Backyard Fun, Built by Hand
If there’s one thing that brings folks together — whether it’s a cookout, tailgate, or lazy Sunday afternoon — it’s a good game of cornhole. And nothing beats playing on a set of boards you built yourself.
I recently decided to build a few custom cornhole boards right here in the garage. What started as “just a weekend project” turned into a full-blown production with paint, decals, polyurethane, and plenty of sanding. But let me tell you — it was worth every minute.
The Build
I started with 2x4s for the frame and a smooth sheet of 3/4-inch plywood for the tops. Getting the dimensions right is key — 24″ x 48″ with the hole exactly 6″ wide and centered 9″ from the top. It’s all about that perfect bounce and slide.
Once I had the frames squared up and the tops attached, I drilled out the holes using a jigsaw and a steady hand (and maybe a little trial and error). Then came the sanding — lots of it — to make sure no one gets a splinter mid-throw.
Custom Touches
Here’s where things get fun: design.
Some folks like classic American flags, others want their favorite sports team or last name painted across the boards. For this batch, I went with a rustic wood-burned look on one set, and a red-white-and-blue theme on another. I sealed them up with several coats of polyurethane for that slick game-ready finish.
If you’re feeling creative, there’s no limit to what you can do with cornhole boards — stain patterns, vinyl decals, hand-painted logos, you name it. I’ve even made matching scoreboards and drink holders for the hardcore backyard players.
Why I Love Making Them
Cornhole boards are the perfect mix of form and function — they look great, they’re fun to make, and best of all, they bring people together. Plus, they’re solid sellers at craft shows and local markets, especially during spring, summer, and tailgating season.
Whether you’re building for yourself or making them as a gift, it’s a satisfying project that shows off your craftsmanship and creativity.
If you’re looking to order a custom set or want to see a few of the ones I’ve built, swing by the shop or drop me a message. And if you’re building your own, I’m always happy to share tips and tricks I’ve learned the hard way (like double-checking your board angles before you glue them up… trust me).
Game on!