Creating a wooden cornhole game set with LED lights adds a fun and unique twist to the classic outdoor game. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you build your own cornhole set with LED lights.
Materials Needed:
- 2 plywood sheets (for the boards)
- 2×4 lumber (for the frame)
- LED strip lights (waterproof for outdoor use)
- Screws and wood glue
- Drill with bits (for screw and hole making)
- Saw (for cutting the plywood and 2x4s)
- Measuring tape and square
- Sandpaper or sander
- Paint or stain (optional for finishing)
- Power source (battery pack or USB adapter, depending on the type of LED lights)
- Small drill bit (for LED light placement)
- Rope or cord (if wiring the LEDs through the boards)
Tools Needed:
- Drill
- Saw
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver
- Paintbrush (if finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Board Dimensions:
- Cut the plywood: Standard cornhole boards are 48 inches long and 24 inches wide. Cut two sheets of plywood to these dimensions for your playing surfaces.
- Cut the frame: For the frame, cut the 2×4 lumber into four pieces: two pieces of 48 inches (length) and two pieces of 24 inches (width).
2. Assemble the Frame:
- Use screws and wood glue to assemble the 2×4 pieces into a rectangular frame around the plywood boards. The frame should be attached to the edges of the plywood, leaving a small gap for the LED strip.
3. Cut the Hole for the Bean Bags:
- For each board, measure and mark the hole placement. A standard cornhole hole is 6 inches in diameter, and the hole is placed 9 inches from the back of the board and centered from side to side.
- Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the holes.
4. Smooth the Edges:
- Sand down all the edges of the plywood and the frame to ensure there are no rough spots.
5. Apply Paint or Stain (Optional):
- If you want to paint or stain your boards, now is the time. Apply your desired color or finish and let it dry completely. You can also add a protective coat for durability.
6. Install the LED Lights:
- Attach LED strip lights: Measure the perimeter of the frame where you want to attach the LED strip lights. Make sure you’re using waterproof LEDs for outdoor durability.
- Stick the LED strip along the frame, ensuring it runs smoothly without gaps. If needed, you can cut the strip at the designated cut points.
- Drill small holes: Drill small holes along the edge of the plywood for the LED light to go through, allowing the light to shine through the board’s edge and illuminate the playing area.
- Wire the lights: If your LED lights are powered by a battery pack or USB adapter, ensure the power source is placed in a convenient location on the board (such as under the frame or near a side edge). Use the cord or wire to run power from the adapter to the LED strip.
7. Finish the Boards:
- After the LEDs are installed, recheck all connections and make sure the lights are securely attached. You may want to add a few finishing touches to cover up any exposed wiring.
8. Test the Lights:
- Before finalizing the setup, test the lights to ensure they function properly. Check that all LEDs are glowing and that there are no dark spots in the lighting.
9. Make the Cornhole Bags:
- While not part of the board, you’ll need cornhole bags. Each set typically includes eight bags (four per team), each measuring around 6×6 inches and filled with corn or plastic pellets.
10. Optional: Create a Stand for the Board:
- To elevate the boards, you can add folding legs made from 2×4 lumber. The legs should be adjustable to tilt the boards slightly for gameplay. Use screws and hinge hardware to create collapsible legs that fold flat for easy storage.
Once the boards are finished and the LED lights are installed, you’re ready to enjoy your cornhole game set with an extra cool lighting effect! Whether you’re playing outdoors at night or just adding a unique touch to the game, the LED lights will surely enhance the experience.
To take your woodworking skills further, consider exploring Teds Woodworking Course here: https://5ec0fkma1rtoqesrt51ay-tfcv.hop.clickbank.net.
Leave a Reply