How to Build a Cornhole Set? | Regulation Plans

Building a regulation cornhole set from plywood and 2x4s is a weekend project that costs less than buying a quality set, and it lets you control the finish. These instructions follow the standards used by the American Cornhole Association, so your boards will measure up at any backyard tournament.

Regulation Cornhole Board Dimensions

Before cutting anything, lock in the numbers. Every official rule set uses the same basic dimensions, so a board built to these specs works for casual play and league play alike.

The playing surface is a smooth ½ in plywood sheet measuring 48 in long by 24 in wide.

Metric conversions sometimes round up to 120 cm × 60 cm, but stick with the inch measurements for a true regulation board.

Materials and Tools for a Regulation Set

Gather everything before you start, so the build runs without a trip to the hardware store mid-project. These materials cover one board; double everything for a full set.

• One 4 ft × 4 ft sheet of ½ in smooth plywood (cuts two tops)
• 2×4 lumber for the frame and legs
• Two 3/8 in carriage bolts with washers and nuts per board
• Deck or wood screws for the frame
• 6 in hole saw or jigsaw with a circle-cutting guide
• Sandpaper and exterior paint, stain, or polyurethane

Safety first: wear eye protection and work gloves when cutting wood and drilling. A dull blade binds; a sharp one does the job faster with less force.

How to Build the Boards: Step by Step

These steps follow the standard build order found in official how-to guides. Take your time on the frame—it determines how flat the board stays.

1. Cut the top. From the plywood sheet, cut a piece exactly 48 in × 24 in. Sand the edges smooth.
2. Build the frame. Cut 2x4s to form a rectangle that fits flush under the top’s edges. Use a long piece for each side and shorter pieces for the top and bottom of the frame. Screw the corners together.
3. Attach the top. Lay the plywood on the frame and drive screws through the frame into the plywood every 6–8 in. Keep the screw heads flush so they do not catch bags.
4. Cut the hole. Measure 9 in down from the top edge and mark the center. Use a hole saw or jigsaw to cut a clean 6 in circle.
5. Make the legs. Cut 2×4 stock to length, then cut one end at a 25-degree angle so the leg sits flat on the ground when the board is raised. Attach with 3/8 in carriage bolts so the legs pivot freely.
6. Finish the surface. Sand everything smooth, fill any gaps, and apply exterior paint or a few coats of polyurethane. A slick, sealed top lets bags slide consistently.

when the legs rotate without sticking and the board holds steady at its 12 in back height, the build is sound.

If you would rather buy than build, our roundup of top-rated cornhole sets for backyard play compares ready-made options across price and build quality.

Setting Up the Court for Play

A level surface matters more than exact width—sloped ground turns a straight throw into a gamble.

Avoid the common pitfalls that ruin a first build: MDF or warped plywood instead of smooth ½ in plywood, a hole cut off-center, legs at the wrong angle, and skipping the final seal. Each mistake shows up in the first game, so measure twice and finish properly.