Building Clara a sandbox has been a project that was nearly a year in the making. Just check out this post about her first birthday party from last May (yes, our girl is a month away from being TWO). So much for “any day now.”
My excuse, well, our excuse is that we couldn’t figure out where we wanted it. We debated building one on wheels that could sit in the middle of the patio when in use (and be pulled out of the way and stored at all other times), but with so much land around us it felt like we should just find a permanent spot for one instead of making an eternally-rolling-around sandbox. I guess we just couldn’t commit to a spot, so Project Sandbox went on an 11 month hiatus. Although the play sand that we had already started stocking did come in handy when sandbagging our basement when Hurricane Irene swept through in August. Though it mostly just sat in a sad pile in the backyard… a symbol of a broken promise. Picture a single tear sliding down my cheek as I say that.
But our recent outdoor projects have given us renewed energy to actually get this baby done. More specifically, while tidying up the patio we uncovered the perfect sandbox spot. It had been hiding behind the now-deceased-and-therefore-removed rhododendron which made way for what is now a nice big open area that’s partially shaded by a pretty dogwood tree and adjacent to the patio. We instantly thought “hey, we could add a few stepping stones to lead Clara right to it from the patio, and it’ll be nice to have it placed within our small fenced-in side yard.” So we mulled it over for a little while longer and then decided that we weren’t getting any younger (nor was Clara) and this was THE place. Sold.
It might look like a small cramped corner of the side garden, but it’s actually a nice level 7 x 7′ area – perfect for housing something functional and fun for the bean.
Now we just had to figure out how we wanted to create this thing. I turned to Pinterest (yes, even I go to Pinterest sometimes even though I don’t have an account myself) for inspiration. There were lots of cute, ingenious, and creative incarnations of sandboxes – some very intricate, some pretty straightforward, all proof that there’s more than one way to skin this kitty. Here are some of our favorites: Dana Made It, Small & Friendly, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Dover Projects.
I knew I wanted something pretty uncomplicated. I’m great at making things harder on myself than necessary, so I was determined not to make a simple sandbox more intricate (or stressful) than it needed to be. But, you’ll see as I continue this post that I was only moderately successful at this. Anyways, the first step was clearing the area of – surprise! – liriope. Fortunately it wasn’t too thick here so it was a pretty quick task.
Based on the available space, we decided we wanted a roughly 5′ x 5′ sandbox. Not huge, but large enough that Clara and a friend/cousin or two could play without knocking heads. So I measured it out and used some orange flags that the previous owner left in the basement (they marked off our property line during closing) to mark my corners.
I then dug out the area about 6″ so that the sandbox could actually be sunk in the ground. I figured this would achieve a couple of things. For one, it would help keep the box in one place (and keep its shape). But more importantly, it would allow us to make a deep enough box to allow for some good sand-digging (Clara exhibits signs of becoming a future archeologist thanks to her extreme love of digging). Sure we could’ve just made a taller box – but we wanted the sides to be low enough that Clara could get in and out without any trouble.
The hole wasn’t perfectly level throughout, but I did want to make sure all four sides were level so that my boards would sit square and even. Speaking of the boards, these are 2 x 10″ pieces of framing lumber (the same stuff we used for our office desktop). We didn’t get pressure treated wood since we learned that a lot of it is treated with chemicals that aren’t meant for children to be in regular contact with (more on that here). So we decided regular framing lumber that we could seal for outside use would do the trick.
I bought two 10 ft pieces and had them cut into 5 ft lengths in the store (for about $17 total). We chose it because it’s thicker than your average board so I thought it’d be nice and sturdy – and maybe wide enough for a toddler’s bottom to sit on (we have both since perched our own bottoms on it and it’s not too bad, although we prefer to sit in a nearby patio chair that we just turn to face the box). We decided not to do any actual seats or overhangs for one singular reason. KILLER SPIDERS. I had distinct memories of those being incessantly creepy and spider-webby in the sandbox that I had growing up (picture thick webs with sinister eight-legged things lurking under every overhang). Plus we always just sat right inside of it and played, so they never got used.
