Premium Cornhole Boards DIY
by travis.muszynski in Workshop > Woodworking
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Premium Cornhole Boards DIY
In this video I’m going to show you how to make premium DIY cornhole boards. I’m going to cover cornhole board dimensions, tools and materials you will need as well as show you how to do it yourself.
However, I’m also going to do a few things a little differently. I used box joints for the frame, LED lights for the holes and beverage holders built into the legs. I also used premium finishes to give the boards a classy look.
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Supplies
-(2) 2’x4’ 1/2” birch plywood
-(4) 1x4 8ft
-(4) 1x2 8ft
-(4) 1/2" x 4" carriage bolts
-(8) ½" washers
-(4) ½" wing nuts
-1 ¼" pocket hole screws
-Wood Filler
-Stain
-Spray Polyurethane
-Wood glue Tools Used
-Dado Set https://amzn.to/3iROpSW
-6” hole saw https://amzn.to/3iROpSW
-2 3/4" hole saw
-Router with ⅛" round over bit https://amzn.to/3v48BFT
-Drill/driver
Cut Frame
For the frame I used pine 1x4s. Cut 4 pieces to 24” and 4 pieces to 48”.
Cut Box Joints
To build my frame, I decided to use box joints because I didn't want to see any fasteners and I wanted it too look classy. You could also use regulars screws or pocket hole screws.
Assemble Frame
Use wood glue to assemble the frame, be sure your corners are square.
Once the glue is dry, I like to use Minwax stainable wood filler to fill any small gaps in the box joints before sanding. I put a link to it in the description.
Cut Face Boards
Measure the inner dimensions of the frames and then cut the ½” birch plywood to fit. I recommend a table saw, Kreg rip cut or track saw.
Install Face and Leg Supports
Seeing as how I’m using 1x4’s I thought it would be good to add a little more wood to support the lag bolts for the legs.
I also installed the face and then attached 1x2 around the inner perimeter for screws for the face. This way the outside of the boards will have no visible fasteners.
Cut Holes
Mark the center point for the 6” hole. The hole should be centered and 9” from the top.
Drill a small guide hole and then drill the 6” hole with a hole saw. You could also use a jigsaw if you prefer that method.
If using a hole saw, start the cut on one side and finish it on the other. This will reduce the risk of tear out.
Break the edge with a round over bit and then sand the hole smooth.
Make Legs
First cut the round side and drill hole for the ½’ lag bolts.
Mark the lag bolt hole location in the frame and drill the holes.
Now put the legs in the installed position, and then use something to get the top edge of the board at 12” You can’t see it, but I’m marking where the leg meets the table.
I used my first leg as a template for the other three.
Make Beverage Holder (Optional)
Now, if you want one, make a beverage holder to attach to the legs. To some people this is optional. I am not one of those people...
I used pocket holes on the bottom to fasten it and a hole saw for the beverage holes.
Stain
You can paint your boards, but obviously, I’m classy, so I chose stain. I used white stain for the frame and a dark espresso stain for the face.
Assemble Face to Frame
Now, put the face in the frame and screw in in using the countersunk holes made in a previous step.
Polyurethane
Now protect your boards with either spray or brush on polyurethane. I like to lightly sand the stain before this step to even out the finish.
Final Assembly
Finally, install the legs and any other finishing touches you prefer. I wanted an LED lighted hole and a vinyl monogram decal.
Now, fill that beverage hole with your beverage of choice, grab your bags and your buddies and see who is the best of the best!