Cornhole Game Boards: DIY Instructions

If you’ve gone to a backyard party in the Midwest lately, then you’re probably familiar with the game of corn hole. Popular with tailgaters before football games, people hosting backyard cookouts and neighborhood bars alike.

Cornhole boards are made to exact specifications. They use standard dimensions, making it cost-effective if you want to build more than one set at one time. The boards can be painted to represent a favorite sports team using the teams colors and decals, making them a possible Christmas present for your friends or family members. Build several boards and then customize them for the individuals on your Christmas list. Be sure to include a full set of bean bags so they can play right away.

You will need the following to make 2 corn hole boards;

2 sheets of plywood, 24 inches x 36 inches
4 2x4s – 24 inches long for the frame
4 2x4s – 32 inches long for the frame
4 2x4s – 13.5 inches long for the legs
1 box of 2 1/2-inch wood screws
Power drill and assorted bits (up to a 3/8-inch bit in size)
Sandpaper (course, medium, and fine grit)
Compass
Jigsaw
Wood filler
Primer
Semi-gloss paint
Clear shellac

When purchasing the wood look for wood that has the least amount of flaws. You want your material to be as straight and smooth as possible. This will save you from having to fill gaps and sand it down to create a good playing surface.

Start by positioning two of the 24-inch pieces of wood on the shorter sides of the plywood. Place the 32-inch pieces in between on the long sides of the plywood. Repeat with the other pieces of wood for the second board.

Use the screws to secure the frame of the cornhole game board together. Once the frames are constructed, screw the plywood on top of the frames. Countersink the screws so that they can be covered with putty.

Measure 12-inches from each side of the plywood and 9 inches from the top. This will be the center point of the hole. Use a compass to draw a 6-inch diameter circle around this point. Use a jigsaw to cut the hole. Repeat on the other board.

Attach the legs to the frame of the board closest to the hole without screwing holes through the platform.

Fill all the holes and defects in the boards with wood filler. Use a putty knife to fill the gap between the plywood surface and the frame.

Clean up any minor discrepancies with sandpaper. Wrapping the sandpaper around a cylindrical object you can grip will help.

Sand the tables smooth. Start with coarse sandpaper and then use medium grit to remove any excess filler. Finish with fine sandpaper. Once the surface is smooth, sand down all the rough edges and gently sand the edges of the hole.

Now you can paint the board. Dust off all sawdust and other grit. Apply two coats of primer. Followed by semi-gloss paint.

You can use painters tape or a circle of contact paper to create a border for a two-color paint job if you wish. Measure a 7 1/2-inch circle of clear contact paper to position over the hole to make a border around the hole.

Add decals or use stencils to create logos or other custom designs. Apply a layer of clear coat to seal.