How To Build A Backyard Ring Toss Game (DIY) | Family Handyman

Skip to main content How to Build a Backyard Waterfall Build a Backyard Waterfall and Stream How to Build Cornhole Boards 34 Awesome DIY Backyard Ideas A Guide for Building Your Own Backyard Basketball Court 8 Treehouse Kits to Make Your Backyard the Place for Family Fun A Guide for Making a DIY Bocce Ball Court How to Make a DIY Dog House How To Make a DIY Backyard Pickleball Court How to Build a Backyard Oasis How to Build a DIY Fire Pit Grill How to Build a Backyard Swing How To Make a Giant Backyard Wooden Puzzle Game How To Build a Frisbee Golf Basket for Your Backyard 12 Tips for How to Build a DIY Ice Skating Rink in Your Backyard How to Prepare Your Yard for a Backyard Wedding Build a Backyard Living Room with These 6 DIY Projects Every Summer Party Needs Giant Jenga for the Ultimate Backyard Game Home Skills Carpentry

How to Build a Backyard DIY Ring Toss Game

Total Time:A few hoursComplexity:BeginnerCost:Less than $20

By Joe Cruz

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Apr. 29, 2024

Your whole family will love this fun yard game.

Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less 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.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Do It Right, Do It Yourself! 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.