How To Make A Cornhole Board: A Step-By-Step Guide By Spot Court Construction Company
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a popular outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages at backyard gatherings, picnics, and tailgate parties. A crucial element of this game is the cornhole board, which serves as the target for tossing the bean bags. While you can easily purchase a pre-made cornhole board, there’s something special about crafting your own. In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Spot Court Construction Company, we will walk you through the steps on how to make a cornhole board that is not only functional but also customizable to suit your personal style.
Gather Your Materials
The first step in constructing your own cornhole board is to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Plywood: You’ll need two 2’x4′ pieces of 1/2-inch thick plywood.
- 2×4 Lumber: Four 2x4s, each 8 feet long, will be required.
- Screws: Grab a box of 2.5-inch wood screws.
- Wood Glue: A strong wood adhesive will be necessary for extra stability.
- Circular Saw: You’ll need this tool for cutting the plywood and lumber.
- Jigsaw: To cut the hole in the cornhole board.
- Measuring Tape and Pencil: For accurate measurements.
- Sandpaper: To smooth out rough edges.
- Paint and Brushes: For adding your personal touch to the board.
- Bean Bags: You’ll need at least 8 bean bags, 4 for each team.
Cut The Plywood
Start by laying out one of the plywood pieces on a flat surface. This will be the top surface of your cornhole board. Measure and mark a 6-inch diameter circle 9 inches down from the top and centered 12 inches from each side. This is where the cornhole will be.
Use your jigsaw to carefully cut out the hole along the marked circle. Sand the edges of the hole to ensure a smooth playing surface.
Build The Frame
Next, it’s time to construct the frame for your cornhole board. Cut the 2×4 lumber into four 48-inch pieces for the frame’s sides and four 21-inch pieces for the legs. Assemble the frame by attaching the longer pieces to the top and bottom of the plywood using wood glue and screws, creating a rectangular shape.
Attach The Legs
Attach the shorter 21-inch pieces as legs to the frame. Make sure they are perpendicular to the frame, providing stability for your cornhole board. Attach them with screws, ensuring the board stands at the regulation height of 12 inches at the front and 4 inches at the back.
Sand And Smooth
Once your frame is complete, sand the entire surface of the board to remove any rough edges or splinters. Sand the legs and frame as well to ensure a professional finish.
Customize Your Board
This is where you can get creative! Paint your cornhole board with your favorite designs, sports team logos, or any other personalized artwork. Be sure to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Apply A Finish
To protect your board and artwork, apply a clear wood finish or sealant. This will not only make your board look great but also extend its lifespan, allowing you to enjoy countless games of cornhole.
Add The Bean Bag Landing Strip
For a professional touch, you can add a landing strip to the plywood surface around the hole. This strip will help guide the bean bags into the hole. You can paint it a different color or add some decorative tape for contrast.
Playing Surface Regulations
If you plan to use your cornhole board for official play, make sure it complies with regulation dimensions. The American Cornhole Association (ACA) recommends that the top of the board should be 48 inches by 24 inches, with the hole positioned 9 inches from the top and centered 12 inches from each side.
Ready To Play
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own cornhole board. Gather your bean bags, invite some friends, and enjoy hours of fun competition.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve shown you how to make a cornhole board step by step, courtesy of Spot Court Construction Company. Building your own cornhole board can be a rewarding and enjoyable DIY project, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your backyard gatherings or want to create a unique gift for a loved one, constructing a cornhole board is a fun and fulfilling endeavor. So, go ahead and put your woodworking skills to good use, and soon enough, you’ll be the proud owner of a fantastic cornhole board that will provide endless entertainment for years to come.
