If you love to play outdoor games such as corn hole, this outdoor DIY beverage holder tutorial may just be your next project this summer. My design is a little different from any I’ve seen online. Now, this handy score keeper and beverage holder isn’t for me. I can’t play corn hole because I’ve had a bad shoulder for years. A good friend is helping her daughter throw a big 21st birthday party this weekend, so I told her I’d make her some of these drink holders.
Materials to Make DIY Beverage Holder
You could use new materials for this project, but of course, I used reclaimed materials. In fact, I used pallet boards and pallet 2×4’s. In addition, I used rods left over from crib sides. They originally had screw sections on them to hold them to the crib, but that has been cut off for years. If you don’t have these rods, you could use rebar.
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After sanding the pallet board, I cut the following sizes for each project.
- 12” (2) sides
- 10 1/2 “ (1) bottom
- 3 1/2” (2) ends
36” 2×4
Your ends will depend on how wide your board (bottom) is.
Clamp and Use Nail Gun for Temporary Hold
I like to use irwin quick clamps and my nail gun to give a temporary hold until I can secure the joints with wood screws.
Drill Countersink Holes
Using a countersink bit aids in giving a good look when securing the wood screws. I drilled all the holes, then added the screws all at one time. The brad nails give a hold until I can secure the screws.
Secure with Screws
The screws fit well into the countersink holes.
Sand Pallet Beverage Holder
After installing all the pieces, everything gets a good sanding. I like to round over my corners to remove any sharp edges. If you are looking for something a little less rustic, you may want to use new lumber. I’m fine with less than perfect.
Cut Metal Rod with Jigsaw
A jigsaw was used to cut the metal rod in half, leaving two pieces around 17” in length.
Drill Two Holes in bottom of 2×4
Drill two holes in the bottom of each 2×4 stand to insert metal rods. The size will depend on what size rods you are using. Getting these holes straight is a little challenging. Keep your drill level and go slow. You may have to bring your bit out to release the wood chips.
Insert Rods Into 2×4
After inserting the rods, push or hammer 2×4 into the ground.
Drill Scorekeeping Peg Holes in DIY Beverage Holder
I made a template out of a shutter slat for the scorekeeping peg holes. After drilling the first hole, I added a peg to keep the template aligned. Then I drilled the furthest hole and inserted a peg there as well. Finally, I drilled all the other holes.
After a couple of boxes, I realized it was easiest if I spun the jig around to do the other side.
Continue drilling holes and sand smooth.
Mark 2×4 Pattern on Bottom of Wooden Box
Using my combination square I centered a scrap 2×4 and marked it for drilling pilot holes.
Drill Countersink Holes
Using the pilot holes as a guide, I drilled countersink holes to allow the screws in the diy beverage holder to be out of the way. Attach the box to the top of the 2×4 stand.
Assembled DIY Beverage holder
I really love how clean and unobtrusive the DIY beverage holders are in the ground. Because the box doesn’t have any dividers, there is plenty of room for drinks, bug spray and even your phone!
You may want to paint your backyard beverage holders. For now, I chose to left my natural.
Pegs for DIY Beverage Holders
This is where I scored the plastic pegs for the scoring peg holes in the beverage holders.
Add a Base to DIY Beverage Holders
My friend requested one of the beverage holders have a base so that it can be used in the garage for ping pong. So, they have four stands that will rest in the ground and this one that will be perfect for the garage.
The beverage holders can be customized so folks can keep up with the scoring.
This post will get updated when I get pictures from the party this weekend.
gail
Such a clever idea, Gail! I just linked up at Talk of the Town… Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess!
Oh, this would have been fabulous when I was a kid. We were a large Italian family. At get together there was bocce ball, horse shoes, or a game that had a board with holes, numbers an these small hard leather balls. I don’t remember what my grandfather called it. Oh, makes me think about how we’ve all scattered all over the US. I’m making my grandson a bean bag game with holes and numbers. He loves to throw and kick balls. So fun