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.
