Cornhole’s popularity has increased over the past few years. Because of this, manufacturers have flooded the market with products, each claiming to have the best cornhole boards and setups. Despite cornhole being such a simple game, there are a surprising number of variations, styles, and types to choose from. If you’re new to cornhole, or you simply want to upgrade your existing setup, this buyer’s guide on cornhole boards will go over everything you need to know to pick out a board that will meet your playing needs and goals. I have also tested out several of the best-selling boards and found seven models that have what it takes in a durable board that’s built tough and perfect for players of all skill levels.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each board, how it rated, and other important product information.

Cornhole Boards Comparison Chart

Product	Material	Accessories	Colors	Rating
GoSports Classic Cornhole Set Shop On Amazon!	MDF	Bags/Carrying Case	11
Triumph Premium Cornhole Set Shop On Amazon!	Melamine	Bags	1
GoSports Cornhole Game Set Shop On Amazon!	MDF	Bags/LED Lights	7
Backyard Champs Corn Hole Game Shop On Amazon!	New Zealand Pine	Bags	1
GoSports Solid Wood Cornhole Set Shop On Amazon!	Pine	Bags/tote	1
Triumph All-Wood Cornhole Set Shop On Amazon!	Wood	Bags	1
Wild Sports USA Flag Cornhole Game Shop On Amazon!	MDF	Bags	2

GoSports Classic Cornhole Set

Our Rating: (5/5)

This cornhole set by GoSports earned top marks for its size options. This model is available in two sizes:

• 3×2 feet
• 4×2 Feet

4×2 is the regulation size. The smaller board is a great option if you’re looking for a foldable model that’s highly portable. It can be a great option if you need a board to take on trips to the park or beach, or your next camping trip.

Both size options are made out of durable MDF material and include eight cornhole bags that are weather resistant. The foldable set includes a portable carrying case, so you can easily store and transport all your cornhole gear.

The American flag design is the most popular option and it’s created to look just like vintage barnwood planks. However, buyers will have a total of eleven other color and design options to choose from.

Conclusion

Choose from eleven colors and designs to find the perfect cornhole set for you and the family, whether you need a portable set for your next day trip to the beach or a regulation size board you can set up in the backyard for family fun or tournament training. This set by GoSports includes everything you need for a fun and challenging game of cornhole with your family and friends.

Triumph Premium Cornhole Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

These boards measure in at 2×3 feet, so they’re not regulation size. For some, this will not be a deal breaker, especially for buyers who are looking for a set that’s highly portable. The set comes with a set of eight cornhole bags. The bags are regulation size, but they are not regulation weight. They weigh in at 12.5 ounces, instead of the regulation weight of 14-16 ounces.

While the set is smaller than average, the boards are surprisingly sturdy and feature a laminate surface that’s made out of scratch-resistant melamine. Each of the boards is supported by foldable wooden legs.

Conclusion

This cornhole set of foldable cornhole boards features a foldable design, with boards that lock together for easy transport. This set is affordable and includes everything you need to start playing cornhole, straight out of the box. While the set is not regulation size, it’s still well-built and features the type of highly portable design that some buyers are looking for. Of course, if you’re looking for a set that you can use for competition training purposes, then you’ll want to steer clear of this set.

GoSports Cornhole PRO Regulation Size Bean Bag Toss Game Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This latest set by GoSports includes two regulation sized boards that measure in at 4×2 feet, offering authentic gameplay. The boards themselves feature a surface that’s made out of composite MDF materials with a frame that’s made out of lightweight, yet durable aluminum. The foldable design allows you to collapse the boards for easier storage and transportation. If you love playing a few innings of cornhole after the sun has set, then you’ll love this set’s built-in LED lights located around the cornhole ring. The lights are designed to illuminate the cornhole, so you can easily see it in low light conditions. This is a great extra and one that adds another element of fun to the game.

Conclusion

This foldable set of cornhole boards is durable, yet it features a lightweight foldable design that will allow you to take and play with your cornhole set anywhere, anytime. The built-in LED lights will illuminate the cornhole rings for some late-night innings. The design includes a built-in carry handle, so you can fold up this set, grab it and go. Durable, available in seven design options, and highly portable, this cornhole set is perfect for vacation use, trips to the beach or park, or it can make a great setup for your backyard or basement.

