DIY A Cornhole Board For Your Summer Backyard Parties

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When summer comes around, cornhole is a always go-to activity. The game is easy to set up, anyone can play, and it is a great excuse to spend time outdoors. If you are in need of new boards, building a custom set is a simple but rewarding way to get into the game and give you complete control over the set's design. Plus, it is one of the few fun backyard games you can DIY out of scrap wood. Just make sure to comply with the board guidelines of the American Cornhole Association if you want an official set for your next backyard party, tailgating event, or picnic. So, save on purchasing expensive custom boards and take on the basic DIY building project for yourself for a creative activity that can be completed in just an afternoon.

To make your own set of cornhole boards, you will need some materials. Gather a 4-by-8-foot-by-0.5-inch plywood sheet for the surface and four 2-by-4-inch-by-8-foot boards for the rest of the frame and legs. In addition, you will need 2.5- and 1.5-inch wood screws, 4-inch carriage bolts, washers, and wingnuts. Tools such as a handsaw, table saw, power drill with drill bits, a jigsaw, hammer, measuring tape, and sanding sponge or orbital sander, are also important. Safety goggles and a dust mask should be used to protect yourself when cutting and sanding wood. Finally, consider how you plan to decorate your boards and purchase primer, exterior paint, or stain, as well as a polyurethane top coat. 

Before assembling the parts, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the official board specifications. According to the American Cornhole Association, the top board must be between 23.5- and 24-inches wide, between 47.5- and 48-inches long, and between 0.5- and .625-inches thick. The hole should have a diameter of 6 inches, and the center of the hole should be 12 inches from either side and 9 inches from the top of the board. Finally, the front of the board should be 3 to 4 inches above the ground, and the back should be 12 inches above the ground.

Keeping these regulatory specs in mind, assemble your board. Measure and use a compass to draw the 6-inch circle on each surface board and cut them out. Then, create and secure the rectangular frame in place for each board using the 2-by-4s. For the legs, cut four pieces from the 2-by-4s, so that you have two legs per board. The pieces should be 11.5 inches in length; however, you may want to add a bit more to account for potential length loss when sanding or shaping the legs. Round off the top of each leg so it can move easily and tuck inside the board when stored. The bottom of the legs may need to be cut at an angle for the board sit stable. Attach them in place, making sure that the height of the back of the board is 12 inches from the ground when finished. Complete by sanding the unit smooth, including the surface of the board, the edges, and the holes.

Once your boards are sanded and fit all of the size requirements, it's time to customize. The American Cornhole Association does not have any guidelines about board decoration, but the final surface should be smooth and allow the bags to slide easily. This can be achieved with multiple layers of polyurethane sealer on top of your final design. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethane coats will be effective, but water-based options dry clear. As for the design itself, anything goes. The boards can be painted or stained any color, and you can paint on different images or even apply a vinyl decal. You can even decorate the frame and legs. Geometric designs and team logos are popular options, and customizing for specific events like weddings and holidays, are all great ways to transform your backyard into a party space.

Once you choose a design, prep and prime the surface, paint it, and seal it all with your polyurethane. Over time, adding additional coats of polyurethane will keep your boards in prime condition. Store your boards in a cool, dry place when they are not in use, and wipe them down with a damp rag to remove dirt and dust after each use to make sure they last for years to come. Finally, find yourself some beanbags, similar to this regulatory SPORT BEATS Cornhole Bags Set of 8, that match your stunning board design and start a game. Next time you are trying to figure out how to prepare your home to host summer parties, you can easily reach for your cornhole set and have a good time.