To seal and extend the life of our framing lumber we used some waterproof deck stain on it. We picked up some basic Behr stuff at Home Depot (for about $25). We chose the “Natural” stain after opting not to paint or otherwise add color to the sandbox. We were tempted to give it a cool pattern or color (we loved the striped example from Pinterest), but we figured that effort would be lost after the general wear and tear of being outside would make it dull and dirty (we intentionally buy wood, ORB, or black outdoor furniture/planters most of the time since after a rain the dirt speckles that pop up and are visible on painted items bum us out). Plus over time this finish will match the fence we added around the patio – so it’ll hopefully just be a neutral color that repeats itself around the garden so it fits right in.
Here are the four sides all stained and drying (they’re a little orange here, but look more natural outside – especially after we spreaded some rich dark mulch around them a bit later). The four pieces in the back were some scrap framing lumber that I had from another project (our desk perhaps?) that I cut into short corner posts on my table saw.
I did two coats of the stain on all sides of them as recommended on the can and let them dry over night. Then it was time to start assembling things so it no longer looked like I was digging a grave for a very skinny and very box-y creature.
Before installing the boards, I put down some Weed Block as a base. This would help block weeds (duh) while also creating a barrier between the sand and the dirt. Although we made a sandbox cover, we wanted to be sure to use something that allowed air and especially moisture/water to pass through so that our sandbox didn’t get all clammy. In most cases, breathable = infinitely less nasty.
I had lots of leftover Weed Block from an old mailbox project so I laid two layers (going opposite directions) to help minimize sand-to-dirt contact. I held it down in the corners with some garden staples.
As far as construction, I ended up mimicking the design of Modern Kids Messy Parents‘ sandbox the most – thought instead of building my box and laying it into the hole, I built mine in place (I worried about being able to maneuver the already-constructed box as easily).
The basic system here is that I dug a stake into each corner. They were only 4 or 5″ inches into the ground, so ultimately they didn’t provide that much stability (that instead came from the boards themselves). So mainly the stakes were just helpful in providing a common place for each board to be attached.
After digging each stake in (and packing some dirt around it before recovering the area with Weed Block) I used a square ruler to make sure my corners were 90-degrees.
Then I drilled in some 2.5″ exterior decking screws – one from the outside and one from the inside – to attach the board to the stake.
It wasn’t the fastest system in the world, I’ll admit (since there was lots of triple checking level and square corners) but I slowly started to get what looked like a sand box. Minus the sand.
Here’s the completed box. I was DYING to just dump sand into it and invite Clara out to play, but there was still more to do to make sure it was toddler-ready. Sigh.
First I had to backfill the sides with dirt so that there wasn’t a moat around the edge. You’ll also note in this picture that I placed the board on top of the Weed Block fabric (see it peeking out there). That was to help it stay in place even better.
Here it is with dirt all filled in around it. Of course now it looks like it’s begging for sand inside and mulch outside. That would still have to wait because there’s still one more critical element to this sand box…
…A COVER! You know to keep neighborhood cats from thinking it’s a giant litter box. And to keep birds from dropping some presents if they’re flying by. But not just any cover. One with hardware that hinges open and can be secured so we don’t worry about Clara pulling it closed on herself. Yup, Sherry and I did some brainstorming, and we had some fun coming up with a cover that adds safety and function to the whole shebang. And since this post is already too long, I’m gonna put the details about making the cover in a second post for you this afternoon. Hence the title of The Sandbox Chronicles. It’s not quite Narnia, but it’s a heartwarming story of a girl and her toy trucks.
You’re probably already getting a sense that I made it more complicated than it needed to be (you’d be right), but ultimately we’re really happy with how it all turned out. And since I feel bad about writing a whole post with no shots of the sandbox actually in use, how’s this for a sneak preview?
PS: Want an quick sandbox alternative? Check out this tutorial for easy DIY Moon Sand, which is basically an fun indoor version that is great for rainy days or for folks who don’t have room for an outdoor sandbox.
Psst- We had fun weighing in on some open shelving pro/con chatter over here.
Pssssst- To read The Sandbox Chronicles in their entirety, here’s Part 2 (about building the lid which secures to the fence for safety reasons) and Part 3 (about swapping what we found out was “bad sand” for pea gravel).