Backyard Champs Corn Hole Outdoor Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

These boards feature a frame and playing surface that’s made out of New Zealand pine. The boards are collapsible for easier transport and storage. The boards do not have a waterproof coating, so they must be stored when not in use. The included eight cornhole bags are made out of cotton, with no mention of what the filling material is. Serious players may want to upgrade the bags, since top of the line bags are made out of duck cloth, which tends to slide better than cotton.

Conclusion

The boards are regulation size, measuring in at 4×2 feet. They’re made out of a beautiful New Zealand pine, but unfortunately, the boards do not have any type of protective coating, so they are susceptible to water damage. Because of this, you cannot leave them outdoors after an inning is over. Fortunately, the boards are easy to collapse and store, so this won’t be a big deal for most potential buyers. Aside from upgrading the cornhole bags, this set is a great buy for cornhole players of all skill levels.

GoSports Solid Wood Premium Cornhole Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

These boards boast a 100% solid wood design for ultimate durability. The boards also have a varnished surface. The set is made out of pine and features corner joints that have been mitered for a cleaner look and improved durability. The boards are not regulation size and measure 3×2 feet, instead of the regulation 4×2 feet used in pro competitions. This smaller size will suit most buyers who are looking for a set for pure recreational purposes. The set also comes with eight all-weather cornhole bags and a tote bag you can use to store and transport the set.

Conclusion

This is a beautiful cornhole set that you can paint to customize and make your own, or you can leave it bare with the clean looking varnished finish. The boards are free of any composite materials and plastic, and instead feature an all-wood design that improves the set’s durability. While the boards are not regulation size, they’ll make a great addition to any backyard and feature a vintage charm that most buyers will find appealing.

Triumph All-Wood Cornhole Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This set by Triumph may not be very flashy, but it features a durable design, with a sturdy frame and wood surfaces. The boards themselves are lightweight, so they’re easy to transport and store. This set includes eight regulation size all-weather cornhole bags that are designed to withstand the elements. However, the boards do not have a polyurethane coating, which would protect the wood in the event it rains. Basically, you need to store the set in the garage or cover it with a tarp to prevent water damage. Inside the boards, you’ll find a small storage compartment, which can be used to store the bags when not in use. This is a nice extra that you won’t find on competing models.

Conclusion

These boards are pretty basic in design. There is only one color option available which can be a drawback for some buyers, while others will look at the bare wood design as an opportunity to customize the look of their boards. The carry handles and the built-in storage compartment are some great extras and ones that make transporting this set much easier.

While the boards themselves are smaller than regulation size, their overall quality more than makes up for what they lack in size.

Wild Sports USA Flag Cornhole Outdoor Game

Our Rating: (4/5)

This set includes a couple of boards with a stars and stripes vintage distressed design. The set also comes with eight cornhole bags that are covered in duck cloth and filled with plastic resin pellets, which are labeled as all-weather. All-weather bags can get wet without the material deteriorating or becoming moldy. Despite the manufacturers claims that these are regulation bags, they only weigh in at twelve ounces. Regulation bags have a weight of fourteen to sixteen ounces. The board itself is made out of MDF materials and measures in at three feet by two feet, so it’s not regulation size. These boards Velcro together for easier transport and storage, however, the set does not come with a carry handle.

Conclusion

The lightweight design of the boards adds to its portability, so you can take it with you on your next vacation or trip to the park. Both the boards and the bags are not regulation size, so this set is not a good choice for the serious cornhole player. The board’s light weight can work against it. Bags that are thrown hard can cause the board to jump and the surface may be too springy for some players. This can impact gameplay and tosses. Additionally, the boards do not have a waterproof protective coating, so they must be stored indoors or covered. While this is a great budget-friendly set, one the kids are sure to love, a serious player will need to look elsewhere for a set that can provide a traditional cornhole playing experience.

Cornhole Boards Buyer’s Guide

Do you want a set of cornhole boards for the kids? Are you searching for pro-quality boards for adults? Who you’re buying the boards for matters, since adults tend to prefer full-sized boards, but kids can easily make do with smaller boards that are not regulation size.

Most top-of-the-line boards meet ACA regulations. These boards are perfect for both backyard and tournament play. Of course, if you’re not planning on training for a tournament, then regulation size and design doesn’t really matter. For a backyard setup, all you really need are boards that are made out of high-quality materials that are durable and designed to handle some rough gameplay.

