DIY Viral Rotating Cornhole Boards
Cornhole With A Twist
You may have seen my rotating cornhole boards blowing up online—7 million views and counting! I’m not keeping this gem to myself; I’m handing you the playbook to build it. This isn’t just a cornhole board—it’s a game-changer with a spinning circle that’ll have everyone begging to buy one. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide so you can whip up your own and maybe even make some serious cash as the first in your area to sell these bad boys.
Materials & Tools
Lumber: 2x4s (construction grade), 3/4" plywood sheet, 4x4 scrap (for center block)
Hardware: 2.5" and 1.25" pocket hole screws, 3/8" x 4" lag bolts, washers, wing nuts, brad nails, CA glue or epoxy
Rotisserie Kit: Includes motor, forks, 1/4" square stock (buy one kit + extra motor for two boards)
Tools: Jigsaw, miter saw, drill, pocket hole jig, 6" hole cutter (or router/jigsaw), 3/8" drill bit, 7/16" drill bit, oscillating tool, tape measure, clamps, screwdriver, bolt cutters or angle grinder
Optional: Sandpaper, paint/stain for finishing
Time To Bring Your Rotating Cornhole Boards To Life
Step 1: Prep Your Lumber
Grab those 2x4s and square ‘em up by trimming 1/4" off each side to remove rounded edges. Cut your pieces:
Frame Sides (A): 2x4, 48" long (2 pieces)
Frame Ends (B): 2x4, 21" long (2 pieces)
Legs (D): 2x4, 12" long (4 pieces for two boards)
Motor Support (G): 2x4, 21" long (1 piece)
Circle Supports (H): 1x2, 6" long (4 pieces)
Center Block (F): 4x4, 4" x 4" (1 piece)
Top: 3/4" plywood, 24" x 48" (1 piece)
Step 2: Build the Frame
Lay out the frame (two A pieces, two B pieces) to form a 24" x 48" rectangle. Drill pocket holes:
2 pocket holes on each end of B pieces (21" ends).
4 pocket holes along the length of A and B pieces for the top (space evenly). Use a 1.5" setting on your pocket hole jig. Place a 3/4" scrap under the frame while drilling side holes to align screws for the plywood top.
Assemble the frame on a flat surface with 2.5" pocket hole screws. For crooked lumber, secure the bottom screw, then clamp the top to square it. Attach the 24" x 48" plywood top with 1.25" pocket hole screws from underneath.
Step 3: Craft the Legs
For each leg (D, 12" long), mark 1.5" in and 1.5" down from one end. Round off 1/2" of the corners with a jigsaw (use a tape roll as a guide). Drill a 3/8" hole at the marked point. On the miter saw, cut the leg ends at 28.5° (angled from the rounded end). Attach legs to the frame’s top corners (A pieces) with 3/8" x 4" lag bolts, washers, and wing nuts. Ensure 12" from the leg tip to the frame base when extended.
Step 4: Cut the Board Holes
On the frame’s top edge (B piece), mark 3.5" in from each side and 1.25" down. Drill 3/8" holes using a drill guide for straightness. These keep the board level when set up.
Step 5: Mark and Cut the Rotating Circle
Measure 12" in from the sides and 15" down from the top to mark the center of a 20" circle. For the cornhole hole, mark 9" from the top and 12" from the side (regulation height). Cut the 6" hole with a 6" hole cutter, router, or jigsaw.
Build a jigsaw jig for the 20" circle:
Use an 18" x 4" board.
Attach a 2x4 to one edge.
Remove the jigsaw blade, align the base with the 2x4, and secure another 2x4 to hold the jigsaw snugly.
Add a backstop board to stop the cut.
Reinsert the blade and cut a slit to the backstop.
Place a screw 10" from the blade.
Start a slit in the plywood with an oscillating tool or drill. Align the jig’s screw with the center mark, insert the blade, and cut the circle with downward and forward pressure. Sand the edges.
Step 6: Install the Center Block
From the 6" hole scrap, cut a 4" x 4" center block (F). Draw diagonal lines corner-to-corner to find the center. Drill a center hole, insert a screw to protrude slightly, and align with the circle’s center hole (from the jig). Pre-drill, glue, and secure with two more screws.
Step 7: Set Up the Rotisserie Motor
Use the rotisserie kit’s forks and 1/4" square stock. Cut fork prongs to 3/4" with bolt cutters or an angle grinder. Insert the pointed rod into the fork, align with the center screw hole, and tighten the set screw. Tap prongs to mark the circle, pre-drill slightly smaller holes, and secure with CA glue or epoxy.
Cut a 3.75" piece of square stock, insert into the fork’s collar, and push flush with the wood. Replace the motor’s mounting plate with two 1" corner brackets and one 4" flat bracket, using kit spacers. Slide the motor over the square, stock, align, and secure with screws.
Step 8: Add Motor Support and Circle Supports
Cut the motor support (G, 21" 2x4) and drill pocket holes on both ends. Install with pocket holes facing up, aligning edges with side rails (A), and secure with pocket hole screws. Install four circle supports (H, 6" 1x2s) with 1/2" overhang onto the circle. Brad-nail the circle back, ensuring it’s centered.
Step 9: Test and Adjust
Flip the board, plug in the motor, and test the spin. If it drags, loosen the collar and raise the shaft slightly. Shim if needed to prevent slipping. Toss some bags (or pile on tools like I did!) to ensure it holds weight. It should spin smoothly and handle the load like a champ.
Step 10: Decorate and Profit
Sand, paint, or stain your board to make it pop. Get creative—make it yours! This board’s a golden egg, buddy. Be the first in your area to sell these, and you’ll be raking it in. The market’s wide open, and I’m rooting for you to crush it!
Ready To Build?
This rotating cornhole board is your ticket to wow the crowd and maybe pad your wallet. What we have done is taken a hugely popular game and put our own twist to you and that my friends, is how you make money with woodworking.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned pro, this project offers the perfect mix of functionality and creativity. If you’re a more “plans in the hand” person, click “Get Plan” down below for downloadable instructions. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into woodworking, check out my new course, “Woodworking Kickstart” (which is also linked below). It’s packed with step-by-step lessons to help you build confidence and skills, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced DIYer. You’ll be building with confidence in no time.
Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be expensive; all you need is a little inspiration and a willingness to try.
Get Easy Step-By-Step Directions to build this by clicking the button below
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