The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole Boards

If you’re a cornhole enthusiast, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cornhole boards.

From regulation dimensions to the type of wood, we’ve got it all covered. You’ll even learn about decals and skins to make your board unique.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’re sure to find this information useful. So, let’s dive in!

Regulation Cornhole Boards

You’ll find that there are four key aspects to consider when looking at regulation cornhole boards.

First, the board’s size should adhere to the American Cornhole Organization’s (ACO) standard dimensions of a 48′ x 24′ hardwood plywood playing surface. This ensures a level playing field in both casual and competitive settings.

Second, the thickness of the playing surface is vital. A minimum thickness of 1/2′ with cross-section backing or 3/4′ without backing is necessary for proper gameplay. This thickness provides the right balance and sturdiness for the bean bags to land and slide.

Third, the hole’s placement and size are crucial. The hole, with a diameter of 6′, should be centered 9′ from the top of the board and each side edge. This positioning ensures uniformity across boards and makes the game fair for all players.

Lastly, the material of the board is significant. Hardwood plywood is the preferred material due to its durability and weight, providing a sturdy base for the game.

Choosing a regulation-sized cornhole board simplifies things and offers a standard of play. Using a board that meets these specifications not only provides you with a professional playing experience but also prepares you for any formal competitions you might want to participate in down the line.

Cornhole board dimensions

When it comes to setting up your cornhole game, you’ve got to take into account the standard dimensions of the board. The thickness of the plywood playing surface is a crucial factor that affects the board’s performance and portability. You’ve got two options: a 3/4′ thick board or a 1/2′ thick one.

The 3/4′ thick board is much sturdier. You’ll barely notice any bounce when you throw your bags, ensuring a smooth gameplay. However, this thickness adds significant weight to the board, making it cumbersome to transport. This mightn’t be a concern if you’re planning on leaving your board in one place. Some players add a supporting cross beam to this type of board, but its heaviness may make this step unnecessary.

On the other hand, the 1/2′ thick board is much lighter and easier to move around, making it ideal for parties or events where you need to transport it. But its lighter weight comes with a trade-off: a potential lack of stability. To counteract this, it’s a good idea to add a cross support beam. This aids in stabilizing the board and prevents your bags from bouncing off during the game.

Tailgate-sized boards

If you’re in need of a more compact option, a tailgate-sized cornhole board is the perfect solution. Ideal for smaller spaces or for on-the-go fun, these boards maintain the same width as a regulation board but are one foot shorter in length. At 3 feet by 2 feet, they offer the flexibility needed for tailgating, backyard barbecues, or any place where space might be at a premium.

Even though the boards are smaller, they still accommodate the same size bean bags used on a standard board. This ensures the game remains challenging and fun. The difference in length, even though it might seem insignificant, can significantly alter the gameplay, equalizing the competitive edge a bit. This is because the closer and smaller boards require precision and a well-honed throwing technique.

By adjusting the distance between the boards, you can keep the game exciting. A common practice is to place the boards about 24 feet apart, slightly less than the regulation distance of 27 feet. This adjustment, coupled with the smaller boards, can make a big difference, especially when you’re working with limited space.

Smaller boards

For those tight on space, a junior-sized cornhole board, measuring at least 2 feet by 1 foot, could be your best bet. These smaller boards, different from the mini-cornhole boards, accommodate tighter spaces and allow younger players a fair shot at the game.

Now, let’s dive into the key features of these smaller boards:

1. Dimensions: Usually, the junior boards measure 2 feet by 1 foot, which is half the size of the standard cornhole board. This compact size makes them perfect for indoor play or smaller outdoor areas.
2. Play Distance: The American Cornhole Organization recommends juniors play from a distance of 21 feet. This evens the odds and provides a challenging but feasible target for the young ones.
3. Versatility: Their size doesn’t limit their use to junior players only. Adults may also find them handy when space constraints kick in.
4. Availability: Despite their size, these boards come in various designs and materials, offering a wide range of options to choose from.

While some purists might argue that the only ‘real’ game of cornhole is played on a full-sized board, junior boards have their place. They’re excellent for teaching beginners, keeping the kids entertained, and ensuring the game can go on even when you’re short on space.

PVC cornhole boards

Now, you might be wondering about PVC cornhole boards, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable alternative to wooden or junior-sized boards.

PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is a versatile and durable material often used in construction. When it comes to cornhole boards, this material offers certain advantages that you might find appealing.

Firstly, PVC cornhole boards are incredibly lightweight, which makes them perfect for tailgating or other events where you’ll need to move them around frequently. They’re also remarkably portable; thanks to their lightweight nature, they can be easily dismantled and packed away for transport, making them an excellent choice if you’re often on the go.

However, it’s important to note that while PVC boards offer portability and lightness, they may not provide the same sturdiness as their wooden counterparts. This could lead to a different game experience, as the lighter weight might affect the gameplay. The toss bags could bounce higher or slide more unpredictably, for instance.

