Notch- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4–7.8 hours
- Cost
- $$$
About this build
Enjoy some games outside with your own horseshoe pit. This horseshoe pit frame has a throwing platform with the front at the foul line, large sandpit, and sturdy backstop that can handle a few stray horseshoes. The hardest part of this build is lifting the sturdy frames into place.
Tools
Essential
- Drill / Driver
- Impact Driver
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
Optional / nice to have
- Bar / Pipe Clamps
- Combination Square
- Level
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 2x4 96" | 13 board |
| Board, 2x6 96" | 6 board |
| Board, 4x6 72" | 2 board |
| 2 1/2" blue-kote pocket hole screws | 180 each |
| 3" lag bolts | 12 each |
| 16x16 pavers | 16 each |
| 8x16 pavers | 4 each |
| Wood glue | 1 each |
| Sand | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Frame sides | 8 | 1" × 3" × 69" |
| Frame side slats | 12 | 1" × 3" × 16" |
| Frame front/back | 4 | 1" × 3" × 71" |
| Frame back slat | 2 | 1" × 3" × 8" |
| Frame pit back | 2 | 1" × 3" × 33" |
| Backstop top | 2 | 1" × 3" × 71" |
| Backstop slats | 12 | 1" × 3" × 27" |
| Backstop legs | 6 | 3" × 5" × 21" |
What to buy
Buy 21 boards at 8 ft.
3" × 5"
2 boards
1" × 3"
19 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Build sides of frame
- Cut all the frame boards.
- Set your pocket hole jig for 1 1/2" thick material and drill 2 pocket holes in each end of all the frame boards except the Frame front/back boards. Secure the frame side slats in between two frame sides as shown in the picture. There should be a 6 1/8" gap between all the slats. Secure with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
2Add frame front/back
Attach two assembled sides between two frame front/back boards with the pocket holes already drilled in each ends of the frame side boards. Secure them with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue so the outside side board is flush with the edge of the frame front/back boards.
3Assemble back of frame
- Attach the frame back slat to the frame back board in the center. Secure with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
- Attach the frame pit back between the assembled sides and flush with the bottom of the frame back board. Secure with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
4Build a second frame
Repeat to build a second frame.
5Assemble backstop
- Cut the backstop boards. With the pocket hole jig still set for 1 1/2" thick material, drill 3 pocket holes in each end of all the backstop slat boards.
- Attach the backstop slats between the 3 backstop legs so they are flush with the front or set slightly back (1/4").
- Also set the top slat 1/4" below the top of the leg and leave a 1/4" gap between the slats. Secure to the legs with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
6Add the backstop top
- Drill 2 pocket holes set for 1 1/2" thick material in the back on the top of each of the backstop legs. Since the 4x6 board will not fit in the jig, you will have to use the 300 series or remove the top part of the jig with spacers.
- Clamp it to the leg to drill holes.
- Add wood glue to the top of the legs and secure the backstop top with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws so the front is flush with the front of the legs and the back overhangs.
7Install the frame
- Pick your spot for your horseshoe pits. The stakes should be set back from the front of the frame 36" and the stakes need to be 40' apart, so space the assembled frames 34' apart.
- Remove any grass and level the area for the pits.
- Place the frame in the area. You can use weed barrier below the pit if you want.
- Then place the backstop up against the back (they are very heavy if you attach them before moving into place).
- Attach the back to the frame by driving 2 lag bolts into each leg through the back of the frame. There should be a 1/4" gap between the top of the frame and the bottom slat to allow sand to fall through as needed.
8Install the throwing platform
- Fill the throwing platform squares with sand, leaving room for the pavers on the top. You will need to stop down the sand as you measure for the paver height. Since the pavers fit so snug, it is hard to remove them once placed, we found using one of the smaller pavers to stomp down the sand and measure much easier.
- Once all the pavers are placed, fill the small gap around them with sand and fill the pit with sand.
9Enjoy!
Now all that is left is to install your horseshoe pit stakes and enjoy a fun summer game! And make sure to visit me at Houseful of Handmade to say hi and find more things to build.
10Build a second backstop
Repeat to build a second backstop.
Tags
- Outdoor Living
- Intermediate
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