DIY Cornhole board game guide

Cornhole, a beloved backyard game, captures the essence of leisure and camaraderie. Whether it is a family gathering or a weekend barbecue, the game brings joy to any occasion. Have you ever wondered how those iconic cornhole boards are made? This comprehensive guide will take you through crafting your cornhole boards. You’ll find everything you need to know, from choosing the right materials to mastering the game. 

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Cornhole Game: About the game

Before diving into the construction, let’s understand the basics of the cornhole game. The name cornhole originated from the game’s objective: to throw bags filled with corn (or beans) into a hole on a board. Here’s a quick overview of how the game is played:

• Two teams compete, each consisting of two players.
• One team throws bags at the board with a hole at the opposite end of the playing field.
• Points are scored based on where the bags land – in the hole or on/near the board.
• The first team to reach 21 points emerges victorious.
• Objective: The objective of Cornhole is to toss bean bags, usually filled with corn kernels or beans, into a hole on a raised wooden platform. Players or teams compete to score points by landing their bags in or on the platform.

Equipment:

• Cornhole Boards: These are rectangular wooden boards with a hole near the top. Regulation boards are typically 2 foot by 4 foot.
• Bean Bags: Each player or team typically has four bean bags. The bags are often filled with corn kernels or beans and are usually 6 inch by 6 inch in size.
• Distance: The regulation distance between the two boards is 27 foot for adults and 21 foot for children.
• Scoring: Scoring in Cornhole is straightforward. A bag that goes through the hole is worth 3 points, while a bag that lands on the board but not in the hole is worth 1 point. The objective is to reach a set number of points (usually 21) before your opponent does.

Gameplay:

• Players or teams take turns tossing the bean bags from one end of the playing area towards the opposite board.
• Scoring is calculated after all eight bags have been thrown in a round.
• If a bag is touching the ground but leaning against the board and not touching it, it does not count as a point.
• The game continues until one player or team reaches the set number of points and wins.

• Variations: There are many regional and house rules variations of Cornhole. Some people play with different scoring systems, board sizes, or distance requirements. Cornhole can be adapted to fit the preferences of the players.
• Popularity: Cornhole has gained popularity in the United States and is often played at social gatherings, tailgate parties, and in backyards. There are also organised tournaments, including the American Cornhole League (ACL), which has helped promote the game at a competitive level.
• Etymology: The name Cornhole is believed to have originated from the bags’ traditional filling, which was often corn kernels. It is also known by various regional names, including “baggo,” “bean bag toss,” and “corn toss.”

 

Cornhole Board: Importance

• Cornhole promotes outdoor activity and social bonding.
• Building your boards offers customisation and personalisation options.
• Enhances hand-eye coordination and friendly competition.

 

Materials for building your DIY Cornhole Boards

To begin your cornhole board project, ensure you have the right materials at your disposal:

• Two pieces of 4×4 lumber (each 24 inch long)
• One piece of 2×6 lumber (48 inch long)
• One piece of ¾-inch plywood (24×48 inch)
• 16 feet of 2×4 lumber
• Drill
• Hammer
• Nail Gun or Staple Gun
• Level
• Square
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Paint or Stain
• Screws
• Washers

 

Making the Cornhole boards: easy steps

Now that you have your materials ready, let’s walk through the process of making your DIY Cornhole boards step by step:

Preparing the wood for construction

For long-lasting Cornhole boards, ensure the wood is prepared adequately:

• Use good quality lumber free of knots and defects.
• Check that the lumber is properly dried to prevent warping.
• Accurately cut the wood to the required dimensions.
• Sand the wood to a smooth finish, eliminating rough edges.

 

Cutting the wood

Cut the 4×4 lumber into two 24-inch pieces and 2×6 lumber into one 48-inch piece. Next, cut the plywood into two 24×48-inch pieces.

 

Building the frame

The frame is a crucial part of your cornhole board. It should be strong enough to support bags and levels for smooth gameplay. Here’s how to build a sturdy frame:

• Attach 4×4 lumber to the 2×6 using screws and washers, making sure the frame is square.
• Secure the plywood to the frame with screws or nails, countersinking them.

 

Attaching the plywood

• Place one piece of plywood on top of the frame and secure it using screws or nails. Ensure they are countersunk to be flush with the plywood surface.

 

Adding the holes for the bags to play

• Ensure the holes are evenly spaced and the correct size.
• Align the holes precisely using a template or ruler.
• Sand any rough edges around the holes for a smooth finish.

 

Adding the legs

• Use the correct size of 2×4 lumber for legs.
• Attach the legs securely to the underside of the frame using screws or nails.
• Check for even spacing and ensure the boards are level.

 

Painting or staining the boards

• Sand any rough edges for a consistent finish.
• Apply the paint or stain, ensuring it’s durable and won’t chip or peel easily.
• Add any graphics or decals for a personal touch.

 

Carrying handles (optional)

• You can add carrying handles by screwing them into the frame to make transporting your board easier.

 

Cornhole boards: How to play?

Now that your boards are ready, it’s time to enjoy the game. Playing cornhole is easy and fun:

• Set up the boards 27 foot apart from each front edge to front edge.
• Each player or team takes turns pitching four cornhole bags.
• Scoring is based on where the bags land.
• The first team to reach 21 points wins the game.

