If you build a good foundation, the rest will follow -- especially in the world of sandcastles. There's a reason why the word "sandcastle" has become synonymous with summer. A beach is a beautiful place, the perfect setting for good times, relaxation, and fun under the sun.

While there are many things you can do on the beach, building sandcastles is, if we may say, a "rite of passage" during summer. You just can't not build it!

In this blog post, we will show you what materials and equipment you will need to build a perfect sandcastle. We will also discuss the most beginner-friendly way how you can build it as well as three building blocks to bring structure to your sandcastle. 

The Basic Materials

The basic materials you will need to build a perfect sandcastle are sand and water. These two elements are the foundation of all sandcastles, and without them, you won't be able to build anything. 

Fortunately, you will be building sandcastles on the beach, so we're pretty sure that there will be a lot of places where you can get sand and water. 

The Equipment You Need

Of course, you will need to equip yourself with some basic tools to make your sandcastle-building much easier. A shovel, bucket, and carving tools will go a long way. 

Shovel

Building a sandcastle requires a good amount of digging, so pick a shovel that is lightweight and long-handled.

Bucket

While you are preparing for your sandcastle-building adventure, you should invest in a bucket. You may choose to go with a bucket that is big enough to carry a decent amount of sand or water, but it should be small enough to move around with ease.

Carving Tools

Most likely, you don't want a sandcastle that looks boring and dull. That's where carving tools come in handy. Tools such as an old kitchen knife or any thin blade with a straight edge will work wonders.

Ways To Build a Perfect Sandcastle

There are many ways to build a sandcastle. Here, we're going to discuss soft packing, which is one of the most effective ways to build a sandcastle.

Many beginnning sandcastle builders use soft-packing unknowingly. Compared to hand-stacking, soft packing is easier to master. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use soft packing to make a sandcastle.

Step 1: Mound up

First, you need to mound and pile up the sand. It can be any shape you want, so just make sure you mound it nicely. 

Step 2: Stabilize the pile

Using the handle of your shovel, poke holes into the pile. Then, pour lots of water into the holes.

Step 3: Push down

Next, you have to push down the mound. Well, stomping is a more accurate term. Do this until the pile feels very solid. If needed, you can add more holes to it.

Step 4: Pack and shape

From the highest point of your sandcastle, pack and shape your mound until it feels stable. Use moist sand, push them into place, and shape them.

Step 5: Use your carving tool

With your carving tool in hand, carve the features on your sandcastle. Use your creativity to shape the sand into whatever design you like!

Step 6: Water as necessary

To make your sandcastle firmer and stronger, moisten it with water while you are working on it.

Step 7: Push and smooth

Don't forget to keep pushing and smoothing your sandcastle. Use your hands to firmly set the sand into place and smooth it out. You can use a wooden board or a tool such as a trowel or a rake to press the sand into place. 

Step 8: Work your way down

We hope that you started from the highest point of your sandcastle because it will be easier. Work your way down and your sandcastle will look nice and sturdy!

Building Blocks

These building blocks are the very important elements that make up a good sandcastle. They help you to create a stable and solid foundation for the rest of your creation. If you know how to use these blocks correctly, your sandcastle will be strong enough to withstand the force of the ocean waves and other factors.

Master and combine these three to create the perfect sandcastle! These three blocks include: towers, walls, and arches.

1. Towers

Pancakes made of sand -- that's how we can describe towers. When creating a tower, the height is only limited by your reach, so build them as high as you can. To make your towers more stable, it would be helpful if they have a broader base.

A tower is all about taking the time to mix the sand and water correctly, scooping up a big handful of sand, and then flattening it with your palms. Be sure to apply just enough pressure to keep the sand from running through, and jiggle the sand as you build up the tower. Once the tower is high enough, you can stop and let gravity do the work.

2. Walls

You can use a wall to connect your towers and keep the structure together. Walls serve as an important component of any sandcastle. Take a handful of sand and instead of shaping it as a pancake, create bricks instead. You will use these bricks for your walls.

Start by mixing the sand at the bottom of the hole. Then, use a double handful of wet sand to help it settle in between two of your towers. Let it fall as far down as it will go, and quickly position your hands on either side to help it settle in even deeper. Repeat this process until you have built walls between all of your towers.

3. Arches

To render architectural beauty to your sandcastle, arches are the way to go. Making arches might seem hard at first, but you will soon see that it's easier than it looks. 

Building an arch starts with creating two tower bases close to each other. When you reach the height of the arch, you will scoop a handful of wet sand and plop it over the edge of one tower towards the other tower. You will do this on both towers in the same direction, gradually bringing the ends of the arch closer together.

When the ends are very close, you will join them with the keystone, and add layers of sand pancakes to the top of the arch until you reach the desired thickness. Keep the supporting hand underneath. Don't try to pack or force the sand into place; just jiggle the liquid sand to where you want it.

Conclusion

Building sandcastles is a fun summer activity that everyone can enjoy. By following these simple steps, you will be able to create a sturdy foundation for your sandcastle and bring it to life.