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| Sand Pit |
| Every child's Christmas dream - a sandpit for absolute non-stop fun. |
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1
As any four-year-old will tell you, there's more to a great sandpit than meets the eye!
First select a site for the sandpit. A good rule of thumb when finding the spot is to actually sit there yourself and ask whether you would like to be playing here for a couple of hours? A top priority is a clear view from the house so you can keep a watch on the kiddies while they are playing. Also take into account good drainage, sun, shade and tree roots which could be in the way.
2
Mark out the sandpit with pegs and a string line.
3
Remove the grass from the marked site using a spade and place it to the side. (If the turf comes away in a reasonable fashion you could recycle it in another part of the garden where it looks a bit worn. Just spike the ground a little with a fork, place the turf and water regularly until it becomes established.)
Now level out the soil with a spade. If you want the top of the sandpit to be flush with the turf you can dig down a little further to the subsoil.
4
The sandpit is made up of three simple frames sitting on top of each other. Start by assembling the bottom frame. Place one frame using four posts in all, 2 x 1.8m and 2 x 1.2m (do this on the ground away from the sandpit). Check that the frames are square using a square ruler and then nail the frame in place at each corner. Assemble the other two frames in the same way.
5
Lay the weed mat across the bottom of the sandpit to stop any unwanted greenery. Place one of the assembled frames in position and then the other two frames on top of each other. The sheer weight of the frame plus sand will keep the pit firmly in place.
We now need to fasten the frames together. Use galvanised spikes as they won't rust or be affected by the treated timber.
6
Plane off any sharp edges of the timber.
7
Now for the sand. It is best to order the sand from your local landscape supplier as they can deliver large quantities. The sand is also available by the bag.
8
Next we will make a lid for the sandpit. Cut a sheet of 12mm-thick exterior grade ply the same size as the pit, i.e. 1200mm x 1800mm. Attach the lid to the back edge of the sandpit with galvanised hinges.
9
It is important to be able to lock the lid in both the open and closed positions, so the kiddies won't drop it on themselves. We fitted a "hasp & staple" at one end to the front of the sandpit and an extra staple on the fence behind the sandpit. That way you can use a padlock in both positions.
10
Give the top and edges of the lid a coat of exterior acrylic for some added protection against the weather.
11
Coat the underside of the lid with blackboard paint. When the lid is locked open, the kids will be able to draw on it.
12
As a fun extra, take a piece of exterior ply. Cut a hole in it to hold a small plastic basin for water play. Fasten two support rails, 300mm long and 20mm x 20mm thick, in one corner and fasten the ply to it. This bench just sits across one corner of the sandpit and provides a great workbench for the kids.
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Materials
Treated pine logs (dressed timber) 60mm x 90mm
6 lengths @ 1.8m
6 lengths @ 1.2m
Treated timber 20mm x 20mm x 300mm long
(or you could use metal brackets)
Galvanised spikes (150mm)
Galvanised hinges (150mm x 2)
1 sheet of 1800 x 1200mm exterior grade 12mm ply
Weed mat (910mm wide from hardware stores)
Double-washed beach sand (known as Sydney sand in NSW), 1 tonne
Blackboard paint and duster
TOOLS
Circular saw
Drill
Hammer
Spade |
Cost
The sandpit cost approximately $230.
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More Info
Treated pine timber, galvanised fixings, exterior ply etc are all available from your local hardware store. Sand can be bought in bags or by the load from your local landscape supplier.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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