How to Build a DIY Backyard Sandpit?

STEP 1. CHOOSE YOUR SITE.

Choose the site for your sandpit, taking into consideration trees and weather conditions, in particular exposure to sun. Don’t build near a fruit tree such as a plum tree or you will have another job, cleaning the sandpit of rotten fruit.

STEP 2. EXCAVATION

Once the size and position of the sandpit is determined, start to excavate the selected area to about 200mm below the grass or finished sand level. You can use the top layer of grass to repair bare spots in the lawn, or stack it upside down in the compost.

Dig out the dark coloured soil and add it to compost or scatter in the garden. Prepare a flat bed for the sand to sit on. If your sub soil is clay or hardpan you may face some drainage problems. To overcome this install a perforated drainage pipe, drain tile or a deep hole in the middle of the pit and then cover with crushed rock, stones or coarse gravel and replace soil.

STEP 3. LAY OUT YOUR SLEEPERS

Use the Eco sleepers (non toxic) as they are not treated with arsenic and are safe for children. Lay out your timber sleepers once they have been cut to your chosen measurement. This can be done by simply using a hand saw or circular saw. Check that they are a suitable length, level and then fasten together using galvanised bolts, timberlok screw or spikes. If they are raised well above ground level, use another sleeper cut into lengths and place a post into the corners and fasten onto the posts.

STEP 4. FILLING THE PIT

Fill the pit with sand. WSC sells beach sand in 20kg bags, by bulka bag, or by the cubic metre.
You may choose to lay a plastic sheet to reduce weed growth. Cover the pit of a night if you have cats in your area. They like to use sandpits as well.