I may earn a small commission from purchases made through product links on this website at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Also known as bean bag toss, cornhole is one of the simplest yet most entertaining outdoor games. It’s the perfect game for backyard BBQs, tailgate parties, and even weddings. The boards can be set up quickly, and everyone, young and old, can play along.
In this guide, I will share five of the best backyard cornhole board sets available today, tried and tested by yours truly.
1. GoSports Solid Wood Premium Cornhole Set
This solid wooden cornhole set by GoSports offers the best cornhole experience. The boards have a very authentic look, as they are handcrafted from 100% wood. The varnished plywood surface ensures smooth sliding and stability, and allows for easier customization with covers or decals.
You can get this cornhole set in two different sizes. The bigger version is the official regulation size, while the smaller tailgate version is easier to transport. Eight cornhole bags, each filled with recycled plastic pellets and weighing 1 pound each, are included in the set. You will also get a convenient carrying case.
I find this GoSports Solid Wood Premium Cornhole Set to be the best value for money when it comes to simple yet good-quality boards for backyard play.
2. Amazon Basics Portable Cornhole Set
This Amazon Basics cornhole set is perfect for a fun game of cornhole with family and friends in the backyard. It includes all the necessary items to start playing immediately, including two cornhole targets, eight bags (two different colors), and a carrying bag for storage and transport.
The inclined platforms are made of durable plywood with a solid wood base and are designed for outdoor use. Also worth noting is the excellent color scheme, which adds a competitive edge. The boards are white, red, and blue, and the tossing bags are red and blue.
Please note, though, that the boards are not regulation size. Measuring 35.4 x 23.62 x 7.87 inches, they are slightly smaller, which is ideal for younger kids.
3. Himal Collapsible Portable Cornhole Boards
This particular cornhole set is the odd one out, as it has a rather innovative design that allows for super quick assembly and very convenient transport and storage. There’s no heavy wood involved. Instead, the two boards are made of poly fabric, making them foldable.
Don’t be fooled, though. The 3 x 2-foot boards may be lightweight, but they are also durable, with a strong surface that catches the bean bags. The set includes eight bean bags and a compact carrying case.
If you’re looking for simple outdoor cornhole boards that are easy to set up and pack away, this may be your best choice.
4. GoSports Ultra Portable Cornhole Board Set
Next up is another GoSports cornhole set, suitable for official tournament gameplay. The set includes two American Cornhole Association regulation-size boards and eight square bean bags, available in two colors.
The two boards are made with a sturdy aluminum frame that makes them durable but also light enough to carry around easily. They can fold up as well, which makes storage and transport even easier.
Whether you’re a pro player or just want to play the occasional game in your backyard, you can’t go wrong with this GoSports pro bean bag toss set.
5. Backyard Champs Wooden Cornhole Boards
The last item on this list of best outdoor cornhole boards is suitable for those who take the game very seriously.
The two tournament-sized cornhole boards in this set are made with New Zealand pinewood, and the eight bean bags are made with 100% cotton.
The boards feature an efficient design with foldable legs that make them easier to carry and store. This set is specifically designed for outdoor play, whether in the park, the backyard, or at the beach.
Buying Guide
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a new set of cornhole boards.
1. Materials
Official cornhole boards are made of wood. They are very stable and offer the right amount of slide. However, if you’re buying for backyard fun, you could also consider a plastic board that is more durable around water.
2. Bean Bags
Bean bags are typically made with cotton fabric and are filled with resin beads or dried corn kernels. Corn kernel-filled bags perform better in dry areas. The bean bags should be square-shaped.
3. Size of Board
Cornhole boards are officially 2 feet wide and 4 feet long. They have a 6-inch hole that is 9 inches deep. The front of the board is about 4 inches above the ground, and the slope rises to 12 inches in the back. You can also get smaller-sized cornhole boards that are 3 feet long.
Check out my article about cornhole court and board dimensions for exact details and diagrams.
4. Surface
The surface of the cornhole board matters as it determines the slide. A smooth surface slides more easily, so make sure you check how the surface has been treated on the boards you’re interested in purchasing.
5. Portability and Storage
Most cornhole sets include a carrying bag for easy portability and storage, but be sure to verify this before purchasing your favorite set.
More reading:
The history of Cornhole is somewhat unclear, with multiple accounts of its origin. Check out my article about the history of cornhole and learn more about the true (and not so true) origins of this game.
It’s a fairly simple game that can be played anywhere, and the rules are relatively easy to understand so that everyone can learn how to play cornhole.
Be sure to read my guide outlining the basic cornhole throwing technique, as there is quite a lot involved in getting that toss right.
And if you’d like to get a few mates together for some fun in the backyard with a few drinks, read my guide on cornhole drinking games for some ideas to further spice up the game.
