A substructure in the sandpit is not absolutely necessary, but it does have some advantages. The construction depends primarily on the location. A sandbox on the balcony is significantly different from one on the lawn.
Why should a sandpit have a base?
A base in the sandpit is not absolutely necessary, but offers advantages such as better hygiene, prevents weed growth and mixing of sand and soil and ensures better water drainage. To create a substructure, dig out about 15 cm of earth, fill it with gravel and attach a special film to the bottom of the sandbox.
What are the benefits of a substructure?
A well-constructed and carefully laid out base makes your sandbox easy to care for and long-lasting, and it also contributes to hygiene. Sand and soil can no longer mix, so you avoid germ contamination. Water drains away better than with a compacted subsoil. This means that mold does not form as easily.
The growth of weeds in the sandbox is prevented or at least reduced by a substructure. Even though most herbs are non-toxic, they don't belong in a sandbox because they could attract stinging insects.
How do I create a substructure?
First, mark out the size and shape of the sandbox you want, then you can dig out the earth in this area. A depth of around 15 cm is recommended. The surface does not necessarily have to be completely flat.
Now fill the hole with gravel. They compensate for any unevenness. The gravel ensures that water can drain away easily later. This means the sand dries out quickly after rain. Nevertheless, you should always cover the sandbox when it is not in use. This not only prevents rain and/or leaves from falling in, but also prevents the sandbox from acting as a litter box.
So that sand and gravel don't mix, you can tack a special film (€17.00 on Amazon) to the bottom of your sandpit. This allows moisture through, but not the sand. It also prevents ants or similar creatures from moving into the sandbox. It also makes it much more difficult for weeds to grow through.
Once you have placed the sandbox on the gravel bed, then fill it with the desired amount of play sand. As a rule of thumb, the sandbox should be a little more than half full.
The most important things in brief:
- depending on the existing surface
- prevents sand and subsoil from mixing
- prevents weeds from growing in the sandbox
- ensures good water drainage
