Your whole family will love this fun yard game.
Time A few hours
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $20
Introduction
This backyard game is a fun, easy craft project that uses minimal materials and can be built with hand tools in a few hours.
Tools Required
- Drill bit set
- Drill/driver - cordless
- Handsaw
- Sandpaper
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- 1-in Dowel rod (3-ft)
- 1/2-in Rope 7-ft
- 1x3 Pine board (3-ft)
- 3/4 x 1" Wood beads (4)
- Peel & stick numbers
- Wood glue
Project step-by-step (9)
Step 1
Cut & Sand
- Cut two 2-1/2-inch blocks from the 1x3x3-ft board.
- Cut two 15-inch pieces from the 1x3x3-ft board.
- Cut four six-inch dowels and one nine-inch dowel.
- Sand each piece with 220 grit sandpaper removing any sharp corners and edges.
Step 2
Measure & Mark
- Measure and make a mark at 1-1/4 inches from each end at the center of the two 15-inch boards.
- Measure and make a mark at 7-1/2 inches at the center of the 15-inch boards.
- Pro Tip: For accuracy, use an adjustable square set to 1-1/4 inches.
Step 3
Drilling Holes
- Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes at each mark on the two 15-inch boards.
- Place two 2-1/2- x 2-1/2-in. blocks under one of the 15-inch boards, flush with the ends and sides.
- Drill through the pilot hole into and through each block.
- Drill three one-inch x 1/4-inch deep holes at the 3/16-inch pilot holes on the top board.
- Drill two one-inch x 1/4-inch deep holes at the 3/16-inch pilot holes on each end of the bottom board, leaving the center pilot hole untouched using a spade bit or Forstner bit.
- Pro Tip: With a marker or piece of tape, put a mark on your spade bit 1/4-inch up to show how deep to drill your hole.
Step 4
Drilling the Dowels
- On the top board insert the six-inch dowels into the one-inch holes on each end and the nine-inch dowel in the center hole.
- On the bottom board, insert the six-inch dowels into the one-inch holes on each end.
- Drill into the dowel from the bottom of the board through the pilot hole, using a 1/8-in. drill bit.
Step 5
Glue Dowels & Blocks
- Pull the dowels out one by one and apply a small amount of wood glue to the end of the dowel.
- Insert the dowels back into the one-inch holes.
- Apply a small amount of wood glue to the top of each block.
- Attach the blocks to the underside of the top board, using 2-1/4-in. screws through the pilot holes on the bottom of the blocks.
- Tighten the screw securing the two boards and dowel together.
Step 6
Bottom & Top Board Assembly
- Pull the center dowels out and apply a small amount of wood glue to the end of the dowel.
- Insert the dowel back into the one-inch hole.
- Start a 2-1/4-in. screw into the center pilot hole from the underside of the bottom board, so it sticks out 1/8-inch on the other side.
- Apply a small amount of glue to the top of the board around the center 3/16-inch pilot hole.
- Make a cross by placing the top board over the bottom board, lining the screw point with the pilot hole.
- Drive the screw securing the two boards and center dowel together.
Step 7
Stick-on Numbers
- Peel and stick the numbers onto the face of the outdoor game next to each dowel. A pair of tweezers may be helpful.
Step 8
Finishing Touch
- Spray two or three coats of sealer on your project allowing plenty of drying time between coats.
Step 9
The Rings
- Cut four pieces of rope to 19 inches.
- Insert one end of the rope halfway into a wood bead then add a small amount of wood glue into the bead and turn the bead a few times.
- Add a little more wood glue into the bead and insert the other end of the rope into the bead.
- Repeat this three more times.
- Let the glue dry completely before playing the lawn game.
