How to Build a Washer Game

Co-authored by Patrick Johns

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Approved

“Washers” is also known as “Southern horseshoes” and involves throwing washers into a box to score points. Create your own board with some two-by-fours, PVC piping, carpet, and paint. Remember to measure your materials and set a budget for your project to ensure that you create a board specific to your playing needs.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Getting Started

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1
Know where you will be playing. Because the game is usually played outdoors, make sure you create a durable box able to withstand the elements as well as the pounding from the game itself. If you will be playing at a specific location, make sure to measure the dimensions to create a suitable board.
- Know what type of surface you’ll be playing on. Some surfaces, like sand, may need extra design features to increase the durability of your board.
Whether you’re creating a simple box for your background or a mobile box with wheels and a graphic design, budget how much time and resources will be needed to create your design.

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There are a lot of variations to the washer game. Whether your rules require 3 hole boards, one hole boxes, nesting 3 hole boards, octagon boxes, or washer pits, make sure you design your board accordingly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Cutting Your Materials

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Head to your local hardware store for two 6-ft two-by-fours, two 17-by-17-inch squares of plywood, two 14-by-14-inch squares of carpet (or fake grass) and two 3.5-inch pieces of PVC pipe, each with a 4-inch diameter.
2
Cut four pieces of two-by-four to create a square. Cut each two-by-four to 17 inches in length. Create a 17-by-17-inch square by cutting the ends of each of these four two-by-fours at 45-degree angles with a miter saw or box saw. Ensure that they can fit together to form perfect 90-degree angles in order to give the corners of the box a more finished look. Alternatively, cut two pieces of two-by-four to 14 inches (35.6 cm) and another two to 17 inches (43.2 cm). Place the shorter pieces between the longer ones; this will still give you a 17-by-17-inch square without the hassle of making angled cuts.
- You may use plywood, OSB, or any type of wood that suits your budget and playing needs.
- Be sure to lay the two-by-fours down on their narrow sides, not on the fat sides.
Cut PVC pipe into two sections of about 3 ½” using a PVC cutter or a hacksaw. You can also use other types of pipe, but PVC is best for durability and budget.
Flip the carpet face-down and, using a straight edge, trace two diagonal lines connecting the opposite corners. This will mark the center of the square.
Center it according to the X you drew in the previous step and, using a marker, trace both the inside and the outside of the pipe onto the fabric.
Using the utility knife, first cut the smaller circle out of the carpet. Try to keep the shape intact and set it aside, as you will need it later. Then, cut the remaining larger circle out of the carpet. Since you will not need this piece later, don’t worry about keeping it intact.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Assembling the Boxes

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Make sure the wood screws you use are long enough to pierce both pieces of two-by-four at each corner. Use a power drill to ensure that the ends are firmly locked together.
Create the square piece of plywood to fit beneath the square frame. Use the frame to trace the cutting lines directly onto your plywood. Cut the plywood once you have measured the shape.
Simply flip the nicer side of the frame downwards (if applicable), place the plywood on top, and screw down through the plywood into the two-by-fours. Make sure your screws aren’t too short for the plywood or too long for the two-by-fours.
First, place the carpet right-side-up in the box to make sure it fits snugly within the square frame. Then, place the PVC pipe in the center of the carpet; you may have to twist it back and forth a few times as you press it into the hole (or even lift the carpet and insert it from the back) to get it all the way through. Finally, insert the saved circle of carpet into the center of the PVC pipe. Make adjustments as necessary.
5
Glue the carpet and PVC pipe to the wooden frame. Do this in the same order in which you test-assembled the pieces. Let the glue set for the amount of time recommended on the bottle.
- For additional stability, use finishing nails and a punch to nail the carpet to the plywood base.
- When applying construction adhesive, be sure to press the PVC pipe and carpet firmly together.
- You may also use 1’ L brackets or a 4” toilet flange to firmly set the PVC pipe.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finishing The Boards

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Whether you add graphic logos or wheels for transportation, your boards are meant to accommodate your gameplay. Make sure that they are durable.
2
Paint and prime the box. Depending on the paint you choose, you may also need to use primer to increase durability and protection. This will help cover screw heads and scratches. You might even want to paint the colors according to the way you plan to distribute points. (See Rules for pointers.)
- Alternatively, you could use Polyurethane to help seal and stain the wood.
Repeat the exact same steps of cutting your materials, assembly, and finish to create a second washer box.

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Question

How many washers are used in the game?

Community Answer

Typically, the game is played with six washers. Each team gets three. It is a good idea to paint the washers different colors to better keep track of points.

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Question

How big are the washers?

Community Answer

Typically 2.5'' OD and 1'' ID. They can be found at specialty hardware stores, like Ace, Park Rose, etc. You cannot procure them at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards (The Big Chains).

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Question

How tall is the backboard?

Community Answer

The backboard you should get for a basic game of washer gloves is about eight inches high and 10 inches wide.

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Things You'll Need

Two 6-ft two-by-fours
Mitre box/saw to cut 45 degree angles (optional)
Wood screws and screwdriver
Two 17-by-17-inch squares of plywood
Two 14-by-14-inch squares of carpet (or fake grass)
Two 3.5-inch pieces of PVC pipe, each with a 4-inch diameter
Marker
Utility knife
Strong glue (for wood, fabric, and plastic)
Finishing nails and a punch (optional)
Paint (optional)
At least six 2.5-inch washers

Video

Rules

Set the two boxes on the grass 15 to 25 feet (4.6 to 7.6 m) apart. There are 2 teams of 2 people each. One person from each team stands next to each box. (I.e. you will be across from your teammate.) Flip a coin to determine who goes first. The Game is played to 21.
Members of the first team can throw their washers across at the box on the other side. Alternatively, members of Team 1 and Team 2 can alternate throwing their washers so both teams know, in real time, what they’re up against.
One scoring method is as follows:
- In the cup = 5
- In the box = 3
- Resting on a side wall = 2
- Within one washer-length of the box = 1
Since it's a lot harder to get a washer on a sidewall or leaning against it than it is to get it inside the box, another scoring method is as follows:
- In the cup = 3
- On top or leaning against the side = 2
- In the box = 1
- Within one washer-length of the box = 0
One version of the game offers the possibility of cancelling out points. For example: Team 1 goes first and scores 2 within a washer length and 1 in the box for a total of 5 points. Team 2, throws 2 in the hole and 1 out in nowhere-land for a total of 6 points. This would mean that the score is 1 to 0 in favor of Team 2 since they cancelled out all of Team 1's points and had one left over.
A variation on cancelling each other’s points out is to actually match the shots. For example, if Team 1 throws 1 in the cup and Team 2 throws 1 in the box, each team would credit for their throws because neither shot was cancelled out; however, if both teams throw 1 in the cup, neither team gets points for that shot. This brings more strategy into the game.

Tips

If you do not have the time or money to create a washer board, simply bury a cup, jar or can into the ground and clear a playing area around it.

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Give ample time for adhesive glue to dry. Read the label for best results.

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Warnings

Be extremely careful with the utility knife; it’s extremely sharp and is easy to lose your grip on.

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How to Build a Washer Game

Steps

Getting Started

Cutting Your Materials

Assembling the Boxes

Finishing The Boards

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

Video

Rules

Tips

Warnings

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