How to Determine Cornhole Board Slickness

Cornhole Stop, LLC
Feb 11
3 min read

Updated: May 8

Why Cornhole Board Slickness Matters

The right amount of slickness ensures bags glide smoothly but still grip the board when needed. Too slippery, and bags slide right off. Too rough, and they won’t slide at all. Finding the Goldilocks zone depends on:

Skill level: Beginners may prefer slightly tackier boards for control.
Playing conditions: Humidity, temperature, and outdoor vs. indoor play affect performance.
Regulations: Tournament boards must meet ACA (American Cornhole Association) standards for competitive fairness.

Cornhole Board Slickness

1. The Slide Test

Step 1: Place your board on a flat surface at the regulation 27° front edge.
Step 2: Gently slide a bag toward the hole from the opposite end.
Ideal Result: The bag should slide 12–24 inches before stopping.
Too Slippery? Bags slide past the hole or off the board entirely.

2. The Angle Test

Use a protractor or smartphone level app to test the “slide angle”:

Step 1: Slowly tilt the board until a bag begins to slide.
Ideal Angle: 10–15 degrees.
Too Slippery? Bags slide at angles under 10 degrees.

3. The Water Test

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the board:

Proper Finish: Water beads slightly but doesn’t pool or soak in immediately.
Too Slick? Water rolls off quickly (indicates a glossy, non-porous finish).

Cornhole Boards

Several factors can contribute to your cornhole boards being too slippery:

High-Gloss Finishes: Polyurethane or epoxy coatings create a slick surface.
Weather Conditions: Humidity or dew can make boards slippery outdoors.
Wear and Tear: Over-sanded boards or faded finishes can lose grip over time.

How to Fix Slippery Cornhole Boards

To improve the grip on your cornhole boards, try the following methods:

Lightly Sand the Surface: Use 220-grit sandpaper to gently roughen the finish. Wipe clean afterward.
Apply a Grip-Enhancing Finish: Switch to a matte polyurethane or acrylic sealer.
Add Texture: Mix sand into your final clear coat (about 1/4 cup per quart) for extra traction.
Use Non-Slip Pads: Attach adhesive pads under the board to stabilize it during play.

Pro Tip: For tournament boards, avoid permanent texture changes—opt for removable solutions like grip tape on the legs.

What If Your Boards Aren’t Slick Enough?

Not all boards need more slickness. If yours feel too grippy, consider these solutions:

Buff with Paste Wax: Apply a thin layer of carnauba wax and buff to a smooth shine.
Use a High-Gloss Sealant: Re-coat with polyurethane or epoxy for a faster surface.

Maintaining the Perfect Slickness

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your cornhole boards in shape. Here’s how to do it:

Clean Regularly: Wipe boards with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris.
Store Indoors: Protect boards from moisture and UV damage.
Reapply Finish Annually: Refresh the sealant to maintain consistent performance.

FAQs

Q: Do ACA regulations specify board slickness?

A: Yes! Tournament boards must allow bags to slide 12–24 inches in the slide test.

Q: Can I use furniture polish to make boards slicker?

A: Avoid it—it can create uneven slickness. Use paste wax instead.

Q: Why do new boards feel too slippery?

A: Fresh polyurethane needs 1–2 weeks to fully cure. Play a few practice rounds to break them in!

Mastering your cornhole board’s slickness ensures every game is fair, fun, and frustration-free. Whether you’re tweaking your backyard set or prepping for a tournament, these tips will help you dial in the perfect surface.