In short: A sandbox with a canopy is a square log sandbox with a hip wooden shingle roof rising above it on four forked natural trunks. Inside there are two benches with backrests, where children and the adults supervising them can sit. The size and finish are agreed individually.
What this sandbox with a canopy looks like
At first glance the product resembles a small gazebo with sand instead of a floor. The walls of the box are made of horizontal round logs, and at the corners they are supplemented by chunky square timbers. The walls are high enough that the sand does not spill onto the lawn, and the rounded edges of the logs are not sharp.
Four columns rise at the corners: natural trunks with forks. Each trunk splits into two branches at the top, and together they support the roof beams. Y-shaped columns like these look like part of a little grove of tree trunks and give the product a fairy-tale coziness. Two identical columns never occur, because every tree grows in its own way. The branches differ in thickness and bend, so each corner looks different, and the whole structure looks as if it had grown up in the meadow.
The columns stand at the corners of the box, right against the log walls. So the roof does not look separated from the box, and the whole construction stands as one structure. The logs and the columns are the same shade, so the product looks harmonious.
On top is a hip roof covered with wooden shingles. The shingles are laid in rows, and the ridges of the roof are covered with boards that meet in a pointed peak. The roof projects widely beyond the walls, so a large area of shade forms beneath it. From under the edge of the roof you can see the crosswise beams and their ends, to which the branches of the columns are fixed.
Benches with high backrests are fitted against two of the walls. They are knocked together from wide boards and rest on the log walls, so it is comfortable to sit down on them and lean back.
What the photo shows
The summary helps you quickly judge which details can be seen in this typical example.
| Feature | In the photo |
|---|---|
| Walls of horizontal round logs | Yes |
| Four columns of forked trunks | Yes |
| Hip roof of wooden shingles | Yes |
| Two benches with backrests | Yes |
| Lid to cover the sand | No |
| Swing set or slide | No |
The sandbox was photographed in a meadow of a park or a large plot, near trees and bushes. A few logs lie around, and farther away you can see tall posts. The box does not have sand yet, so its inside, the benches and the construction of the walls are clearly visible.
Why a canopy is useful for a sandbox
A sandbox is most often put in an open spot where the children are easy to see. But an open spot has drawbacks: on a hot day the sand heats up, the sun beats down on the children’s heads, and after rain the sand stays wet for a long time. A roof reduces these problems considerably.
- Shade. Under the roof children can play even at hot midday, and the sand heats up less.
- Protection from rain. Light rain does not wet the sand, so you can play sooner after rain.
- Less litter. The roof holds back some of the falling leaves, needles and bird droppings.
- Coziness. A covered space looks to children like a little house in which it is fun to play.
A hip roof suits this especially well. It covers all four sides equally, and the water runs off it in all directions and does not get into the middle of the box. In addition, a roof like this looks low and calm, so the product goes well with a garden.
Wooden shingles are the traditional roofing of Lithuanian farmsteads. On a sandbox they look especially cozy, because the product begins to resemble a small village building. For children such a shelter often becomes not only a place for sand games but also a hideout, a shop or a castle, depending on the game of the day.
The roof is useful for parents too. On a sunny day you do not have to look for somewhere to move the games, because the shade is always in the same place, and a bench under the roof lets you sit down comfortably nearby. When a summer rain catches you unexpectedly, you do not have to break off the game, as light rain is hardly felt under the roof. Still, in the greatest heat or in heavier rain it is worth calling the children indoors.
Benches for children and parents
Benches with backrests are one of the most practical details of this product. While small children play in the sand, parents or grandparents are often nearby. They usually have to stand or sit on the edge of the box, but here they can sit comfortably under the roof.
The benches are handy for children too. They can put buckets and molds on them, sit down to rest or sell sand cakes in a game of shop. Since the benches are fixed to the walls, they do not get in the way of playing in the middle of the box.
