You can make some outdoor tic tac toe or checkers games for your lawn and enjoy what is left of summer with your family! For me, nothing screams summer like the smell of a freshly mowed lawn. Get out there and enjoy it with this game idea. I am going to show you how to make a reversible checkers and tic tac toe board below, but I am sure you can come up with more fun ideas for hanging out on the lawn.
How To Make Outdoor Tic Tac Toe & Checker Board Game
It doesn't matter if you are team tic tac toe or checkers because today's DIY is giving you the best of both worlds! So, grab some wood pieces, stain, and your favorite wood-burning tool, and let's make this reversible game board project!
Supplies Needed To Make Outdoor Tic Tac Toe & Checker Board Game
- 12×12 wood panel
- Small wood slices
- Square wood blocks
- Wood stain in various colors
- Paint brushes
- Rags
- Pencil
- Wood-burning tool
How To Make The Checkerboard Pieces
First, let's make our checkboard pieces!
Step 1: Stain Wood Slices
Start by staining both sides of the wood slices with color stain. I used red on one set and grey on the other. I made 14 of each color to have a few extras. Just paint on the stain with a paint brush, allow it to set for a few seconds, and wipe away excess with a rag.
How To Make The Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Board Pieces
Next, let's make our tic tac toe board pieces!
Step 1: Stain Square Wood Blocks
For the tic tac toe side, you will need five of each block. I cut 2 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch squares from a 1-inch board. Stain all sides with color stain. Five in one color and five in another.
Step 2: Draw On ”O” & ”X”
Use a pencil to draw on an “O” or “X”. I used a small lid to make the O and just drew straight lines for the X.
Step 3: Wood Burn Square Blocks
I then used a wood-burning tool to trace the lines. The wood-burning tool is perfect for outdoor projects, as the lines will never fade or wash away. This is truly an outdoor project that can be used over and over again on your lawn without the fear of the pieces or board chipping or wearing away. You have to love that!
How To Make Outdoor Checkers Game Board
For our actual board game, we are first going to start with creating the checkers side!
Step 1: Stain Wood Panel White & Draw Lines
For the checkerboard side, I stained the entire thing white first, then drew lines to make 1-1/2 inch squares.
Step 2: Stain Alternating Squares Grey
I stained alternating squares with grey stain.
Step 3: Wood Burn Lines Onto Panel
Then just go over the lines with the wood burning tool.
How To Make Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Game Board
Finally, to finish up our game board, we are now working on the tic tac toe side!
Step 1: Stain Inside Panel Grey & Add Wood Burn Lines
The opposite side is for tic tac toe. I used a grey stain on that surface, and wood-burned lines into it as well.
Once everything is dry, you can head out for a family game tournament on the grass!
Relax at the end of a long day with an outdoor game on the lawn. Choose checkers or tic tac toe with our reversible game board. Then head out to play outdoor yard games like these!
You can set up a tournament with our game board or just play a single game. Your kids will love this outdoor yard game, and you will love the fact that it will last for years.
If you need me, I will be lying in the yard challenging family members to some checkers. Being the checkers champion gets you ultimate bragging rights around here.
So, tell me, what outdoor yard games do you enjoy? I would love to hear in the comments below!
Also, which game would you play first? Checkers or Tic Tac Toe?
Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Tic Tac Toe & Checker Board Game
Now that you’ve seen this fun outdoor tic tac toe & checker board game, are you ready to make your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible!
- Use Your Favorite Colors – You don't have to use the same colors that I did for your outdoor tic tac toe and checker games! Instead, use your favorite colors or colors that mean something to you. For example, how fun would this be in your favorite sports team's colors?!
- Change Up The Size – The wood panel I used for this project was 12×12, but you can make your game board bigger if you wish! The only thing to remember is that if you make your game board bigger, you will want your game pieces to be bigger as well.
- Use Wood Rounds – If you can't find wood slices for your game board, you can use wood rounds of the same size as well.
- Skip The Wood Burning – If you don't have a wood-burning tool and still want to make this project, you could use a paint marker. However, if you go this route, you will want to seal your game board and game pieces so they are fully protected.
7 More Outdoor Game DIYs
Did you love this outdoor tic tac toe and checker board game, and are looking for more outdoor game DIYs? Then check out the projects below!
- Pool Noodle Games
- DIY Tenzi Outdoor Yard Dice Game Tutorial
- Outdoor Games for Kids Using Household Items
- Create Backyard Fun: Easy DIY Outdoor Games for Everyone
- Make a Ring Toss Game
- DIY Staking Game
- Glow in the Dark Yard Game
Very fun! This is a great way to teach young kids how to play checkers with this extra large board. Visiting from DIY & Recipe party
I love this dual purpose game board! and that its made for outside, get a little peace and quiet in the house while the kids are entertained outdoors.
What a fun idea! Now maybe I can make use of those limbs that aren’t really big enough for the wood stove! Love these. 🙂