Use Cedar To Build a Large Sandbox

James Dulley
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

Dear James: I want to find more things for my kids to do here, so I plan to build a sandbox. What are some design tips, and what type of wood is best? — Sanjay P.

Dear Sanjay: It is a simple project, and it makes a lot of sense to build a sandbox for your children. With all the potential problems and threats to children these days, what could be a safer, cleaner (well, fairly clean) fun activity than being creative in a sandbox in your backyard?

An easy-to-build size of sandbox is 8 feet by 8 feet because lumber is readily available in this length. When you plan the location of the sandbox, keep in mind that your children will outgrow it and you will want to convert it back to lawn, flower gardens, etc.
Updated: Thu Feb 12, 2026

Dear James: I want to find more things for my kids to do here, so I plan to build a sandbox. What are some design tips, and what type of wood is best? — Sanjay P.

Dear Sanjay: It is a simple project, and it makes a lot of sense to build a sandbox for your children. With all the potential problems and threats to children these days, what could be a safer, cleaner (well, fairly clean) fun activity than being creative in a sandbox in your backyard?

An easy-to-build size of sandbox is 8 feet by 8 feet because lumber is readily available in this length. When you plan the location of the sandbox, keep in mind that your children will outgrow it and you will want to convert it back to lawn, flower gardens, etc.

When selecting the location, also consider the amount of sunshine it receives. Full sun is not good for health because of the ultraviolet rays. Partial shade from a tree is fine, but it may be difficult digging through the roots. Somewhere near the house, with shade from the house, is ideal; and that way, you also can easily keep an eye on your children.

Once you have determined the location, drive in corner stakes and stretch twine between them. Measure the distances across the diagonals. If the stakes are positioned to form a perfect square, the diagonal measurements should be identical. If they are different, adjust the location of the stakes accordingly until the diagonal measurements are equal.

Now comes the backbreaking step: digging out the sod and preparing the soil bed for the sandbox. Using a shovel, cut around the perimeter of the sandbox as indicated by the twine.

Remove the sod and then dig down far enough so the bottom edge of the sandbox lumber will be about 2 inches below the surface. This will provide a little extra support for the sides of the sandbox. Level the cleared area with the shovel and a garden rake. Lay landscaping fabric over the prepared soil bed.

Pieces of 1-by-6-inch cedar lumber is probably the best to use. It is attractive and resistant to damage from moisture and insects. Cut four of the 1x6 cedar boards to exactly 8 feet in length. Edge glue two sets of them together to make 1x12 boards.

Cut four more pieces of 1x6 lumber to 7 feet, 9 inches in length and edge glue them together. Cut eight 10-inch-long pieces of 1x3 cedar for inside corner supports. Cut twelve 20-inch-long pieces of 1x3 cedar to be used for the outside stakes side supports and saw one end of each one to a point.

Attach inside corner supports at each end of the shorter (7-foot-9) side pieces. Butt the longer (8-foot) side pieces to the shorter ones and screw them together with galvanized screws. Do the same all around to complete the basic box.

Space three of the 20-inch stakes evenly along each of the four side pieces. Drive them into the ground with a hammer. Drive 1 1/4-inch galvanized nails through the stakes and into the side pieces.