grandkids sandbox

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Inspired by, Pinterest and Be Cool Grandpa

Skill level: Moderate 

items:

Tools:

• Tape Measure
• Speed Square
• Pencil
• Drill
• Circular Saw
• Sander
• Drill Bit Set
• Power Screw Driver

Shopping List:
(Lumber-Pine is fine, but smooth Cedar is best.)

• 2-1x8 @ 8 Feet Long
• 6-1x4 @ 8 Feet Long
• 1-2x4 @ 8 Feet Long 
• 8 exterior grade hinges
• Rope - 4 feet for Handles, about 3/8 inch thick. Or 4 exterior handles. 
• 1 1/4 inch screws (box)
• 1-1/4 Pocket Hole Screws - Amazon Link
• Wood Glue
• Paint or Stain (with painting supplies)
• Garden weed barrier fabric (this will go under the sandbox) 
• Play Sand (3 to 4 50 lb bags)

Cut List: (most lumber stores and some warehouse stores will cut these to size for you.)
(a) 2 - 1 x 8 @ 47 1/2" - long sides of box
(b) 2 - 1 x 8 @ 46" - short sides of box
(c) 12 - 1 x 4 @ 47 1/2" - top planks
(d) 4 - 2 x 4 @ 7 1/2" - arm rests
(e) 4 - 2 x 4 @ 12 1/2" - back support/handle

 

instructions:

Step 1- Measure and cut frame dimensions.
(2) 47 1/2”
(2) 46”

Step 2- Create a basic box, insetting the short sides as shown by 2 3/4”. Pre-drill through the long sides and use (3) 1 1/4" screws.

Step 3 - Screw in two planks on each side, countersinking your screws through the top. Space the boards 1/2" apart

Step 4 - Create what will become the seat. Screw the 1 x 4 boards (1/2" apart) onto the 2 x 4 arm rests (d). Make sure that the 2 x 4s are at least 1" inset from the edge to allow for them to fold into the box nicely. (you'll be making two of these)

Step 5 - Add hinges as shown. Place the seat that you made in step 4 to the plank you screwed in in step 3. Note: I found it easier to attach the hinge to the seat (on the side opposite the arm rests) and THEN attach it to the screwed-in plank. Make sure to space them 1/2" apart.

Step 6 - Build the back part of the seat which will also be part of the cover when closed. Space the planks 1/2 in. 

Step 7 - Attach your second set of hinges to the seat back, on the opposite side of the 2 x 4’s, and then attach to the seat (easy to do with the seat "up"). Make sure to space the 1/2" apart.

 

 

Finished. This is what it will look like with one seat up and one seat down.

grandpa’s thoughts:

The reason I like this design is for three reasons. Firstly, everyone with a sand box knows that lids are a necessity. Secondly, the lid converts to a seat! Thirdly, it’s pretty easy to build this sandbox.
It's a flat deck when closed, a sandbox with built-in seats when open!
You can do this grandpa. Remember measure three times and cut once.