A simple sandbox made of wood is built relatively quickly. Even inexperienced craftsmen can do this in a weekend. You might even have a supply of wood left. However, before you use this, you should check if it is treated.

For the sandbox you need robust wood

Woods such as Douglas fir, larch or robinia are relatively durable and not susceptible to rot. However, they also have their price. Spruce, pine or fir are cheaper. A sandpit made of this wood doesn't last as long, but it's very well suited for construction. You can build a wooden sandpit out of either planks or palisades.

How should I treat the wood for a sandpit?

It is best not to treat the wood for a sandpit at all. Because many chemicals can be washed out by rain and thus get into the play sand. It is not uncommon for children to actually try their sand cake and thus absorb dissolved chemicals. To prevent this, use untreated wood for the sandbox and only fill it with tested play sand.

How long does a wooden sandbox last?

The service life of a wooden sandbox not only depends on the type of wood used, but also on the location and the weather conditions prevailing there. The more often the wood gets wet, the faster it rots through. Nevertheless, a sandpit made of spruce or fir should last about five to six years, and a few years longer made of robinia, larch or Douglas fir.

How can I extend the lifespan of the sandbox?

Building up the sandbox every spring and taking it down again in the fall makes very little sense, even if you may have read this tip somewhere. This is impractical and expensive. It is better to protect the sandbox from the weather as much as possible. Keep rain away with a sensible cover, which also helps against cats at the same time.

The essentials in brief:

  • use untreated wood
  • very durable but more expensive: robinia, Douglas fir, larch
  • cheap but less durable: pine, spruce, fir
  • protect from moisture/rot

tips

If you want your sandbox to last a particularly long time, then choose more expensive but longer-lasting types of wood such as robinia, Douglas fir or larch.

Category:

Garden design