The game of cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is typically played with wooden boards that are specifically designed for the game. These boards are usually 2 feet wide and 4 feet long, with a 6-inch diameter hole positioned 9 inches from the top and centered 12 inches from each side. The boards are set up 27 feet apart from the front edge to front edge.
Cornhole boards are often made from sturdy and smooth-surfaced types of wood, such as birch, pine, maple, oak, or high-quality plywood. The choice of wood is important as it affects the durability, weight, and overall performance of the boards. The surface of the boards needs to be smooth to allow the cornhole bags to slide easily, but also durable enough to withstand regular use and outdoor conditions.
The construction of the boards is also crucial, as they need to be sturdy and stable to provide a consistent playing surface. Proper finishing and sealing of the wood are important to protect the boards from moisture and wear, ensuring their longevity.
Overall, the choice of wood and the construction of the boards play a significant role in the quality and enjoyment of the game of cornhole.
Popular Wood Types for Cornhole Boards
Cornhole boards are typically made from sturdy and durable types of wood. Some of the most commonly used woods for cornhole
boards include:
- Birch: Known for its strength and smooth surface, birch is a popular choice for cornhole boards.
- Pine: Pine is a widely available and affordable wood that is often used for making cornhole boards. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to work with.
- Maple: Maple is a hardwood that offers excellent durability and a smooth finish, making it a great choice for cornhole boards.
- Oak: Oak is another hardwood that is commonly used for cornhole boards due to its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
- Cabinet-Grade Plywood: High-quality plywood, such as Baltic birch plywood, is also a popular choice for making cornhole boards due to its stability and smooth surface.
These woods are favored for their durability, smooth surface, and suitability for outdoor use, making them ideal for crafting long-lasting cornhole boards.
Cornhole Board Durability, Performance And Cost Factors
Here’s a table that explains the durability, performance and cost factors of the 5 woods commonly used for cornhole board construction, along with the benefits of each wood and why you would choose one over the other for your board:
| Wood Type | Durability | Performance | Relative Cost | Benefits and Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch | High | Excellent | Birch wood is often considered a mid-range option in terms of cost. It’s not as expensive as some hardwoods but may be pricier than softwoods like pine. | Birch is known for its strength and smooth surface, making it a durable and high-performing choice. |
| Pine | Moderate | Good | Pine is generally one of the most affordable wood options for cornhole board construction. Its widespread availability and ease of cultivation contribute to its lower cost. | Pine is lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY cornhole boards. |
| Maple | High | Excellent | Maple is typically on the higher end of the cost spectrum due to its durability, strength, and desirable woodworking properties. It’s often considered a premium wood choice. | Maple offers excellent durability and a smooth finish, making it a great choice for professional-grade boards. |
| Oak | High | Excellent | Oak is also on the higher end of the cost spectrum, similar to maple. Its durability and resistance to wear and tear contribute to its relatively higher price. | Oak is strong and resistant to wear and tear, making it a durable and long-lasting option for cornhole boards. |
| Cabinet-Grade Plywood | High | Excellent | High-quality plywood, such as Baltic birch plywood, can vary in cost depending on the grade and thickness. It’s generally more affordable than solid hardwoods like maple and oak but can still provide excellent performance. | High-quality plywood, such as Baltic birch plywood, provides stability and a smooth surface, ideal for professional-grade boards. |
Each wood type has its own set of benefits, making it suitable for different preferences and use cases.
Birch and maple are excellent choices for professional-grade boards due to their strength, durability, and smooth surface.
Pine is a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts due to its affordability and ease of workability.
Oak is favored for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, making it a durable option for long-lasting boards.
Cabinet-grade plywood, such as Baltic birch plywood, is ideal for professional-grade boards due to its stability and smooth surface, providing a consistent playing experience.
Major Cornhole Board Manufacturers And Brands
Here’s a table comparing major cornhole board manufacturers and brands, along with the benefits and recommendations for beginners along with relative costs:
| Manufacturer/Brand | Benefits | Best for Beginners? | Cost Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victory Tailgate | Durable, customizable designs, regulation size boards | Yes | Moderate to High |
| GoSports | Portable options, variety of designs, affordable sets | Yes | Low to Moderate |
| Cornhole Worldwide | High-quality construction, customizable options | Yes | Moderate to High |
| Slick Woody’s Cornhole Co. | Premium craftsmanship, tournament-grade boards | Tournament grade product | Moderate to High |
| West Georgia Cornhole | Custom designs, durable construction, regulation size boards | Yes | Moderate |
For beginners, brands like Victory Tailgate, GoSports, and West Georgia Cornhole offer durable, regulation size boards that are suitable for learning the game. These brands also provide customizable options and are generally more affordable, making them ideal for beginners looking for quality boards without a significant investment.
