The Ultimate Guide to Building Your DIY Cornhole Boards

Cornhole is a favorite pastime at picnics, tailgates, and backyard gatherings across the United States. While you can always buy a set of cornhole boards, there's a special satisfaction in crafting your cornhole board that's durable, unique, and suited to your style. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of the process, from gathering materials to finishing touches and getting your friends around for a game on your cornhole boards.

The World Series of Cornhole Official Board Specifications

Following the official standards set by the World Series of Cornhole, our DIY guide aims to replicate the essence and quality of professional cornhole boards.

The following dimensions and measurements serve to determine standards and specifications for regulation cornhole boards.

• Each cornhole board shall be 47.75” to 48” long and 23.75” to 24” wide, made of smooth plywood that measures at least ½-inch in thickness.
• Cornhole boards should be composed of a wood surface and a wood frame. There is significant variance in play between wood and plastic or other surfaces.
• The hole in each cornhole board shall be 6 inches (+-¼-in) in diameter. Its center shall be 9 inches (+-¼-in) from the top and 12 inches (+-¼- in) from each side of the board edges.
• The front of the cornhole board shall be 2.5-4 inches from bottom to top.
• The back of the cornhole board shall be approximately 12 inches (+- .5-in) from the ground to the highest point of the deck.
• The board finish shall be sanded to a very smooth texture, and the wood surface shall not have any blemishes that might disrupt or distort play.
• Application of non-permanent foreign substances onto cornhole boards is strictly prohibited. This includes foreign substances like sprays or powders not from the manufacturer.
• All WSOC events will specify which cornhole board will be the official cornhole board of the event before the event at their website; www.cornhole.org.

 

Materials Needed for Building DIY Cornhole Boards

Before you start building your cornhole board, you need to gather your materials. Here's what you'll need:

• Two 2x4 wooden boards, 8 feet long each
• One 48 x 24 inch sheet of plywood
• Four 6-inch wooden dowels
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Circular saw or jigsaw
• Electric sander
• Paint or wood finish
• Drop cloth or tarp
• Cornhole bags (optionalthe wood surface shall not have any blemishes if you want to make or buy these)

When selecting your wood, choose a hardwood like oak or birch for the best playing surface. Ensure the plywood you select is smooth to avoid bags snagging on rough spots.

How to build your cornhole board: Step-by-Step Instructions on Building the Cornhole Board Frame

Step 1: Cut Your Lumber

Begin by cutting the 8-foot 2x4s to construct the frame. You'll need to make the following cuts:

• Four pieces at 48 inches long for the board's top and bottom sides.
• Four pieces are 21 inches long for the sides of the frame.

Use the circular saw or jigsaw for precision cutting. Wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Create Your Frame

Now, build your cornhole board frame by attaching the 21-inch pieces to the 48-inch pieces. Use a square to ensure right angles, and then glue and screw the pieces together.

Step 3: Add Braces

Cut two pieces of 2x4 at 10 inches each to stabilize your frame. These will be attached to the top and bottom of the inside of the frame. Use these to measure and cut at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to measure between the inside of your legs when determining the length at which to cut the braces. Once cut, glue and attach these with screws.

Step 4: Attach Legs and Brackets

Cut the dowels to the desired length; typically, legs are cut at 12 inches. Secure brackets to the frame to attach and detach legs for easy storage. Ensure the legs are attached to support the board at the right height when it is raised.

Detailed Guide on Cutting and Attaching the Plywood Playing Surface

Step 5: Cut the Plywood

Measure the plywood sheet to have two 24 x 48-inch sections, which will be your two cornhole boards. A circular saw or jigsaw is best for cutting the plywood. Sand down any rough edges to create a smooth playing surface.

Step 6: Attaching the Plywood

Center the plywood onto the frame, leaving a 3-inch overhang on all sides. Use wood glue and screws to secure the plywood to the frame.

Step 7: Add a Support Brace

For additional durability, you may want to add a center support brace on the underside of the board. Cut a 2x4 to the length of 21 inches and screw it into the center of your frame.

Ensure that the screws do not protrude through the top of the board, as they could affect gameplay and damage bags.

Finishing Touches: Sanding, Painting, and Customizing Your Cornhole Boards

Step 8: Sanding

Use the electric sander to smooth out the playing surface and all the edges. This is an important step to prevent cuts and splinters.

Step 9: Painting

After sanding the board, apply a primer and wait for it to dry. Then, apply at least two coats of your preferred paint color. You can also choose to use a wood finish for a natural look. Be sure to paint the hole, typically 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side.

Step 10: Design

You're free to get creative with designing your board. Use stencils to paint logos, family crests, or your favorite sports team's motifs. The design aspect is where you can make the board your own.

Conclusion and Encouragement to Share

Building your cornhole board is a fun project with a great payoff. You'll have a new game you can enjoy with friends and family for years. Get creative, come up with different ideas for the design, and enjoy the process as much as the game itself. Don't forget to share photos of your finished board and stories of your fun playing on it!