But if your primary concern is portability, then the PVC boards aren’t a bad choice. They’re also usually more affordable than wooden boards, making them a cost-effective alternative. Moreover, they’re resistant to weather conditions, which means they won’t warp or degrade under the sun’s heat or during a sudden downpour.

Cornhol Decals and Skins

When it comes to customizing your cornhole boards, a vast array of decals and skins are at your disposal to create a unique gaming experience. Personalizing your board can be a fun and relatively easy process if you understand the different methods and factors to consider.

1. Decals: Decals provide an easy way to add personal touches to your board. They come in various designs and sizes, allowing you to express your personality or show support for your favorite team. However, applying them requires precision. There are two main methods – dry and wet. The dry method involves directly sticking the decal onto the board, while the wet method uses a solution to help position the decal before it sets.
2. Skins: Skins, on the other hand, are essentially giant decals that cover the entire surface of the board. They offer a total transformation of your game board, but they can be a bit more challenging to apply due to their size.
3. Application: Regardless of whether you’re applying a decal or skin, it’s recommended to apply a clear coat afterwards. This helps to protect the design, ensure longevity, and provide a smooth playing surface.
4. Selection: Choose your decals and skins carefully. Consider the look you want to achieve, the durability of the material, and how it will affect the game play.

Type of Wood

In choosing the perfect cornhole board, you’ll need to consider the type of wood it’s made from, as this can significantly impact both its performance and price. The wood type not only affects the overall durability and sturdiness of your cornhole board, but also its appearance, weight, and how it handles different weather conditions.

Birch plywood is a popular choice for cornhole boards due to its affordability and quality. This lightweight wood offers a smooth surface for play, and its durability can withstand repeated use. However, if you’re looking for something more robust and able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, consider options like maple or oak.

Maple is a dense, hard wood known for its strength and resistance to wear, making it an ideal choice for a cornhole board that will see heavy use. It’s more expensive than birch, but the investment could be worth it for a board that lasts.

Oak, on the other hand, is a heavy, sturdy wood with a beautiful grain that can add an aesthetic appeal to your cornhole set. It’s also more resistant to weathering, which is a valuable trait if your board will be exposed to the elements often.

Pine is another option that’s lighter and cheaper than oak or maple, but it’s less durable and more susceptible to weather damage.

Smooth Surface

Beyond choosing the type of wood for your cornhole board, you’ll also need to focus on achieving a smooth surface. This surface quality is critical because it directly influences how the cornhole bags will slide on the board. A smooth surface is essential, but it can’t be so slick that game play becomes frustratingly difficult.

Here’s a four-step process to help you achieve the right balance:

1. Select the right wood: Choose a wood type that’s naturally smooth and flat. This will make it easier to achieve a slick surface. Hardwoods like birch or maple are good options.
2. Sand the surface: Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80-grit) and work your way up to a fine grit (220-grit). This gradual process will gradually smooth out any imperfections and rough spots on the board’s surface.
3. Apply a clear coat: Using a clear polyurethane coat not only seals the wood but also adds a layer of slickness to your board. This coating helps the bags slide better, enhancing the gameplay.
4. Test the surface: Finally, don’t forget to test the smoothness by sliding a few bags on the board. If they slide off too easily, lightly sand the surface again to reduce slickness.

Cornhole Board Plans

Often, you’ll find that crafting your own cornhole board can be a rewarding and fun project, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast. The process is quite simple and straightforward, suitable for woodworkers of any skill level.

To get started, you’ll need certain tools such as Kreg tools, a jigsaw, miter saw, tape measure, drill, and a sander.

The materials required include 4 boards of 1×4, 2 plywood sheets of 3/4′ thickness, 4 hex bolts, washers, and nuts. Begin by cutting two 24′ x 48′ plywood sheets. You can either purchase these pre-cut or rip them down from a full sheet.

Next, mark the holes. Measure 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from the side. Trace a 6′ diameter circle centered on that point using either a compass or a pencil attached to a string. Follow this by cutting a 6-inch diameter circle. You can use a hole saw or predrill a hole inside your circle and use a jigsaw to cut it.

Preparing the frame involves cutting 4x 48′ 1×4 boards and 4x 22 1/2′ 1×4 boards. Drill pocket holes in the sides of all the boards, and in the ends of each of the 22 1/2′ boards. Attach the frame boards together using wood glue and 1 1/4′ pocket hole screws.

Lastly, cut four 11 1/2′ support boards. Attach them to the inside of your cornhole frame using a 2-inch bolt. Sand, then stain or paint your cornhole game to finish. The official rules call for a semi-gloss finish to the cornhole boards.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, choosing the right cornhole board boils down to understanding the regulations, considering your needs, and opting for quality materials.

Whether you prefer tailgate-sized, smaller, or PVC boards, remember it’s all about having a smooth surface for the perfect gameplay.

Don’t forget to personalize with decals and skins.

So, follow these guides, get your hands on the right board, and you’ll be acing your cornhole game in no time.