Everyone with a sand box knows that lids are a necessity. But double-duty lids are crazy awesome, especially if they convert to a seat! This easy to build sandbox with built-in seats is a reader favorite and has been built thousands of times.
For more awesome projects (or to leave some love if you've built this) visit my blog at www.ladygoats.com
Preparation
- 2 - 1 x 8 @ 8 Feet Long
- 6 - 1 x 4 @ 8 Feet Long
- 1 - 2 x 4 @ 8 or Stud Length
You will also need:
- 4 sets of exterior grade hinges
- Rope OR 4 exterior grade handles (search "gate pull" or "gate handle")
(a) 2 - 1 x 8 @ 47 1/2" - long sides of box
(b) 2 - 1 x 8 @ 46" - short sides of box
(c) 12 - 1 x 4 @ 47 1/2" - top planks
(d) 4 - 2 x 4 @ 7 1/2" - arm rests
(e) 4 - 2 x 4 @ 12 1/2" - back support/handle
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Create a basic box, insetting the short sides as shown above. You can either use pocket holes or pre-drill through the long sides and use 1 1/4" screws.
Step 2
Screw in two planks on each side, countersinking your screws through the top. Space the boards 1/2" apart
Step 3
Create what will become the seat. Screw the 1 x 4 boards (1/2" apart) onto the 2 x 4 arm rests (d). Make sure that the 2 x 4s are at least 1" inset from the edge to allow for them to fold into the box nicely. (you'll be making two of these)
Step 4
I have NO idea how to add hinges in sketch-up, but attach the seat that you made in step 3 to the plank you screwed in in step 2. I found it easier to attach the hinge to the seat (on the side opposite the arm rests) and THEN attach it to the screwed-in plank. Make sure to space them 1/2" apart.
Step 5
Step 6
Attach your second set of hinges to the seat back, on the opposite side of the 2 x 4s, and then attach to the seat (easy to do with the seat "up"). Make sure to space the 1/2" apart.
Comments
Wilsjac1
Tue, 07/02/2019 - 16:13
This is great! will build…
This is great!
will build and post photo's soon!
skohli
Thu, 08/13/2020 - 08:04
cost?
in the process of building this. Wasnt sure what wood to use but went with fir. also went with a weed fabric (2 layers) at the bottom as this will sit on dirt. all in all, materials cost about $200. and thats with 4 bags of sand (50lb) and i think i maybe need 1-2 more. im wondering if i picked too expensive materials and should have just used poplar or pine, but was worried it wouldnt do well outside.