A sandbox like this can also be a shared place for several families, for example in the courtyard of an apartment block, in a garden community or at a rural tourism homestead. The benches and the roof let adults stay calmly beside the playing children.
High backrests have one more advantage: they block the wind a little. On a cooler day, sitting in a corner under the roof feels like being in a small shelter.
How to choose the size of the sandbox
Only typical examples are shown on the website, so the size of the sandbox is always agreed individually. Before calling, it is worth thinking about a few things that will help you choose it.
First, how many children will play in the box at the same time. A small box is enough for one or two children, but when brothers, sisters, cousins or the neighbors’ children play, more space is needed. Do not forget that the benches take up part of the inside.
Second, how much space you have in the yard. The roof projects beyond the walls, so the product takes up more room than the box itself. It is worth leaving a path around it so that it is easy to approach from all sides and to look after the wood.
Third, what will stand nearby. If you are planning a swing set or a slide, put the sandbox away from the swinging zone. This way toddlers playing in the sand will not be in the path of a swinging seat. You can see what a play area with several products looks like on the page children’s play complex No. 6.
Spot and care of the sand
A sandbox with a canopy can also stand in an open, sunny spot, because the roof creates the shade itself. Still, it is worth considering a few things:
- the base must be level so that the columns stand straight and the roof does not lean;
- the box should be visible from the house or from where adults are;
- it is not worth planting plants under the edges of the roof, because water will drip onto them;
- close to tall trees more leaves will fall on the roof.
It is worth changing or topping up the sand once a season, and digging it over and cleaning it in spring. When the children are not playing, the sand can be covered with fabric or film so that animals do not get into it. The roof does not protect against animals, so covering is still useful.
Under a roof, sand dries more slowly than in the sun, so after long rains or in spring it is worth digging it over and letting it air. If the sand stays damp for a long time, it is better to replace it. Clean, loose sand is good not only for play but also keeps the log walls from getting as damp.
Small children must always be supervised by adults in the sandbox. Once a season check that the bench boards are holding firmly and that there are no split-off splinters.
Care of the wood and ordering
The log walls are in contact with damp sand and soil, so inspect them more carefully. Periodically coat the logs, the columns and the benches with a protective product made for exterior wood. Sweep the shingle roof free of leaves and twigs so that moisture does not linger on it. Small lengthwise cracks appear naturally in trunks and usually do not harm the strength.
When you order, discuss the size of the box, how many children will play in it, whether you need benches and what shade to coat the wood with. You can compare with the wooden play area No. 8 with a log sandbox, the children’s play area No. 9 and the children’s playhouse with a bench. You will find more products in the section swing sets and sandboxes. If you like roofs like these, take a look at the wooden gazebos as well.
UAB “Laukbaldis” has been making wooden products since 1996 and, according to the company, was the first in Lithuania to start making this production. The company is based in Dapkiškių village, Tauragės district, and makes not only children’s play products but also gazebos, summerhouses, garden furniture and shingles for roofs. Call +370 687 25388 and say that you are interested in the sandbox with a canopy. Only typical examples are shown on the website, so the size and finish are agreed with you before production.
Frequently asked questions
What is the canopy over a sandbox good for?
The roof casts shade, so the sand heats up less and children can play on a hot day too. It also holds back light rain and some of the falling leaves.
What are the columns of the roof made of?
The columns are made of natural trunks that split into two branches at the top. Each column has its own shape, so the product looks distinctive.
What are the benches inside for?
Children and the adults supervising them can sit on the benches. Children also use them as a little table for buckets or sand cakes.
Does the sandbox still need to be covered if it has a roof?
Yes, it is worth it. The roof protects from sun and rain, but not from animals, so when the children are not playing it is better to cover the sand.
Can I order a sandbox without benches?
Yes, the size and equipment are agreed individually. Without benches there is more room in the box for play, but adults will have nowhere to sit comfortably under the roof.
How do I order a sandbox with a canopy?
Call us and say that you are interested in this product. We will discuss the size, the benches and the finish.
