Sand box with built-in seats

Sand box with built-in seats

 

 

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 for everyone!

Shopping List: 

2 – 1 x 8 x 8 6

– 1 x 4 x 8 1

– 2 x 4 x 8

You will also need:

4 sets of exterior grade hinges

Rope OR 4 exterior grade handles

1 1/4 inch screws

1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws

Wood Glue

Tools: 

Tape Measure

Square

Pencil

Safety Glasses

Ear protection

Plane

Drill

Circular Saw

Mitre Saw

Sander

Drill Bits

General Instructions: 

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!

Dimensions: 

47 1/2″ W x 47 1/2″ D x 7 1/2″ H

Cut List: 

(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

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 Instructions: 

Screw in two planks on each side, countersinking your screws through the top. Space the boards 1/2″ apart

Step 3 Instructions: 

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 Instructions: 

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 Instructions: 

Create the seat’s back. Screw your (e) boards to the ends of the final 1 x 4s. Make sure the 1 x 4s are spaced 1/2″ apart. If you are planning on adding rope, pre-drill through the 2 x 4 completely, between the 1 x 4s and at the bottom of the “inner” 1 x 4 (the one closer to the overhanging 2 x 4). If you plan on adding handles, you can attach them wherever you find it pleasing. (you’ll be making two of these)

Step 6 Instructions: 

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.

Preparation Instructions: 

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure colour evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

I was originally inspired by what I had found online. You will be pleasantly surprised that with the plans found HERE  it only takes a few hours to make and  because the wood either cheap or even free sometimes and the latch and hinges can be found at any hardware store it can be inexpensive to make!

Thanks

Ana White