Buying a Sandbox?
What You Need To Know...
Are you thinking about purchasing a sandbox / sandpit for your child this summer? There are unlimited choices when it comes to shapes, designs and colors for sandboxes and prices range considerably between materials. Our aim is to inform you of the pros and cons of what's out there and some handy tips to keep your kids, and your sandbox, safe and clean.
Playing in a sandbox is the perfect outdoor activity for children of anywhere from 1 to 8 years of age. Depending on their age and skill, each child can experience sand in a different way. Sand has such unique properties, being fine and slippery when dry, firm and mouldable when damp, and sloppy when wet. Kids can dig it, pour it, mould it and all around have a good time whatever its properties. Owning a sandbox / sandpit and providing a few essential props ensures your kids will always have outdoors entertainment.
But What To Consider?
Three main issues will determine the sort of sandbox you purchase.
 How many kids?
How many children will be playing in the sandbox and what ages are they- ie- how big does it need to be? Even if you only have one child, there will always be friends who will want to play aswell.
How Much Room?
How big is your yard? Will it accomodate a huge sandpit attached to play equipment or are you better suited to a smaller plastic model that is easier to store and get rid of once your children grow out of it.
Your Budget?
Sandboxes vary from about $50 anywhere up to $1000 for models that are included as a part of an outdoor play set. If you have a preference for timber, then they tend to be more expensive, but are visually more appealing. If you go for a smaller plastic model like those for a 1-2 year old. It will fit in a standard car to bring home, but most others wont and thus will require delivery. Keep in mind how much sand you will need to
purchase to go into the sandbox as this definitely is not included in the price!
Main Types of Sandbox / Sandpit
Plastic
Plastic sandboxes are available in many different designs- clamshells, lady bugs, natural brick effects. They generally come in smaller designs better suited to toddlers and only one or two small children, some larger ones available. They usually come with good fitting lids that come as part of purchase price, for easy clean up- just put on the lid! If you live in a warm climate over time they can fade in the sun and crack due to sun and weather exposure. They are portable, so if you are moving house you can take them with you. Found at the lower end of the price range- generally from $50-$200.
Elevated Sandbox
An elevated sandbox or sand table sits at about waist height, children do not actually sit in it like the would a standard sandbox. It often has separate compartments for sand and water allowing for varied play experiences. It minimises mess in that kids are only using their hands rather than putting their whole body into the sand. (We all know what can happen once kids remove their shoes and socks inside after being in the sandbox!) Elevated sandboxes are often better able to cope with larger numbers of kids as they can stand around and all play in a small area. Elevated sandboxes can also be used inside with a plastic sheet underneath. Better option if you live in a climate where outdoors play is limited by the weather. They come with their own lid and often convert to a normal play table when not in use, thus being a worthwhile investment.
They range from about $50-$250.
Timber
Timber sandboxes are available in circular, square and hexagonal shapes in varying sizes. Spruce and red cedar are favored timbers as they are sturdy and weather-resistant. Pine is cheaper, but you will want to check the treatment to make sure child-safe chemicals have been used. There are huge range in terms of styles of shade cover, built-in seats and supplied covers. Be guided by your own taste and try to purchase a sandbox of a size that will accomodate your child for a few years to come. If it is going to be a permanent feature of your backyard you might aswell have it being utilised!
Look for at least a 10 year warranty on the timber for wood rot, decay, and insect damage. Prices range from $150-$1000.
Make Your Own / D.I.Y
Many kits are available which provide instructions, bolts, everything you need except the lumber. Basic woodworking knowledge is required. If you are handy in the workshop then these kits are perfect. Many have add ons, so you can start small and gradually add slides, swings, whatever your (or your childs') heart desires. When selecting timber check with your local hardware store for recommended varieties that will give long life with minimal splinters and warping while also being child-friendly (check for treatments).
Also available is landscape timber which is made from recycled plastic to look like real wood. It is very hard wearing thus ensuring long life without some of the issues associated with timber.
Kits start from around $80 (lumber not included). What Type of Sand?
Be sure to use playground sand, it’s a cleaner sand and is more like what you would find at the beach.
The sand should be a minimum of 6-inches deep, but no more than 8-inches deep. Avoid builders sand (it is darker in color) it will stain clothes and skin.  **TIP- Before using the sandbox, rub some talcum powder on exposed skin, it will make brushing off any sand much easier when your kids are ready to come indoors. After outdoor sand play, use a soft brush to remove any sand particles from children's clothes before they go back inside. Keep a mat by the door to reduce the amount of sand that is tracked indoors.
Last of All- Safety An outdoor sandbox should be kept covered when not in use. Otherwise it will attract roaming cats and birds who will use it as a litter. If the sandbox did not come with a commercial cover, use a canvas or plastic tarp.
Make sure the cover is going to stay on in windy weather by weighing it down or making a cover using tarp/ fine mesh with a timber frame. Be sure children are protected when they head to the sandbox. Sunscreen of at least (SPF) 15, hats, sunglasses, and protective cotton clothing will help prevent sunburn if your sandbox is not shaded. For outdoor sand play, keep eating and drinking areas separate from the sandbox. Food or beverage particles that children leave behind can attract insects and birds. Make sure children know that throwing or eating sand is unacceptable and that they should be careful not to get sand in their own eyes or in another child's eyes. If a child gets sand blown or thrown into his eyes, you can take the child to a sink with running water and rinse for a minute or two to get rid of the particles. Most kids will try eating sand at some stage, but will quickly realise that it doesn't taste very nice. It will not harm them but it is better to suggest right form the outset that sand is for play, and not for eating!
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