How to Build Cornhole Boards

Looking for a reason to get out of the house and play some lawn games? This classic backyard game is easy to learn, fun to play and inexpensive to make yourself.

finished and painted cornhole boards
Next Project
Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

Cornhole boards are tailgating classics. Though the game might be difficult to master, it's easy to build the boards. Follow our step-by-step instructions and measurements to make a pair of cornhole boards in one day.
Matt Boley

Tools Required

  • Circular saw
  • Clamps
  • Compass
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw

Materials Required

  • 1x4 Boards (4)
  • 2-ft. x 4-ft. Plywood (2)
  • Bolts (4)
  • Construction Screws (20)
  • Nuts (4)

Cutting List

This list will give you the basic cornhole board specs.

Cornhole Boards Cutting ListFamily Handyman

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Cut Your Boards to Size

cutting boards for cornhole

To make the boards for your own backyard cornhole set, first cut the 1x4s into four 48 in. boards for the sides, four 22-1/2 in. boards for the front and back, and four 15 in. boards for the legs. These are the standard cornhole dimensions. The 15 in. length may seem long, but you will cut them to the actual length later in the process.

Step 2

Construct Your Boxes

assembling box for cornhole boards

Fasten the 1x4s into boxes with pilot holes and screws. 

Step 3

Mark and Cut the Holes in the Plywood

mark holes for cornhole boards

starter hole for cornhole boards

cutting out hole in cornhole boards

Take your 2 ft. x 4 ft. piece of plywood and mark a point 12 in. from a side edge and nine in. from the top edge. Then draw a six in. dia. circle around the mark using a compass. Drill a pilot hole along the edge of the circle and use your jig saw to cut out the rest of the hole.

Step 4

Attach the Plywood to the Box

attaching plywood to cornhole box

Clamp the plywood to the box. Use a countersink bit to drill pilot holes and fasten the plywood with screws.

Step 5

Cut the Leg Arcs

marking arc for cornhole boards legs

marking arcs for cornhole legs

cutting arcs in cornhole board legs

Mark 1-3/4 in. down the length of the 15 in. legs and use a compass to draw an arc. Cut the arc with a jig saw.

Step 6

Fit the Legs

fitting cornhole board legs

adding cornhole board legs

Turn the box upside down. Lay one leg parallel to a side of the box, as shown, with the arc side in the corner. Clamp it in place. Drill a one-half in. hole through both pieces as shown. Repeat the process for the second leg, then fasten the legs to the board with nuts and bolts.

Step 7

Cut the Angle for the Legs

measuring cornhole board legs

cutting cornhole board leg angles

Lift up the platform using a bucket, a piece of scrap wood or anything that can boost the top of the plywood to 12 in. from the ground, and position it on the edge of your worktable. Fold out the legs and use your worktable to mark the angle on the legs as shown. Detach the legs and cut along the line with a circular saw. 

Step 8

Sand, Paint and Play

finished and painted cornhole boards

Sand your boards, and prime and paint them however you see fit with high-gloss paint. You can really create custom cornhole boards with a unique paint job. Then go out and start practicing with your cornhole set for next Sunday!

To set up a cornhole game in your backyard or wherever you're tailgating, just fold out the legs and place the cornhole boards 27 ft. apart from front to front. Next, check out more of our favorite outdoor woodworking projects for beginners.