How to DIY a Set of Cornhole Boards

We've broken down the instructions for this cornhole how-to into sections to help you better understand what should be prioritized in the project.

How to Build the Board Frames

1. Cut Lumber

   Cut two pieces of 1x3 lumber to 47 inches long, using a circular saw or jigsaw. Cut two more pieces to 21 1/2 inches long.

2. Make a Rectangular Frame

   Fit the two longer pieces over the ends of the shorter pieces to form a rectangular frame.

3. Drill Pilot Holes and Fasten Pieces

   Drill pilot holes, using a drill-driver and a piloting-countersink bit, and fasten the pieces together with two 1 5/8-inch wood ​screws at each corner of the frame. 

4. Repeat for Second Frame

   Repeat the same process to build a second frame.

How to Attach the Cross-Braces

1. Cut Pieces for Cross-Braces

   Cut two pieces of 1x3 at 21 1/2 inches long for the cross-braces.

2. Fit Cross-Braces

   Fit one of the cross-braces across the middle of each frame so it is centered end to end on the frame.

3. Drill Pilot Holes and Fasten Cross-Brace

   Drill pilot holes and fasten the cross-brace at each end with two 1 5/8-inch wood screws.

How to Add the Playing Surfaces

1. Cut Pieces

   Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to 47 1/2 inches long by 23 1/2 wide.

2. Center Plywood

   Center each plywood piece over one of the frames so the plywood edges overhang the frame by 1/4 inch at all sides.

3. Drill Pilot Holes and Fasten Plywood

   Drill pilot holes and fasten the plywood with 1 5/8-inch wood screws along each edge.

How to Fill the Screw Holes

1. Fill Screw Holes, Then Smooth Filler

   Fill the screw holes with wood filler or putty, then smooth the filler with a putty knife. Let the filer dry as directed. 

How to Cut the Cornholes

1. Mark Center-Points

   Mark a center-point 8 7/8 inches down from the top of each playing surface, and centered side to side.

2. Draw Circle Around Center-Points

   Use a pencil compass to draw a 6-inch-diameter circle around each center-point.

3. Drill Hole and Complete Cutout

   Drill a 3/8-inch starter hole just inside the circle. Insert the blade of the jigsaw into the starter hole and cut along the inside of the circle to complete the cornhole cutout. 

   Tip

   Alternatively, if you own a router, you can cut the holes with a straight bit and a circle-cutting jig. Make the cut in four or five passes so as to not overwork the router or cause the bit to burn.

How to Create the Legs

1. Cut Piece, Mark Center-Point, and Cut Semicircle

   Cut one piece of 1x3 to at least 13 inches long. Mark a center-point about 1 1/2 inches from one end of the board, and centered side to side. Using the compass, draw a semicircle at the end of the board, pivoting on the center-point. Cut the semicircle with a jigsaw. 

2. Drill Hole at the Center-Point

   Drill a hole for a 2 5/16-inch bolt (to attach the leg assembly to the frame) at the center-point, using a bit that is slightly larger than the threaded shank of the bolt. 

3. Measure and Draw Line, Then Cut Leg End

   Measure from the semicircular end and draw a line across the leg at 11 3/4 inches. Using a miter saw or miter box, cut the end of the leg at a 25-degree angle; the angle should start at one end of the marked line and angle upward toward the semicircular end of the leg. 

4. Cut and Drill Remaining Legs

   Use the completed leg as a template to trace three more leg shapes, including the bolt hole, then cut and drill the remaining three legs. 

5. Sand All Edges

   Sand all of the legs and the cornhole boards so all edges and surfaces are smooth and free of splinters. 

How to Drill the Leg Bolt Holes in the Frames

1. Make Marks and Drill

   Make a mark on each long side of each frame, 1 1/8 inch down from the underside of the plywood and 2 inches from the top end of the frame (nearest the cornhole). Drill a hole at each mark, using the same bit you used for the bolt holes on the legs. 

How to Build the Leg Assemblies

1. Cut Pieces

   Cut two pieces of 1x3 to 20 inches long for the leg braces.

2. Place Legs on a Flat Surface

   Place two of the legs on a flat work surface, with the long side edge on the surface.

3. Position Braces

   Position one of the leg braces between the legs about 2 inches up from the pointed ends.

4. Drill Pilot Holes and Fasten Brace

   Drill pilot holes, and fasten the brace with two 1 5/8-inch screws at each end.

5. Repeat Process

   Repeat the same process to complete the other leg assembly. If desired, fill the screw holes, let the filler dry, then sand the filler smooth. 

How to Complete the Project

1. 
   Fit Leg Assembly Inside Frame

   Place each cornhole board upside down on your work surface. Fit a leg assembly inside the board frame so the angled ends of the legs are pointing up and the long points of the angles are closest to the top end of the board (the end with the cornhole).

   

2. Add Washers and Tighten Lock Nut

   Add a washer to each leg bolt and insert it through the outside of the frame and through the leg. Add another flat washer and a lock nut to each bolt. Tighten the lock nut so that the leg assembly is secure but the legs can still fold up easily into the board frame. 

3. Turn Assembly Over

   Turn the assembly over on your work surface and open the legs so that your new board appears ready for play. (Note that the bottom of the legs won't be quite parallel with the ground because you still need to attach the 1/2-inch rubber bumpers to the legs after applying the finish.)

4. Finish Boards With Paint or Stain

   Finish the boards as desired. At the very least, paint the playing surfaces with high-gloss paint, which will allow the bean bags to slide somewhat on the surface. If desired, finish the remaining wood parts with paint or with a stain and/or a protective topcoat, such as polyurethane. Let the finishes dry as directed.

5. Add Rubber Bumpers to Legs

   Add the rubber bumpers to the bottom of the legs to complete the project.