Cornhole is a fun and easy game to play with friends and family. It’s also a great way to get some exercise. If you’re looking for a new outdoor activity, cornhole is a great option. And the best part is, you can make your own cornhole boards for a fraction of the cost of buying them.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make cornhole boards in just a few easy steps. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to make your boards last longer.
First, you’ll need to gather your materials. You’ll need:
* Two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood (4 feet x 2 feet)
* Two 2x4s (8 feet long)
* Wood glue
* Screws
* Nails
* Sandpaper
* Paint or stain (optional)
Once you have your materials, you can begin assembling your cornhole boards. First, cut the plywood into two 4-foot x 2-foot pieces. Then, cut the 2x4s into four 2-foot pieces. These pieces will be used as the legs for your cornhole boards.
Selecting the Right Materials
Choosing the appropriate materials is crucial for crafting a durable and enjoyable cornhole set. Consider the following factors:
Lumber
Plywood: An affordable and lightweight option, plywood is suitable for beginners or casual players. Opt for pressure-treated plywood to withstand outdoor elements.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Similar to plywood, OSB is more water-resistant and cost-effective. However, its rough texture may require sanding.
Hardwood: For a premium experience, hardwood planks like oak or maple offer exceptional durability and a smooth playing surface. Be aware of their higher cost and weight.
Leg Materials
2×4 Lumber: A versatile and inexpensive choice, 2×4 lumber provides adequate support for cornhole boards. Choose pressure-treated lumber for outdoor use.
Metal Pipes: Sturdy and durable, metal pipes are a preferred choice for serious players. They resist warping and ensure a stable playing surface.
Cornhole Bags
Corn Husks: A classic and affordable option, corn husks are filled with dried corn kernels. They are biodegradable but may not be as durable as other materials.
Poly Pellets: These small plastic pellets provide a consistent weight and feel. They are weather-resistant and durable, making them suitable for outdoor play.
Bean Bags: Filled with dried beans or rice, bean bags offer a heavier feel and are less prone to movement. They may require frequent refills and are not suitable for outdoor use.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Affordable, lightweight | May warp or delaminate |
| OSB | Water-resistant, cost-effective | Rough texture |
| Hardwood | Durable, smooth surface | Expensive, heavy |
| 2×4 Lumber | Versatile, inexpensive | May warp |
| Metal Pipes | Sturdy, durable | Can be expensive |
| Corn Husks | Classic, affordable | Not durable, biodegradable |
| Poly Pellets | Consistent weight, durable | Can be expensive |
| Bean Bags | Heavy feel | Require frequent refilling, not suitable for outdoor use |
Fabricating the Frames
Choosing the Right Lumber
The most crucial step in constructing sturdy cornhole frames is selecting high-quality lumber. Opt for 1×6 or 1×8 pine or plywood boards, ensuring they are free of knots or warps. These woods offer a good balance of strength and affordability.
Creating the Long Sides
1. Measure and cut two pairs of long side pieces from the selected lumber, each measuring 48 inches in length.
2. Join the two pairs at the corners using L-brackets or wood screws. Ensure a snug fit to provide stability.
Assembling the Ends
1. Cut two short side pieces measuring 24 inches in length.
2. Cut two corner pieces, each shaped like a right triangle with legs measuring 24 inches and 48 inches.
3. Assemble the ends by connecting the short side pieces to the corner pieces using L-brackets or wood screws.
Finishing Touches
1. Reinforce the corners with additional screws or bolts for maximum rigidity.
2. Sand all surfaces to smooth out any rough edges or splinters.
3. Apply a protective sealant or paint to enhance durability and protect the wood from moisture.
| Materials | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Long Side Pieces | 48″ x 1×6/1×8 |
| Short Side Pieces | 24″ x 1×6/1×8 |
| Corner Pieces | 24″ x 48″ (right triangle) |
Creating the Beanbags
Materials:
- Durable fabric (e.g., canvas, duck, or denim)
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Corn kernels (approximately 1 gallon per beanbag)
- Funnel or large spoon
- Small sandbag or weighted object
Instructions:
1. Cut the Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric measuring 24 inches by 36 inches for each beanbag.
2. Sew the Sides: Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew along all four sides, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side for filling.
3. Turn Right Side Out: Turn the beanbag right side out and press the seams.
4. Fill the Beanbag: Using a funnel or large spoon, pour the corn kernels into the beanbag, filling it to about 3/4 full.
5. Reinforce the Opening: Fold the edges of the opening inward and stitch them together to reinforce.
6. Add Weight: To give the beanbag some heft, place a small sandbag or weighted object inside before stitching the opening completely shut.
**Weight Recommendations for Beanbags:**
| Beanbag Size | Weight |
|---|---|
| Regulation Size (6″ x 6″) | 2-3 pounds |
| Tailgate Size (4″ x 6″) | 1-2 pounds |
| Kids Size (3″ x 5″) | 1/2-1 pound |
Setting Up the Game
To set up a game of cornhole, you will need two cornhole boards and eight beanbags (four of each color). The boards should be placed 27 feet apart, with the front edges of the boards facing each other. The beanbags should be placed on the ground in front of each board.
Once the boards and beanbags are in place, you can start playing the game. The object of the game is to score points by tossing beanbags onto the opposite board. Players take turns tossing beanbags, and each player gets four tosses per inning. The game is played to 21 points, and the first player or team to reach 21 points wins.
Scoring
There are two ways to score points in cornhole:
Landing on the Board
- Landing a beanbag on the board scores 1 point.
Landing in the Hole
- Landing a beanbag in the hole scores 3 points.
