How to Build a Custom Cornhole Game

A game of cornhole is almost mandatory for a summertime backyard barbeque. Also known as bags or baggo, cornhole is the beanbag-tossing game every age and skill level can enjoy. If you really want to impress your neighbors or fellow players, build regulation-size cornhole boards. The surface provides a blank canvas to paint your favorite team’s colors or logo (or with your family’s name, of course). Follow along as we show you how to make one of America’s favorite backyard games.

Supplies

• Table saw
• 1 sheet of 1/2 x 48 x 96-inch AB plywood
• (5) 2 x 4 x 96-inch plywood boards
• Tape measure
• Compass
• Pencil
• Jigsaw
• Wood clamps
• Miter saw
• Sandpaper and/or router
• Power drill with bits (Philips, pilot, and 3/8-inch)
• Tack cloth
• 3-inch deck screws
• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Wood glue
• Nail gun with nails
• Primer
• Paintbrush or foam roller
• Paint
• (4) 1/8-inch wood shim
• (4) 3/8-inch carriage bolts
• (8) 3/8-inc fender washers
• (8) 3/8-inch lock nuts

Cut List

• Board Long Sides: (4) 1-1/2 x 3 x 47-7/8-inch plywood
• Board Long Sides: (4) 1-1/2 x 3 x 47-7/8-inch plywood
• Board Short Sides: (4) 1-1/2 x 3 x 20-7/8-inch plywood
• Leg Connector: (2) 1-1/2 x 3 x 17-5/8-inch plywood
• Legs: (4) 1-1/2 x 3 x 12-5/8-inch plywood
• Board Top: (2) 1/2 x 23-7/8 x 47-7/8-inch plywood

Step 1: Cut a Hole

Using a table saw, make cuts according to the list above. Mark a circle on one plywood board top by measuring down 9 inches from the top of the board. Using a compass, draw a 6-inch circle around. Cut the hole in the plywood board using a jigsaw. Clamp that board onto the other plywood board top and trace the circle for matching holes.

Step 2: Make Legs and Sand

Using a miter saw cut one end of each leg at a 27-degree angle. At the opposite end of each the leg, measure in 1-5/8-inch from the sides and top. Place compass point at that spot, then use the compass to mark a rounded end. Cut your traced edge. Smooth edges with a router or sandpaper. Wipe away sawdust with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Connect Legs

Place a 17-5/8-inch leg connect board between two legs. It should form an H, with both rounded edges facing the same direction. Attach with screws; fill holes with spackle.

Step 4: Make Frame

Assemble the frame that will support the top with the hole. Butt two 20-7/8-inch short sides between two 47-7/8-inch long sides to form a rectangle. Clamp to keep frame square, then screw it together. (You may want to drill pilot holes first.) Once secure, place a bead of glue along the top edges of the frame and set the plywood surface on top. Nail top to frame. Repeat with remaining sides and top to create the second cornhole board.

Editor’s Tip:

If you can, clamp your boards onto a completely flat surface while glue is drying. This will help prevent warping.

Step 5: Sand Smooth

Route around the outside edges smooth and ensure the frame and top are flush. Wipe away any sawdust with a tack cloth when finished.

Step 6: Paint

Prime and paint legs and board surface separately. Put your own artistic spin on the board. Let dry.

Step 7: Drill Holes for Legs

Bore a 3/8-inch hole through the legs at the center point of the rounded ends. Flip the board upside down and place 1/8-inch shims at the corners in an L-shape, along the inside base and top edge of the board. Set the leg configuration within the shims, place drill bit through the pre drilled leg holes, and drill a 3/8-inch hole into the cornhole frame. Repeat on the opposite side and with the second cornhole board.

Step 8: Attach Legs to Frame

Remove spacers. Thread the carriage bolt through the frame from the outside in. Thread the remaining materials onto the bolt in the following order: one fender washer, the leg, a second fender washer, a lock washer, and two 3/8-inch nuts. Secure tightly and repeat on the second side and for the second cornhole board.