DIY Backyard Fun! Build Your Own Cornhole Game!
DIY Backyard Fun: Create Your Own Cornhole Game
Summer is the ideal season to appreciate the outdoors, grill some burgers, and catch up with friends and loved ones. There's no better way to get everyone together than with a time-honored backyard classic—cornhole. Learning to play is easy, enjoyable for kids and adults, and can be easily personalized. Even the painting of your boards can be a family fun project for the children.
You can create your own regulation-sized cornhole boards using a few simple tools and materials. Not only will you have a quality set to use and enjoy for years to come, but you can also proudly declare, "I made this!".
Why Cornhole is the Ultimate Backyard Game
The draw of Cornhole is that it is so simple—toss the beanbags in the hole, earn points, and yell when you make that ideal shot. It's a game for:
• Family gatherings – Easy enough for children and grandparents
• Potlucks and parties – Keeps guests entertained while food is in the oven
• Friendly tourneys – Add a scoreboard and you have a miniature tourney
You can even personalize your boards with paint, decals, or a wood stain that matches your backyard décor.
Building Your Own Cornhole Boards
The official regulation size for a cornhole board is 24" wide by 48" long, with a 6" hole centered 9" from the top. The frame lifts slightly at the back for a comfortable playing angle.
Following the Kreg Tool official plan, here’s a quick breakdown:
Materials You’ll Need:
• ½" or ¾" plywood top
• 2x4s for frame and legs
• Screws or pocket-hole joinery for tidy, solid construction
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper and your preferred finish
Basic Steps:
1. Cut plywood to size and mark hole position.
2. Cut the 6" hole using a jigsaw.
3. Build frame using 2x4s and bolt to plywood top.
4. Mount fold-up legs to allow easy storage and transport.
5. Sand everything smooth to prevent splinters and allow beanbags to slide easily.
6. Finish with paint, stain, or a rad design.
The Ultimate Backyard Setup Tips
• Use two boards – Two are used to play Cornhole, spaced 27 feet apart.
• Buy high-quality beanbags – Official size is 6"x6" filled with about 1 pound of corn or beans.
• Add lighting – String lights or battery-powered LED spotlights enable you to play late at night.
• Personalized design – Match your boards to your patio decor, favorite sports team, or a nice theme.
Other DIY Game Plans
Now that you have constructed cornhole, you'll probably want to construct some other outdoor games:
• Giant Jenga
• Ladder toss
• Washer toss
They're all easy to make with a little creativity and some good stuff from your local Windsor Plywood.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own yard games is a rewarding weekend project that's well worth it each time you play it. Whether it's a casual toss with the kids or a serious tourney with buddies, cornhole injects fun, laughter, and a touch of friendly competition into any gathering.
Stop by your neighborhood Windsor Plywood to find the plywood, lumber, and finishing products you'll need to get started. Our store staff is always happy to provide tips, help you choose the right products, and get you ready for a summer of backyard fun.