Winning the Game
The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. If both players or teams reach 21 points in the same inning, the game goes into overtime. In overtime, players take turns tossing beanbags until one player or team scores a point. The player or team that scores the first point in overtime wins the game.
Additional Rules
There are a few additional rules that you should be aware of when playing cornhole:
- Players must toss the beanbag from behind the front edge of the board.
- Players cannot step over the front edge of the board when tossing the beanbag.
- Beanbags that land on the ground before reaching the board do not score any points.
- Beanbags that hit the ground and then bounce onto the board do not score any points.
- Beanbags that hit the top of the board and then bounce into the hole score 3 points.
- If a player or team scores 21 points exactly, they win the game immediately.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Landing on the board | 1 |
| Landing in the hole | 3 |
| Landing on the top of the board and bouncing into the hole | 3 |
Rules and Regulations
Cornhole is a game of skill and coordination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is played with two teams of two players each. Each team has a cornhole board, which is a wooden platform with a hole in the center. The objective of the game is to toss beanbags onto the opposing team’s board and into the hole.
Scoring
- Landing a bag on the board: 1 point
- Landing a bag in the hole: 3 points
- Canceling out the opponent’s score by landing a bag on the board or in the hole: 1 point
Gameplay
- The game is played in innings.
- Each inning, each team takes turns tossing four beanbags.
- The team with the most points at the end of the inning wins the inning.
- The first team to reach 21 points wins the game.
Regulations
- The cornhole board must be 24 inches wide by 48 inches long.
- The hole must be 6 inches in diameter and centered in the board.
- The beanbags must be 6 inches square and weigh 16 ounces.
- Players must stand a minimum of 27 feet away from the board when tossing their beanbags.
- A player may not cross the foul line when tossing a beanbag.
- A beanbag is considered "in" if it lands on the board or in the hole.
- A beanbag is considered "out" if it lands completely off the board.
- If a beanbag is knocked off the board by an opposing player’s beanbag, it is considered "out".
- A game may be played with singles or doubles teams.
- In singles play, each player tosses four beanbags per inning.
- In doubles play, each team tosses four beanbags per inning, with each player tossing two beanbags.
- The first team to 21 points wins the game.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Loose or Wobbly Legs
If the corn hole board’s legs become loose or wobbly, tighten the screws that secure them to the frame. If the screws are already tight, inspect the wood for any signs of damage or rot. If the damage is minor, you can repair it with wood glue or filler. For more significant damage, you may need to replace the entire leg.
Cracked or Splintered Surface
Over time, the surface of the corn hole board may develop cracks or splinters. To prevent injuries, repair the damage promptly. For minor cracks, use wood filler or epoxy to fill in the gaps. For splinters, sand down the affected area until it is smooth.
Faded Paint or Finish
Exposing the corn hole board to prolonged sunlight can cause the paint or finish to fade. To protect the board and maintain its appearance, apply a UV-resistant sealant or stain. Reapply the sealant or stain as needed to maintain its protection.
Damaged or Missing Bags
If the cornhole bags are damaged or missing, replace them to ensure safe and fair gameplay. Use only regulation-sized and weight-approved cornhole bags to maintain the integrity of the game.
Warping or Buckling
Extreme weather conditions or improper storage can cause the corn hole board to warp or buckle. To prevent this, store the board in a dry and shaded location. If the board does warp, try to gently reshape it using clamps and weights. If the warping is severe, you may need to replace the board.
Broken Frame
In the event of a broken frame, assess the extent of the damage. For minor cracks, use wood glue or epoxy to repair the break. For more severe breaks, you may need to replace the entire frame. Use reinforced joints and sturdy materials to ensure the new frame is durable.
Sagging Net or Apron
If the net or apron of the corn hole board becomes sagging, tighten the straps or ropes that hold it in place. Use strong and durable materials for the straps or ropes to prevent further sagging.
Loose or Damaged Hinge
Regular use of the corn hole board can cause the hinge to loosen or become damaged. To maintain proper functionality, check the hinge regularly and tighten any loose screws. If the hinge is damaged beyond repair, replace it with a new hinge of similar size and capacity.
Other Minor Issues
Pay attention to any other minor issues that may arise, such as rattling screws or loose fittings. Promptly address these issues to prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Regular maintenance and care will prolong the lifespan and functionality of your corn hole board.
How To Make Corn Hole
Cornhole is a popular outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple game to play, but it can be challenging to master. If you are looking to build your own cornhole boards, here are some tips to help you get started.
The first step is to gather your materials. You will need:
- Two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood, each measuring 24 inches by 48 inches
- Two 2x4s, each measuring 24 inches long
- Four 1x4s, each measuring 48 inches long
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
Once you have your materials, you can begin assembling the cornhole boards. Start by attaching the 2x4s to the plywood, using wood screws. The 2x4s should be placed 12 inches from each end of the plywood. Next, attach the 1x4s to the plywood, using wood screws. The 1x4s should be placed 6 inches from each side of the plywood.
Once the boards are assembled, you can sand them smooth and paint or stain them. If you are painting the boards, be sure to use a paint that is designed for outdoor use. Once the paint or stain is dry, you can add the cornhole bags. Cornhole bags are typically made of canvas or duck cloth and are filled with corn kernels.
With a little time and effort, you can build your own cornhole boards that will provide years of fun for you and your family.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to make cornhole?
The cost of making cornhole boards will vary depending on the materials you use. However, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 for the materials.
How long does it take to make cornhole?
It will take you around 2 to 4 hours to build a set of cornhole boards.
What is the best wood to use for cornhole boards?
The best wood to use for cornhole boards is plywood. Plywood is strong and durable, and it is also relatively inexpensive.
