Custom Vinyl Sandbox Covers - Solid or Mesh

The best material depends on your goal. Solid fabric usually preferred when you want maximum protection from rain because it blocks water and fine debris more effectively, while a mesh material is better when you want drainage and less water pooling on top of the cover.

CON of Solid Covers: This option does tend to keep the sand drier, but due to ground moisture it tends to create the perfect high humid micro environment under the cover where mold and mildew thrives. Mold and mildew and kids are not usually a good combination. The top of the cover will pool rain and sprinkler water and will usually need to be swept off before removing the cover to allow play.

PRO of Mesh Covers: Allows air movement and moisture to escape. It does not allow water to pool on top and does not promote mold and mildew growth. Mesh is a much better choice for your sandbox cover.

The overap or drop primary purpose is to attach the cover to the sandbox and prevent it from blowing away. It is usually attached with stainless steel snaps,

The best location for the snaps are on a verticle surface like the outside wall of the sandbox. The male 'stud' part of the snap is fixed to the wall. On a verticle surface where there is little chance that it will hurt small feet, knees or bums compared to having them mounted on a top horizontal surface.

The ideal length of the overlap/drop is usually dependent on how the sandbox is made. If the walls are made of one or more rows of a 3.5in wide material then 2 or 3 inch drop is perfect. The snap is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the edge. A 4 inch drop would put the snap location at the edge/seam of the 3.5in wide wall board and the stud screw will have little to hold it in place. The size will determine where the snap stud will be located and it should be into the center of the materal and not near its edges or seams. Only in very rare cases will a drop be needed longer than 3 inches.

Yes! This is the primary reason for a sandbox cover, preventing a local or feral turning it into an unsanitary little box. A properly fitted cover is usually the most effective at preventing cats, raccoons, and other animals from entering the sand and is will effectively deter access if it fits tightly and is secured well.

Stainless steel snaps are by far the most popular and cost effective method to secure a cover on top of a sandbox.

There are many other methods that can be used if needed: Grommets, elastic hems, weight pockets, bungee cords, and velcro to name a few. Sometimes the sandbox walls are made of cement, cinder blocks or it’s a plastic container that isn't condusive for stud screws, so weight pockets or elastic hems will do the trick. Sometimes the top of the wall has a seat that overhangs the outside edge making snaps difficult to use, so bungee, elastic hems or weight pockets can be used. If the sandbox is flush with the surrounding ground, then grommets provide a way to use metal tent stakes to secure the cover.