building a mudpit in soil

[Kathy88]

Hey, 

I want to build a mudpit (no too muddy) in the backyard. I want it to be levelled with the soil and will put large rocks around the boarder. As the mudpit will be level, what type of sleepers or other non toxic material should I use for it? Haven't completed decided on the size but will be around 2mx1.5m.

I have some aqua boxes I bought intending to create a waterfall but don't think I will. Could I use those for underneath for drainage or it's not necessary? 

For the mud inside, I will need to use clean soil. I read loam is a bit less messy than other soil. I this true for Sydney weather? Do I fill the whole 2x1.5 with Loam? Any recommendations for brands I can use?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Kathy88,

Building a mud pit in your backyard sounds like a fun project Since you want it level with the soil and bordered with large rocks, it's important to choose materials that are durable and safe for outdoor use. For the border, timber sleepers that are treated with ACQ instead of CCA are a great option. You could also use natural stone or composite sleepers, which are both sturdy and long-lasting. Just ensure that whatever material you choose is free from toxins, especially since you’ll be dealing with soil that could be in contact with children or pets.

Regarding drainage, I'm not familiar with what aqua boxes are, so if you could provide further information, that could assist me in answering your question about them. If you’re in an area that experiences heavy rain or your pit needs to drain excess moisture, some form of drainage should be considered.

For the mud inside, clean loam is a great choice for a less messy, smoother texture. Loam holds moisture better than sandy soils, making it less likely to dry out and create dust. It’s also better at providing a consistent texture for mud play. Since Sydney can be hot and dry at times, loam is ideal, as it retains water while still draining well. As for filling the entire 2x1.5m area, it really depends on how deep you want your mud pit. If you're aiming for a good depth, you could go with a mix of loam and some sand for added texture and drainage. You might like to speak with our team in-store at the Special Order desk to see if we could order you some bulk loam.

Could I ask what this mud pit is for as I'm sure our members will be interested.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell