DIY Guide: How to Make a Cornhole Board

Cornhole is a popular outdoor game enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is simple and easy to play, but it requires a well-designed cornhole board to achieve maximum fun. Do you want to know how to make a cornhole board that will make everyone want to play at your backyard party? If so, you’re in the right place.

Firstly, making a cornhole board is a fun and inexpensive DIY project that anyone can tackle. You can create a customized board that reflects your personality and style. Secondly, constructing a cornhole board is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and materials, you can put together a sturdy and durable board that will withstand years of gameplay. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make a cornhole board from start to finish.

Materials Needed

Before you can begin constructing your cornhole board, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of everything you will need:

Wood

You will need two pieces of plywood that measure 2 feet by 4 feet and are ½ inch thick. Pine or birch plywood is a great option for cornhole boards.

Circular Saw or Jigsaw

You will use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the plywood sheets to the exact size required for the cornhole boards.

Screws and Nails

You will need to have several 1-5/8-inch pocket screws, which are also known as Kreg screws, on hand. You will also need ¾ inch and 1-inch nails.

Drill

You will need a drill with a 3/8-inch drill bit to make pocket holes that will be used to join the board’s pieces. You will also need a Phillips head bit to drill in screws.

Sanding Tool

You will use sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth out the edges of the plywood after they have been cut and joined together.

Paint and Paint Brushes

You will need exterior paint or any paint that is suitable for outdoor and two paint brushes, one for the primer and the other for the paint.

Polyurethane

You will need to seal your board from the elements with a protective coat of polyurethane.

Stencils and Painter’s Tape

If you want, you can add your own designs to the boards using stencils and painter’s tape. Make sure you have these supplies on hand if you plan on adding a unique touch to your boards.

Set of Cornhole Bags

You will need a ready-made or handmade set of cornhole bags to be used with the cornhole board.

Outdoor Space

The final thing you will need is an outdoor space big enough for the two cornhole boards to be placed about 27 feet apart from each other.

What You Need to Build a Cornhole Board

When it comes to making a cornhole board, you’ll need some basic tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Plywood Board: The first thing you’ll need is a plywood board. You can choose any size you prefer, but the standard size is 2′ x 4′. You can purchase a pre-made board or cut the wood yourself.

2. Wood Screws: You’ll need screws to hold the boards together. The standard size is 2 ½ inch screws, but you can use shorter ones if you prefer.

3. Wood Glue: To add extra reinforcement, you can use wood glue along with the screws.

4. Saw: You’ll need a saw to cut the plywood and wooden strips to the desired size.

5. Measuring Tape: To ensure accuracy, you’ll need a measuring tape to measure and mark the board’s dimensions.

6. Drill: To drill the screws into the board, you need a drill. A power drill is better, but a hand drill will work.

7. Paint: Lastly, you’ll need paint to decorate the boards. You can choose any color you like, but the standard colors for cornhole board are blue and red.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cornhole Board

Now that you’ve got everything you needed, it’s time to make the cornhole board. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a cornhole board.

1. Cut the Wood: Using a saw, you’ll need to cut the plywood board into two pieces measuring 2′ x 4′.

2. Cut Wooden Strips: Cut four wooden strips, two of them measuring two feet, and the other two measuring four feet.

3. Attach the Wooden Strips: Attach the two-footer wooden strips to the long side of the plywood board using the screws and wood glue. The strips will give the board a raised frame.

4. Attach the Short Wooden Strips: Attach the 4-foot wooden strips to the short sides of the plywood board using screws and wood glue.

5. Sand the Board: Sand the board to ensure there are no rough edges, splinters, or uneven surfaces.

6. Drill the Hole: Drill a 6-inch hole, centered at the top edge of the board, nine inches from the top edge and 12 inches from each side edge.

7. Sand the Hole: Sand the edges of the hole to ensure there are no rough edges or splinters.

8. Paint the Board: Paint the board in your preferred color. You can use painters’ tape to add designs and patterns.

9. Sand the Board Again: Sand the board lightly after painting for a smooth finish.

10. Play the Game: Let the board dry completely, and your board is now ready to play. Grab a few bean bags, and you’re ready to start playing the game of cornhole.

Conclusion

Making a cornhole board can be a fun DIY project that you can do with your family and friends. With these simple steps and materials, you can create a customized board that you can use to play the game of cornhole. So grab your tools and materials and let the crafting begin!

Section 3: Materials and Tools Needed to Make a Cornhole Board

1. Materials Needed

2. Tools Needed

• Circular saw or hand saw
• Jigsaw or hand saw
• Drill and drill bits
• Screwdriver or impact driver
• Measuring tape
• Square
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

3. The Process

First step in making the cornhole board is to cut the two 2×4 wooden boards into four pieces, each measuring 48 inches for the length and two pieces, each measuring 21 inches for the width. Next, drill pilot holes for the screws, then attach the long boards to the shorter ones to form a rectangular frame using 2 1/2 or 3 inch screws.

After building the frame, it’s time to attach the playing surface, being a piece of plywood that should measure 2 feet by 4 feet and has a thickness of 1/2 inch. Drill pilot holes around the edges of the frame before firmly screwing the plywood in place using 1 1/4 inch screws.

The next step is sanding the playing surface of the cornhole board before applying any paint or stain. After that, apply the paint or stain of your choice using a paintbrush or a spray can. You can be creative with custom designs, logos, or team colors to give the board a personal touch. Once the paint is dry, it’s best to apply a clear coat to the surface to protect it from wear and tear.

Finally, the cornhole board is ready for play after the clear coat has dried. Cornhole bags should be placed 27 feet apart from each other while playing. Each player should have 4 bags of his color, and they can alternate between throwing. Points are earned by landing the bags on the board or in the hole, as per the official rules.

4. Tips and Tricks

• Choose high-quality materials to ensure the board lasts for years.
• Always drill pilot holes before attaching any screws to prevent the wood from splitting.
• Sand the board well and apply multiple coats of paint or stain for the best results.
• Use a clear coat to protect the board’s surface from wear and tear.
• Keep the boards indoors when not in use to prevent them from getting warped or damaged.

5. Conclusion

Now that we have gone through the materials and tools needed to make a cornhole board, it is easy to see that the process of building one is not as complicated as it may seem. The materials are readily available at any hardware store, and the tools required are basic ones commonly found in our toolboxes. A well-made cornhole board can provide years of entertainment for family and friends, so why not build one today?

Time to Play Cornhole!

We hope you found this guide helpful on how to make a cornhole board. It’s a fun and easy project that can bring hours of enjoyment with family and friends. Remember to use high-quality materials, take your time, and enjoy the process of building your own board. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit us again for more DIY projects and tips! Now that your board is ready, it’s time to grab some bean bags, head outside and start playing some cornhole!