Buying a sandpit for the garden: what should you consider?

A sandpit is often the first piece of play equipment in the garden. It is easy to see why: young children can start playing with it from an early age, it fits almost anywhere and sand stays endlessly interesting. They can scoop, build sandcastles, dig a moat and then fill it with water.

 

Would you like to buy a sandpit for the garden? Do not only look at its size. The material, the way it closes and its position in the garden also help determine which model suits you best. This blog covers eight points that will help you make a focused choice.

 

Children often enjoy playing with sand from a very young age: scooping, building sandcastles, digging a moat or making sand cakes. The right sandpit gives them a pleasant, permanent place to play.

1. How much space do you need?

Measure the available area before choosing a sandpit. Do not only allow for the dimensions of the sandpit itself. Leave enough room to walk and play around it too.

 

• Up to around 100 cm wide: compact enough for a small garden, patio or one or two young children.

• Around 130 to 160 cm: a comfortable size when several children want to play together.

• From 200 cm: suitable when you have plenty of space and want room for larger creations or extra play features.

 

The EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 94x77cm, for example, fits well in a compact outdoor space. With more room available, the EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 200x140cm offers a spacious play area.

Short on space? Our blog about the best play equipment for small gardens offers more ideas for making clever use of the available area.

2. Would you prefer a lid, benches or a cover?

Covering a sandpit when it is not in use helps keep leaves and other dirt out. Decide in advance how you would like to close the sandpit.

 

• Lid: the EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 94x77cm has a hinged lid.

• Folding benches: on the EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 136x132cm, the two benches with backrests fold inwards to close the sandpit.

• Cover: separate covers are available for models without a lid, such as the EXIT sandpit cover 200x140cm. You can also choose the EXIT hexagonal sandpit cover.

 

Would you like to see which models have a closure? View the sandpits category in the EXIT Toys webshop.

3. Material: wood or plastic

The material affects both the appearance and use of your sandpit. Plastic is lightweight and easy to move. This can be useful when you have limited permanent space or want to move the sandpit occasionally.

 

A wooden sandpit is a sturdy choice for the garden and has a natural appearance. EXIT Toys Aksent sandpits are made from FSC®-certified cypress wood. This type of wood does not splinter and is naturally resistant to weather conditions. Read more about cypress wood at EXIT Toys on the local webshop.

 

Would you like to compare types of wood? Our blog comparing cypress, Douglas fir and spruce explains the differences.

4. Would you like an edge, seats or benches?

An edge, seat or bench can make play more comfortable. Children can place sand moulds on it, fill a bucket or sit down without having to sit in the middle of the sand.

 

The EXIT Aksent wooden hexagonal sandpit 160x140cm has three wooden seats at the corners. For backrests and a closable design in one, see the EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 136x132cm with two folding benches.

5. Type of play and age: what suits your child?

Do not only think about your child's age. Consider how they like to play too. This helps you choose a model that remains interesting for longer.

 

For younger children, a sand table can be convenient. The EXIT Aksent sand table stands on legs, comes with a ground cloth and has a lid that can also be used as a play surface.

For children who like playing with sand and water, there are sand and water tables with removable containers.

For imaginative play, there are models with additional play features. The EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit boat 190x90cm, for example, has a mast, a rotating steering wheel and hidden storage space. The EXIT Aksent wooden sandpit 200x140cm has a play kitchen with accessories, a sink and a tap that works when connected to a garden hose.

 

6. Where should you put the sandpit?

Think about the position before the parcel arrives. Three points matter:

 

• Consider sun and shade. Choose a spot with enough sunlight, but provide shade on hot days, for example with a parasol.

• Keep the play area in view. A sandpit that is visible from the patio or the house is practical while children are playing outside.

• Choose a place where water can drain away. Do not position the sandpit at the lowest point in the garden, so rainwater can drain properly.

 

Would you like to learn more about positioning, play sand and maintenance after purchase? Read our detailed blog with tips for positioning, filling and maintaining a sandpit.

7. What else do you need?

Fill the sandpit with play sand. This sand is sieved and washed and has a fine grain. Also check whether the model comes with a ground cloth or whether you need to buy one separately.

 

For maintenance, it is particularly useful to cover the sandpit when it is not in use and check the sand regularly. Our blog about positioning, filling and maintenance provides more information.

 

Does a part need replacing over time? The local spare-parts section for sand and water toys includes items such as separate boards, lids and screw sets.

8. A sandpit on its own or a combination?

For more ways to play in one place, you can also choose a combination.

 

• A playhouse with a sandpit combines outdoor play, role play and sand in one place.

• A picnic table with sand and water containers works as both a table and a play area.

 

Checklist: buying a sandpit for the garden

Check these points before ordering:

 

• Does the sandpit fit in your garden, with enough room to play around it?

• Would you prefer wood or plastic?

• Would you like to close the sandpit with a lid, folding benches or a cover?

• Does a sandpit with seats, benches, table legs or extra play features suit your child?

• Is the position practical in terms of sun, shade, visibility and drainage?

• Do you need play sand and possibly a ground cloth?

• Would you prefer a separate sandpit or a combination with a playhouse or picnic table?

Ready to choose?

View all wooden sandpits from EXIT Toys or explore the full range of sand and water toys in the local webshop.

 

Looking for inspiration for the first play session afterwards? Our six sandpit play ideas provide fun games to get started straight away. #GoPlay