How to Build a Backyard DIY Ring Toss Game

Your whole family will love this fun yard game.

Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

This backyard game is a fun, easy craft project that uses minimal materials and can be built with hand tools in a few hours.

Tools Required

  • Drill bit set
  • Drill/driver - cordless
  • Handsaw
  • Sandpaper
  • Utility knife

Materials Required

  • 1-in Dowel rod (3-ft)
  • 1/2-in Rope 7-ft
  • 1x3 Pine board (3-ft)
  • 3/4 x 1" Wood beads (4)
  • Peel & stick numbers
  • Wood glue

Project step-by-step (9)

Step 1

Cut & Sand

  • Cut two 2-1/2-inch blocks from the 1x3x3-ft board.
  • Cut two 15-inch pieces from the 1x3x3-ft board.
  • Cut four six-inch dowels and one nine-inch dowel.
  • Sand each piece with 220 grit sandpaper removing any sharp corners and edges.

Step 2

Measure & Mark

  • Measure and make a mark at 1-1/4 inches from each end at the center of the two 15-inch boards.
  • Measure and make a mark at 7-1/2 inches at the center of the 15-inch boards.
    • Pro Tip: For accuracy, use an adjustable square set to 1-1/4 inches.

Step 3

Drilling Holes

  • Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes at each mark on the two 15-inch boards.
  • Place two 2-1/2- x 2-1/2-in. blocks under one of the 15-inch boards, flush with the ends and sides.
  • Drill through the pilot hole into and through each block.
  • Drill three one-inch x 1/4-inch deep holes at the 3/16-inch pilot holes on the top board.
  • Drill two one-inch x 1/4-inch deep holes at the 3/16-inch pilot holes on each end of the bottom board, leaving the center pilot hole untouched using a spade bit or Forstner bit.
    • Pro Tip: With a marker or piece of tape, put a mark on your spade bit 1/4-inch up to show how deep to drill your hole.

Step 4

Drilling the Dowels

  • On the top board insert the six-inch dowels into the one-inch holes on each end and the nine-inch dowel in the center hole.
  • On the bottom board, insert the six-inch dowels into the one-inch holes on each end.
  • Drill into the dowel from the bottom of the board through the pilot hole, using a 1/8-in. drill bit.

Step 5

Glue Dowels & Blocks

  • Pull the dowels out one by one and apply a small amount of wood glue to the end of the dowel.
  • Insert the dowels back into the one-inch holes.
  • Apply a small amount of wood glue to the top of each block.
  • Attach the blocks to the underside of the top board, using 2-1/4-in. screws through the pilot holes on the bottom of the blocks.
  • Tighten the screw securing the two boards and dowel together.

Step 6

Bottom & Top Board Assembly

  • Pull the center dowels out and apply a small amount of wood glue to the end of the dowel.
  • Insert the dowel back into the one-inch hole.
  • Start a 2-1/4-in. screw into the center pilot hole from the underside of the bottom board, so it sticks out 1/8-inch on the other side.
  • Apply a small amount of glue to the top of the board around the center 3/16-inch pilot hole.
  • Make a cross by placing the top board over the bottom board, lining the screw point with the pilot hole.
  • Drive the screw securing the two boards and center dowel together.


Step 7

Stick-on Numbers

  • Peel and stick the numbers onto the face of the outdoor game next to each dowel. A pair of tweezers may be helpful.

Step 8

Finishing Touch

  • Spray two or three coats of sealer on your project allowing plenty of drying time between coats.

Step 9

The Rings

  • Cut four pieces of rope to 19 inches.
  • Insert one end of the rope halfway into a wood bead then add a small amount of wood glue into the bead and turn the bead a few times.
  • Add a little more wood glue into the bead and insert the other end of the rope into the bead.
  • Repeat this three more times.
  • Let the glue dry completely before playing the lawn game.