Hey everyone, I'm new to woodworking and I'm looking for some guidance. I'm trying to build a sandbox for my daughter, but I couldn't find cedar at Home Depot, and the plans I found suggested using pressure treated (PT) wood instead. However, I'm hearing mixed things about its safety and that it should dry for a year before use. Is that true? I'm a bit confused and disappointed. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Using pressure treated wood for a sandbox is generally okay! It doesn’t need to dry for a year for this kind of project. Just make sure to choose the right type that’s safe for children.
The chemicals in pressure treated wood can be quite hazardous, especially for kids. If cedar isn’t available, go for regular dimensional lumber instead. It won’t last as long, but it's a safer option for a sandbox. Plus, it’s inexpensive! You can always redo it in a couple of years when your daughter grows up a bit.
Totally agree! Just make sure to check if the lumber is safe for ground contact.
It really depends on how long you want the sandbox to last. If you're looking for just a couple of years, standard lumber could work, but if you want it to be more durable in the long run, consider using composite materials like Trex.
Exactly! It's a safe choice, and if you seal the wood, it can last longer against the elements.