Taya says
My brother and I had a huge, built-by-our dad sand box growing up (In Connecticut) and we loved spending time in it. It was big enough that my brother and I could both be in it without invading each other’s space. It was also a favorite spot of the pack of neighborhood kids who we played with. Can’t wait to see the finished project! Clara is one lucky tot!
Liz R. says
I had no sandbox growing up in Northeastern Ohio. Or a swingset for that matter. My parents took anti-clutter to the max. Sad clown. Fortunately there was a park down the street and woods nearby so I wasn’t too deprived of outdoor fun.
Sara says
Definitely not a regional thing – I grew up in NJ and absolutely LOVED my sandbox! It was an older plastic model that looked like a turtle and I spent many a happy afternoon building castles and pushing around sound in it! So excited you built one for Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, maybe it was just me missing out!
xo,
s
MJB says
We had a sandbox but we also liked digging in my mom’s garden. One day my brothers and I and the neighbor kids decided to dig as far as we could … like to China. When we were done for the day, we covered the hole with an old piece of carpet to keep out the rain. My dad went out in the wee hours of the next morning to dig worms for fishing and…
yup, he fell in the hole. Didn’t go all the way to China, but he was not happy (understatement). We had dug a deep enough hole that he had to work very hard to get out. At least no one was awake at that point to hear him scream.
I think he was impressed enough that we didn’t get in huge trouble. (None of us grew up to go into the excavation business, but we should have been put to work digging basements that summer.)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s hilarious. Your poor dad. I would have been mad but secretly impressed too. Haha.
xo,
s
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
Love this story! Kids are so creative and have such imaginations!
Megan says
I don’t have a kid yet but I would totally build that sandbox for myself. My husband and I are putting the final touches on a “weekend project” that has taken the better part of a year. We converted the closet in his man cave into a desk/DJ booth. It’s not quite done but so far it is turning out way cooler than we imagined.
Can’t wait to see the second chapter of this project!
tracy a says
so glad others mentioned a cover. don’t have a box without one or Clara will learn real soon how to scoop cat poop!!
Stephanie S says
We had a huge sandbox as kids, surrounded by railroad ties. My favorite memory is of playing “buried treasure.” I wonder how many GI Joes and Barbies (and other random items) the next family found (or will find) when they dug (dig) it up, because there were a lot of days no one found the “buried treasure.”
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so fun to think of another family finding your “treasure”!
xo,
s
Carolyn says
I grew up in Jersey and we had a sandbox! (Although my parents are from the midwest, so maybe it is a regional thing?.) My dad made the sandbox for me and my 3 sisters, but I have this odd little memory of our dead rabbit being buried underneath it! I was always afraid to dig to the bottom in case I’d hit the top of the rabbit “coffin” – haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so sad about the rabbit. I can see how that would keep you from wanting to dig! Haha. As for the parents from the midwest thing, that’s a good theory! Do the other folks who had sandboxes in Jersey have parents from Jersey or somewhere else more sandbox happy? My mom is Italian and my dad is Jersey born and raised, so maybe that’s why? No idea!
xo,
s
vanessa says
We got our sandbox on Craigslist – similar to the one you built. It came with a tarp cover which we used the first year. We opened it up the following spring to find it filled with earwigs. As someone who had an actual earwig in their ear I almost passed out. They loved the moisture.
After leaving it uncovered in some early spring heat they evacuated and I eventually approached the sandbox again. We are working on a cover now – for sure the way to go.
Our kids love it. The 5 year old loves building castles and the 18 month old loves crushing them. We call that a win / win at our house!
Random side note – when I type “young” into google search the first thing that comes up is Young Jeezy. I have accidently clicked his link sometimes instead of yours. I beleive he owes you some money for this….
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh – so scary about the earwigs!!! Glad they evacuated! And hilarious that Young Jeezy pops up when you type the beginning of our name. Hahha. I’m laughing out loud.
xo,
s
Karen F says
what a sweet project! lucky Clara!
