Tuesday, August 6, 2013

A Very Addictive Yard Game


 Here is a DIY, fun backyard game that is easy to make and a lot of fun. Drunk people friendly!
 
One of my co-workers told me about a yard game she and her husband recently made. I thought, man that sounds cool. A few internet searches later and I was at the big box store.





The material list is pretty small and it should only take you a day to make it. If you have a power sander it would only take a couple of hours. Here is what you will need.

8 - 2x4x8's Make sure they are as straight as you can get. I had to pass up the cheap ones.

1 - Pack of 120 grit sandpaper. We used 8 sheets. If you have a power sander use it!

I had some scrap 2x4's and plywood laying around so I made a base for the game. You could use pretty much anything that is flat to play on.
 






Edit:
After getting my ass handed to me on reddit, I suggest you use a miter saw to do this work. Table saws are very dangerous and I have been very lucky over the years.

You could set up a system using a stop so you would not have to mark and measure each board. Hindsight 20/20 and all that jazz, this is what I did. Starting from one end, measure and mark a line at 10.5 inches. Continue marking the board every 10.5 inches. You should get 9 pieces 10.5 inches long out of every board. 







 You should start to accumulate a pile like this. I am glad I choose the more expensive wood. These blocks have a nice red color you do not get with the cheap 2x4's. The hardest part is sanding the edges. You need to make sure every edge has been taken down a little so the blocks will move freely.







You can see my advanced sandpaper technique in the top of this image. I wrap a piece of sand paper around a scrap piece of wood and start sanding. I had four people help me sand these, and it still took many hours. I plan on making and selling these soon, after I invest in a power sander. =)

I had some scrap lumber laying around so I made a heavy duty base for the game. It is important that wherever you play the game, it has a flat level surface.







It is nothing fancy just some 2x4's and some scrap plywood. I made it 21 inches square. I used a can of old spray paint, and it turned out pretty nice.







Here is the end product with a wine glass for scale. A full size, backyard Jenga-like game. This was definitely the hit of the party. I had corn-hole, ladder-ball and a pool table, but this game got the most use.

If you want one, and don't feel like making it yourself, send me a message. I am taking orders. This would be for local pick-up only, it would cost way to much to ship this anywhere. If you are in the South-West Ohio, Cincinnati / Dayton area, let me know if you want one. 






13 comments:

  1. please be safe and use a table saw equipped with a sled or a chop saw next time.

    Pushing wood though a blade like that is super super dangerous.

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  3. Replies
    1. Between $75-$100. I haven't factored all the variables yet. Probably settle around $80 though.

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  4. Careful for copyright issues..

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  5. The idea of stacking blocks on top of each other cannot be copyrighted or patented. The method of playing is and the name is a registered trademark. But I don't have to worry about that, I am selling a Tower of Patience or something like that.

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  6. I would love to order one. What do I need to do. I want it by summer??
    Thanks

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    1. Hey Peggy, are you local to me? I am in SW Ohio between Cincinnati and Dayton. It wouldn't make sense to ship something like this. Let me know if you are close enough and I will give you some contact info. Thanks for your interest.

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  7. I would love to order one of these. I live near Springfield, Ohio

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    1. Hey Diane,

      I am not that far from you. I live in near Waynesville. When would you want it? I am busy building a chicken tractor right now and I am taking a Permaculture class in March. I could have it ready in April sometime. Let me know if that works for you.

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  8. Thank you for sharing this! My husband and I are making this today :-)

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