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DIY Cornhole Board

If you’re the DIY type and want to build your own set, check out the instructions and video below. If you want to buy your own, check out our official 2x4 boards and corn-filled bags.

Regulations

The American Cornhole Association (ACA) requires the following:

  • Play boards to be 2’ x 4’ feet made from ½” inch plywood. The front of the platform must stand 2-½” to 4” inches tall and the back of the platform must sit 12” inches off the ground. The board plans below follow these regulations.
  • Bags must be 6” x 6” inches, made from duck canvas, and be filled with two cups of corn feed. Be careful, corn-filled bags are easily ruined by moisture, so store them in a dry place and don’t play in the rain. It’s easiest to buy these bags; instructions on how to make the bags are not provided.

Tools and Materials List

Tools:

    • Measuring Tape
    • Square
    • Compass
    • Clamps
    • Circular Saw
    • Jig Saw
    • Drill with ½” inch drill bit and Phillips-head screw bit
    • Orbital Sander
    • Paint Roller

Materials:

    • Two 24" x 48" inch pieces of 1/2" inch pressure-treated plywood for the board surface
    • Four 48" inch 2x4’s for the frame
    • Four 21” inch 2x4’s for the frame
    • Four 11-1/2" inch 2x4’s for the legs
    • Four 4" inch carriage bolts with (four) washers and (four) wing nuts
    • 1-lb. box of 1-5/8" deck screws
    • Wood Putty
    • High-Gloss Paint
    • Primer

Step #1: Construct the Boards

  1. Cut the plywood into two 2’ x 4’ foot sections.
  2. Cut the 2x4’s to the length specified in the materials list.
  3. Fasten the 2x4’s into a box with the 21” inch pieces inside the 48” inch pieces to form a 2’ x 4’ foot box.
  4. Lay the plywood on top of the box and use the plywood to square up the 2x4 frame.
  5. Fasten the plywood onto the frame with 1-5/8” inch screws.
  6. Repeat for the second platform box.

Step #2: Trim Legs

  1. Make a full 3-1/2" inch radius-cut on one end of each leg. To make the cut, measure 1-3/4" inches down the length of the 2x4 and draw a line across it. Place a compass point centered on that line then draw the arc. Use a jigsaw to make the cut.
  2. Turn the box upside down and lay a leg parallel, flush up against one of the top corners with the radius side in the corner. Clamp into place.
  3. From inside the box, make a mark in the center of the 2x4 vertically inside the radius. Drill a 1/2" inch hole through the side of the box and through the support leg.

Step #3: Attach Legs

  1. Install the carriage bolt through both holes and attach with a washer and a wing nut.
  2. Check for operation. See if the legs can fold up and down inside of the platform. You may have to adjust the radius top if it is binding anywhere. Use a sander to do this.
  3. Repeat for the other legs.

 

Step #4: Angle Cut the Leg Ends

  1. Turn the box right-side up and set it on a worktable with the legs tucked under. Place a block (or anything that will hold it up) under the box so that the back of the platform is 12” inches off the tabletop.
  2. Slide the box to the edge of the table, pull down the leg closest to the edge so that it hangs just over the table edge.
  3. Using the tabletop as a guide, draw a straight line across the bottom of the leg 2x4. Repeat for the opposite side.
  4. Cut the ends off using a circular saw.

 

Step #5: Cut Out Cornhole

  1. Find the centerpoint of the hole by marking 9" inches down from the top and 12" inches in from each side.
  2. Around the spot you just marked, create a 6” inch diameter circle using a compass.
  3. Pre-drill a hole along the edge of the circle large enough to accept the jigsaw blade.
  4. Remove the drill and use a jigsaw to cut out the circle.
  5. Sand the edges of the hole smooth.
  6. Repeat for the other cornhole.

Step #6: Sand, Finish, and Decorate

  1. Sand the entire board and around all edges including inside the circle.
  2. Putty all screw holes.
  3. Prime the entire box.
  4. When primer dries, re-sand the entire box.
  5. Wipe clean with light, damp cloth and paint with high-gloss paint. Here’s your chance to get creative and decorate your boards with a unique design.

 

DIY Video

Below is an excellent video by DIYPete that details the above steps:


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