Sandboxes Create The Perfect Play Area

The Ultimate — Sandboxes CREATE THE PERFECT PLAY AREA

By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer

Homeowners admittedly spend a great deal of time outdoors with the intention of making their yards look attractive and inviting, whether it is planting a vibrant garden, arranging decorative stone or maintaining a lush lawn. All of these lend themselves to a place for summer entertaining.

However, it is possible to create the ultimate outdoor play area for children with a sandbox that encourages their sense of curiosity and inspires adventure. Sandboxes offer children an opportunity to entertain themselves while the adults socialize. An added benefit is that they require minimal maintenance.

Aside from bags of sand, the main thing one needs to assemble a sandbox is the wood for the base and frame, described Trey Scott with Kabelin Ace Hardware in South Bend. One thing to keep in mind is that “the amount of sand required to adequately fill a sandbox is based on the height of the framed borders rather than just the dimensions of length and width.”

In thinking long-term, plywood can be used for the base and a tarp can be used to fortify the sandbox during the colder months so that leaves and snow rest atop the tarp instead of falling directly into the sand. “The tarp can be secured with yard stakes so that it does not blow away.”

A representative with Tractor Supply Co. in Goshen emphasized the necessity of “prepping the bottom of a sandbox by lining it with plastic or a layer of mesh, which allows for water to drain without creating a standing mud pit.” The importance of adding a lid or covering of sorts to the sandbox was also stressed as a means of keeping animals out when the sandbox is not in use. As an aside, it should be noted that “old tractor tires are an alternative to the common wooden-framed sandboxes.” Using old tractor tires cuts down on the number of materials required and, thus, the cost.

Randy Jones, a customer service representative with Kuert Outdoor Living in Goshen, recommended digging about four inches into the ground to remove the dirt in the desired location for the sandbox and allow for about six to 10 inches of sand depth. “While this sounds simple enough, a homeowner will need to determine whether to dispose of the dirt or use it somewhere else in the yard for another purpose.”

Jones explained that customers often request white silica sand because it looks so nice. However, customers will not be able to purchase it for a sandbox, and for good reason, too. “In actuality, white silica sand has jagged edges, which are visible when it is viewed under a microscope.” Thus, white silica sand should be avoided as it can easily cut someone’s eye. In fact, it is the sand particles’ jagged edges that makes the white silica sand ideal for sandblasting.

By contrast, though, homeowners have the option to purchase mason sand. It is a fine sand comparable to what is used on golf courses and safe for children’s play. n

Photos:Shutterstock.com

RESOURCES:

Kabelin Ace Hardware, South Bend, 574-299-1912, www.acehardware.com/store-details/14097 Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen, 574-312-7557, www.kuertoutdoorliving.com Tractor Supply Co., Goshen, 574-533-3703, www.tractorsupply.com