From backyard barbecues to tailgate parties, lazy Sunday afternoons and even professional tournaments, few games capture the spirit of outdoor fun and competition quite like cornhole. The friendly competition, the cheers of friends and family, and the thrill of a perfectly-aimed toss, all come together to create unforgettable moments. If you’re considering stepping into the world of cornhole or looking to upgrade your equipment, this is the place to start.
Before buying a board set, you’re going to want to think about what type of player you are and what goals you want to achieve. Do you want to get as good as the pros? Are you more of a casual player? Or do you want the best any cornhole enthusiast can have? After factoring in your budget and the amount of time you think you’ll spend playing, only you can decide what style and type of board is best for you.
With all that information in mind, let’s take a look at the different types of cornhole boards out there.
Beginner Boards
These boards allow anyone to step into the world of cornhole in a way that won’t break the bank. While some are tournament style boards (see the section below on professional/tournament style boards), they can come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Some sets come with basic sets of bags as well, so you’re all set to start throwing. Keep in mind, while these boards are the most budget-friendly option, they will eventually require maintenance or replacement down the line.
GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set with 8 Bean Bags and Travel Carrying Case
$49.99
GoSports Classic Cornhole Set – Includes 8 Bean Bags, Travel Case and Game Rules
$99.99
Professional/Tournament Style Boards
Tournament boards are the most common type of cornhole board and are generally seen as the standard. Since they are designed for professional and competitive play, these boards will have very specific guidelines set forth by the governing bodies of professional cornhole. Those guidelines are as follows:
- The board should measure 48 by 24 inches made of plywood that’s either birch or oak and be at least ½ inch thick.
- The hole in each cornhole board should be 6 inches in diameter with the center 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side of the board edges.
- The front of the board should be 3-4 inches from bottom to top.
- The back of the board should be 12 inches from ground to the highest point of the deck.
- The board finish should be sanded to a very smooth texture, and have no blemishes in the wood surface that might disrupt or distort play.
- Boards weigh at least 15 pounds.
These types of boards are usually priced around $300 but they are built to last for years to come, so if you’re willing to put forth the investment and take care of them as needed, this type of board is perfect for players who are looking to take the game a bit more seriously.
Mini Boards
What if you could enjoy all the excitement of cornhole on a smaller scale? Thankfully, many cornhole manufacturers offer mini boards. They’re portable and don’t take up too much space so they’re perfect for the beach, tailgates or camping. A mini board set is sure to be a hit with the kids, and not to mention they can be half the price of tournament board sets. This board type offers a unique challenge that can help any aspiring cornhole player hone their skills, by making set up easier and offering both indoor and outdoor play.
Depending on the seller, mini boards can vary in size. Some are half the size of a tournament style board set while others sit right in the middle. However, a smaller board might mean a smaller hole to aim for, with most mini board holes being 4 inches instead of 6, so it might require you to buy special bags to play with. One option for mini boards that have the regulated 6 inch hole so you won’t have to buy new bags are the CornholeAce Mini Boards.
All-Weather Boards
A common problem cornhole enthusiasts have with their boards is keeping them in a playable state. Working with natural materials like wood introduces the possibility of the cornhole boards experiencing cracks and peeling when exposed to various elements such as humidity or rain. This is where all-weather boards come into play. Usually made with the same dimensions as tournament boards, some are made of plastic, metal, concrete, composite lumber or a combination of these materials to battle against the elements or the passage of time. They can be left outside, so you won’t lose any sleep if you happen to leave them out overnight.
However, they can be the most expensive boards on this list, with prices ranging from an average of $300 per set to upwards of $500, with prices depending on the type of material used to make the boards.
