Large yard games are quickly becoming popular. If you want a really nice, handcrafted set you can purchase many enlarged yard games from sites like Etsy. Oftentimes you can make your own pretty easily, and for much cheaper.
If Yahtzee is your game of choice, here’s how you can make your own Yardzee DIY game in 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Research
Start by researching how other people have created their own Yardzee game and out of what materials. This research will give you a better idea of which method is easiest and what type of design you’d like on your dice. This easy method calls for slicing up a 4×4 piece of wood.
Step 2: Purchasing supplies
You don’t need a lot for this particular yard game, which is a perk of building this one over other giant games. The following items are all you need:
- 4×4 piece of wood with a length of 18 inches or greater
- Wood stain
- Paint
- Paintbrush or rag depending on if you’re using paint or stain
Step 3: Getting started
You’ll want to measure your wood to make sure you’re getting a square. Keep in mind the 4×4 wood is actually more like 3.5×3.5 because wood has a tendency to shrink.
Start by measuring how wide your board actually is. After you get the measurement, make marks length-wise until you have a total of 5 dice mapped out. It helps if you mark on each side of the wood so you can ensure when you saw it, you’re maintaining a straight line.
Next, cut along each of the lines. Use a saw or whatever tool is easiest for you. A table saw works well if you have access to one.
Step 4: Sand, stain, and paint
After cutting the dice out, sand down the sides and corners to eliminate future splinters. Use a very coarse sand paper to round out the edges as much as you can. If you have the proper tools, you can round them more easily.
Wipe off the residue from sanding and start to stain. Use any color you want. If you don’t want to stain it, you can always use paint instead. There are a variety of designs you can do.
Next, find a way to prop the dice up to let them dry. Popsicle sticks work great! Once dried, paint the dots on. You can try to make a stencil if you would like, but it can be just as easy to do them by hand.
Step 5: Play
You can, if you have the time and energy, make a giant score card. Otherwise, buy an old regular sized Yahtzee game from a garage sale and use the score sheets that are included. This way, everyone has their own card as well.
Once you have the scorecards, you can enjoy your new creation!
What other DIY yard games have you tried to make?
