars 45x5x5 cm;
- boards 150x30x2.5 cm (you can replace them with narrow blanks 10 cm wide);
- wide boards for horizontal benches.
DIY sandbox photo step by step
Since do-it-yourself wooden sandboxes are usually square, 4 pieces are required.
The material must be carefully processed, otherwise the tree will quickly deteriorate, and the children will get a few splinters. Take a grinder or an electric drill, put on a sanding attachment and walk along the boards for horizontal sides. It is not necessary to grind the remaining boards and bars, but it is necessary to cover them in several layers with drying oil or any antiseptic. Bitumen is great.
To obtain the base, the bars are dug into the corners of the future sandbox to a depth of about 15-20 cm. Boards are nailed to them. Finally, horizontal linings are fixed around the perimeter.
Lid for sandbox
An important design element is lid. In principle, you can do without it, but in this case, garbage, branches and leaves will constantly get into the sand, and animals will surely choose it as a toilet. Therefore, it is better to make a lid for the sandbox after all. This role may be played by:
Sandbox decoration
The do-it-yourself children's sandbox is ready, but will the child be interested if left without decorations? You can simply paint the design in any color or draw an ornament on it, various pictures, letters, funny faces - whatever you want!
The last "touch" is filling the sandbox. Usually, a high-quality river or quartz stone is used for this. bulk material, in which insects will be uncomfortable, and children, on the contrary, will be safe and fun!
DIY sandbox photo
Let's move on to practice
Materials and dimensions of the sandbox
DIY sandbox photo step by step
So, you have decided that your child needs a sandbox. It is not necessary to do it yourself: now, in any children's goods store, ready-made designs are sold, which can only be installed in the chosen place. But this product is expensive, and it’s more pleasant to make a playground with your own hands. Moreover, it is easy to find hundreds of photos on the net that will inspire and help you easily decide on the materials and sizes of the sandbox.
Find boards before you start the right sizes and good polish them so that the children do not get splinters. The width of the blanks should not be less than 30 mm.
Now make a drawing, choosing the location of the playground and deciding on the size. Standard sandboxes are made in the form of a square with a side of 1.5-2 m. Sufficient depth is 20-30 cm.
Sandbox with your own hands. Drawing
How to make a children's sandbox?
When the materials are ready, it's time to proceed directly to the creation wooden sandbox with your own hands. It's quite easy if you follow the instructions:
Determine place for the playground. As mentioned above, the sandbox should be installed so that children do not suffer from hot sunlight and are visible. An open area is not suitable - choose a corner under a spreading tree that gives enough shade. And do not forget: the site should be clearly visible.
If shadow is not enough, docanopy. It will perfectly protect both from the scorching rays of the sun and from the rain, if it suddenly catches the kids during the game, and, in addition, will increase the life of the sandbox.
Process woodantiseptic composition, which will not allow the material to rot and suffer from insect invasion. The sandbox is located on the street, so the protection must be of high quality, otherwise precipitation will quickly render the boards unusable.
Prepare the surface and base for the sandbox. It must be such as to prevent the entry of insects and rodents, as well as the mixing of sand with the ground. Good for this purpose, agrofibre is suitable, which is attached to the boards using a conventional furniture stapler.
DIY sandbox photo step by step
Install bumpers sandbox, connecting the boards with self-tapping screws. This is the most convenient and affordable option fasteners, which will give the structure the necessary strength. Even the constant pressure of a mass of sand cannot deform it.
Fasten wide horizontal boards around the perimeter of the playground so that children can relax while playing. You can also sit on comfortable benches with backs, which are easy to install on both sides of the structure.
To understand how to make a sandbox with your own hands and find answers to all questions that may arise in the process, it is better to watch a video explaining all the installation steps. Perhaps you will find some ideas for various sandboxes made by yourself useful.
A simple sandbox made of large logs with your own hands
The design slightly resembles a traditional log house. Whole logs were used as walls, wide boards covered with light paint and used as benches were fixed on both sides. Flooring became an excellent base, preventing soil from getting into the sand.
Sandbox-transformer with a folding lid
Perhaps the most practical and interesting option. It is done like this:
- As for a conventional sandbox, a box is mounted from prepared boards.
- Materials for the cover are being prepared: 12 narrow boards (6 on each side) and hinges - standard door hinges and with one long shelf (4 pieces each).
- On both sides, two boards are nailed to the finished box.
Short shelves of loops are attached to the received parts of the future cover, and the next pair of boards is screwed to the long ones. Keep in mind: the size of the blanks should be such that the long loop captures no less than half the width. This is necessary for structural strength.
The next board is attached using a regular loop, and so that the shelves remain on the other side. To install the second workpiece, a small bar is useful, which is stuffed on both sides, stepping back from the edge about 15 cm.
A piece of wood of suitable size is stuffed onto the first pair of boards, which will not allow the lid to bend and press on the hinges in the folded state.
