What timber to use for building a sandpit?

[Glenn83]

Gday all, I’m located Perth West Aus, and looking at making a sandpit for our boy. 
The area I’ll be putting will be exposed to some weather, and will get wet when the Retic goes on. 
I’ll be removing some grass to put in the sand pit, so any suggestions on what to put down first will be much appreciated. 
I’m looking at just building a rectangle like sand pit, but I’d like to put up a small fence around it to deter the bloody dog going in it. 
My main priority is using a safe timber. So I need some advice and recommendations on what to use please team. 
cheers. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Glenn83,

Thank you for your question about building a sandpit for your boy.

Anything that is in direct contact with the ground needs to be treated to prevent rotting.

My suggestion is to use sienna micropro sleepers as they are treated to be in direct contact with the ground and use much milder treatment chemicals than the traditional CCA treated pine sleepers.

Sienna MicroPro sleepers are treated with a preservative technology called MicroPro, which is a copper-based wood treatment used to protect timber from decay, termites, and fungal damage, making it perfect for this application.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Glenn83]

Gday all, couple questions. I’m building a rectangle sandpit for my son. 
Now I’m wanting to put some upright posts. 
I also like to install some flat timber capping along the top of the base of the sandpit. 
What timber should I use. I’ve got the sleepers for that base from the advice I’ve recieved  off this page.
I’ve attached a picture to and you can see the timber posts are very similar to what I want, and the blue marks are where I’d like to put the capping. 
yeah any advice will be great.

located Perth Western Australia 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Glenn83,

For the capping, treated Pine or Merbau decking boards would work well, as both are durable options and can handle outdoor conditions. Treated Pine is an economical choice, easy to work with, and can be stained or painted to match the look you’re after. Merbau, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to weathering and has a beautiful, rich colour if you’re looking for a more polished finish.

For the posts, I’d suggest going with H3-treated Pine in an 88mm size. H3 treatment protects the wood from decay and insect attack, making it suitable for outdoor use. The size should give you sturdy support, and you can set them at the corners or wherever you feel the structure needs reinforcement. Just remember to seal any cut edges with a timber preservative to maintain the wood’s durability.

If you want to add extra weather protection, you could apply an outdoor wood oil or paint to either type of timber, helping it to resist the elements longer. This setup should give you a sturdy, kid-friendly sandpit that holds up well over time. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Glenn83]

Gday mate I’ve tried clicking the link but it’s taking me to a page that won’t load. 
now I have found a H4 treated pine post with those measurements, is that the one you are referring to ? Is H4 treated timber safe for kids sand pit ? 
but I did find a laminated h3 treated pine with those measurements, so is this the one your referring to ? 
cheers and thanks for your help and advice 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Glenn83,

The linked product might not be available in your area. H3 posts are the way to go; H4 often contains arsenic that shouldn't be used for children's play equipment. The laminated post you've found would be ideal.

Mitchell

[Glenn83]

Cheers mate, now another question I was just looking the sleepers that I have been recommended are the sienna micro pro but just looking now they are a H4 treated pine. What timber would you recommend for the base frame of this sand pit that will be sitting on the ground. 
cheers 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Glenn83,

Just to clarify, H4 is the treatment grade whereas MicroPro and CCA are the specific treatments used. Any timber that is in direct contact with the ground should be treated to a H4 treatment grade.

MicroPro is a different treatment to traditional CCA (copper-chromium-arsenate) timbers that utilises micronized copper and azole compounds to protect against fungal decay and insect attack. It still meets the requirements to be classified as H4 but contains no arsenic. There is more information here in the Micropro brochure.

Hopefully this link will work, 200 x 50mm Sleeper H4 Treated Pine Sienna MicroPro.

Alternatively, you could use 140x45 H3 Framing, but it would need to be completely encased in bitumen membrane wherever it is in contact with the ground.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob