Sandbox Buying Guide

A sandbox buying guide? Seriously? It's a box. Of sand. Is there more to it? Even a bad sandbox is better than a hole in the ground, and each child experiences sand in his own way. But a well planned and perfectly placed sandbox will become the playground paradise you remember from your childhood. Like Goldilocks, you want it not too big, not too small. Not too sunny, not too shady. Not too dry, not too wet. Not too gravely, not too dusty. But don't worry, it's not hard to get it right. We've done the research for you. Sizing it up

When considering how big of a sandbox to get, consider these variables. For starters, how many kids do you expect to play in it? Even if you have only one tot, think about how many neighbor kids come over. Is your kid social? You're going to want a bigger box so they play together, not fight over territory.

On the other end, you don't want a sandbox to dominate the whole yard, no matter how much you hate mowing. Think eye-pleasing proportions, and remember to include plenty of room around the box for kids to cavort. Sand is a play magnet, and play needs room.

While you're considering size, remember that you have to fill the box. It takes a surprising amount of sand to fill a sandbox: nearly 50 bags for a 4' x 6' box, and the bags are heavy. Don't go overboard, unless you're married to a chiropractor. Sand doesn't come with the sandbox, so consider its cost when planning your budget. Always choose sterilized "play sand" or "sandbox sand." It's clean, soft, and much more fun to play in.

One last consideration: make sure the sandbox is big enough for you to play in too.

One word: plastics

Most modern sandboxes are made of outdoor-grade plastic. It's tough, resilient, washable, and it never rots. Many sandboxes, sand tables and water tables are one piece, while bigger ones require some minimal assembly, which is literally a snap. Plastic is lighter and easier to handle, and comes in vibrant colors. When choosing a sandbox color, remember to match your surroundings, like the colors of your house and gardens.

Plastic is versatile, so expect creative designs you never dreamed of as a kid: sandboxes shaped as ladybugs, turtles, alligators, and forts.

You'll find plenty of wood choices too. Although treated wood lasts longer outdoors, untreated wood is better for sandboxes. Treated wood and railroad ties may slowly release chemicals that aren't good for children, like tar, petroleum, and formaldehyde. Then there's the joy of pulling splinters out of tender little bottoms.

Our wooden sandboxes use finer, firmer, stronger woods for beauty and safety. For all the benefits of plastic, a quality wooden sandbox makes an elegant centerpiece for your yard. Can't decide? We even have plastic that looks like wood.

Whether wood or plastic, all our sandboxes are safe for your kids.

We have covers covered

Many of our sandboxes, sand tables and water tables come with matching covers. They're easy to attach, reliable, and they keep your sand clean. (You may not have a cat, but your neighbors do.) Homemade tarps can work, but they tend to tear loose in windy weather.

While we're covering sand, consider adding an umbrella over your sandbox, especially if it will be under direct sun. Sand gets hot, and it reflects the sun's rays just like water does, so your kids will get a double dose of exposure. Umbrellas are attractive, enticing and practical.

Put it all together

AllSandBoxes.com offers the best variety of sandboxes, sand tables and water tables, along with a great choice of sandbox covers and sandbox sand. And the toys! You'll find everything you need, including advice, to create the sand castle of your dreams.

Give yourself plenty of time to put it together, so you can make the job fun. Include your kids: they're experts and spreading sand around.

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