I’ve procrastinated on too many projects to list here! You guys are very inspiring, though, and I have to say within the last 6 months or so I’ve gotten a lot accomplished! Still lots to do (there always will be), but for the first time I am really taking pride in our home and showing my 100 yr old house the love it deserves!
Gina says
“Have you taken 11 months to get something done that you thought was “just around the corner?”
11 years in our house this june…rooms completed = 0, half completed projects = ugh!
I have lists, pins, drawings and the house in my head is AH-MA-ZING!! one day…lol
I did complete the fire pit from your blog…so there’s that. (John – that is Booger’s hind parts in the pic ;-)).
How’s Burger doing? Did you include any fire pit plans with your landscape consultant?
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, Burger is great! Currently sleeping in my lap while his sister screams the alphabet. He has learned the art of tuning her out. Haha. As for a firepit, we don’t have any immediate plans for one, but maybe when Clara and a future sibling are older we could add one to make family s’mores!
xo,
s
Ginny @ Goofy Monkeys says
We had considered building a sandbox, but went with a small plastic one for now. Our little guy loves it! Actually, so does our big girl :) We may build a big one eventually if they still enjoy it and if we can figure out the perfect spot for it in the yard.
Here’s to years and years of sandbox fun!
Katherine says
My Son {now 31} used to play in his sandbox for hours with dinky cars. It was a prefab-ready-to-add-the-sand kind of deal. It had a lid – you need a lid. Keeps the neighbourhood kitty’s out, the sand from drying and blowing away, the rain from messing it up.
The lid came off and sat to the side of the sandbox – the lid had a little roadway etched into it and my Son would drive his little cars around it. The lid went back on the box when not in use and we’d put the toys inside the sandbox. There were little ‘bridges’ to get the dinky cars driven from the sand box area to the lid area.
I put the splash pool upside down on top of all of this when it was being tucked away at the end of the day.
Whew – it’s all coming back to me now.
Clara, enjoy playing in the sand.
Katie @ Shared Bites says
How funny – I was just reminiscing about my best birthday morning ever, May 14, 1986, starring a kiddie sandbox. I was turning four and my parents woke me up to tell me that there was a surprise outside. It was the tiniest little plastic sandbox (I could just barely sit on the edge) with a built-on section for a little pool of water. Sand AND water! I practically had my own beach!! Maybe I should ask for the same thing for my upcoming 30th…
Hope your daughter enjoys the sandbox as much as I did!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that sounds like so much fun!
xo,
s
Walnut says
My father is an extremely proficient welder, so the sandbox he built for my family turned into a jungle gym of epic propotions. It comes complete with a pair of swings, monkey bars, gymnast rings and bars, tire swing, climbing rope, and a huge turbo twisty slide we spent over a year pricing out until we found one at a local hardware store that was never picked up by the original purchaser. SCORE. It also has a normal set of steps to get to the top to make it easy for little kids and grandmas alike to play.
A year or so later, a second tower was added with a second slide, chain climbing area with a bridge and tube connecting it to the first one.
I spent hours out there as a kid and teenager with a half dozen friends. My younger siblings continue to enjoy this beast of a jungle gym and rumor has it a merry go round was added to the ensemble for my youngest sister.
If I could attach a picture of this, I would do so. It’s awesome.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s amazing! Your dad is awesome!
xo,
s
Staci @ My Friend Staci says
I am so glad you make “promises” on your blog and take forever to follow up on them. Okay, even if it’s nowhere near as frequently as I do. I’m the champion of “Photos of [whatever project] coming soon!!!” with zero follow through. Ha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh yeah – stuff happens!
xo,
s
Jes Dirrim says
We had a sandbox similar to the one with the 4 “seats” in the corners… We did not have a cover so didn’t really have to worry about stray kittys, but I do remember ALWAYS finding toads in the sandbox. Probably every time we played in it actually.
Emily says
My dad built us a sandbox too, and I remember my Pop-Pop driving over a dump truck full of sand to ceremoniously fill it up as a birthday present!! John is awesome to build things like this for Clara!