It turns out an interesting sandbox with a do-it-yourself lid, which remains only to be painted. Even at the preparation stage, you can use a special impregnation, which not only protects the wood, but also gives it one shade or another. The paint can be any, the main thing is that it is intended for outdoor work and does not deteriorate under the influence of the sun and precipitation. Turn on your imagination and turn the sandbox into a little miracle for your child!
To make the playground even more practical, we recommend that you use the space under the seats to store your toys by enclosing the space like a compartment. All the same, children mostly play in the center of the structure, and it will be possible to save on sand.
DIY sandbox boat
A wonderful option for little tomboys is a sandbox-boat. Probably every boy dreams of going sailing at least once in his life, so why not give him such an opportunity? Do-it-yourself sandbox is built like this:
An ordinary square base with low sides is constructed.
Two blanks are driven into the ground near one of the sides of the hull, to which boards for the "nose" of the future ship are attached. It is made in the form of a triangle with sides, the height of which should be noticeably higher than the main part. In the corners of the board, it is necessary to fasten it by hammering nails obliquely.
We make a ladder of 2-3 steps so that the child can easily move from the sandbox itself to the “nose” and back.
The top of the triangle is sewn up with boards.
Decor is being built and accessories: rigging, masts, etc. The resulting boat is painted.
The structure can be added upon request. annex, which is installed on the other side of the sandbox. It is made from beams that are driven into the ground as poles, and sheets of plywood. In such a house it is convenient to store toys and start a variety of games.
DIY sandbox truck. step by step photos
The playground is a favorite place for kids to play. For adults, it will not be difficult to make it bright and cozy. For example, it is quite easy to make your own hands interesting element- a sandbox in the form of a truck, which will bring a lot of joy to children.
What you need
Any important business begins with planning. To create a sandbox, you need to prepare materials and design a structure.
For this you will need:
- a sheet of plywood 1.5x1.5 m 1.8 cm thick (several sheets);
- fasteners (self-tapping screws, screws, metal corners);
- jigsaw;
- slate pencil, drawing tools, drawing paper;
- primer;
- outdoor paint;
- unnecessary car parts (steering wheel, wheels, toggle switches, headlights, etc.)
Manufacturing process
Sandbox in the form of a truck consists of two large parts- cabins and bodies. They can be made from 13 parts:
- Board of the body (2 pcs.)
- Hood
- front end
- body seat
- Body seat bottom
- Side with doorway (2 pcs.)
- steering wheel panel
- Roof
- Cabin seat
- Cabin seat bottom
- Back wall
DIY sandbox drawings. Photo
In order not to make mistakes with the calculations, it would be advisable to first draw sketches of the parts on paper and find their optimal location on plywood. Then transfer the image to a tree and saw it along the lines with a jigsaw.
Using fasteners, we assemble the structure, process the edges and protruding parts to avoid injury to children.
Since the truck sandbox will be used outdoors and exposed to the weather, it should be treated. To do this, the entire surface is first covered with a primer, the second layer is applied paint for outdoor use.
DIY sandbox truck. Step-by-step instruction with photo
It remains to add realism to the truck by installing the steering wheel, switches, you can also attach real wheels and lights.
Thus, it will take only a few hours to make a sandbox with your own hands. And how many fun minutes happy children will spend in it.
Sandboxes with a canopy. Photo
Very practical and decorative sandbox with a canopy. Many execution options:
Simple wooden structure with benches around the perimeter and a fabric canopy. For its construction, holes are made in wide horizontal boards on both sides of the sandbox, through which long thin slats pass, which serve as the basis. The roof is attached to them.
Sandbox with canopy. Photo
The sandbox is given the shape not of a square, but of a boat. To do this, on one side, two boards connected by a triangle are attached at once. The steering wheel is placed in the "bow". The fabric canopy is mounted on four supports.
Sandbox in the form of a house: in the corners of the base are placed wooden poles, mounted on them gable roof with a carved ridge and other decorations. An interesting effect is created by the sides of the structure, which are made not from boards, but from many bars set by a palisade.
Roofed sandbox. Photo
Another ship. As in the variant above, a base of the appropriate shape is made, a fabric triangular canopy is installed (two supports are driven in on the sides near the “nose”, and one more in the center of the board on the opposite side). A "captain's bridge" with a helm is being built.
A laconic do-it-yourself sandbox with four supports, on which a waterproof fabric is stretched on top so that the sides are formed along the edges. You can make a cover from the same material: you just need to stretch the fabric, tying it to the pillars in the corners. 
A playground with poles driven into the corners, on which a wooden gable roof is installed. At a small height between two pillars opposite each other, wide boards are fastened, acting as benches. 
The favorite pastime of the kids is to tinker in the sand, building castles, tearing out passages, constructing sandals. At this time, parents can relax on the bench or go about their business.
