Sand for a Large Sandpit

Creating a Family-Sized Play Space

When you have multiple children or regularly host playdates, a larger sandpit becomes a worthwhile investment that sees more use and less conflict over territory. A 3 metre by 2 metre sandpit provides 6 square metres of play space, enough for four or five children to dig and build without getting in each other's way. At the recommended 300mm depth, this larger sandpit requires approximately 1.8 cubic metres of washed sand, weighing around 2.7 tonnes.

The extra space this size provides transforms how children use the sandpit. Rather than just digging in a confined area, they can create extensive construction projects, elaborate road systems for toy trucks, or water channels that actually flow somewhere. Older children who might have outgrown a small sandpit often rediscover their interest when given more space to work with.

Material and Delivery Considerations

At nearly 2 cubic metres, bulk delivery makes far more sense than buying individual bags. One cubic metre of sand equals around 75 bags at 20kg each, so filling this sandpit with bags would mean handling over 130 bags. Bulk delivery typically costs significantly less per cubic metre and saves an enormous amount of effort. Most suppliers can deliver directly to your backyard or as close as vehicle access allows.

Building a Sturdy Frame

Larger sandpits need robust edging to contain the weight of sand and withstand the enthusiastic play they'll receive. Treated pine sleepers or hardwood railway sleepers provide excellent durability and can be stacked to create seating edges where children and supervising adults can sit. Ensure corners are secured properly, as the lateral pressure from this quantity of sand is substantial. Consider setting the frame on a level base of compacted roadbase to prevent settling.

Prefer a different shape? Our round sandpit calculator handles circular designs, or use our main sand calculator for any custom dimensions.