DIY: Yard Yahtzee (And It’s a Bargain, Too!)

Make Yard Yahtzee for Your Family | Design Mom

Have you noticed the fun trend of turning childhood table games into oversize outdoor games? For the record, I am fully on board. Big interactive games that the whole family can play, and that get people outside? Yes, please. In fact, lately, my new favorite housewarming gift to give has been an oversize outdoor Jenga set. But I think I like this DIY Yard Yahtzee even more! And it’s a total bargain project too.

Yard Yahtzee: Perfect Family Game | Design Mom

Picture it now: You and the kids outside after dinner, making the most of the last sunny summer evenings, chasing around your lawn or at the park, playing an active game of Yard Yahtzee and enjoying an icy popsicle. 

Make Yard Yahtzee! | Design Mom
Make Yard Yahtzee! | Design Mom
Make Yard Yahtzee! | Design Mom

The main material needed for this is a 4″ post which can be found at home improvement store that sells lumber. It’s a bit intimidating to pick out (there are lots of wood-type options) and it’s big and heavy. But it’s inexpensive ($8-10)!

Make Yard Yahtzee for Your Family | Design Mom

While this DIY is very straight forward, it requires some major tool usage. I’ve listed what I used and then listed other options so you can decide how to proceed depending on what you have. Also, this is an outdoor project unless you have a dedicated workshop. It’s dirty and mess-producing and the tools are loud!

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Supplies:

– 4″ post*
– saw — I used a miter saw with a 12″ blade. You could also use a basic hand saw, hack saw, table saw, band saw, sawzall.
– sander — I used an orbital sander. You could use a sanding block or belt sander. 
– drill and a large bit — I used a 3/8″ bit. You could use a countersink bit or a forstner bit. You could also use a Dremel with a spherical sanding bit.
– acrylic paint
– paint brushes
– top coat, optional

*My post was 8′ long. Since the dice are cut down into 4″x4″ cubes, the full size is WAY more than you need. I was able to get four full sets from one post. So, think about splitting one post among other DIY friends or search for a partial post in the scrap bin at the home improvement store. Or, like me, make them and give them away!

yard-yahtzee 15

1. Cut the 4″ post into 4″x4″cubes. However you decide to cut them down, it is best to measure one cube, cut, then remeasure and then cut and so on. If you measure and mark them all beforehand, there is a chance the final cubes won’t be the right size.

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2. Use the drill and bit to make the dice dots. The holes DO NOT need to be very deep at all. Not sure how a dice is laid out? Here’s an image. Did you know that each of the opposite faces add up to seven? Me neither!

yard-yahtzee 16 copy

3. Sand! Sand the die faces and all the edges.

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4. Add paint to the dot divots with a paint brush. Any color you want! Add a sealant if desired.

Now you are ready to play! Need the rules? Check out this link.

Make Yard Yahtzee for Your Family | Design Mom

Notes:

– This project could be done without any drilling. Just make cubes, sand and then use the paint to add the dots. Using a sealant is necessary for this to make sure the paint stays put.

– The wood grain is different on the different faces of the die and this becomes really apparent when drilling. On the four sides when the grain is going up and down, if you go too deep, the holes can get gnarly and require additional “cleaning up” to make them smooth (using the bit). Just remember: the holes don’t have to be deep. Just a little divot will provide a nice spot for the paint to go.

– Don’t stress about perfection. This is an outdoor game that will be thrown on the ground and will inevitably get banged up. If all the dots aren’t perfectly in place, that is okay.

yard-yahtzee 12
Make Yard Yahtzee! | Design Mom
Easy Steps to Make Your Own Yard Yahtzee | Design Mom

Created by Amy Christie for Design Mom

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