2 in 1 Cornhole Board & Shelf

Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bags of corn (or bean bags) at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. This game is a fun recreational activity for friends and family, but often takes up a lot of dead space when storing it. This instructable will highlight the steps used to make a regulation cornhole board that once took up space, to something that not only acts as a game, but also acts as something that can store items.

Step 1: Gather Materials

For this project you will need

Tools:

jig saw

measuring tape

compass

drill with drill bit and Phillips-head screw bit

3' clamps

circular saw

Materials:

(1) 24" x 48" x 12 mm plywood for the surface

(2) 2x4 x 48" for the frame

(4) 2x4 x 21" for the frame and shelves

(2) 2x4 x 11-1/2" for the legs

(2) 4" carriage bolts with (2) washers and (2) wing nuts

(20) 3" screws

*Note: Cornhole usually requires the construction of 2 boards, but for the sake of this project I am only building one. Double up materials if you are going to make a set of boards. Seeing as most stores don't sell 2x4's with these specific measurements, your best bet is buying 2 or 3, 2x4's and then cutting them to these sizings yourself.

Step 2: Making the Hole

For this step we will be using the 24" x 48" x 12 mm plywood

1) In order to find the center of the hole, measure 9" from the top of the plywood and 12" from the side and mark the central point of the hole.

2) From there, use a compass to mark a 6" diameter circle from the marked spot. This will give you a relative idea of how large the hole will be.

Step 3: Cutting the Hole Out

For this step you can use either the circular saw (I used this as I had one) or a jigsaw.

For the circular saw:

1) Connect the circular saw to the drill as this is how you will be operating the saw.

2) Line up the center of the saw with the center point of the circle, which was previously marked), and use the drill to cut out the hole.

3) Sand the edges of the hole smooth.

For the jigsaw:

1) Pre-drill a hole along the edge of the circle large enough to accept the jigsaw blade.

2) Remove the drill and use the jigsaw to cut out the circle following the previously made outline.

3) Sand the edges of the hole smooth.

Step 4: Making the Legs

For this step you will need the two 2x4 x 11-1/2" sections of wood and the two 2x4 x 48" wood planks.

1) Measure 1-3/4" down the length of the 2x4 x 11-1/2" and draw a line across it as this will help you to find the center point of the semi circle you will be drawing.

2) Place a compass point centered on that line then draw the arc.

3) Using the drill, make a 1/2" hole through the leg, at the center point of the semi circle.

4) Use the jigsaw to make the cut, following the drawn arc.

5) Repeat steps 1-4 for the second 2x4 x 11-1/2" section of wood.

6) Measure 4" down the length of the 2x4 x 48" plank and draw a line across it as this will help you to find a center point to drill through.

7) Drill a 1/2" hole through the plank.

8) Put a 4" carriage bolt through both the leg and the 2x4 x 48" plank and attach the washer and wing nut.

9) Repeat steps 6-8 for the second 2x4 x 48" plank.

Step 5: Making the Frame W/ Shelves

For this step you will need the two 2x4 x 48" wood planks as well as the four 2x4 x 21" wood planks which will act as the frame and shelves.

1) Fasten the 2x4s into a box with the 21-inch pieces inside the 48-inch pieces to form a 2’ x 4’ box.

2) Measure 11" from the bottom of the box (side without the legs) and place a 2x4 x 21" wood plank parallel to the bottom 2x4 x 21" wood plank, this will act as one of your shelves.

3) Measure 10" from the previously placed 2x4 x 21" wood plank and place another 2x4 x 21" wood plank. This will also act as a shelf.

**Note: These measurements are based on preference so do not think that you have to place the shelves at these specific distances.

4) (Optional) Use the 3' clamp to fasten the entire frame together as this will make it a lot more simpler to fasten the frame together using screws.

Step 6: Screwing the Frame and Shelves

For this step you will need sixteen 3" screws.

1) Drill holes onto the side of the 2x4 x 48" side (refer to picture) making sure to line up the holes with the 2x4 x 21" planks. This will make fastening the entire frame and shelves together, easier.

**Note: Make sure to make two holes per 2x4 x 21" plank, as this will make the frame stronger and last longer.

2) After drilling the holes, drill in the screws in order to fasten the entire frame together.

3) Repeat steps 1-2 for the other side of the frame.

Step 7: Screwing the Board On

For this step you will need the remaining four 3" screws and the surface board (24" x 48" x 12 mm plywood w/ hole).

1) Place the surface board on top of the frame, making sure that the surface is lined up with the sides of the frame.

2) Drill holes in each of the four corners of the surface board. This will make it easier to insert the screws.

3) Using the drill insert the screws into each of the drilled holes to fasten the surface to the frame.

Step 8: Have Fun and Start Saving Space!!!

This is the end of this instructable. Hopefully you were able to successfully make this project. Thanks for visiting and make sure to have fun with your new 2 in 1 cornhole board shelf. Here is a video of me and my brother playing and using the board as a shelf. Enjoy!!!