Lowe's DIY Cornhole Boards

It’s almost Springtime and it’s finally time to get back outside for some backyard BBQ and fun!.  We might be the only people to NOT have a Cornhole set at this point so we thought we’d make our own.  Maybe you need a NEW one and want to try and make your own?!  The skill level for this project is easy, we’ll show you how we made ours using DIY Cornhole Board Plans from Lowe’s.

Materials List: 
3 – 1 x 3 x 8
1 – 2 x 3 x 8
2 - 24 x 48 pre-cut plywood boards (we used 1/2" oak)
4 – 3/8-in x 3-in Hex-Head Bolts 
12 - 3/8-in Flat Washers
4 - 3/8-in Hex Nuts
1-1/4-in Deck Screws
2-in Deck Screws
 
Supplies:
Table Saw or Circular Saw and Straightedge  Miter Saw 
Jigsaw with a Fine-Tooth Wood-Cutting Blade 
Drill / Driver with Drill Bits, Countersink and Driver Bit 
Tape Measure 
Circle Compass 
Clamps 

Assembly Instructions: 
Cut 4 side pieces for the frame at 48
​Cut 6  top, bottom & support rails at 22 1/2

The picture below shows rails assembled with screws.  We used a Kreg Jig and drilled pocket holes into the  6 rail boards.  Glue and screw together two frames.

Attach Plywood Top: 
Using the 24x48 pre-cut plywood sheet, glue and screw to the top of frames.  Since the screw holes are very close to the sides of the top board, drill countersunk pilot holes 3/8 inch from the edges to prevent splitting when driving the screws.

Mark a center point for the deck hole 9" downd and 12" from the side.  Using the compass draw a 6-inch-diameter circle on each.  We wanted to use a 6” hole saw, but that thing was $40!  So we’re going the DIY route and drilling a 3/8-inch hole just inside each circle and we’ll use the jigsaw to cut the holes. 

Cutting the Legs: 
Cut the 4 legs using the 2x3x8 at 12”.  Cut an 11-degree angle on one end of each leg. Mark the center point on the width of the board 1-1/4 inches from the end and draw the 1-1/4-inch radius on the other end of each leg. Round off the ends of the legs with a jigsaw and sand.

Drill Leg Holes: 
With the game boards upside down, position a leg assembly inside each target frame at the upper end.  With the rounded ends of the legs barely touching the rails, clamp one leg to one side of each frame. Using the hole in the leg as a guide, drill a 1/4-inch hole through the side. Unclamp the leg and clamp the other leg to the opposite side of each frame. Drill the second hole.

If you wish to paint and/or stain your boards, it is easier to do so before attaching the legs. We finished the top with an exterior sealer/stain (Minwax Classic Gray) and painted the frame.  We gave the tops an additional decorative treatment with a painted border and a vinyl stencil.

Attach Legs: 
With the finish dry, attach the leg assemblies to the sides with bolts, flat washers and locknuts. Avoid overtightening the locknuts to let the legs swing freely open and closed.

Visit http://www.americancornhole.com/ for the Official Cornhole Rules

Original Lowe's Plans used: https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/porch-deck-and-patio/diy-cornhole-board-plans/project#noop
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