Before we dive deeper into the features of cornhole tables, let’s check out some of the most common types out there…

Types of Cornhole Boards

For the most part, these boards are very similar in design, but you will come across some great alternatives, such as:

• Foldable boards
• All-weather boards
• Customized sets
• Bareboards
• Sets and standalone boards

Foldable

There are foldable, highly portable versions of cornhole boards available, although these boards are not considered ACA regulation boards. But, if you’re looking for a set that you can take with you on your next vacation, they’re a great option, I just wouldn’t recommend them for training purposes. These boards are usually made out of or are covered in fabric and are a great choice for camping adventures, trips to the beach or grandma’s house for the weekend, or any type of outing or vacation. These sets are also a great choice for kids and usually come with a low price tag.

All-Weather Design

Many popular boards will come with a water-resistant finish that will prevent excessive sliding.

If you live in a humid climate, then you’ll need a set that can handle all-weather conditions. Of course, this isn’t a game that’s meant to be played in the rain, however, even a little moisture in the air can cause the board to rot and fall apart, over time. If you live in a humid climate or one that receives heavy rainfall, go for a board that can handle getting wet, especially if you want to leave your boards set up year-round. Manufacturers will clearly list if a board can handle wet conditions, or if it must be kept out of the rain and stored in a dry place to avoid warping.

Customized Sets

Some manufacturers will offer customization options. You can go with a plain board and paint the board as you see fit, or you can pay a little extra and have your board painted in your colors of choice. Of course, a customized board will come with a higher price tag. Additionally, if the company is a popular one, you may have to wait weeks for your set to arrive.

Bare Boards

Bare boards are left untreated and unpainted. They’re usually made out of a composite material, but you may also find a solid all-wood design. These boards are usually more affordable than sets sold with a surface that’s painted or one that has a design printed on the playing surface. The best thing about these bare boards, aside from the lower price, is that it allows buyers to get really creative and customize their boards at home. Buyers can use custom skins and decals, add team names, and apply some weather protectant, so the boards won’t start to rot if they’re left out in the rain.

Sets and Standalone Boards

Many cornhole boards are sold as sets. This will usually consist of two boards and eight cornhole bags. However, you’ll also come across boards that don’t come with any accessories. In many cases, the boards will come with low quality bags that are not ACL regulated. They may not be the right weight or size, or they may not have the filling material of choice. Basically, you’ll probably want to upgrade the bags. Fortunately, cornhole bags are a very affordable upgrade, so don’t let the fact that a board you’re interested in comes with low quality bags be a deal breaker for you. Instead of focusing on the quality of the bags that come with your board, pay attention to the board itself. If you’re new to the game and don’t know how to play cornhole, there are boards available for all skill levels.

Features to Look For

There are quite a lot of features that you have to look for when buying a cornhole table. The most important ones are:

Use

Your first step to finding the right cornhole board will be determining how you plan to use it. Are you training for an upcoming tournament? Do you want a board specifically for the kids? Are you searching for a board you can take camping? Or are you simply looking for a board that will work for all of your family and friends for some backyard fun?

• If you’re looking for a pro setup for training purposes, then you’ll want a board that’s regulation size.
• If you want a set of boards for some family fun in the backyard, the there are plenty of options out there, including sets designed for kids.
• If portability is a priority, then you’ll want to look for a foldable set, or a set that’s lightweight and designed with portability in mind.

Overall, the biggest priority when you’re shopping for a set of boards is the quality. You don’t want to purchase a new set and have to replace it after just a season or two.

Materials

There are other materials to choose from, including laminate, MDF, metals, and plastics.

Plywood

The type of wood that’s used to make a board matters, as does how thick the material is. Boards made out of ½ an inch of plywood offer the perfect playing surface, while ensuring the bags don’t bounce right off the board’s surface. Maple plywood is pricy, but the wood is better quality than plywood that’s made out of birch. When you’re online searching for a new set, definitely keep an eye out for models made out of maple.

Plastic

Plastic boards are more durable compared to boards made out of wood, since there’s no worry of the plastic rotting if you leave your boards out and it rains. The big drawback is that bags tend to bounce too much on impact.

Laminate or Melamine

Other boards that have a top made out of a laminate material or melamine can make the boards too slippery or they may bounce too much.

Fabric

You may even find some boards that are made out of fabric. These boards are foldable and bouncier than boards made out of wood or plastic. The surface is also less slippery, which can impact your gameplay.