In terms of cost evaluation, GoSports typically offers more affordable sets, making them a good option for beginners or casual players. Victory Tailgate and Cornhole Worldwide offer moderate to high-cost options, providing durable and customizable boards for those willing to make a slightly larger investment.
Slick Woody’s Cornhole Co. offers premium craftsmanship and tournament-grade boards, making them more suitable for experienced or competitive players willing to invest in higher-end equipment.
Environmental Impact: Sustainable Wood Choices for Cornhole Boards
Looking to make your own cornhole board for personal use or just want to buy a product that takes the environment into account?
When considering the environmental impact of wood choices for cornhole boards, it’s important to prioritize sustainable options. Sustainable wood choices – where possible – help minimize the impact on forests and ecosystems.
Here are some sustainable wood choices for cornhole boards:
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a highly sustainable option due to its rapid growth and renewability. It’s a durable and lightweight material that can be used to create eco-friendly cornhole boards.
- FSC-Certified Wood: Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that it comes from responsibly managed forests. Using FSC-certified wood for cornhole boards supports sustainable forestry practices.
- Reclaimed Wood: Using reclaimed wood from old structures, furniture, or other sources reduces the demand for new timber and gives new life to existing materials.
- Locally Sourced Wood: Choosing wood that is sourced locally helps reduce the environmental impact of transportation and supports local economies.
By opting for sustainable wood choices, such as bamboo, FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, and locally sourced wood, individuals and manufacturers can contribute to the conservation of forests and promote environmentally responsible practices in the production of cornhole boards.
Finishing and Sealing Options for Wooden Cornhole Boards
Whether you’re designing your own board or purchasing a commercial product, wood finishing is an important aspect impacting its lifespan.
When it comes to finishing and sealing wooden cornhole boards, there are several options to consider in order to protect the wood and enhance the boards’ durability. Here are some common finishing and sealing options:
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane provides a strong, protective finish that is resistant to water, scratches, and general wear and tear. It’s available in gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes, allowing for customization based on preference.
- Marine Varnish: Marine varnish is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for protecting wooden cornhole boards from moisture, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations.
- Exterior-Grade Paint: Using exterior-grade paint can provide both a protective finish and an opportunity for customization. It’s important to choose paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use to ensure longevity.
- Wood Stain: Wood stain can enhance the natural beauty of the wood while providing some level of protection. It’s often followed by a clear sealant to ensure durability.
- Linseed Oil: Linseed oil is a natural option that penetrates the wood to provide protection and enhance the wood’s appearance. It’s important to use boiled linseed oil, which has drying agents added for faster curing.
- Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin can provide a thick, durable finish that is highly resistant to moisture and wear. It can also be used to embed designs or logos into the surface of the boards.
When choosing a finishing and sealing option for wooden cornhole boards, it’s important to consider the intended use, the desired level of protection, and the aesthetic preferences. Properly finishing and sealing the boards can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance over time.
Keep this in mind when purchasing a commercial board too, as not all products will have the same quality.
Customization and Aesthetics: Wood Selection for Unique Cornhole Boards
When it comes to customization and aesthetics for unique cornhole boards, the choice of wood and finishing options play a significant role in creating visually appealing and personalized boards. Here are some specific comments on finishing and special options offered by certain manufacturers:
- Custom Wood Selection: Some manufacturers offer a range of wood options for their cornhole boards, allowing customers to choose the type of wood that best suits their preferences for appearance and performance. This can include options such as exotic woods, reclaimed woods, or specialty finishes that highlight the natural grain and character of the wood.
- Custom Stain and Paint Options: Manufacturers often provide custom stain and paint options, allowing customers to select specific colors or finishes to match their personal style or team colors. This can include the ability to add custom logos, graphics, or designs to the boards.
- Specialty Finishes: Certain manufacturers may offer specialty finishes such as distressed or weathered looks, rustic finishes, or high-gloss options to create unique visual effects. These finishes can add character and individuality to the boards.
- Epoxy Resin and Inlays: Some manufacturers specialize in using epoxy resin to create custom inlays, designs, or even 3D effects within the surface of the boards. This allows for intricate and personalized artwork to be embedded directly into the boards.
- Engraving and Wood Burning: Manufacturers may offer options for engraving or wood burning custom designs, names, or patterns onto the boards, providing a personalized touch and unique aesthetic.
- Weatherproof and UV-Resistant Finishes: Certain manufacturers prioritize weatherproof and UV-resistant finishes to ensure that the custom aesthetics and designs remain vibrant and protected from the elements over time.
By offering a range of wood selection, custom stain and paint options, specialty finishes, epoxy resin and inlays, engraving and wood burning, as well as weatherproof and UV-resistant finishes, manufacturers can provide customers with the ability to create truly unique and personalized cornhole boards that reflect their individual style and preferences.