White and aqua wooden sanbdbox with a lid in a backyard

How to Make a Wooden Sandbox with Lid

Give the kids a wooden sandbox with lid they can close once play is done. The lid will help keep the sand clean and keep out the neighbourhood cats as well! Learn how to make yours in just a few easy steps.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

Plan :

Tools

Materials

Before You Begin

Whichever colours you choose for the paint and the hardware (e.g., silver, brass, black) is completely up to you, so feel free to get creative with it. You can even make a two-tone sandbox, just make sure you buy a gallon of each paint colour so that you have enough.

1
Construct the Sandbox
Steps:
1.1
Use a circular saw or a mitre saw to cut the 2x12 boards into two 45" and two 43" pieces.
1.2
Use an orbital sander to lightly sand the cuts (or sand them by hand).
1.3
Use a drill and 3" wood screws to construct the 2x12s into a square shape. Check that everything is level with a carpenter’s square.

Person using a mitre saw to cut a large piece of wood

Person using a drill to assemble a wooden structure

2
Construct the Doors
Steps:
2.1
Use a mitre saw to cut the pieces for the two doors:
- 8 pieces of 45" 1x6
- 6 pieces of 20" 1x4
- 1 piece of 41" 1x4
2.2
Use an orbital sander to lightly sand the cuts (or sand them by hand) so that the surfaces don’t cause splinters.
2.3
Set 4 of your 1x6 pieces down side-by-side, perfectly flat and square to one another. Use 1" treated wood screws to attach a 1x4 piece to the top, middle, and bottom of the 1x6 pieces to hold them together. Repeat to make the second door.
2.4
Choose one door and attach the 41" board on the same side as the 20" pieces so that half of its length is overlapping. When both doors are closed, this will help reinforce their junction.
2.5
Cut two sheets of the geotextile fabric to a size that can cover the sandbox and part of the way up the sides. Use a T-50 staple gun to attach the fabric.

Person using a staple gun to add a geotextile sheet to the bottom of a sandbox

3
Install Corner Benches
Steps:
3.1
Take two 2x12 wood cuttings and cut the ends at a 45° angle to make the bench seats.
3.2
Screw the benches in with 3" treated wood screws about 1.5" from the sandbox top.

Person cutting a wooden plank with a circular saw

4
Final Touches
Steps:
4.1
Install the sandbox doors, using two hinges each.
4.2
Paint the sandbox in two coats of outdoor paint.
4.3
Install a handle on both doors and measure to ensure that they are in the same position.

Person adding a brass door pull to a wooden sandbox

Pro Tip

If you will be placing the sandbox on an uneven surface, like a wooden deck, then make some drainage holes in a plywood sheet and put it under the geotextile fabric at the bottom of the box to keep the sand in.

5
Play time!
Call the kids and enjoy!
Steps:

Little girl playing in a blue wooden sandbox

Disclaimer

These tutorials are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Lowe’s tutorials is intended to provide general guidelines to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations are continually changing, Lowe’s Companies Canada ULC assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. Lowe’s Companies Canada ULC. makes no representation on the feasibility of any project and the viewer bears all risks coming with the realization of the projects. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any doubt in regard to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional.