Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Introduction

Easily make your own version of this classic game for tailgates or parties using simple tools. How will you stack up with this diy yard jenga? 

Sometimes just sitting and chilling in your backyard is more than enough. But sometimes you might want a little more activity, whether that’s for the kids or a party for your friends. There are a ton of outdoor, backyard games you can play, from ring toss to horseshoes. If you want something a little more puzzling, so to speak, give this giant version of a popular table game a try.

It’s easy enough to DIY. If you have a miter saw and some 2x4s, you’re ready to make an oversized version of this classic game.

To build this backyard game you’ll need 6, 8-ft. 2x4s, a miter saw and a sander.

The minimum requirement here is to cut the boards and sand the edges. However, if you’re going to set this up outdoors, we recommend giving the boards a coat of stain. That will help protect them from the elements, just in case someone forgets to put them away for the night and it rains.

What other backyard games are there?

There are a ton of games you can add to your backyard oasis for summer fun this year, most of them are relatively easy to make too. Popular with tailgaters all over the country, you can make a set of cornhole boards that will be a hit with everyone. A backyard ring toss game is great for the kids, if they’re not into horseshoes. All of those are easy to make yourself, but if you’re not handy with a saw, there are plenty of backyard games you can buy, from bocce to a putting green and a chipping range for the golfers.

Tools Required

  • Miter saw
  • Sander

Materials Required

  • 2x4 boards

Watch How To Make a Giant Backyard Wooden Puzzle Game

Project step-by-step (3)

Step 1

Cut your 2×4’s into 54 10-1/2” Pieces

Take your 6 2×4’s and use your miter saw to cut them into 54 10-1/2” pieces. If you don’t have a miter saw, you can easily use a circular saw, jigsaw, or (if you are feeling extra strong) a handsaw. If you use a miter saw, you can clamp a scrap piece of wood as a stop block onto the fence and create a consistent guide so you have to keep on measuring.

Giant Jenga

Step 2

Sand the Edges

Use a 180 grit sandpaper on any type of sander to soften the edges and get rid of any splinters or rough edges.

Giant Jenga

Step 3

Stack and Play

This is the easy part of this game. Stack your pieces in rows of 3 to make a total of 18 rows and challenge your family or friends and see who is the puzzle master.

Giant Jenga