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A kids sandpit built into a low-level deck complete with cover using Merbau decking timber.
The project
We are quite limited for space in our backyard, so I built a sandpit under our existing deck for our toddler to play in. The cover is made from the decking wood and comes off in three pieces to minimise the weight of each. Has been a hit with our little one!
Steps
Step 1
Measured out the area where we wanted the sandpit to be - ended up being roughly 1.2m × 1.2m. Unassembled the deck in that area. Used circular saw to cut the deck into the appropriately sized pieces. Reinstalled the deck outside of where the sandpit was to go.
Step 2
Dug out a hole under the deck deep enough to allow 200mm high sleepers to be dropped in to make the frame.
Step 3
Built the sandpit frame out of H4 Sienna Micropro treated Pine sleepers and Merbau decking panels screwed into the two end sleepers for the base. Dropped the pre assembled frame into the hole.
Step 4
Lined the inside of the frame with landscaping fabric to allow water to drain out into the ground around the sandpit whilst not losing all of the sand. Filled the sandpit with sand!
Step 5
Using the pre-cut deck pieces from step 1, I made a cover for the sandpit in three pieces so they weren't too heavy. I attached a small chain to the middle piece to allow easy lifting.
Step 6
All done! The sandpit cover can be taken off easily when we want to use it and covered up when we want more space on the deck.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
- Merbau decking
- Sienna Micropro treated Pine sleepers
- Grunt 1m x 10m landscaping fabric
- Play Sand 20kg bags.
Tools used in the project:
More inspiration for sandpit projects
Bunnings Workshop member woodalwaysworks built a sandpit with fold-out seats that double as a lid.
The Bunnings team has shared a step-by-step guide How to build a D.I.Y. pirate ship sandpit.
Get more ideas from our collection of Kids sandpit projects shared by Bunnings Workshop community members.
