In this page, you will learn how to build a sandbox. Building a sandbox for your child can provide them with a safe learning and playing space in their own backyard.http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/sandbox.html It can provide hours of entertainment at a low cost. Before you get started, you should have a flat area in which to build your sandbox. This area should be well drained (not muddy), not sloped, and not near any potential hazards for your child such as swimming pools or busy streets. It also helps if this area is fenced.

This article will teach you how to build a wooden sandbox. Before you get started you should buy several 50 lb bags of sandbox sand from your local hardware or grocery store. If you are using wooden planks, you should also have the necessary nails, hammer, and sandpaper. This task ranges from easy to hard depending on your experience using the required tools. Building a sandbox should only take one afternoon or one day, depending on the type of sandbox that you choose to build. You should always supervise your child when they are playing in their sandbox. Any toy can be hazardous to a child's health if they are left unattended.

Building a wooden sandbox is very easy and will only take a few hours. However, you will need some additional tools. Before starting this sandbox, you should gather the following:

• A saw (hand or power)
• Nails
• A Hammer
• 2"x12" pressure treated planks
• Sandpaper
• 1 5 foot x 5 foot piece of plywood
• Small Garden Shovel

Directions:

1. Cut your 2x12 planks down to 5 foot lengths. You can also make a larger or a smaller sandbox depending on the number of children using it and the space available.
2. Sand down the pieces if they are rough. You may also want to invest in waterproof sealer for your wood. In that case, you will want to take a rag or paper towel and follow manufacturers instructions to prevent deterioration of the wood.
3. Arrange the pieces in a square frame that is 5' long on each side. It will help if you have another person for this task. Nail the pieces in place. Make sure that there are no nails sticking out, or at risk of sticking out.
4. Dig a small 1 deep x 2 wide x 5' long trench in a square in which you will nestle your sandbox frame.
5. Set the sandbox frame inside the trench and fill-in the trench to the sides of the frame.
6. Fill the sandbox up 3/4 of the way with sandbox quality sand.
7. Cover with the piece of plywood on rainy days or to keep neighborhood animals out. You should also drill a few small holes in the piece of plywood for safety.

The following is a list of toys that you can include in your sandbox design in order to treat your child to the ultimate sandbox experience:

• Age appropriate toy cars and trucks

• Beach buckets and sandcastle toys. Any toy that can be used in the sand at the beach can typically be used in a sandbox. Make sure that your child isn't pouring water in the sandbox sand in order to make formed sandcastles. This can lead to wet sand that harbors bacteria.

• Sand towers that allow the sand to flow through them and turn a variety of wheels and gadgets. These toys can show children basic mechanics, gravity, and and concept of cause-and-effect.

• Buried Treasure: For an added afternoon of fun, you can bury small age-appropriate toys in your child's sandbox. You can also make a map for your child to help find the toys.

In addition to adding toys to your sandbox, you can also allow your child to help decorate the outside of the sandbox with paint or stick-on decals. Remember to sand and clean the outside of the sandbox before affixing any paint or decals so that they stay on. You can also cover the outside of the sandbox with a thin layer of craft glue to keep the decals and paint bright.

To maintain your sandbox, you should do the following:

• Refresh the sand every year due to loss from wind, play, or compaction.

• Make sure to check your sandbox periodically for animal droppings. Often, neighborhood cats will use sandboxes as a litter box. These dropping can be harmful to the health of your child. If neighborhood animals become a problem, be sure to cover your sandbox with plywood or plexiglass. If you notice droppings in your sandbox, you should scoop out at least the first three inches of sand throughout the sandbox and replace with fresh sand. Also monitor your child at the sandbox to ensure that they are not putting sand, or sandy objects in their mouth. Children should always wash their hands after playing in the sandbox.

• Watch for signs of rot. Sandboxes are regularly exposed to the elements. Watch for signs of rot and ensure that there are no nails sticking-out that may harm your child.

• Watch for signs of insect infestations. In some states, certain species of stinging ants will readily inhabit sandboxes due to their loose soil. Check your sandbox often for signs of insect infestation both in the sand and the wood frame. The wood frame should be replaced if you notice signs of insect infestation such as unexplained wood shavings or dust, new holes in the wood, or wood discoloration.www.livingwithbugs.com/damage_tb.html