THE CAREYS \ On the House Building a sandbox is more than child's play

There are several safety issues to consider.
By JAMES and MORRIS CAREY
ASSOCIATED PRESS
There's more to a sandbox than you might think.
When we were the home improvement guys on the "Home and Family" TV show we were asked to build a toy box. We produced a set of plans and turned them in to the research department for approval. Within hours our blueprints had been returned covered in red-ink comments. One producer insisted that an anti-closing device be installed so that the lid of the toy box could not slam down onto an unsuspecting toddler. Another producer insisted that air holes be added to the design so that a child would be able to breathe if accidentally trapped inside. We were then, and remain today, amazed at what we learn every time we become involved in a new project.
Sandboxes are no different. Simple, you say? No big deal? You might have eaten dirt as a kid -- or gotten away with doing things that would be considered highly unsafe today -- but do you want your children or grandchildren taking those risks? If not, read on for sensible information about building a safe sandbox for the little ones you love.
Remember, we're talking about a sandbox -- not a sand pit. So, keep in mind that the size we suggest is created only as a base from which to calculate your own design.
Things to consider
Besides the size and budget, there are other important factors to consider before you begin:
UThe frame
UThe sand
UProtecting the surface from critters
UProtecting the subsurface from critters
UProper drainage
A sandbox can be a hole in the earth or it can be built within the confines of a box above ground. You get to choose. Since the only difference will be the frame, we will show ours with a frame. If you decide to excavate below grade, you won't need the box work. One thing for sure -- don't use treated wood for the framework; use untreated lumber instead. Either pine or fir would be ideal. Although treated wood will last much longer, it can be dangerous. And, your youngster probably will lose interest years before untreated wood deteriorates.
Use 2x12s for the four sides (get them precut at the lumber yard) and 4x4s for the corner posts. Have the 4x4s precut to the height of the 2x12s (111/4 to 111/2 inches, or so). You also will need some 1x material for the corner gussets (seats). We suggest 1x12. The seats help hold things together at the corners and provide comfortable seating as well. We recommend against using plywood for the seats because it tends to splinter when weathered. Use 21/4-inch lag screws (or carriage bolts) through each end of each side board into the 4x4 corner posts -- one post in each corner. Create triangles from the 1x12 and use them as post-corner caps. They can be attached to the top edge of the sides with 8d or 10d galvanized box nails. All the joints get covered, and you end up with enough seating for four children. A brightly colored latex paint will add life to the wood and interest to the finished product.
Now that it's made ...
Sterile sand should be used for the sandbox. It can be purchased in bags marked "playground" or "sandbox" sand.
Once the frame is built and painted and ready to fill with sand, consider critters from below. We suggest laying down a layer of landscape fabric before piling on the sand. Also, depending on where you will be placing your box (especially if it will be below grade), consider a layer of drainage rock to absorb irrigation water. Six to eight inches of drain rock would be ample for most applications.
Finally, be sure to consider the problems associated with pets and wild critters -- especially an old cat. They'll make your sandbox their litter box, if allowed. Make digging impossible by laying a piece of ready-made wood lattice over the top of the sandbox when it isn't in use.
A wood frame that isn't poison, paint that doesn't contain harmful chemicals, sterile sand protected from dampness, no critters from below and no pests from above! What more could your youngster want?
XFor more home improvement tips and information visit www.onthehouse.com on the Web.