Collegiate Times

It’s nearly football season, which means you should prepare to do two things:  jump, and play cornhole.

For those who wish to have their own cornhole board set but do not want to pay for or order one, the process of making a cornhole board is relatively simple. 

Not only will you save money, but you will be able to paint it to your specifications (in orange and maroon, of course).

Note that the supplies are for one board, to make a complete set, double the supplies.

SUPPLIES

(1) sheets of 2’×4’ plywood, 0.5-inch thick  

(4) 8-foot 2×4s 

(4) 3/8th-inch wing nuts 

(4) 4.5-inch-long 3/8th-inch diameter bolts 

(1) box of 2.5-inch wood screws 

(1) jigsaw miter saw 

(1) power drill or screwdriver 

(1) sandpaper compass

STEPS

1.  Using the miter saw, cut the 2×4s according to the following measurements: (2) 4-foot lengths, (2) 21-inch lengths, (2) 16-inch lengths.

2.  To construct the frame, lay the 4-foot long 2×4s down as if they were the long sides of the board. 

Now put the 21-inch long 2×4s on the inside of the board’s ends as if it is the short top and bottom of the board. Place the plywood sheet over the frame to make sure the fit is correct.

3.  If it is, then use the wood screws to connect the pieces together. It is useful to first drill a pilot hole by drilling into the desired spot with a small-diameter screw; this prevents the wood from splitting later.

4.  Secure the plywood sheet onto the constructed frame using the wood screws, again drilling in pilot holes first. Additionally, since these screws will be on the playing surface, it is recommended that you countersink them (if possible) so that they will not stop the bag from sliding.

5.  To measure the hole for your board, measure and mark 9-inches down from the top of the board as well as 12-inches from the sides. 

Using a compass, draw a circle at the resulting point. 

Using your jigsaw, carefully and slowly cut out the circle. Use the sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the opening.

6.  The remaining two 16-inch long 2×4s will be used to construct the legs. Measure and mark 1.75-inches from the top of the board as well as 1.75-inches from each side. 

Place a compass at the resulting point and draw a half-circle upwards. Saw off these corners using the jigsaw, sanding the resulting curved top.  

7.  Repeat for the remaining 2×4.

 8.  Turning the cornhole board over, place a scrap 2×4 against the top corner of the board as a spacer. 

Now place your 16-inch board against this spacer with the boards wide surface facing the side. 

Extend the halfway line of the 16-inch 2×4 onto the attached side of the cornhole board. 

Where this line intersects the halfway line of the attached side is where the bolt that will attach the leg will go.

9.  Repeat for the other side.

10.  Drill a hole at this point through both the side board and with the curved top of the leg. 

Extend a bolt through a washer and then through the two boards. 

Use a wing nut on each side to secure the leg while still allowing it to move.

11. Repeat on the other side.

12.   Placing the cornhole board on a raised surface supported by something beneath it, allow board to be 12-inches off the table. 

Extend the legs fully beyond the end of the cornhole board. Mark where the legs runs flush with the table.

13.  Using the miter saw, trim the legs at the marked line. 

Set the cornhole board up, making sure it is 12-inches off the ground when the legs are extended. 

When you are satisfied, tighten the wing bolts so that the legs are unable to move out of their current position.

Congratulations! Your cornhole board is complete. Sand any rough spots and the top of the board. Having a smooth top surface will help the bags to slide more and make your board a true challenge to all competitors.

A version of this article appeared in the Jul 21 issue of the Collegiate Times.