Sandpit sand – which sand and how much do you need?

Good sandpit sand must meet two requirements: it must be clean and washed, so it does not stain children's clothes, and it must be easy to shape when damp.

• Sandbox sand is a washed sand in the 0-2 mm size that meets both requirements. It is the obvious choice for the sandpit at home.
• Beach sand is a fine sand that is also often used in sandpits and gives a soft, beach-like feel.
• Certified play sand is specially produced and approved by the Danish Technological Institute for use in playgrounds and sandpits at public institutions. It is a good choice for childminders, nurseries and under play equipment such as swings and climbing frames.

Avoid ordinary building sand and concrete sand. They are not washed for this purpose and may stain and contain sharp grains.

A sandpit should have a layer of sand of 30-40 cm, so children can dig without hitting the bottom. Calculate the quantity like this:

Length (m) × width (m) × sand depth (m) = quantity in m³

Here are some examples with 30 cm of sand:

• Sandpit 1.2 × 1.2 m: approx. 0.43 m³ = 430 litres
• Sandpit 1.5 × 1.5 m: approx. 0.68 m³ = 680 litres
• Sandpit 2 × 2 m: 1.2 m³ = 1,200 litres
• Sandpit 2.5 × 2.5 m: approx. 1.9 m³ = 1,900 litres

Sandbox sand weighs approx. 1.5 tonnes per m³, so 1,000 litres weighs around 1.5 tonnes. See more examples in our guide How much gravel, sand and soil do I need?, or use our quantity calculator.

• Partial shade: Ideally place the sandpit where it gets shade during the hottest hours. A tree or parasol can protect against the strongest sun.
• Visible from the house: Position the sandpit so you can keep an eye on the children from the kitchen or patio.
• Level ground: Choose a flat spot where rainwater does not collect.

1. Dig out: Remove grass and topsoil across the whole area of the sandpit. If you sink the sandpit 10-20 cm into the ground, the edge will be lower and the sandpit more stable.
2. Build the frame: Build a frame of timber, e.g. sturdy boards or planks. Choose timber intended for play areas, and sand the edges so there are no splinters.
3. Lay fabric at the bottom: A weed barrier at the bottom prevents the sand from mixing with the soil and keeps weeds and roots out – while letting rainwater drain through.
4. Ensure drainage: If you have heavy clay soil, you can lay 5-10 cm of drainage stones under the fabric so water does not stand in the sandpit.
5. Fill with sand: Fill the sandpit with 30-40 cm of sand and rake the surface level.

• Cover the sandpit: A lid or net cover keeps leaves, dirt and cats out when the sandpit is not in use.
• Rake the sand: Rake through the sand regularly and remove leaves, twigs and other debris.
• Let the sand dry: Remove the lid in dry weather so the sand can dry out and air.
• Top up and replace: Some sand always disappears over a season. Top up every spring, and replace the sand completely as needed – typically every 2-3 years, or when it has become dirty.

Sandpit sand is heavy to carry home in bags from the DIY store. At Maxibag you get the sand delivered in a bulk bag directly to your address – read more about delivery.