I love a clever DIY project and when my friend Yolandi shared what she and her husband were creating for their third daughter as a Birthday gift, I wanted to share it with you. This removable timber sandbox with a deck lid is a unique play item for kids, that can be taken away if the family ever have to move from their home (they are currently renting).
This timber sandbox has been cleverly created so it can not only be removed, but the lid deck can provide another space for their daughter’s to have their own stage for imaginative play.
The timber sandbox is a joint gift for their third daughter who has sensory issues. Yolandi knew a sandbox would be the perfect outdoor play equipment for her third daughter, while also giving the rest of her children a reason to play outside.
Yolandi used Ana White’s Timber Sandbox Design as inspiration. They changed the design for the top cover as it wasn’t going to hold the girl’s weight without bowing over time when used as a stage. They also didn’t want it to become too heavy to lift out later on if they used hinges on the existing deck lids they made, so they made lift off panels and log line boxes.
The sandbox has been created with depth in mind as kids like to dig deep holes, not necessarily wide ones. Of course the set up had to fit into the existing space next to the fence.
Pine sleepers were used on the box sides and pine decking boards on top.
There is 5-7mm roadbase on the weedmat for drainage at the base of the sandpit.
The project took a couple of weekends to complete, with thanks to a chippie friend who chipped in to help.
It ended up costing around $800, but it will provide a lifetime of play and memories for the girls.
It was a huge hit when it was unveiled for the Birthday girl.
All the sisters are loving their new play area.
I can’t wait to see it in person this weekend and I have no doubt my girls will enjoy playing in it too.
Thank you Yolandi for sharing this fabulous project with us.
Did you have a sandpit in your backyard growing up? Do your kids enjoy playing in a sandpit?
If you want your DIY project or before and after renovation project featured on the blog, please feel free to send me your details via my contact form.
