Wood Sandbox With Cover

Buying Guide

Most parents these days complain that kids don't go and play outside anymore. Nowadays, kids just spend their fun time in front of mobile, computer or TV screens. Well, you can certainly change all that with a wood sandbox with cover. With it, kids have their own place that they can do a plethora of enjoyable things.

Bear in mind that a wooden sandbox with cover has many variations. Choosing the right one for you can be a bit tricky if you don't know what to look for. This article will try to help you with that by providing you with a buying guide for a wood sandbox with cover.

What are the different designs of wooden sandboxes?

The basic design of a wooden sandbox with cover is square or rectangular. Either shape allows it to fit in almost any type of garden or yard. However, there are other designs that are worth exploring. For example, a hexagonal wooden sandpit feels more "open," which also offers more space for kids to play.

There are also themes for wooden sandboxes. For example, there's a sandpit that is themed like a boat. With such kind of sandbox, the kids can run wild with their imagination about various nautical adventures.

How to make sure the sandbox is durable?

A wooden sandbox is typically placed in an outdoor setting. Since it's exposed to the elements, you also need to consider the durability.

Another factor that you need to be aware of is that there's a correlation between durability and cost. This means that the more durable the sandbox becomes, the more expensive it will be. This article is not saying that you should always buy the most durable. Rather, find the right one that fits well into your budget, and can serve its purpose.

If you want something that is fairly durable and not very expensive, then a wood sandbox with a cover made from solid softwood is advisable. On the other hand, if you want something that is very durable and the cost is not a big issue, then a sandpit that is crafted from solid hardwood may be the choice for you.

A sandpit made from manufactured wood is usually very cheap, but it's not advisable because they don't last very long.

Another thing to check is the hardware. Stainless steel nails and/or screws may be a bit costly, but they are usually worth the money.

How to choose the right size sandbox?

The right dimensions largely depend on the garden or yard space available. There are no hard rules here, so it's up to you how large or small the wood sandbox with cover should be. Just be sure that you have extra space for other items on the garden or yard. The most important thing is to take measurements of the allotted space and shop accordingly.

If you don't have a lot of space to work with, then you can go for something that is multifunctional. For example, there is a wood sandbox that can also work as a bench or table when not in use.

A sandbox is a great addition to your garden because it will get your kids outside enjoying the sunshine, which has been proven to be essential for the little ones' growth. This will also be a great opportunity for you to engage and spend quality time with them.

Sandboxes come in various shapes, style, colors, sizes and materials so it can be overwhelming for you to find the one that will best suit your needs. This guide of sandbox ideas promises to make it easier for you to decide you will not regret.

What are the Most Popular Styles of Sandboxes?

A classic green turtle is a go-to backyard sandbox and its round shape offers molded-in seats and a colorful lid that protects the sand from pets, water and debris.
A straightforward option would be a hexagon or square framed sandbox, which is perfect for bigger yards and can hold lots of sand. The bigger the sandbox, the safer it is for kids to play, but the more sand, the bigger the costs.
Although sunlight is beneficial, it can be quite dangerous if your little ones are exposed to it for too long. There are sandboxes that can protect your kids with a large canopy that covers the whole pit.
A simple but just as fun solution to have your toddlers enjoy the outside is a sand table. It will allow them to play whilst standing up, however, you can always add a stool.
If you're looking for something more imaginative, a sand and water table is ideal for summertime fun. They usually have two separate lids and a plug to drain the water.

How Big Should a Sandbox Be?

Little portable sandboxes (10'' x 10'' x 2'') are ideal for toddlers and because of their portability you can place them indoors. These would suit smaller patios and yards.
However, most parents will recommend having a bigger sandbox because your child might outgrow it. And if it has friends over, the sandbox needs to be big enough for two or three. Such sandboxes should be at least 5' x 5'.
Factor in the cost of filling it with sand, the bigger the sandbox, the more expensive it is to fill it up.

Which Sandbox Shapes are Most Appealing?

Every day your child is exposed to the different shapes of the world, so it is important for them to learn to identify them.
These shapes need to be as recognizable as possible to help them verbalize what they see and understand why they are there.
If you choose to incorporate an animal in the sandbox, your little one will associate it with a shape, which will help them identify the animal in the future. For instance, the green turtle is a round-shaped sandbox and your kid will see it as a circle.

Quick Tips

This is quite a lot of information to digest and you might be feeling overwhelmed by it. To make things easier, you can find a 'cheat sheet' below so you know the main things to keep in mind when choosing a sandbox.

Think simple. Sometimes a wooden hexagon is enough for your little one to have fun.
As for materials, think of the typical weather conditions in your yard. Do you want something less durable but easier to maintain such as recycled plastic or something that will last but requires weatherproofing and regular maintenance such as wood.
Choose a color from the primary selection - red, yellow or blue.
A bigger sandbox will require more sand, which will increase the expenses.
Have you noticed what shapes or animals appeal to your little one most? If not a round or square-shaped sandbox is simple and straightforward.
Choosing the best play sand is as easy as one-two-three. You just need to perform the three tests: the sugar test, the sandcastle test and the nuisance dust test.