Dimensions

The board’s size and dimensions will also play a role when you’re trying to choose a new set of boards. For a regulation board, it must measure in at four feet by two feet. Both boards should be the same size.

The front of the board should be two and a half inches from the bottom to the top. The back of the board should measure in at one foot from the ground.

The cornhole should be six-inches in diameter and should be centered twelve inches from each side and nine inches from the top.

As I mentioned above, ideally, the boards should be about ½ an inch thick, however, you’ll also come across models that are ¾ of an inch, or 5/8 of an inch thick. A thicker board does not always equal a better playing experience since it can impact how responsive the surface is. However, a thinner board may have too much spring, which can cause the boards to jump or slide if they’re hit hard with a bag. These sets are a better choice for the kids and not the serious cornhole player.

Siding

These boards have thin strips of siding along the lower edges. This design will keep any errant bags from going under the board. With a regulation sized board they will eliminate the need to lift the board or reach under it to retrieve a bag. On most boards, you’ll find that the sides are made out of smooth, solid wood. There should only be one opening located on the underside of the platform. This type of design is preferred by the American Cornhole Association.

Surface

The quality of the board’s surface is important since it will impact gameplay the most. How a bag bounces and slides is highly dependent on the surface of the board and the material it’s made out, as well as how thick it is. Because of this, the surface of the board should have a nice sanded texture.

Lights

Some boards will come with built-in LED lights. These lights are designed to make the cornhole in the center of the board highly visible, so you can continue to play your favorite backyard game, long after the sun goes down. However, you may end up with a board that has lights that are dim, with no way to increase brightness or adjust the settings at all.

Fortunately, you can also buy cornhole lights separately. These light sets can come with lights for the side of the board and/or the cornhole ring. So, if you want to light up your cornhole boards for some evening innings, don’t worry about finding a board with built-in lights. Instead, you can order a set separately, one that offers more options in terms of colors and adjustability.

Finish Type

There are three main types of finishes to choose from:

• Painted
• Printed
• Sticker

Painted

A painted surface should also be coated in a high gloss finish. Most top models will have a finish of high gloss latex paint. This ensures that the surface will allow a bag to slide easily. However, it’s also important that the surface isn’t so slippery that it’s difficult or impossible to get a bag to stick. Some painted boards are not designed for inclement weather and will not have a coating of weather protection, so you’ll want to avoid leaving these boards out in the rain.

In terms of color preference, white is a great option and one that makes it easier to see the bags.

Printed

Boards with a printed surface are durable and can hide any scratches or gouges in the surface. They are usually able to handle any type of weather conditions.

Sticker

This is the most affordable choice. However, if the board gets soaked, the stickers will come off, leaving behind a sticky residue that can impact gameplay and not for the better.

Portable Design

Large, well-built cornhole boards can have an impact on how easy it is to carry and store the set. A lightweight board is ideal if you’re looking for a set that’s highly portable. However, boards that are heavier can indicate better durability. If you’re looking for a set you can take with you on the next family vacation, opt for a set that’s lightweight.

Bags

As I mentioned earlier, many boards will come with a set of bags. Since each player gets four tosses, there should be a total of eight bags in a set. These bags can be made out of a wide range of materials including microfiber and duck cloth. Filling material is often more important than what the bags are made out of. Filling material options include plastic resin pellets, synthetic corn, real whole kernel corn, and sand. Of course, many sets that come with the boards are not high quality, so in most cases, you’ll probably want to buy a set separately, so you can ensure you’re playing with ACA regulated bags, which measure in at six-by-six inches and are filled with plastic resin pellets, for a weight that ranges from fourteen to sixteen ounces.

Cost

Your budget can impact which model you finally settle on. There are plenty of low-priced sets out there, but many of them lack the type of durability you need, especially if you’re looking for boards that are regulation size. If you don’t have the budget for a top-of-the-line set, I recommend holding off on purchasing a set until you do. These top-quality boards are built tough and designed to last season after season. Cheap boards may seem more economical, but you need to consider long-term value.

Maintenance and Care

Cornhole boards tend to get dinged up just from general wear and tear, however, there are some steps you can take that will keep them in great shape.

