How to build a smaller DIY pirate ship sandpit?

[chickenhead]

 Hi guys!

I am going to make a pirate ship sandpit for xmas to which I am I am loosely following the instructions from this tutorial.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor-living/outdoor-play-equipment/how-to-build-a-diy-pira...

The main difference will be that my ship will be MUCH smaller, 80 Wide and 120 Long.

I guess my question is, if I am making it with the above dimensions in mind, what wood would you recommend for the base of the ship?

The 200 x 50 sleepers recommended in the tutorial above feel like overkill for a smaller version. 

Thanks team!

[JacobZ]

Hi @chickenhead,

Thank you for your question about materials for your D.I.Y. pirate ship sand pit.

The main reason sleepers are used in this application is because they are in direct contact with the ground, meaning they need to be treated for this purpose. Timber treated for direct contact is graded as H4. Other timber products are treated to H4 grading; however, sleepers are the most common. 

Availability differs from region to region, however, these 100 x 50mm 2.4m H4 Treated Pine Plinths could be a good option. Alternatively, Woodhouse TerraFrame produces structural H4 timber that would be perfect for this.

Check out How to choose the right timber for the job for some additional information.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob