DIY Cornhole Boards: Step-by-Step Plans and Inspiration
Building Your Own Cornhole Boards
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a classic backyard game that’s perfect for parties, barbecues, and camping trips. Building your own cornhole boards is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed in a weekend.
Materials and Tools:
- 2 sheets of 3/4-inch plywood (4′ x 8′)
- 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber (8′)
- 1/2-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Brad nailer
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Sander
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Decals or stencils (optional)
Step-by-Step Building Instructions:
1. Cut the Boards:
- Cut the plywood into two pieces that are 2′ x 4′. These will be the playing surfaces.
- Cut the 2x4s into eight pieces that are 2′ long. These will be the legs.
2. Assemble the Legs:
- Apply wood glue to the ends of the 2x4s.
- Clamp the 2x4s together in a square, with the playing surfaces facing up.
- Secure the legs with 1/2-inch wood screws.
3. Attach the Playing Surfaces:
- Center the playing surfaces on top of the legs.
- Secure the playing surfaces to the legs with wood glue and 1/2-inch wood screws.
- Countersink the screws slightly below the surface of the plywood.
4. Finishing:
- Sand the boards smooth.
- Paint or stain the boards as desired.
- Add decals or stencils for a custom look.
Customizing Your Cornhole Boards:
- Patriotic Designs: Paint your boards red, white, and blue and add stars and stripes decals.
- Mini Cornhole Boards: Build smaller boards that are perfect for kids.
- Pallet Cornhole Boards: Use recycled pallets to create unique and rustic boards.
- Chevron Pattern: Stencil a chevron pattern on your boards for a stylish touch.
- Lightweight and Collapsible Boards: Use thinner plywood and attach the legs with hinges to make lightweight and collapsible boards that are easy to transport.
Tips for Playing Cornhole:
- Divide players into two teams of two.
- Toss the bean bags from a distance of 27 feet apart.
- Aim for the hole on the opposite board.
- The first team to score 21 points wins.
Variations on Cornhole:
- Giant Cornhole: Build larger boards that are perfect for parties and events.
- Ladder Golf: Combine cornhole with golf by tossing the bean bags through a series of hoops.
- Baggo: Use larger bean bags and play on a smaller board with a raised lip.
Conclusion:
Building your own cornhole boards is a fun and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and effort, you can create a set of boards that will provide years of entertainment.