If you are even considering the purchase of a cornhole board for family fun and backyard barbecues, don’t rush out and buy the first one you find. Whether you’re a cornhole beginner or an avid player, the cornhole boards you choose can significantly impact your play. While you can choose to save a few dollars on generic cornhole boards, the sacrifice isn’t really worth it.

Many generic boards are made of various materials and don’t measure up to regulation play. Manufacturers often inadvertently sacrifice quality while attempting to make the generic boards lighter or keep the price point lower. The bean bags may be too heavy, too light, or even too large to slide easily through the hole in the board. When you purchase a cornhole board for the backyard, you want to know that it is made of quality materials to offer years of entertainment. Here’s the difference between a generic and a premium cornhole board.

Regulation Specs

Premium boards are designed to meet American Cornhole Organization (ACO) specs for size, weight, and design. A premium cornhole board is 2 feet wide by 4 feet long with a 6 inch hole centered approximately 9 inches from the top of the board. The back of the board sits approximately 12 inches high, while the front is between 3 and 4 inches from the ground to create that regulation slope.

Many generic boards are not regulation size and often do not have the proper slope. This can prevent the bean bags from sliding appropriately when they meet with the board. Many times, the hole is not regulation size which can also interfere with play if it is too small for the bean bags.

Deck Design

Premium boards are further engineered with a sturdy frame of high-quality wood, such as mahogany, to support the thick premium plywood deck. This solid construction ensures the board weighs more than 25 pounds and does not move when the bean bags hit. A solid beam supports the underside of the board to further prevent the board or the bags from bouncing during play.

Many generic boards are made of plastic or other materials. These materials are so light that the board moves whenever a bean bag hits it. Players find it hard to score because the board doesn’t stay still. There is typically no beam support on the backside of the board either. Generic boards are often so light and flimsy that they bounce under the weight of the bean bags, sometimes launching the bags even further.

Legs & Accessories

Premium cornhole boards have solid back legs constructed from the same high-quality wood as the frame. Magnetic fasteners help secure the legs when not in use, and the board is held together with corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware. Premium boards often use graphics but avoid stickers that could interfere with play.

While generic boards may have back legs, they are often constructed of the same genetic material as the frame. The legs may fold when not in play, but there are usually no fasteners to secure them. Generic boards often do not come with corrosion-resistant hardware because they aren’t built to last. They are built to sell.

Get Your Premium Cornhole Boards Today

Now that you know what to look for, you can shop for your premium cornhole boards today. Use them for family fun at the beach or backyard barbecues with friends. When you purchase premium cornhole boards made with high-quality materials, you play better and you enjoy it more. You can also expect your cornhole boards to last for years when cared for properly. Don’t waste your money on generic boards. Purchase your premium cornhole boards today.