Cornhole is a classic outdoor game perfect for backyard gatherings and enjoying some leisure time with friends and family. With some basic materials and tools, you can create durable and custom DIY cornhole boards that will provide hours of entertainment for all ages. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your very own!
@hgtvcanada Level up your summer gatherings with this DIY cornhole game! ☀️ @Courtney Naray #diy #game #summer
Materials Required:
- 2x pre-cut 1/2 inch plywood sheets (24” x 48”)
- 4x 1×4 pine boards
- Kreg jig and pocket hole screws
- Orbital sander
- Sandpaper
- Mitre saw
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- 6″ hole saw bit
- Wood glue
- Painter’s tape
- Black outdoor paint
- Outdoor water-based clear varnish
- Foam roller
- 4x 3” carriage bolt
- 6x washers
- 4x carriage bolt nuts
Step 1: Assemble the Frame
Using the mitre saw, cut the 1×4 pine boards into six pieces at 22.5 inches, and four pieces at 48 inches. Drill pocket holes on each end of the 22.5” pieces.
Lay out your boards to create 2x rectangle frames and secure using wood glue and pocket hole screws.
Secure an additional 22.5” board in the middle of each frame for extra stability.
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Step 2: Attach the Frames
Drill pocket holes along the inside edges of your frames. Lay the plywood pieces on a flat surface and position the frames on top. Then, secure the frames to the plywood using wood glue and pocket hole screws.
Step 3: Prepare and Attach the Folding Legs
Cut four pieces of 1×4’s at 12” for the legs. Using the jigsaw, round one side of each leg. Then, cut a 25-degree angle on the other end of each leg.
Next, position each leg at the top corners of the frames, using a small shim along the top and bottom to allow space for the legs to rotate.
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Drill a hole through the middle of the rounded side of the legs and into the side of the cornhole board. Make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate a 3″ carriage bolt.
Insert a carriage bolt through both the hole in the leg and the side of the cornhole board. Place a washer on each side of the bolt. Secure the bolt in place with a nut, and tighten just enough to allow the legs to rotate freely.
Repeat this process for each leg until all four are securely attached to the boards. Now, your cornhole boards can easily fold for convenient storage and transportation when not in use.
Step 4: Mark and Cut the Cornhole
Measure and mark the centre of each board’s width — nine inches down from the top edge. Use a 6″ hole saw bit on a drill to cut a hole in each board at this mark.
Step 5: Sand and Paint
Sand the entire surface of the cornhole boards to smooth out any rough edges for a clean finish. Once sanded, use outdoor paint to customize your boards. You can use painter’s tape for crisp, clean lines.
Step 6: Apply Varnish
Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of outdoor water-based clear varnish to the entire surface of the cornhole boards. This will help protect the boards from the elements and ensure their longevity.
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Step 7: All Done, Have Fun!
Set up your new DIY cornhole boards in your backyard, or at your next gathering and enjoy hours of fun with family and friends.