Not everyone can afford to buy a sandbox in a store. Many are put off by the high price. It is much cheaper to build a cozy play space yourself. So you can take into account all the wishes of the child and successfully fit the design into the environment.
We plan the sandbox correctly
The construction of a children's sandbox should be approached very responsibly, carefully considering the smallest details. After all, children are often defenseless and unaware of the imminent danger. Keep in mind a few nuances:
- The building must be safe. No nicks or sharp edges. Remember that sand is an excellent repository of infections.
- Therefore, provide protective covers against birds and animals.
- Convenience has not yet been canceled. The dimensions of the box should be related to the number and age of the players.
The location must be viewable. In an open space without enclosing barriers, it is easier to keep an eye on the children.
Where not to place a building
It is undesirable to equip a children's zone in low-lying areas. The earth in them retains moisture for a long time after rain or during snowmelt. Sitting on unheated, cold sand, a child can catch a cold.
At the same time, it is undesirable to put the structure in open sunny places. The baby can get heatstroke. Shading can be created using a permanent canopy or a quick-release awning.
There should be no old, neglected trees around the sandbox. Otherwise, there is a risk that a strong gust of wind will bring down branches on the heads of small players.
If, nevertheless, the site is located near green spaces, constantly check their condition, cut the crown, cut down the shoots.
Choosing a material
A do-it-yourself sandbox can be created from both new and “junk” blanks. The most common material is natural wood. It is environmentally friendly, affordable, easy to process, does not overheat in the sun. They are on the move edged boards, bars, logs small in diameter.
Metal frames are labor-intensive to manufacture, bask in the sun and are prone to corrosion. Therefore, this option is almost never found.
As for plywood and OSB boards, curly boards can be cut out of them, turning the sandbox into a typewriter, ship, steam locomotive. But due to the presence of glue, formaldehyde evaporation occurs, which is harmful to children's health. In addition, the material quickly swells from moisture.
From improvised means fit car tires. To do this, 3-4 tires are cut in half. The resulting halves are laid out flat to each other, forming a closed figure.
Don't rush to get rid of plastic bottles. They are good for work too. For stability, bottle caps are nailed to support board With certain step. Bottles are wound on top, tied together with a wire passed in the forward and reverse direction. Finished sidewalls are dug into a small recess.
We determine the dimensions
The dimensions of the sandy clearing should be such that nothing interferes with the children during the game. You should focus on the number of children and their age:
- It will be difficult for kids under 3 years old to step over a board 20 cm high. If the child has already crossed this threshold, then you can make the boards a little higher - 30 cm.
- For one child, a zone of 1.2x1.2 m is quite enough. If friends join him, then there may not be enough space. In such cases, it is better to expand the area to 1.7x1.7 m. The backfill volume is chosen so that the child cannot reach the soil. On average, 1 ton of sand is consumed per standard box.
Preparing the foundation
Got an idea but don't know how to make a sandbox? We offer a simple solution to the problem - an analysis of the main stages of construction. Suppose you need to get a sandbox 170x170x30 cm, where the last digit means the height of the sides.
Work begins with the preparation of the foundation. With the help of pegs driven into the ground and a rope stretched over them, the perimeter of the site is placed. Armed with a shovel, they dig a hole 25-30 cm deep. Within a radius of 25 cm from the center, a recess is made up to 70 cm, which is covered with gravel, crushed stone and sand. This drainage well to remove excess moisture.
For the same purpose, the slopes of the pit should have slight slopes towards the central part. Polyethylene, geotextiles with drainage holes can be laid at the bottom.
We build sides
For the construction of the frame, 4 boards 170x30x2.5 cm and 4 beams 5x5x45 cm will be required. The lumber must be sanded and treated with impregnations from decay. Each block is dug into the ground by 15-20 cm. The boards are nailed or nailed to the resulting marks. Everything, the contour is ready!
So that the children can sit down, a bench is mounted around the perimeter of the sandbox from boards fixed flat to the sides. Also, the seats can be nailed into the corners of the sandbox.
Is a cover needed?
From bad weather or animals, you can close the structure with a tarpaulin, awning, film. But a sandbox with a wooden lid looks more aesthetically pleasing. Make it yourself on the shoulder, even for those who do not have building experience.
1 or 2 shields are assembled from the boards (single and double-leaf varieties). Dimensions should repeat the dimensions of the structure. To fix the sash to the box use door hinges, and handles are attached for ease of opening.
When open, the lid can serve as a comfortable bench. Such a device is easily opened by kids 4-5 years old.
Save yourself from the sun
In the photo of the sandbox for children, you can see wooden mushroom canopies from the sun. They are decorative and functional - under the hat you can create a small table for storing toys.
The leg is installed in the soil to a depth of 0.7-1 m, after which it is poured with concrete. In the country, you can get by with a less time-consuming and more mobile option - a folding umbrella.
DIY sandbox photo
