How to Make Cornhole Boards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a backyard barbecue or tailgating event? What’s more classic than a rousing game of cornhole? This seemingly simple game is a crowd-pleaser for all ages and skill levels, offering endless hours of friendly competition and laughter. But instead of relying on store-bought boards, why not impress your friends and family with a custom-made set that reflects your personal style and craftsmanship?

Crafting your own cornhole boards isn’t just a fun DIY project; it’s an opportunity to personalize your outdoor entertainment and create a lasting heirloom. With the right tools, materials, and a little elbow grease, you can build a high-quality set that will become the centerpiece of your gatherings for years to come. Plus, you’ll save money compared to purchasing pre-made boards and gain the satisfaction of knowing you built them yourself.

What are the dimensions, materials, and steps involved in building a perfect cornhole set?

What type of wood is best for cornhole boards?

The best type of wood for cornhole boards is generally considered to be cabinet-grade Baltic birch plywood, specifically ¾-inch thick. This offers a smooth, durable, and stable playing surface that resists warping and provides a consistent bounce for the bean bags.

While Baltic birch plywood is the gold standard, other wood options can work depending on budget and desired aesthetics. Poplar plywood is a more affordable alternative that provides a relatively smooth surface and takes paint well. However, it may not be as durable or resistant to warping as Baltic birch. Pine plywood is another budget-friendly choice, but it often contains knots and imperfections that require filling and sanding, potentially affecting the playing surface. Hardwood options like maple or oak can also be used for the frame and legs of the cornhole boards. These woods offer excellent strength and durability, ensuring the boards can withstand repeated use and transportation. However, using solid hardwood for the playing surface is generally discouraged due to its tendency to expand and contract with changes in humidity, which can lead to warping and inconsistent play. Using the correct wood type is very important when learning how to make cornhole boards.

How do you properly space and center the hole?

The regulation cornhole board hole is 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top edge and 12 inches from each side edge of the 24-inch wide board. Precise measurements are crucial for fair gameplay and adherence to official rules.

Centering the hole accurately ensures that the game remains balanced. If the hole is off-center, one side of the board will effectively become easier to score on. Use a measuring tape or ruler to precisely mark the center point (12 inches from either side). From the top edge, measure down 9 inches and mark the center of your circle. Use a compass or a template to draw a perfect 6-inch diameter circle around this center point. Double-check all measurements before cutting. Consistency is key when making multiple boards. Using a pre-made template can significantly speed up the process and ensure that all your boards have accurately placed holes. Alternatively, create a jig to guide your router. This jig, clamped firmly to the board, allows you to route out a perfectly circular hole with consistent placement every time. Routing provides a cleaner, more professional-looking hole than simply using a hole saw. Remember to pilot drill first to allow the router bit to enter the surface.

What’s the best way to finish or seal the boards?

The best way to finish or seal cornhole boards is to apply several coats of a clear, durable polyurethane. This provides a smooth, protective surface for gameplay and helps the boards withstand the elements.

For optimal results, preparation is key. Begin by sanding the entire surface of the boards smooth, typically starting with a coarser grit sandpaper (like 120) and working your way up to a finer grit (like 220). This creates a uniform surface for the finish to adhere to. Clean the boards thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Apply the first coat of polyurethane thinly and evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, lightly sand with a very fine grit sandpaper (like 320 or 400) to smooth out any imperfections or raised grain. Repeat the process, applying at least 2-3 additional coats of polyurethane, sanding lightly between each coat. This ensures a durable and long-lasting finish that protects the boards from scratches, dents, and moisture. Consider using a water-based polyurethane for easier cleanup and lower VOCs. However, oil-based polyurethane is generally more durable. When selecting your polyurethane, check the label to ensure it is appropriate for outdoor use if your boards will be frequently exposed to the elements. Also, be mindful of the sheen. A gloss finish will be the slickest, but might show imperfections more easily. A satin or matte finish offers a more subtle look and can hide minor blemishes. No matter which type you choose, applying thin, even coats and allowing ample drying time between coats are essential for a professional-looking and durable finish.

How thick should the plywood be for the top?

