How to Make an Inexpensive Sand Table

A sand table allows children and adults with or without challenging conditions to explore textures, learn to measure, create temporary structures or sculptures and even produce fine and performance art. They can be "as elaborate as a fine piece of furniture or as basic as a hole in the ground filled with sand," according to the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. Sand tables should be at a comfortable height for both standing and seated users. A do-it-yourselfer can construct one without complications.

2-by-3-foot storage bin with lid, 8 to 10 inches deep
4 pieces PVC pipe, 2-inch diameter
Hacksaw
4 PVC external mounting caps, 2-inch diameter
4 PVC inner pipe caps
PVC cement
Sand or other sand-like alternatives

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the clear storage bin upside-down and attach one PVC external mounting cap in each corner using bolts and acorn nuts. Use instant adhesive or gray metal epoxy to prevent children from removing the nuts during play.
- 2
  Cut 2-inch diameter PVC pipe to the desired length. Toddler sand tables should be no more than 18 inches from the floor. Universally accessible sand tables should be 26 to 30 inches from floor to table bottom, and have at least two shallow sides. This may require cutting and smoothing the sides of the plastic storage bin.
- 3
  Apply PVC cement inside each external mounting cap and to one end of each of the four pieces of 2-inch diameter PVC pipe.
- 4
  Insert one PVC pipe into each external mounting cap and allow the PVC cement to cure overnight. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to insert inner pipe caps into the bottom of each leg of the sand table.
- 5
  Fill the table with sand and secure the lid.

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