How to Make Cornhole Boards
Cornhole Boards are actually pretty easy to make. The typical cornhole board design is simple and straightforward. In fact, if you’re handy at all and familiarize yourself with the official cornhole board dimensions, you can probably figure out for yourself how to make cornhole boards.
If you aren’t quite as handy, read the basic instructions for making cornhole boards below, and check out our favorite bag boards plans.
How to Build Cornhole Boards
When learning how to make cornhole boards you’ll find that the platform is actually one of the easier parts to build. Start with building the frame, then add the top of the board.
Step 1: The Frame
The proper dimensions for a cornhole board are 48 inches by 24 inches, or 4 feet by 2 feet. The frame of your cornhole board should reflect these dimensions, because the top will need support from edge to edge. Cut and join 2x4s, PVC pipe, or whatever other material you choose to meet these dimensions. Make sure all your corners are perfectly square… this is harder than you think if you don’t have the right tools. Join them with screws or bolts that will hold them firmly in place.
Step 2: The Top
The top of a wooden cornhole board is often made out of a sheet of plywood that is cut to the 24”x48” dimensions. You can also use a sheet of thick plastic, if you’re going with a similar route. It doesn’t matter what material you’re using (again, look our hand-picked plans), just make sure the top is cut to the right size.
Attach the top of your platform to the frame you built in step one. Again, use a sufficient amount of screws or bolts (or a really strong adhesive) to firmly attach the top. I like to do this before I cut the hole, but do whatever you find easiest.
To cut the hole, use either a jig saw or, for a cleaner cut, a 6-inch hole saw. When you cut, you want the center of the circle to be nine inches from the top edge of the board and centered between the side edges (12 inches from each).
Step 3: The Legs
The platform of a cornhole board is straightforward as the dimensions are always the same. The legs, however, change depending on the design you followed to build the platforms and what material you are using for the legs. The top of a cornhole board platform should be raised 3 inches off the ground in the front and 12 inches off the ground in the back. Most designs down require any legs in the front of the board, but the back legs will need to be custom-built to get the back of the board the desired 12 inches. Remember folks, measure twice-cut once!
Cornhole Board Designs
Once your board is built, feel free to paint, stain or otherwise decorate your board in anyway you see fit. Wooden boards should probably be sanded, stained and coated in polyurethane for a smooth sleek surface. Make sure there is not anything sticking out that will snag bags or negatively affect gameplay. Otherwise, now is your chance to be creative. Have fun.