Sand for a Sandpit

Building the Perfect Backyard Sandpit

A sandpit provides endless entertainment for young children and remains one of the most cost-effective backyard play features you can create. A standard 2 metre by 2 metre sandpit offers plenty of room for two or three children to play together, and at 300mm depth provides enough sand for proper digging and building activities. This size requires approximately 1.2 cubic metres of washed sand, which weighs around 1.8 tonnes.

The 300mm depth is considered ideal for children's play because it's deep enough to dig without immediately hitting the bottom, while not being so deep that it becomes difficult to clean or maintain. Shallower sandpits frustrate children who want to dig, while deeper sand becomes harder to keep clean and requires significantly more material.

Choosing Safe Play Sand

For sandpits, always use washed play sand or washed river sand. These products have been screened to remove sharp particles, debris, and any contaminants that could harm children. Avoid using builder's sand, which may contain dust, clay, or other materials not suitable for play. Many landscape suppliers stock sand specifically marketed for sandpits, which provides peace of mind for parents.

Sandpit Preparation and Drainage

Before filling your sandpit, ensure proper drainage to prevent the sand becoming waterlogged after rain. If building a timber-edged pit, drill drainage holes at the base of the frame. For in-ground sandpits, consider a layer of coarse gravel beneath the sand, separated by landscape fabric. A fitted cover helps keep the sand clean between uses and prevents cats using it as a litter tray. With proper care, the same sand can last several years before needing replacement.

Need a bigger play area? Check out our large sandpit calculator, or use our main sand calculator for custom sizes.