Bean bag toss, often called cornhole, is a beloved lawn game played nationwide. From tailgates to backyard barbecues, it’s simple, inclusive, and fun for players of all ages and abilities.
These cornhole boards were built with a patriotic “Stars and Stripes” design for the Fourth of July, combining durable construction with bold red, white, and blue paint.
Estimated Project Time
This is a great afternoon project. Building a pair of cornhole boards typically takes about three hours, plus drying time for paint. Start early so they’re ready to play on the 4th of July.
Tools & Supplies
- 4 – 48″ 2×4 pieces
- 4 – 21″ 2×4 pieces
- 4 – 12″ 2×4 pieces
- 2 – 48″ x 24″ birch-covered ½” plywood sheets
- Box of 2″ deck screws
- 4 – 3/8″ carriage bolts with washers and wingnuts
- Sandpaper: 180 and 220 grit
- Drill/driver with Phillips bit
- ¼” drill bit
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Red, white, and blue paint
- Stencil kit (star shapes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clear a clean work area and gather all tools and materials.
2. Measure and cut all 2×4 pieces and the plywood sheets to size with a circular saw or jigsaw.
3. Sand all cut edges and sand the surface of the birch plywood with 180 then 220 grit for a smooth finish.
4. Mark and cut the hole in each board: the hole should be 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top edge and 12 inches from each side. Ensure measurements are accurate for consistent play.
5. To draw the circle, find the center point and use a compass. If you don’t have a compass, tie a pencil to a 3″ length of string pinned at the center to trace a perfect circle.
6. Drill a starter hole large enough for the jigsaw blade inside the marked circle, then cut along the line with the jigsaw.
7. Sand both the inside and outside edges of the hole until smooth.
8. Assemble the frame by aligning the 2×4 side and end pieces. Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.
9. Secure the frame pieces with 2″ deck screws driven into the pre-drilled holes.
10. Check that each corner is square so the plywood platform will sit flat and even on the frame.
11. Place the plywood platform over the frame, aligning the edges so it sits evenly.
12. Pre-drill holes in each corner of the platform, then drive screws to secure those corners.
13. Add additional screws along the sides, top, and bottom to firmly attach the platform to the frame.
14. Prepare the folding legs: round one end of each leg so they can pivot and fold for compact storage.
15. Measure and mark the center point on the top end of each leg and draw a half-circle guide where you’ll round the end.
16. Cut and sand the rounded end of each leg, then drill a 3/8″ hole through the center where the leg will pivot.
17. Hold the leg against the underside of the board at the top (the end with the hole), and mark the center point through the leg onto the frame.
18. Drill through the frame and attach the leg with a 3/8″ carriage bolt, washer, and wingnut so the leg can fold and be tightened or loosened as needed.
19. Create the patriotic stencil: print or draw a star pattern and cut out the stencil pieces for painting.
20. Paint one board solid red and the other board solid blue as the primary background colors. Apply one or two coats as needed for full coverage.
21. Use painter’s tape to mask off areas on the red board you want to remain white, then paint the exposed sections white.
22. Position your star stencil on the blue board and paint white stars across the surface. Take care to hold the stencil firmly or use spray adhesive to prevent bleed.
23. Allow all paint to dry completely. Once dry, assemble any remaining hardware, bring out the bean bags, and enjoy playing!