Storage

Good care and maintenance begin with how the boards are stored. Where you keep your setup will play a big part in how good they look and function. If you store your boards with other gear that can puncture or scrape the wood, then the boards aren’t going to last very long, since a damaged surface can have an impact on gameplay and how well a bag slides.

Instead, the boards should be kept in a dedicated area without any other equipment. This can be a small space in the garage or basement, or anywhere the boards will be safe from damage and the elements.

Avoid storing the cornhole set in areas where the kids or pets can access it. The goal is to protect the top surface of the board from any type of damage.

Avoid storing the boards with sharp objects or tools. Never place the board near sources of water, since exposure to moisture can easily ruin even the best quality wooden board.

Clean Up

Keep the boards free from dirt, dust, and debris. Wiping down your boards with a damp cloth after a game will keep them looking great.

Repaint/Reseal

If your boards have a poly coat or painted surface, you can touch it up once a year. Add some new paint to areas that have started to fade and apply a poly coating to treated wood if it’s started to become dull.

Sealing Your Boards

If you plan on leaving your boards out during the spring and summer months, and your boards don’t already come with a protective coat, applying your own poly clear coat will be the best way to protect them, aside from hauling them indoors every night. This type of clear coat will protect the wood from damage and rot. It’s designed to preserve the wood, while also filling in any scratches and dents.

Repairs

If your board is in need of repairs, make sure you take care of them promptly, to avoid further damage. This can be a matter of fixing a loose board or a strip of siding. A board that’s not in top shape can impact how you play and can throw your game off.

Replace the Boards When Needed

If you’ve had your board for years and the surface is worn and gouged, you notice that some of the planks are loose, and the state the board is in is affecting how you play, then it may be time to throw in the towel and invest in a new set. With proper care and maintenance, a board can last for years. But, if you failed to properly take care of your old set in the past and it’s been exposed to humidity, you may end up with a warped set that makes it difficult to play the game the way it was meant to. Fortunately, you’ll have no trouble finding a great new set in my top seven lineup.

Setting Up Cornhole Boards

Those new to cornhole may not know how to set up their new boards, or how the game is played in general. Fortunately, cornhole is a game that’s easy to learn, however, it’s more challenging than it appears.

In terms of your set up, if you want to have your boards positioned at regulation distance, then break out your measuring tape. The boards must be placed twenty-seven feet apart, from front to front. The boards should also be straight and positioned facing each other. They should be placed on flat, even ground, otherwise the boards will jump or wobble when they’re hit with a bag. All cornhole bags should be placed on one end and divided based on color. And that’s it, you now have your cornhole boards set up just like the pros. If you have young children, you don’t have to worry about placing the boards based on the rules of the game. Instead, keep your kids excited about the game and motivated to play by placing the boards much closer, based on how far the kids can throw.

The Governing Bodies of Cornhole: What’s a Regulation Board?

In cornhole, there are three governing bodies:

• ACO
• ACL
• ACA

ACO

The American Cornhole Organization hosts regional and national cornhole competitions.

ACL

The American Cornhole League is the fastest growing amateur and professional governing body for the sport and is the league behind televised competitions.

ACA

The American Cornhole Association is the official governing body; however, this organization is mainly focused on providing structure to the game for amateur play.

All three organizations have their own set of rules for the game. However, these rules are pretty similar in terms of board size, bag weight and size, and how the game should be set up.

According to the American Cornhole Association’s cornhole rules, a regulation board should have the following characteristics:

The board should be made out of half inch plywood material. This type of material will minimize the amount the bags bounce and ensures the overall quality of the board.

If you’re training for a tournament, I’d avoid any boards that are not made out of the regulation material. Why? Because you need to train on a board that offers the same type of playing experience. The materials the board are made out of can impact the responsiveness of the surface and how a bag slides. You don’t want to be caught in a difficult spot if you’ve been training on a plastic board and you play in a tournament that uses boards that are made out of particle board. You will have to change up how you throw, including your airmail move, because the boards have a different level of bounce compared to boards that are made out of other materials.

Final Thoughts

The right cornhole boards can have a huge impact on your performance. Whether you’re training for an upcoming competition or you just love playing a few innings with family and friends, the type of boards you use matter.

The best cornhole boards are built tough, made from materials that will improve how you play the game, and feature the type of professional setup that many die hard cornhole players are looking for. With this buyer’s guide and my list of the best-selling sets, you should have no trouble finding a new set of boards that are perfect for your backyard setup.