The sand tables shown here are primarily used as a platform for delivering Tactical Decision Games. It is important to remember that sand tables can also be used to present briefings, conduct AARs, and teach topography map interpretation. You can build a table as elaborate as a fine piece of furniture or as basic as a hole in the ground filled with sand. All serve the same purpose. Keep it simple and build the table that best suits your facilitation needs. Basic considerations are: mobility requirements, exposure to weather, storage needs, and scale of landscape to be shown. Rule of thumb - the larger the table, the more terrain that can be shown, but the less mobile the table.

	Basic 4'x 8' Sand Table Best used for medium to large landscapes. Use a full 4' x 8' sheet of 1" plywood along with 2"x 6" planks for the sides. Ensure the legs are reinforced to support the weight of the sand and that the joints are sealed to prevent the sand from leaking.
Portable 4'x 8' Sand Table Same as above except this version can be broken down for moving or storing. Note the handles on the side for easier handling and the buckets to transport the sand. Four saw-horses were used to hold approximately 300 lbs of sand. Sand table could also be set on typical training room tables instead of saw-horses.
	Portable 4'x 4' Sand Table Best used for medium to smaller landscapes features. Use a half sheet of plywood and 2"x 6" planks for the sides. Use the remaining half of the plywood for a cover. The table is easier to set up and take down, but more difficult to show detail for larger landscapes.
Outdoor Sand Pit The simplest sand table to build is a basic sand pit. Find a large area of ground to dig a hole and fill with sand. Contain sand with a wood or concrete perimeter such as the parking barriers shown here. Covering the pit area with a simple pole shed roof will provide shade and rain protection, making the pit more usable.
Picnic Sand Table Here's a dual purpose adaptation for a standard sand table.
Folding Sand Table 4x4 table folds in half for ease of transport.
Large Group Versions Sand tables can be built for use by large groups and to display large areas of terrain.
This 12'x12' sand table is set on blocks in a dedicated classroom space.	This 8'x8' sand table was used for planning and briefing at an ongoing incident.
This is the sand table room at the McClellan Training Center. In this room, six groups can run sand table exercises at the same time.	Marines view a sand table representation of the operating area of Exercise Desert Punch constructed on the desert floor near Yuma, Arizona.
Other Options Special options can increase the utility of your sand table.
	Built-in side containers for props Base painted blue for water features Spray-on truck bed liner for all-weather use Use dust-free kitty litter instead of sand to reduce weight Hole and plug in floor for easier removal of sand Removable lid can double as flip chart display Prineville IHC suggested sandtable kit Dept 1-87 miniature fire vehicles Westchester miniature fire vehicles
The Original And the classic turtle sand box, beautiful in its simplicity.