The optimal thickness for the plywood top of a cornhole board is 1/2 inch (12mm). This thickness provides a good balance of durability, playability, and weight, ensuring the boards are sturdy enough to withstand repeated use while still allowing for a consistent bounce and slide of the bean bags.

Using plywood thinner than 1/2 inch can lead to excessive flexing or warping over time, especially in the center of the board where the bean bags frequently land. This can negatively impact gameplay and reduce the board’s lifespan. While thicker plywood, such as 3/4 inch, would certainly be more durable, it also adds unnecessary weight to the boards, making them more difficult to transport and store. The increased weight doesn’t noticeably improve play and significantly adds to the cost and effort of construction. Consider using cabinet-grade plywood for the best results. While construction-grade plywood will technically work, it often has more voids and imperfections that can affect the smoothness of the playing surface and the overall structural integrity of the board. Cabinet-grade plywood offers a smoother, more consistent surface that will provide a better playing experience and a more professional-looking finish.

What are the official cornhole board dimensions?

Official cornhole boards, as specified by the American Cornhole Association (ACA), must measure 24 inches wide by 48 inches long (2 feet by 4 feet). The hole should be 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top edge and 12 inches from each side edge.

The consistent sizing is crucial for fair play and standardized competition. This ensures that players can expect the same playing field regardless of where they play. Deviating from these measurements can impact the game’s difficulty and potentially invalidate the board for official tournament play. While backyard enthusiasts have more flexibility, adhering to these dimensions is recommended for a balanced and enjoyable game. Beyond the overall size and hole placement, other elements contribute to a regulation cornhole board. The surface should be smooth and free of any imperfections that could affect the trajectory of the bean bags. The board’s front edge should be approximately 3-4 inches off the ground, while the back edge should be approximately 12 inches off the ground, creating a slight incline. These subtle details are designed to contribute to a consistent and predictable gameplay experience.

How do you attach the legs so they fold correctly?

The key to foldable cornhole legs is using carriage bolts, washers, and locknuts to create a pivot point that allows the legs to swing freely. Precise placement of this pivot point is critical: too high, and the legs won’t fold flat; too low, and they won’t provide adequate support. You’ll need to drill a hole through both the leg and the frame of the cornhole board to accommodate the carriage bolt.

To ensure proper folding, the top of the leg should be flush with the top of the cornhole board frame when in the playing position. Before drilling, clamp the leg in its upright, playing position, ensuring it is square and flush with the frame. Then, mark the point on the inside of the frame where you want the leg to pivot. A general guideline is to position the pivot point approximately 1-2 inches down from the top edge of the frame. This provides a good balance between stability and foldability. Once you’ve drilled the hole, insert the carriage bolt from the outside of the frame, through the leg, and secure it with a washer and locknut on the inside. Tighten the locknut just enough to hold the leg in place but still allow it to swing freely. Avoid over-tightening, as this will prevent the leg from folding properly and can damage the wood. Test the folding action to ensure the leg swings smoothly and sits flush against the frame when folded. If it doesn’t fold smoothly, slightly loosen the locknut and re-test.

What’s the easiest way to get a smooth playing surface?

The easiest way to achieve a smooth playing surface for your cornhole boards is to use high-quality, pre-sanded Baltic birch plywood. This type of wood is naturally smoother and more uniform than other plywood options, minimizing the amount of sanding required.

Even with Baltic birch, some sanding is still necessary. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to remove any imperfections or blemishes on the surface. After the initial sanding, switch to a finer-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to further refine the surface. The goal is to create a consistent, smooth feel across the entire playing area. Lightly sand in circular motions, following the grain of the wood. Avoid applying excessive pressure, which can create unevenness or scratches.

Finally, sealing the wood is crucial for maintaining a smooth surface. Apply several thin coats of a polyurethane sealant, sanding lightly with a very fine grit sandpaper (320-400 grit) between coats. This creates a durable, protective layer that allows the cornhole bags to slide consistently. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely before sanding and applying the next coat. With patience and careful execution, you can achieve a professional-quality playing surface.

And that’s all there is to it! You’re now equipped to build your own cornhole boards and start tossing those bags. Thanks for following along, and we hope you have a blast with your new creation. Come back soon for more fun DIY projects!