DIY Guide: How to Make Cornhole Boards

Cornhole is a simple and entertaining game that has become increasingly popular over the years. It’s a game that can be played by people of all ages and can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. If you’re looking for a fun and easy activity to do with your friends, why not learn how to make your own cornhole set?

Making your own cornhole set can be a great weekend project that not only provides entertainment for your family and friends, but also gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing you made it yourself. All you will need are a few tools, some materials, and a little bit of patience and time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own cornhole set.

Materials Needed for Making Cornhole Boards

Before you start making your own cornhole boards, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Wood

When selecting the type of wood for your cornhole board, make sure to choose a hardwood like birch, oak, or maple. Avoid using softwoods like pine, as they can be brittle and prone to splitting. For the boards’ frames, 1×4 lumber is recommended, while the playing surface should be 1/2-inch plywood.

2. Screws

You’ll need screws to fasten the frame to the platform and to attach the legs to the frame. 1-1/4-and 2-inch wood screws are usually sufficient, although you may need longer screws depending on the thickness of your wood.

3. Wood glue

Wood glue can help strengthen the joints between the frame and playing surface. Make sure to use a weather-resistant glue that can stand up to the elements if you plan on leaving your boards outdoors.

4. Saw

You’ll need a circular saw, a table saw or a hand saw to cut your wood to the appropriate sizes. A jig saw can also be useful for cutting out the circular playing holes in the board.

5. Drill

To attach the legs and frame, you’ll need a drill. A power drill makes the job easier, but a hand drill can work just as well.

6. Clamps

Clamps are essential to hold the boards steady while you drill, screw and glue the frame to the platform.

7. Jig

A jig can help ensure that your cornhole board’s playing holes are properly aligned and evenly spaced. A homemade jig can be made from a piece of scrap wood or metal with the correct hole placement.

8. Tape measure and pencil

These tools are essential for measuring and marking the wood to ensure that the frame and playing surface are cut to the correct sizes. They can also be used to mark the location of the playing holes and legs on the board.

9. Sandpaper or sander

Finishing your cornhole boards with sandpaper or a sander will give them a polished look and help prevent splinters.

10. Paint or stain

Paint or stain your cornhole boards to give them a personalized look and protect the wood from the elements. Water-based paint or stain can be used for an eco-friendly option, and stencil kits can help make painting the logo or design easy and accurate.

Cornhole Board Materials

If you’re planning to build your own cornhole set, the first step is to gather all the necessary materials. Here are the things you will need:

1. Wood Boards – 4 feet in length, 2 feet in width and ½ inch in thickness.
2. 2×4 Wood Planks – 8 pieces that measure 48 inches in length.
3. Screws – 2 ½ inches in length, approximately 32-36 pieces.
4. Wood Filler – For filling in any gaps or cracks in the board.
5. Sandpaper – 120 grit for scuffing up the board and 220 grit for a smoother finish.
6. Primer – For sealing the bare wood and providing a base for paint.
7. Paint – In your desired color.
8. Stencil – If you want to add custom designs or logos to your boards.
9. Clear Coat – To protect the boards from water damage and wear and tear.
10. Carrying Handles – Optional, if you want to make it easier to transport your boards.

Wood Selection and Cut

Choosing the right wood is crucial for building high-quality cornhole boards. Look for high-quality plywood that features a smooth, sanded surface. Select a softwood like pine or fir, as it’s affordable and relatively easy to work with. Make your cuts precisely as per the plan to ensure the uniformity of the board.

Creating The Hole and Legs

Creating the hole where the bags will fall through is the most important part of the board. Drill a circular hole in the center of each board, six inches from the top edge and nine inches from the side edges. Cut the 2×4 planks into four pieces each, creating a total of eight legs. The length of the legs should be 12 inches each.

Assemble the Wooden Frame

Use the 2×4 planks to create a wooden frame. Place two planks at the end of your board and attach them using screws. Then, place two more planks at the opposite ends of your board, making sure they are 48 inches apart. Attach them using screws as well.

Attach The Legs

Take the four legs that you have created previously and attach them to each of the boards, two legs on each board. Position the legs flush to the inside of each frame and attach them using screws. Make sure to check that the legs are on the same level, and use a level tool for this.

Sanding and Smoothing the Boards

Sand the entire surface of the board using 120 grit sandpaper. Apply firm pressure to remove any rough grains and splinters. Once this is done, use 220 grit sandpaper to give the board a smoother finish. Be sure to sand the top surface, sides and edges of the board.

Priming the Boards

Once you have finished the sanding process, apply a coat of primer that helps to seal the wood pores. This will ensure that the colored paint looks bright and vibrant on the board.

Add Custom Designs and Logos

Using a stencil, add custom designs or logos to your boards, if desired. You can get creative with your design and showcase your team spirit. Use a paintbrush to fill in the stencil with paint.

Paint the Boards

Finally, select your desired color and apply 2-3 coats of paint, ensuring each coat is dry before proceeding to the next one. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying any clear coat.

Apply Clear Coat

Use a clear coat to protect the surface of the board from water damage and wear and tear. This is as important as painting the board as it helps in prolonging the board lifespan.

Add Carrying Handles

If you plan to take your cornhole set to barbeques, picnics or tailgating parties, you’ll need to add carrying handles to make transportation easier. Attach the handles on the sides of the boards, and you’re done!

Now that you have followed all the steps and instructions, you have built a stunning and sturdy cornhole board that you and your friends can enjoy for years to come.

Materials and tools needed for making your own cornhole board

Once you have decided that you want to make a cornhole board, the next step is to gather all of the materials and tools that you’ll need for the job. Here is a list of everything that you’ll need to make your own cornhole board from scratch.

Step 1: Choose your plywood and lumber

The first step in making your own cornhole board is to choose the right materials, starting with the plywood. You can choose either cabinet-grade birch plywood or sanded pine plywood. Both of these types of plywood have a smooth surface and will provide a good playing surface. For the frame of the board, you will need four pieces of 1″ x 4″ board.

Step 2: Cut the plywood and lumber into the right size

You will need to cut the plywood into two 2′ x 4′ pieces. Using a jigsaw, cut the circle in the center of one of the pieces following a template to get the perfect size. Once you have cut the plywood, you can use a saw to cut the four pieces of lumber to the correct size for the frame of the board.

Step 3: Drill the holes for the bean bags

Now that you have the plywood and lumber cut to size, you need to drill the holes for the bean bags. Each board requires a hole that is 6 inches in diameter and centered 9 inches from the top of the board and 12 inches from each side. Use a 3/8″ drill bit to drill the holes.

Step 4: Assemble the frame and plywood

Now that you’ve cut the lumber and drilled the holes, it’s time to assemble the frame and plywood. Place one piece of plywood flat on the ground with the smoothest side down. Then, place the four pieces of lumber around the edges of the plywood to create the frame. When you’re happy with the placement of the frame, use a drill to screw the frame into the plywood.

Step 5: Finish with Paint or Stain

When all the screws are in place, sand away any rough edges with a sanding block or electric sander. Finish the board with paint or stain and let it dry. Finally, sprinkle some sawdust or corn meal on the playing surface to help the bean bags slide. Your cornhole board is now ready for a game!

Enjoy Your Homemade Cornhole

And there you have it! Making your very own cornhole game is easy, fun, and inexpensive. Now you can enjoy a friendly game with family and friends, without breaking the bank. We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed creating it. Come back for more exciting DIY projects and lifestyle tips that will make your life more fun and colorful. Thanks for reading, and happy cornholing!