 

Cornhole: Rules

Understanding the rules is crucial for a competitive and enjoyable game:

• The playing surface should be 2×4 foot.
• Use 8 cornhole bags (4 of each colour).
• Each bag is 6×6 inch and weighs one pound.
• Bags must be pitched underhand, and players must stand behind the front line.
• Teams stay in their respective lanes throughout the game.
• The game begins with a coin flip to determine which team has honours.
• Scoring includes 3 points for a bag through the hole, 1 point for a bag on the surface, and more as per specific rules.

 

Key considerations

Regulation dimensions: If you plan to use your Cornhole set for competitive play or in organised tournaments, it’s essential to adhere to the official regulation dimensions. This includes the size of the boards (2 foot by 4 foot) and the distance between the boards (27 foot for adults, 21 foot for children). Ensuring your set meets these standards is crucial for a consistent and fair game.

 

Materials quality: Use high-quality materials for your Cornhole set. Choose sturdy plywood for the boards and durable lumber for the frame. The wood should be smooth and free from defects to create a professional and consistent playing surface.

 

Sturdiness: Make sure your Cornhole boards are stable and well-constructed. The frame should be strong and square and the legs should provide adequate support to prevent wobbling during play. Consider adding crossbars for additional stability if needed.

 

Smooth playing surface: Sand the plywood playing surface to remove any rough spots, splinters or imperfections. A smooth playing surface is crucial for bags to slide properly.

 

Consistency in weight: If you’re making your own bean bags, ensure they are filled with a consistent amount of corn kernels or beans. Bags should weigh the same (usually around 1 pound or 16 ounce) to maintain a fair and even game.

 

Weatherproofing: If you plan to use your cornhole set outdoors, apply a weather-resistant sealant or outdoor paint to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays and wear. This will help extend the lifespan of your set.

 

Leg angle: Properly adjust the angle of the legs to provide a slight incline, typically around 12 degrees. This angle helps direct the bags into the hole and enhances gameplay.

 

Safe construction: Ensure that there are no protruding screws, sharp edges or other safety hazards on the boards or frame. Safety should always be a priority, especially if children will be playing the game.

 

Board alignment: Ensure the holes in both boards are aligned accurately and are centred. Misaligned holes can make the game unfair and frustrating.

 

Customisation: Feel free to personalise your cornhole set with your choice of paint or design. Customisation can add a unique touch and make your set stand out.

 

Storage: Consider where and how you will store your cornhole set when it’s not in use. Storing it indoors or under a cover can help protect it from the elements and prolong its lifespan.

 

Practice and test: Before using your set for competitive play, test it out to ensure that it meets regulation standards and that the gameplay is fair and consistent.

 

Remember that while these points are important for creating a high-quality cornhole set, you can also customise your project to suit your preferences and intended use, whether it’s for casual backyard fun or serious tournament play.

 

To preserve your cornhole set

• Store indoors: To protect your cornhole set from the elements, store it indoors when not in use. This will help prevent warping, fading and damage from rain or sunlight.
• Use a clear coat: Apply a clear, weather-resistant sealant or outdoor paint to the boards to preserve the wood and protect the surface from moisture, UV rays, and wear.
• Cover when not in use: Use a cover or tarp to keep your cornhole boards and bags protected when stored outdoors. This helps prevent dirt, dust and moisture from damaging the set.

 

FAQs

What is a Cornhole?

Cornhole is a popular outdoor lawn game where players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it.

Do other names also know Cornhole?

Cornhole is sometimes called bean bag toss, baggo or dummy boards in various regions.

What's the objective of Cornhole?

The objective is to score points by getting bean bags into the hole or landing them on the board, with specific scoring rules.

How many players can participate in Cornhole?

Cornhole can be played with two or four players, with teams of two players each.

What are the rules of Cornhole?

The rules of Cornhole involve two teams of two players, each taking turns to throw four bean bags at a hole in a raised platform. The first team to reach 21 points wins. Specific throwing rules include underhand throws and staying behind the front line.

What is the distance for a Cornhole?

The boards are set 27 foot apart for North American games, while international games usually use a distance of 21 foot.

Can you throw an overhand in Cornhole?

You can, but it's less effective; underhand throws are more successful.

How many boards do you need in Cornhole?

The number of boards depends on the number of players. For four players, you need two boards and it varies accordingly.

What equipment is needed to play Cornhole?

To play Cornhole, you need a set of two raised boards with a hole in them and eight bean bags, four of one colour and four of another.

How is scoring done in Cornhole?

Scoring in Cornhole is based on bags that land on the board (1 point) and bags that go through the hole (3 points). The team or player with the most points wins.

Can Cornhole be played indoors?

Yes, Cornhole can be played indoors, although it is traditionally an outdoor game.

What are some tips for improving your Cornhole game?

Practise your throwing technique, develop a consistent aim, and become familiar with different tossing strategies to enhance your Cornhole skills.

Where can I buy a Cornhole set?

Cornhole sets are available in sports and outdoor recreation stores, online marketplaces and specialty game stores.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com