RLR says
My kids are using the same big, green, plastic turtle sandbox that my sister (10 years my junior) got as a birthday gift when she was a kid. Just to put things into a chronological perspective, the turtle is around 25 years old now. My daughter, who plays in it the most, is about to turn 6.
Thanks to mom storing it for way longer than anyone else would ever have kept a big, plastic turtle, it’s still nice and green. I replaced the eyes using those reflective square number stickers you can get at the hardware store – I just bought two decimals and cut a circle to fit the place where the plastic eyes used to fit.
My kids enjoy it so much that, even though they are nearly too big to fit around it at the same time, they’ve asked for some fresh sand!
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo,
s
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
Ohmigosh, I just realized I’ve been building a sandbox, too! I had no idea. I haven’t written up the conclusion yet, but the “sandbox” part is done, and the steps were just like yours, (except that I used stones instead of wood, and my sand was a little different). Yours is more fun, though.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it!
xo,
s
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
Oh I am DYING to make a sandbox for the kids… but I have a fear of snakes where we live!! I don’t fear snakes actually, but they like to get in the sand from what I understand and I am not sure how to protect against them. Maybe I need to do some research instead of just knocking that off the list.
Can’t wait to see how you did a cover… that intrigues me.
Elizabeth says
There are many things that I love about your guys and your blog but the number one reason is that you keep it real!
The pile of sand bags made me laugh out loud! Everyone has a project that continues to fall by the wayside.
Thanks for the honesty.
Tara says
Perfect timing! I have been pinning sandboxes and searching Kijiji for weeks. I think I’ll just hold tight and wait to see what you did! A cover is a MUST in our ‘hood. There is a nasty cat that comes around (and had stolen 3 crocs in the 2 years we have lived here… none were from the same pair… you’d think I’d learn after finding the 1st one chewed up on his owner’s front lawn eh?).
You two are the best!
Thanks,
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that stinks that none were from the same pair! He seeks out new ones to ruin new sets of shoes!
xo,
s
Micha says
Make sure that the sand doesn’t get too dry :o) Nobody ever succeeded building sand castles in the Sahara. That was always a probleme here in Florida; we had to water our sandbox to keep it functioning :o)
Covers are a must-have! Any cat in the neighborhood -will- find your beautiful clean litter box you built just for her (You’re such a considerate two-legged can-opener!). Yuck!
Have you thought about pavers around the sandbox instead of mulching up to it? That might keep the mulch from getting too sandy and the sand from getting mulch-y?
YoungHouseLove says
We thought we’d add some paver stepping stones leading to it but have mulched around it and it’s great!
xo,
s
Peggy says
When we first moved to Mississippi, my boys were 3 and 15mo. They’d had a sand box in NJ, so I wanted them to have one in their new home, too. That was before I knew much about fire ants..Unfortunately, the fire ants took over, and I couldn’t figure out a way to kill the ants without poisoning my kids. I still don’t know if there’s a way to have a sand box in fire ant country.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no!
xo,
s
Christine says
My kids would love one, but my husband has a sand box phobia! I guess growing up with cats and having to clean the litter box will do that to you!
Now John just needs to build a swingset for her!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes- a swingset is on the long-term list when bean’s a little older!
xo,
s
donita says
Our kids had a sandbox, their daddy made, they loved it. I noticed Clara had on jeans, wise choice. LOL Little girls and sandboxes, not good, nuff said. ;-) *did Clara get the truck for Easter? Our grandson Tate got one just like it.* Anxiously waiting for the next post.
YoungHouseLove says
She got that for Christmas I think! She loves that thing.
xo,
s
Erica says
This summer I wanted my kids to play in a sandbox but I HATE sand, plus I don’t want to give up too much of my yard and the thought of the kids actually sitting in the sand grosses me out. SOOOO I am going to buy two under the bed plastic storage boxes and fill them with sand and some sand toys and have little portable sand boxes. One for each kid.
Cynthia says
My parents bought my sisters and I one of those sandboxes from Walmart that was shaped like a turtle – the lid was the turtle shell. They put it on our backporch. Of course, now that I think about it, it was kind of a ridiculous purchase anyway since we lived right on the river and there was sand everywhere anyway! :)
emily says
We had a sandbox for our children but even covered, it constantly had tons of spiders in it. Not sure why that is, if it’s a regional thing (we’re in Kentucky) or if they just happened to like our sand (colored sand)…either way, we ended up getting rid of it. It was a real bummer.
