How to Make a Rowboat Sandbox

Inspire your little pirate's imagination and add nautical flair to your backyard with a one-of-a-kind sandbox made from a wooden rowboat.
Brown and White Sandbox Sailboat

Child in Brown and White Sandbox Sailboat

Add nautical flair (and adoring children fans) to your yard with a one-of-a-kind sandbox made from a wooden rowboat.

Add nautical flair (and adoring children fans) to your yard with a one-of-a-kind sandbox made from a wooden rowboat.

Materials Needed:

  • rowboat
  • two pressure-treated 2x4 boards
  • 2 1/2" exterior-coated wood screws
  • pencil
  • saw
  • speed square
  • 1/8" drill bit
  • 1/2" drill bit
  • drill
  • hammer
  • Plasti Dip waterproof sealant
  • burlap fabric
  • sand
  • measuring tape
  • chop saw

Measure Boat for Framing

Turn rowboat upside down, and use measuring tape to determine measurements of the bottom of the boat. A frame will be placed here to secure the boat in place, keeping it from tipping over while in use.

Measuring Shaped Piece of Wood

Measuring Shaped Piece of Wood With Tape Measure

Step 1: Measure Boat for Framing Turn rowboat upside down, then use measuring tape to determine measurements of the bottom of the boat. This is where a frame will be placed to secure the boat in place, keeping it from tipping over.

Mark and Cut Frame

Measure and cut pressure-treated 2x4s to create a simple box frame that measures approximately 1-2 inches smaller than the bottom of the boat. First use measuring tape and a pencil to mark to proper dimensions, then cut to size with a chop saw.

Measuring and Marking Piece of Wood

Measuring and Marking Piece of Wood

A tape measure and pencil are used to accurately measure and mark a small piece of wood.

Assemble Frame

Screw all four corners of the box together using a drill and 2 1/2-inch exterior-coated wood screws.

Unique Sandbox

Rowboat Sandbox Step 3

Are you looking to build a unique sandbox? This rowboat sandbox offers step-by-step instructions on how to create a fun sandbox for your backyard.

Trace Box to Bottom of Boat

With the boat facing bottom-side-up, lay the box frame on the center top of the boat, tracing the outside and inside of the box directly onto the boat exterior.

With the boat facing bottom-side-up, lay the box frame on the center top of the boat, tracing the outside and inside of the box directly onto the boat exterior.

Trace Box to Bottom of Boat

With the boat facing bottom-side-up, lay the box frame on the center top of the boat, tracing the outside and inside of the box directly onto the boat exterior.

Drill Holes to Secure Frame

Remove the frame and drill holes through the bottom of the boat in the center of the outlined marks using a 1/8-inch drill bit.

Drilling Holes

Drill Holes for the Frame

In step 5, remove the frame and drill holes through the bottom of the boat, using the outlined marks as a guide.

Create Spikes for Base Support

Measure and mark a 45-degree angle 4 inches down a piece of 2x4 pressure-treated wood using measuring tape, a pencil and speed square (Image 1). Use a chop saw set to a 45-degree angle configuration to create proper shape needed for a spike (Image 2). Repeat three times for a total of four spikes.

Secure Base Into Ground

Secure one spike in each of the four corners of the box frame using 2 1/2-inch exterior-coated wood screws (Image 1). Turn the frame over so the spikes are facing downward, and hammer each of them into the ground (Image 2). Slide the boat on top of the frame, lining up the original trace marks (Image 3). Drill 2 1/2-inch exterior-coated wood screws into the holes inside the boat.

Waterproof Bottom of Boat

Drill holes through the bottom of the boat for water drainage using a 1/2-inch drill bit (Image 1). Spray the bottom of the boat with Plasti Dip sealant to prevent moisture-induced decay and deterioration (Image 2).

Add Finishing Touches

Cover the bottom of the boat with burlap fabric to prevent sand from washing out of the drainage holes (Image 1). Fill the boat with sand to desired height (Image 2).

Next Up

How to Grow Patio Roses in Containers

Plant in containers so you can stop and smell the roses on your patio, deck or balcony.

How to Build a Covered Sandbox

This weekend, build a covered sandbox for the kids. The roof on this DIY sandbox will keep the play area well-shaded and free of leaves, twigs and rain.

The Best Backyard Swing Sets for Kids

Create a backyard made for entertaining your kids all year round with a ready-for-play swing set.

How to Build a Horizontal-Plank Privacy Fence

See how we built a redwood fence on an angle to lend privacy to a sloping backyard.

How to Play Bocce Ball

Become a bocce ball master and learn the history of the sport with this simple guide.

How to Stain or Paint a Wood Fence

Proper maintenance like applying a fresh coat of paint or stain to your fence will help make it last longer and keep it looking great. Follow these tips and instructions to turn your tired, old fence into a backyard statement piece.

12 Best Outdoor Playsets for Toddlers and Kids

Keep little ones busy and active with these backyard playsets for kids of all ages.

How to Clean Granite Countertops and Make Them Shine

Keep your granite countertops looking like new with a few simple steps.

The Best Teak Outdoor Furniture and How to Clean It

Upgrade your outdoor spaces with teak furniture that will add instant style and last a lifetime.

How to Make Wire Shelf Covers That Look Just Like Floating Shelves

This renter and homeowner-friendly hack transforms tricky wire shelves into stylish, faux floating wood shelves.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.