Yard Games

I made this cornhole set for my family last summer. Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing cornhole bags (cotton duck bags filled with feed corn) at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These platforms are usually made with plywood and 2x4's and are often decorated with popular sports logos. The height of the back end is 12 inches from the ground while the height of the front end can vary from 2.5 inches to 4 inches depending on thickness of the platform. The cornhole platforms are set 33 feet from the inside edge of each hole (the 6-inch diameter holes are centered 9 inches in from the top) while the player can stand anywhere from no further than the back of the platform but not any closer than the front of the platform. A corn bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the platform scores 1 point. Play continues until a player reaches the score of 21.
I construct my cornhole sets out of cabinet grade birch plywood and cabinet grade hardwoods (Oak, Birch, Poplar etc...) for the sides. The legs fold into the unit for easy storage and are constructed from what ever hardwood the sides are for that particular set. Being that these are custom painted and use a higher grade of materials, my sets cost more than the typical set as well. If you are interested in a set for your family or company, contact me for a free estimate.
The true history of the game is mostly unknown, though stories abound. One story claims that the game was first played during the 14th century in Germany, then rediscovered in Kentucky within the last century. Despite debate about whether the game was actually created in the Kentucky farmland, Champaign, Illinois or the West Side of Cincinnati, Ohio. Some sources credit the invention to western Cincinnati, but by whom or when is unknown.

Check out this video from Dadlabs.com on how to build your own cornhole set or go to thisoldhouse.com/team-saturday for more fun yard games and how-to videos.



Build it and let's start playing!

Finished Basement

It seems every time we have moved into a house, finishing the basement has always been on my list of projects. The basement in our current home was no exception. This basement is huge. I think the total square footage of the entire space is about 2,300 square feet. That's more square footage than our first house was in it's entirety. I finished about 1,500 square feet and the project took me almost two years.

This is the wet bar / kitchenette. While there is no space for a full size range or refrigerator, there is a space for a microwave, pizza oven and mini frig under the bar. Notice the arches and the how doors that were purchased from Lowes continue the theme. This is my favorite part of this basement.

To keep costs down, I purchased pre-made cabinetry from Lowes. These cabinets are constructed of cherry stained with a warm cinnamon finish. I installed crown molding, legs and black pulls to create a traditional and rustic feeling. My wife and I did the tile backsplash together and just above the backsplash is a space for a large flat panel t.v.

One of my favorite features of this area is the ceiling treatment. I wanted to try something different to give that old world feel, so I opted for a copper ceiling. These are PVC (plastic) panels that install easily with the correct adhesive (Note: do not use liquid nails because it does not have the quick bonding ability that you will need). I purchased wood crown molding and spray painted it a copper color to match the ceiling panels. What a difference versus a plain white ceiling!


Just to the left of the kitchen area is a hallway that leads to a bedroom, pantry closet and a full bath room. The wood flooring is actually a Brazilian cherry laminate that easy to install. The sconces provide functional accent lighting that adds to rustic feeling of the kitchen.

To the left of the hallway is billiards area of the recreational room. This area can even be used as a dining area. The box columns add a traditional feeling to the space. The carpet is a California frize.

The rec room continues to the rear of the lower level where glass double doors with full size side lites walk out to a beautiful paver patio that overlooks the 5th tee of Aston Oaks Golf Course.

This area was the perfect space to add a soft tip electronic dart board.

The rec room has a seating area where you can sit and play board games or just watch a movie on a flat panel t.v. that could be mounted over the gas fireplace.

The full bathroom has a furniture vanity with a granite top.

Also in the full bath is a walk in shower with beautiful travertine tile that was installed by Stephen's Tile. The tile continues on the floor and was used to create a base wrap around the length of the bathroom.

Finishing a basement provides additional living space and can add a lot of value to a home.