How to Build Cornhole Boards

Matt Boley

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.

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.

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.

Family Handyman

Project step-by-step (8)

Prevent my screen from going dark

Step 1

Cut Your Boards to Size

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

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

Step 3

Mark and Cut the Holes in the Plywood

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 6-in. diameter circle around the mark using a compass. Drill a pilot hole along the edge of the circle and use your jigsaw to cut out the rest of the hole.

Step 4

Attach the Plywood to the 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

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 jigsaw.

Step 6

Fit the 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 1-1/2-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

Lift up the platform using a bucket, a piece of scrap wood, or reallyanything 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

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.

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.