How to Build Your Own Cornhole Board: Step-by-Step Guide

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Cornhole is a fun outdoor game perfect for cottage get-togethers, BBQs, or casual backyard fun. Building your own Cornhole board is a great weekend project. With just a few materials and tools, you can create a durable, regulation-size board for endless hours of fun. Here’s how!

Materials You’ll Need:

(2) 2′ x 4′ plywood or (1) 4′ x 8′ sheets for the board surface
(Thicker is not always better. Don’t overbuild or it’ll be too heavy!)
(4) 2″ x 4″ boards (for the frame)
Wood screws
4 bolts (for foldable legs)
Wood glue
Measuring tape
Pencil
Jigsaw or hole saw (for cutting the hole)
Drill
Sandpaper or sander
Paint or wood stain (optional for finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the Board Surface

Start by preparing the surface of your Cornhole boards. Using the (2) 2′ x 4′ plywood sheets, you’ll have the foundation of your Cornhole set. These dimensions follow the official Cornhole regulation size, but feel free to modify if needed.

2. Create the Frame

Cut the 2″ x 4″ boards to form a rectangular frame for each piece of plywood. The frame will help stabilize and support the surface. You’ll need:

(2) 48″ lengths (for the sides)
(2) 21″ lengths (for the top and bottom)

Assemble the frame by screwing or nailing the 2″ x 4″ pieces to the underside of the plywood. Make sure the frame is flush with the plywood surface.

3. Measure and Cut the Hole

From the top of each plywood board, measure 9″ down the center and mark this spot—this is where your Cornhole target hole will go. Use a compass or any circular object to draw a 6-inch-diameter circle.

Use a jigsaw or hole saw to carefully cut out the hole. Sand the edges of the hole to smooth them out.

4. Add the Legs

To make the board stand at an angle, you’ll need to add foldable legs to the frame.

Cut two 11.5″ lengths from your remaining 2″ x 4″ boards for each board (total of 4 pieces).
On one end of each leg, round off the edge to allow it to pivot easily when attached to the frame.
Attach each leg to the inside of the top frame using a bolt and washer, so they can fold in and out easily.

The official height from the ground to the top of the board (near the hole) should be 12″. Adjust the length of the legs as necessary to get the correct angle.

5. Sand and Finish

Once the structure of the boards is complete, it’s important to sand all the surfaces, especially the top of the board, to ensure smooth play. Sand the edges of the board and the hole thoroughly to avoid any rough spots.

After sanding, you can leave the wood as is for a rustic look, or paint/stain the boards with your favourite colours or designs. A polyurethane coating can be applied to protect the boards from weathering and enhance durability.

6. Enjoy Your Game!

Once your boards are dry and the legs are attached, your custom Cornhole boards are ready to go! Grab some Cornhole bags (which you can purchase or make), and start playing.

The instructions provided in this guide are for informational purposes only. We recommend following safety precautions when using power tools and handling materials. Build and use at your own risk, and ensure that the board is constructed securely to avoid accidents or injuries during gameplay. We are not responsible for any damages, injuries, or incidents that may result from the use of this guide. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps in the building process.