How to build a sandbox with cover

This step by step project is about how to build a sandbox with cover. Adding a simple roof to a sandbox frame is a quick project, but the benefits are great, especially for your kids. If you know the basic woodworking techniques, you can even keep the costs at a very low level, by choosing to get the job done by yourself. Cover the roof with waterproof fabric and lock it to the frame with staples.

Before starting the project, we recommend you to take a look over the rest of the project. Therefore, it is essential to build the sandbox frame before adding the roof to it. There are several ways in which you can create a nice shade to the sandbox. In this article we show you the most straight-forward manner in which you can protect your kids while playing from sunlight and from bad weather.

Make sure you use the best quality materials you can afford, as the investment will pay off on the long run. Therefore, build the components from redwood, pine or cedar. Cut the components at the right size and lock them together with galvanized screws. Plumb the supports with a spirit level and add braces to the roof structure, in order to provide enough support against strong winds. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a covered sandbox

Building a sandbox with cover

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96” long SUPPORTS
B – 8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 46 1/4” long RAFTERS
C – 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 99″ long BEAMS
D – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 72 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 24″ long BRACES
E – 8’x9′ waterproof fabric ROOFING

2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 10 ft
8’x9′ waterproof fabric
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

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

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface
Plumb the sides of the bench with a spirit level

Time

One Day

Part 1: How to build a sandbox for kids
Part 2: How to build a sandbox with cover

How to build a sandbox for kids

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the sandbox. In order to see step by step instructions, we recommend you to check out the project here. Make sure you use quality lumber, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.

Installing the supports

The next step is to build the supports and to lock them tightly to the frame of the sandbox. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to build the supports from 2×6 lumber. Center the supports to the sides of the sandbox and lock them into place with galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.

Building the frame of the roof

The next step of the woodworking project is to build the structure of the roof. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the rafters and the frame from 2×2 lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and lock them together with galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes and add glue to the joints, in order to get a rigid structure.

Buidling the roof of the sandbox

Install the braces to the roof structure in order to add support to the structure. Place a spirit level on the top ridge to check if it is perfectly horizontal. Adjust the width of the roof in order to provide enough shade for the sandbox.

How to build a sandbox with cover

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, cover the roof with thick and waterproof fabric, as in the image. Lock the piece of material tightly into place by using staples, before going to the next steps.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a sandbox with cover and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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