Sandbox with bench plans

This step by step diy project is about sandbox with bench plans. If you want to learn more about building a a beautiful sandbox with benches, pay attention to this project. Follow the instructions and pay attention to the diagrams and build the wooden sandbox for your children in just one weekend, even if you are a beginner when it comes to woodworking.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. Taking into account the neat design, this sandbox can match the style of any backyard. Mark the cut lines on the slats before making the cuts and use a jigsaw to get the job done. If you are looking for other designs or sizes, you should check out the rest of the animal plans.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tool when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. Round the exposed edges with sandpaper or by using a good router. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a sandbox with benches

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 93″ long SIDES
B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 11 1/2″ long POSTS
C – 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 48″ long FACES
D – 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
E – 5 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 17″ long, 2 pieces – 10″ long BENCH
F – 4 pieces of 1/4″ plywood – 6 3/4″x13 1/2″ long TRIMS
G – 4 pieces of 1/4″ plywood – 4″x7 1/2″ long, 3 pieces – 1 1/2″x25″ long TRIMS

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 4 ft
3 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 4 ft
3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 2’x4′
hinges
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

How to build a sandbox

Building the sides

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the sandbox. Use 2×12 lumber to make the components and make the cuts with attention. Use a jigsaw to round the notch cut along the top of the component. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Building the frame

The next step of the project is to attach the side components to the corner posts. Use 4×4 lumber to build the corner posts. Drill pilot holes through the sides and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Leave no gaps between the components and countersink the head of the screws, to get a professional result.

Assembling the frame

Next, attach the faces to the frame of the sandbox. Make sure the corners are right-angled and leave no gaps between the components. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Align the edges with great attention, making sure the edges are flush.

Fitting the wheels

In order to enhance the look of the sandbox, we strongly recommend you to fit trims to the side of the frame. Build the trims out of 1/4″ plywood and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Fitting the fabric

In order to protect the wooden components from moisture and water damage, we recommend you to install landscape fabric, as show in the diagram. Staple the fabric to the wooden frame, making sure there are no gaps.

Fitting the bench to the sandbox

Fit a piece of 1×10 lumber to the front of the sandbox, in order to create a nice bench. Align the edges with attention and secure the slat into place using 1 1/4″ screws, after drilling pilot holes.

Building the bench

Building the folding bench is a little bit more complex, but if you follow these plans and instructions, the end result will satisfy you. Use 1×6 lumber for the seat slats and 1×3 lumber for the supports.

Fitting the benches

Use hinges to lock everything together. Remember that you need to secure the orange slats to the frame, while the rest of the panels will slide when assembling the bench.

Hinges

Fit the seat to the fixed slats as shown in the diagram.

Installing hinges

Attach the backrest to the seat, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the components are locked together tightly.

Sandbox bench

Make sure you install the hinges properly, otherwise the structure won’t be rigid enough. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. As you can see, the seat slats are locked together by using two 1×2 or 1×3 slats.

Building the headlights

If you want to add character to the sandbox, we recommend you to add a few more trims to the project. Therefore, use 1/4″ plywood to build the headlights. Secure the trims to the panel using brad nails and glue.

Fitting the front trims

Build the radiator using strips of 1×2 lumber (1/4″ thick). Align everything with great care and use glue and brad nails to lock the components into place.

Sandbox with bench plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

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