Kate says
I had one of the classic Playskool plastic turtle sandboxes. I remember that I used to love using water in the sandbox, and we had a couple trees around that would drop down their helicopter seeds (which I also loved), so every spring we’d find little baby trees starting to grow in the sand. :) Eventually one of his turtle eyes cracked and fell off, but that was probably by the time I was almost in middle school so it should have been gotten rid of before then anyway.
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
Oh, this brings back memories! We had a sandbox in our backyard when my sister and I were little. I’m older, and because I’m terribly mean, I thought it would be hilarious if I could get my sister to eat sand. I believe I was 4 and she was 2. So I put some wet sand on a wooden spoon I swiped from the kitchen (a hoodlum in training, I tell ya), and told her it was chocolate.
She ate it! She immediately realized it wasn’t chocolate, but I’m pretty sure some of it got digested anyway.
And then I tried the same thing like a year later and she fell for it again. Hahahaha. (I’m so mean.)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man! We’ll John’s sister famously tried to feed the other one hamster poop by telling her it was a chocolate tic-tac! I don’t think she actually ate it though…
xo,
s
Rebecca says
Anyone looking for additional sandbox eye candy – Ashley English at Small Measure DIY’ed an adorable one for her son. I love the garden stones around the edges to keep the sand out of the mulch and soil of the garden. http://small-measure.blogspot.com/2012/03/mr-sandman.html
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!!
xo,
s
Lauryn says
So glad you decided against the seats!! I have distinct memories about spiders as well, more specifically Black Widows here in VA. YIKES. :-) Excited to see the post this afternoon!
Keeley @ My Life on a Plate says
I’m from New Jersey and I had a sandbox! Mine was not hand-made. It was a plastic turtle (I still see them around) and the turtle shell protected the sand. I loved that thing. I also loved my swing set.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Another Jersey sandbox. I must have just been missing out!
xo,
s
Maddie says
I love this so much! My dad built us a sandbox and it was one of our favorite places to play. We spent hours and hours there and I have such fond memories of it. It looked a whole lot like the one you made, but the key was that he put 2x6s (I’m guessing) around the edges so we had a nice comfy place to sit while playing…no need to have your bum in the sand if you didn’t want to, but also no need to sit on the uncomfortable 2″ side of the 2x10s! I think he may have done it so he didn’t have to sit in the sand with us, but our bums appreciated it all the same! And our cover was just a piece of plywood…but it did take two kids to get it on or off :)
Sarah S. says
My sister and I had a giant tractor tire sandbox. There were always spiders under the lip of it. Terrifying! But it was awesome having our own space to dig and play.
Can’t wait to see the finished project! Clara will get years of fun from your hard work! Good job, daddy!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
A cover is definitely in order. I had a sandbox in 2nd grade that was left from the previous owners and there was no cover on it so all I really remember is stepping on the knobby twigs that would fall from the pine-like tree it was under. I could barely go in there barefoot that stupid tree dropped so much in there. Now that I think about it, I REALLY hope those were young dark brown pine cones I would pick out and throw across the yard. :\
Holly says
I grew up near you in Mount Vernon, VA and I did have my own sandbox growing up. I don’t remember having spider issues though despite having a seat on either side.
I remember the ones at my church though. I don’t know where they got their sand but every once in a while you would find shark teeth in it.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- no way! That’s awesome!
xo,
s
Jenn says
oh yeah! my parents used to get “Bermuda Sand” for our sandbox, it was soft & white, and had teeny tiny sea shells in it. We never found a shark tooth, though.
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo,
s
Jill says
When our boys were little, my husband spent about a year studying the yard/shade/etc…looking for the perfect location (I was bit skeptical). After much to do, he created a hexagon shaped sandbox near the deck under a maple tree that provided shade all day long. After almost 20 years, I’m still impressed with his thoughtfulness and creativity.
