How to Build a DIY Cornhole Set

Build the Board Frames

• Cut lumber: Cut a 1 x 3 board into two 47-inch pieces and another into two 21-1/2 inch pieces.
• Make a rectangular frame: Place the two short pieces over the longer piece's ends to create a rectangular frame and fasten with 1-5/8-inch wood screws.

Repeat this process to build the second frame.

Attach the Cross-Braces

• Cut cross-braces: Cut a 1 x 3 board into two 21-1/2-inch pieces.
• Fasten the cross-braces: Center a cross-brace, drill pilot holes, and fasten on both sides with two 1-5/8-inch wood screws.

Repeat on the second frame.

Add the Playing Surfaces

• Cut the plywood: Cut two pieces of plywood to 47-1/2 inches long by 23-1/2 wide.
• Attach the plywood: Center each plywood piece over one of the frames so the plywood edges overhang the frame by 1/4 inch. Attach to the edges of the frame with screws.

Fill the Screw Holes

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

Cut the Cornholes

• Mark the center points: Mark a center point 8-7/8 inches down from the top of each playing surface and centered side to side.
• Cut the hole: Cut a 6-inch-diameter hole around each center point.

Create the Legs

• Cut the lumber: Cut one piece of 1x3 to at least 13 inches long.
• Round the end: Round off the end with a jigsaw. 
• Drill a hole in the leg: Drill a hole at the leg's center point for the bolt.
• Angle the leg: Cut the other end of the leg at a 25-degree angle. 
• Repeat: Repeat this on the remaining three legs and sand when finished.

Attach the Leg Braces

• Cut the lumber: Cut a 1 x 3 into two 20-inch pieces.
• Place legs on a flat surface: Place two legs on a flat work surface, with the long side edge on the surface.
• Position braces: Position one of the leg braces between the legs about 2 inches from the angled ends.
• Fasten brace: Fasten the brace with two 1-5/8-inch screws at each end. Be sure to drill pilot holes first.

Repeat the same process to complete the other leg assembly.

Drill and Attach Legs to the Frames

• Drill holes: Drill a hole on each long side of each frame, 1-1/8 inch down and 2 inches from the top end of the frame (nearest the cornhole).
• Attach the legs to the frame: 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).
• Add washers and nuts: 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 easily into the board frame. 

Finish Boards With Paint or Stain

Paint the playing surface with high-gloss paint. Another option is to finish the remaining wood parts with stain and a protective topcoat, such as polyurethane. 

Add Rubber Bumpers to Legs

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

Set Up Your Boards and Play

Place the boards 27 feet apart. Two teams play against each other, each player tossing four beanbags in an underhanded motion. Scores are tallied before the next team takes over. A bag that goes through the hole wins three points. A bag that stays on the board wins one point. All other bags receive no points.