Easy to Recreate Backyard Cornhole Board Ideas For Outdoor Fun
This post is all about backyard cornhole ideas to bring friends and family together for outdoor fun.
As the weather heats up it’s time to whip out your lawn games! Add some backyard fun to your cookouts, picnics, and celebrations with a classic yard game-cornhole!
Cornhole is such a simple game but it ends up being so much fun as everyone starts to get competitive. The boards can also double as backyard decor depending on how you paint them. Add the cornhole board designs on this list to your wedding, graduation party, or holiday celebration!
Get ready to be inspired by these cute and beginner-friendly cornhole board designs!
*Some of the photos are AI-generated (they’ll be labeled). I’m having fun trying them out!
Backyard Cornhole Ideas
How to decorate cornhole boards:
Before we get into the specific board designs, check out these methods for taking your design from your head to your cornhole board.
Aside from paint, try out some of these methods:
- Patterned paper and sealant
- Outdoor paint
- Trace (use a projector screen)
- Stencils
- Spray paint
- Fabric stretched over your boards
- Paint markers (great to have friends/families/guests sign it!)
*Whatever method you choose, make sure to add some type of sealant to protect your board designs from the bean bags and weather.
Cornhole board design ideas
1. Rainbow cornhole board
Bring a splash of color and fun to your cornhole board design. A rainbow design is the first design idea because it is relatively easy to recreate.
You can literally spill paint cans or spray paint all different colors to create a fun and colorful board. If you want it to be less eclectic you can add in the paint in a gradient style or create rainbow stripes.
To finish it off you could even add a bit of glitter into the paint! A rainbow design will help to keep your backyard game cheery as the competition heightens (;
2. Monogram or family name
For a classy and personalized board opt for your monogram of your family name.
You can freestyle the painted name or use stencils to get super crisp lines. Keep it simple or get a swirly font to elevate the look. Leave it just like that or add a striped border or wreath around the initials, name, or favorite family saving.
This board is perfect as a housewarming gift or even a fun backyard game for family reunions!
3. Favorite sports team
If you’re bringing your cornhole boards to a tailgate or backyard barbeque, you may as well rep your favorite team with your boards! You can simply use your team colors to design the boards or trace on their logo.
Again, stencils will be a lifesaver when trying to recreate the logo. Vinyl decals are also a great option if you want the lines to be perfect.
These boards are great for showing your team spirit and double as the perfect decor for your backyard party.
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4. Chalkboard or whiteboard to keep score
If your family and friends are on the competitive side, a chalkboard or whiteboard cornhole board design is the one you should go with!
You can start with a clean slate each round and at the end of each game easily wipe off the tallies. Rather than keeping score on paper, apps, or building a separate cornhole scoreboard, you can easily keep track of everything right on the board.
Use tape or paint on a square where the official score can be tallied up! The loser has to clean off the boards (:
5. Use patterned paper and sealant
If you wouldn’t consider yourself much of an artist, consider using patterned paper to create a unique cornhole board instead!
Head to the thrift store or craft store to get patterned paper. Or you can even use wrapping paper.
When I came up with this idea I automatically thought of a bright floral pattern but plaid would be super cute too.
Use a thin layer of Modge Podge to attach the paper to your board. Make sure to smooth it out with a bottle or the side of a large paintbrush to ensure it’s a smooth surface and there are no bubbles.
Finish it off with a layer of sealant so it doesn’t get torn from the bean bags or from the weather.
6. Glow-in-the-Dark Cornhole Board
Mix things up and prep your cornhole board for playing at night. Whether you add LED lights, reflective tape, or use glow-in-the-dark paint there are plenty of ways to extend the backyard festivities into the night.
You can easily create borders, rings around the hole, or cute designs are easy ways to bring some light to your game to keep the fun going even after the sun goes down.
7. Celebration-themed: Holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings etc.
The great part about DIY cornhole boards is that you can easily interchange the designs. Just add a white coat and change things up for whatever party or gathering you’re hosting.
Another option is to use interchangeable panels. Add a border around your board and then swap out the designs when needed.
8. Flag design
If you can’t think of what design to choose, stick with a classic flag! Don’t feel boxed in by just doing your country’s flag. You could do your state’s flag, club’s flag, or community flag as well.
The best way to get those perfectly straight lines is to use painter’s tape which will give you a classic and professional look.
I also love the idea of a more rustic flag with a more faded look.
This patriotic board is perfect for a Fourth of July picnic but can still be used year-round.
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9. Mosaic design
This may be the most eclectic board design on the list but I think it could look really cool!
You could either paint on small geometric shapes to make a mosaic design or go the more traditional route. Find unique tiles or glass pieces and then seal them with epoxy resin for a one-of-a-kind cornhole board.
When you’re playing on a sunny day, this board will shimmer!
Have any other cornhole board ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.
Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about cornhole board ideas to give your porch a functional makeover.
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