Cheers to Clara and her new sandbox.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet!
xo,
s
Linley says
I loved my sandbox when I was little, especially when we would beg our parents to let us fill up a mote we dug with “just a tiny bit of water” and then would end up flooding the whole thing and having the best time over. I’m so glad I get to continue my sand love with one of my campers that I work one-on-one with. We spend at least 50% of every weekend together in the sandbox at camp. :D
allyson says
I got my kids a sandbox last year and they love it so much (they are 2 and 4). This past Sunday they spent 2 hours in the sandbox without making a peep while I worked on my garden. One of the best tips someone gave me is keep baby powder near the door entering the house. Just sprinkle some on her or her clothes and all the sand comes right off….no sand in the house!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo,
s
Melissa says
I had a sandbox growing up and loved it. What a fun gift for Clara
Amber says
We are just about to start a sandbox. We moved to TX almost 3 years ago. Our land is all sand, so we knew we would eventually build one- hooray for free sand! This last weekend, Lowe’s had railroad ties on clearance so we finally made the purchase. We don’t have kids, so it will just be for little visitors. Our dog will keep the cats away- no need for a lid :) Looking forward to more details on your sandbox.
Amber says
OK, so I just read some warnings about using railroad ties for sandboxes. I think we’ll be returning them to Lowe’s asap!
Lauren says
I can’t wait to see the finished product! And adorable Clara playing in it :)
I had a big sandbox growing up in which my best friend and I spent every. day. playing. We created a mermaid lagoon in it (big Ariel fans). Clara is going to LOVE IT!!
Connie says
Sandbox story or that should be sanboxes story. Although there is ample land on which to have a sandbox we did not have one until the second set of twins was born. My father was the one who decided he would build it. I don’t know what he thought a sandbox was for but he just built up this little stamp size box, filled it with sand and felt he had done a good piece of work. He had done actually, but good heavens two kids in there couldn’t move without stepping on the other’s toes, let alone four, the ensueing tears and squabbling wasn’t worth the effort, besides every cat and dog in the neighbourhood thought this was a grand relieving station, yuck!!. When kiddo number five arrived and then number six well you can imagine what that tiny little space turned into, double yuck!! By my kitchen door there was the remnants of an old time potager that was quite large. Hubby’s dad who is a retired architect came to visit a few summers ago and as though by magic my small army had a beautiful sandbox. He used the full size of the old garden 9×13 or thereabouts which gives each child enough space to do his thing. It is really nice, painted in bright colors and little seats all around. The boys seem to enjoy it more than the girls however. The gals don’t like sand in their sandals and won’t go barefoot, so I seldom see them in there. Our crazy pooch doesn’t like it either, he wants that smelly old one back. Granddad planted a beautiful maple tree there and the pooch often goes there to dig around and even sleep in its shade on hot summer days. Can’t please everyone!
Kelsey says
My parents built a sandbox for my sister and me when we were little. I honestly don’t remember using it much, although my parents have plenty of photos suggesting we did. What I remember is several years later we discover a lone corn stalk growing out of it! With corn and everything! It was so bizarre. But I guess that’s Kansas for ya.
Kirin says
I’m sure someone else has already sent this to you, but a friend just passed it along to me and I had to share. Sherry–I can’t believe you were on MTV!!! Why did you give up your rapping career?!
YoungHouseLove says
I have no idea what you’re talking about! Haha. Must be another Jersey girl with the same name!
xo,
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
What an awesome project. I LOVED my sandbox when I was young. We lived in an apartment, so my Grandpa made me one at their house. I was over their house a lot and I played with it all the time. And yes I even had a cover on it. Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories of my Grandparents house. Great times!!! :)
Nicole Hyatt says
Looks great!! Our 4 love the “sandbox” which was already part of the swing-set- built under the fort. However, after months of trying to sweep up sand from the floors downstairs and it scratching them by getting under chairs etc, I switched the sand to pea gravel! It has been great! Falls right off and doesn’t get tracked into the house! Maybe I just don’t clean up after my kids very well! :) Have you had any issues with that?
YoungHouseLove says
It definitely was a bit messy, but we’ll get into our solution in another post. Sorry to tease!
-john