Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss or bags, is a popular garden game that is easy to learn and fun for all ages. Building your own Cornhole set is a great way to get into the game, and it also gives you the chance to customise the design to your liking.
This article will provide an overview of the materials and tools needed to build a Cornhole set, along with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to put everything together.
We recommend starting by watching the video below. The video is created by the YouTube channel “John Malecki” and the images in this article are from their video:
Watch the video to learn how to build a Cornhole game yourself. The video shows how you can make the game in three different difficulty levels.
Material
To build a cornhole yourself, you will need the following materials:
- Two pieces of plywood (120x60cm)
- Rails for frame and legs
- Screws
- Sandpaper
- Paint or varnish (optional)
When choosing your materials, make sure they are weatherproof and durable. You can buy these materials at most DIY or timber stores, or order online.
Tools
The following tools will be needed to build your cornhole game:
- Contour saw and circular saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sander
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Square
As with the materials, it’s important to have high-quality tools that will make the building process easier and guarantee a finished result that is stable and durable. Moreover, building something is more fun when you have good tools.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Saw the plywood to the right size. Use a table saw or circular saw to cut the two pieces of plywood (120x60cm) to the desired size for your cornhole boards. The official size for a cornhole board is 48“ x 24” (120x60cm).
Step 2: Saw out the correct lengths for the frame construction. Remember to saw out the joists for both boards while you are doing this step. The right amount: 4 pieces of 60 cm long joists and 4 pieces of 110 cm long joists. Note that this measurement is correct if you are working with 4 inch 2 joists.
Step 3: Drill holes for the legs. Measure and mark the center of each cornhole board, then mark 6″ on either side of that point. Drill a hole at each of these points, making sure the holes are deep enough for the legs to fit securely.
Step 4: Attach the legs. Insert the legs into the holes on the cornhole boards and secure them with screws.
Step 5: Sand and finish the boards
Sand the boards and the legs to smooth out any rough edges. If you like, you can paint or varnish the boards to add a touch of colour and protect them from the elements.
Step 6: Time to cut the hole in the board
The hole should be placed in the centre, 15 centimetres from the back (top) edge of the board. Use a jigsaw to cut out the hole. Sand the edge of the hole.
Step 7: Test the boards and make any necessary adjustments. Now you have built a cornhole you can start playing on. But you can also go one step further and design/varnish your cornhole game.
Personalize your cornhole
Once your Cornhole game is built, you can finish and customise it to suit your preferences. Painting or varnishing the board is a popular option, as it gives you the opportunity to add a splash of colour and personalise the set to your taste.
Note: Sand the surface before and between each coat of paint. If you do not sand the board beforehand, the wood fibres will rise and create a rough surface. This can make it difficult to achieve a good slide on the board.
You can also add decals or other designs to the boards to make them more visible. To maintain your set, be sure to protect it from the elements when not in use and store it in a dry place.
Cornhole bags
Now that your Cornhole set is complete, only the bags remain. In the past, corn was used as filling in the bags, but today plastic pellets are almost always used instead. It can be difficult to find the right type of pellets to achieve the correct weight and feel in the bag.
We offer Cornhole bags in the official size (15 x 15 cm), filled with plastic pellets.
Summary on building your own cornhole
Building your own Cornhole set is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to enjoy the game anytime, anywhere.
By following the instructions in this article, you will be able to build a sturdy, durable Cornhole set tailored to your preferences. Be sure to use high-quality materials and tools to ensure the best possible result.
Building a good Cornhole set yourself is often more difficult than you might think. We offer affordable and high-quality Cornhole sets from Europe’s leading manufacturer. Order today and receive it within a few days!
Learn more about rules, strategies, and other essentials in our complete guide to Cornhole.
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