Summer DIY Washers Game

Ahhh, who doesn't love summer?! School's out (which means no more crazed yelling at the kids to get dressed, brush their teeth, do their homework....) instead you can opt for a nice cup of coffee on the deck with Mr. Sunshine, until that is, the kids roll out of bed. Then it's "I'm bored," "Mom what can we do?" "I don't want to clean my room!" and the list goes on. How many of us have already pinned '20 things to do with your kids?'

Here is an easy DIY Washer's game project you can make to hopefully keep the kids entertained for at least an hour okay maybe 15 minutes a few times a day?! It's not just a kids game though. We love to break out the washers when we have summer bbq's for some adult fun as well! What is this game? Just click HERE to find all you need to know about this American favorite!

Materials:

(2) 8' 2X4's: cut into (4) 14" lengths & (4) 17" lengths

(1) piece of plywood cut into (2) 17" x 17" squares

(2) pieces of 17" x 17" square outdoor grass

(2) 4" PVC couplings 

(2) pkg of 1 1/2"  L brackets

(8) washers

Gorilla Glue

Screws and a drill

*Home Depot will make cuts for you if needed*

1. Grab your 2X4's and predrill holes to make putting your box together LOTS easier!

2. After boards are drilled, set up your square. You will use the 14" lengths on the inside and 17" on the outside. Yes it will be wobbly. You will use the ever handy Gorilla Glue and the wood screws you see in the picture to then screw everything tightly together to make a 17" square. Repeat for a total of 2 squares!

Make sure your edges line up nice and square

A little Gorilla Glue helps keep edges square while you put in screws

Sometimes you just have to use a knee to keep everything lined up!

3. While your 2X4 squares are drying, you can cut your plywood if you haven't already done so as well as your outdoor grass and glue the grass onto the plywood.

Roll of outdoor grass purchased at Home Depot

 

Add a generous amount of Gorilla Glue to the back side of your plywood

Lay your outdoor grass out flat upside down, then lay your plywood glue side down, of course.

 

It's easiest if you align two of the already precut straight edges

After you get it all lined up, use a razor to cut the remaining edges of outdoor carpet

Next, stand on your square to make sure everything is glued nicely :)

Flip over and make sure all edges are nicely glued

4.Now it is time to drill the outdoor grass plywood board and the 2X4 square together! We used 8 screws total for each square. One in each corner and one in the middle of each side. Start with a middle first so you don't get out of 'square' as you are screwing everything together.

Line up your board so everything is square and fits nicely

Again, use a knee to hold securely while you drill in the screws.

This is how it should look after it's put together.

5. Now for the fun part, adding the PVC coupling to make the "washer cup!"

Measure the center point from BOTH directions

Center your PVC and use your razor to cut around

Ta Da! Do not throw away the circle. You will put it back in.

Glue and hold tightly with your hand, since you can't kneel or stand here ;)

Ta Da!

For extra support screw 3 of your L brackets like so into your PVC and base

.

Make sure to put your circle of grass back in the cup.

Have your little helper check and make sure it's done right!

Now that you have finished your washer set up, it's time to get some washers (2.5" is the size you'll need) to play the game. You can find basic washers at Home Depot, or any hardware store; however there are a lot of fun options to order online! Check out Victory Tailgate for some awesome choices!! I really love the American Flag option for July 4th BBQ's and the Zebra for those of us girlie girls that love to play washers! Washer's also come in different weights....good options for kids vs. adults.

Our finished set.  Notice we have different weight washers for the adults vs. kids.

I might "fancy" this up a bit with a coat of paint, but I may not since it will just get quite a bit of wear and tear throughout the summer! Hope you enjoy!