"Stephen" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I had a look on google groups because I am sure this gets asked every
summer but I wanted to know what sand is used in children's sandpits.
Toy shops sell bags of "sandpit sand" but I am sure there are cheaper
ways to buy it.

Builders' sand is soft but red, and I understand it would stain
children's clothes, so that rules that out.

Sharp sand is sandy in colour but would it be too sharp?!

Am I right to think plasterers' sand is just a finer version of sharp
sand? So it might be just what I need?

And is silver sand even finer still, so even better?

I have read old posts of people digging and lining holes to make a
sand pit but I was going to have something above ground. I thought
four sides of treated timber (gravel board?) to contain the sand and a
sloping plywood roof to keep the rain off and cats out. Any flaws with
that plan?


Builders sand in my part of the world is sand dredged at sea ... it is
golden yellow ..... your red sand is probably pit sand.
Sharp sand is the same but too rough for a play area.

Extra fine jointing sand & silver sand I would avoid as they are too fine
.... will get everywhere.
Try & get normal dredged builders sand ... B&Q might have it.

Treated wood above ground, lined with some PVC is better than dug in ...
there are loads of plans for these.
Whatever you have, cover the pit or it will very quickly have a unique aroma
.... courtesy of local feline population.