How to Build Your Own Beach

Beaches - we love them!

The smell, the sunshine, how the sand feels on our toes. Ahhhhh nostalgia!

National Beach Day is upon us this August 30th, and we cannot let it go by without celebrating.

We can't always make it to our beloved beaches, so this National Beach Day, we’re teaching you how to build your own beach in your back garden.

If you can’t beach ‘em, join ‘em!

Pre-beach checklist

Before you start creating your own back garden beach, you've got to plan & make sure you have what you need. (Buckets but no spades? Afternoon ruined!)

Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Measuring tape
  
• Tarpaulin
  
• Sand (a necessity!)
  
• Beach chairs or loungers
  
• Paddling pool
  
• Towels
  
• Sun cream
  
• Hat
  
• Sunnies aka sunglasses
  
• An umbrella
  
• An ice bucket or box
  
• A portable speaker
  
• Sand toys
  
• Rake
  
• Broom
  
• Wacker plate
  
• Timber
  
• Cordless screwdriver

Let’s get beachin'

Find the perfect location

First things first, you've got to make sure to choose the right spot!

We'd recommend somewhere that has enough space & that gets the sunshine all day long.

For those who have a south-facing garden, you’ll get the most sun exposure so the choices of where to build your new seafront is endless (lucky beach!). East-facing gardens get more morning sun. West-facing gardens get more afternoon sun & north-facing, unfortunately, gets the least amount of glorious sunshine. 

Depending on which direction your garden faces will help determine where you build your back garden beach. You’ll want to get as much sun as you can. How else will you tan?

When you've made that all important location decision, grab your measuring tape and measure the length & width of the area you want for the sand.

You’ll need this info for the next step.

Don’t worry, be sandy

Now you've got the measurements for your foreshore aka the sandy part of your beach, you’re going to need some tarp.

Tarpaulin gives your beach an added layer of protection so that the sand doesn’t mix with any soil or gravel from your floors. It’s also good for keeping the sand in one place so it’s easier to clear away.

Depending on the type of ground you're setting up on, you might need to rake or sweep it beforehand, so there's no debris & the floor is level.

Next, lay the tarpaulin & secure it down with rocks, stakes or even heavy bags.

Now, it's sand time (hooray!).

To work out how much sand you’ll need, multiply the length & width of where the sand is going, along with how deep you want the sand to be. We think 5/10 cm is a decent depth for a back garden beach.

For example - if your measurements are 3 metres long, 2 metres wide & 0.05 (5cm) metres deep:

3 metres x 2 metres = 6 metres squared is your area.

6 metres squared x 0.05 metres = 0.3 cubic metres (m3) is your volume.

With sand at HSS DIY, we show you how much volume is in each bag. Just look at the m3 number to make sure there’s enough for your beach. If one bag isn’t enough, you can buy multiple bags.

Once you’ve got all your sand, cut the bags open, spread it across the tarp & use a wacker plate to level it all out. You’ll want your beach to look the part for some much needed sunbathing.

If you want to, you could place some shells, rocks or large pebbles at the edge of the sand.

Not only do they add a nice decorative statement, but they can act as a border, keeping the sand in one place, preventing sand from spilling off the tarp.

A dose of vitamin sea

What's a beach without the sea?

When the sun has got its hat on, you're going to need somewhere to cool off.

Unfortunately, we can't bring the sea to our back garden beach, (sad times) but we have the next best thing - a paddling pool!

You can find paddling pools in a variety of sizes so you'll be able to choose one that suits you best.

Once you’ve spent some time choosing the perfect pool - aka the sea - place it close to the sand so the two can meet.

Too hot to copa? Get under the cabana

Sand - check

The "sea" - check

Sun - far too hot!

Life can be a beach and when it is, the sun will be out and strong - especially between the hours of 12-3pm, so get yourself in some shade.

With the help of HSS DIY, you can hire & buy different equipment and materials to build yourself a luxurious cabana to go with your new sandy beach.

We have a wide selection of timber boards, screws, saws, drills, stains, oils and treatments to build a decking area for your cabana area.

Once built, you’ll be able to put up your cabana tent or hang stylish, floaty materials to help keep you cool in the shade.

Whilst you're chilling on your DIY back garden beach, why not add some music to help set the mood.

Charge your portable speaker, get your favourite tunes on & sip on a nice, cold beverage whilst you have a dance on the beach - or build some epic sandcastles. It’s your call.

Rather play something more ambient? You could play a relaxing beach sounds playlist & listen to the waves crashing on to the shore as you drift off to a quieter place.

The atmospheric music will definitely help you feel like you're really at your beloved beach.

Added extras

You’re nearly there guys! Your back garden beach is 95% complete but something is missing.

Why not go the extra mile and add some final touches to your beach to make your back garden getaway a relaxing one.

You can add:

• beach chairs if you don’t fancy sitting in the sand all day
  
• sand toys for the kiddies (or for yourself)
  
• beach umbrellas or parasols to keep you protected from the sun
  
• an ice bucket or box for your drinks, snacks and obligatory ice-creams
  
• towels to help you dry off after a dip in the "sea"

Let HSS DIY help you bring the beach home

And just like that, you've built your own beach.

We’ve all made childhood memories at the beach, now you create new memories with your family in your own back garden.

Buying & setting up a few beachy essentials like sand, tarpaulin, a paddling pool & some deck chairs can have your garden looking like the Costa del Sol … or Salford.

Grab your sun scream & sunglasses, kick back and shell-ebrate all your hard work!

If you need any help choosing the right tools, tarp or the correct amount of sand, get in touch with our live chat team who are available weekdays 9am-5pm.