How to Upcycle an Old Pallet Into a Cornhole Game

Flynnside Out Productions
Materials Needed
- 2 pallets
- cornhole bags, 3 of each color (you can purchase them online or at sport supply stores)
- reciprocal saw
- hammer or pry bar
- compound miter saw
- jig saw
- safety goggles
- measuring tape
- pencil
- nail gun and 2" nails
- palm sander
- medium- and fine-grit sanding pads
- red and blue latex paint
- large paintbrush
- white spray paint
- knife
- Kraft paper
- painter's tape
Disassemble The Pallets
Using a reciprocal saw, cut the pallets apart until they are fully disassembled (Image 1). Carefully remove any old nails with a hammer or pry bar (Image 2).

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
Build The Frame
Keep in mind, these frames won't be regulation size but they are packed with vintage charm. To build each frame, use the pallet's notched side boards. Measure, mark and cut these into (2) 39" pieces and (2) 21" pieces (Image 1). Assemble these into a rectangle, placing the 21" boards inside the two 39" pieces. Secure with a nail gun (Image 2). Repeat these steps for the second cornhole board.

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
Clad The Frames
Measure and mark the flat pallet boards at 24" across (Image 1), then cut with a compound miter saw (Image 2). Using the nail gun, attach boards atop the frame (Image 3).

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
Add Legs
Using flat pallet boards, measure and mark each leg at 10" long (Image 1), then cut one end at a 90-degree angle and the other on a 15-degree angle (Image 2). Using a nail gun, secure the legs to the top corners of each frame, angled side down (Image 3).

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
Cut Holes
Mark the hole's location by first measuring horizontally to find the center, (at the 12" mark) then drop down vertically about 6" from the top of the board to make another mark (Image 1). This marks where the top of the hole will go. Trace around a 6" diameter object (Image 2), then, using a jigsaw, cut the hole out (Image 3).

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
Prep and Paint
Using a palm sander and first medium- then fine-grit sandpaper, sand the rough spots so the bags will slide a bit when they hit the boards (Image 1). Dust off boards after sanding. To add vintage color, dip the tip of a dry brush into latex paint, barely getting paint on the bristles. Using this dry brush method, lightly sweep color onto the boards (Image 2). To add a white stripe, protect the sides using Kraft paper secured with painter's tape. Lightly sweep white spray paint down the vertical center for an aged look (Image 3). Once dry, remove painter's tape and Kraft paper, position boards in a shady, backyard location and it's time for game on (Image 4)!

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions
More: Tailgate Party Tips
We're sorry, there seems to be an issue playing this video. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment. If you continue to have issues, please contact us here.
