Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

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Design a Stacking Block Game for Outdoor Fun

Outdoor games are popular among kids and parents alike. Outdoor games can provide fun entertainment for your guests and family when you’re tailgating for a big football game or hosting a backyard party. Pull out this stacking block game for afternoon barbecues or evenings by the fire pit to enhance your next social gathering.

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How to Play Your Block Tower Game

A stacking block game begins with players stacking 54 wood blocks into a tower. Place three blocks next to each other so that they’re touching on their long sides. This is the first level in the tower. Stack the next level, but orient the three blocks perpendicular to the first set. Continue stacking layers in alternating directions until you have 18 levels in the tower. Once the tower is ready, players take turns removing one block from the tower and adding it back to the top of the tower. Players can touch only one piece per turn and use only one hand. The goal each turn is to remove one block and add to the tower’s height without knocking the tower over. The game ends when a player knocks the tower over.

How to Build Your Block Stacking Game

A person sawing pieces of wood with a blue Kobalt circular saw.

Create a stacking block game in an afternoon by following these steps. Set your materials up in your garage, workshop or backyard to give you ample room to create the pieces.

A complete stacking block game includes 54 pieces. Cut the 2-inch-by-4-inch boards into 10-1/2-inch pieces using your table saw or circular saw. Position each board and clamp it in place to ensure a steady cut. Use your tape measure to confirm each cut is accurate.

Tip

When choosing wood for this project, opt for pieces with as few knots as possible. Large knots might inhibit the pieces from sliding smoothly, which can make the game harder to play.

Sand the 54 game blocks to smooth the edges and eliminate the risk of splinters. The most efficient way to do this is with a sander, but if you don’t have one, you can also use 220-grit sandpaper and manually sand the blocks.

Tip

Sand each piece differently, with some pieces smoother than others, to make the game more challenging. That way, some pieces will be easier to slide out than others.

Use a polyurethane spray to seal each game piece. This spray-on sealant adds a protective finish. Wear protective gloves during this step and spray in a well-ventilated space, such as your backyard.

Tip

Spray three sides and one end of each block and then stand the block on the unsprayed end to dry. After about an hour, the sealant will be dry, and you can spray the remaining side and end.

A stacking block game needs to have a flat resting surface to ensure the tower remains steady. Construct a sturdy wood platform so that you can play this game on many surfaces, including grass and concrete. To do this, cut your plywood square into an 18-inch-by-18-inch square. Then, cut the remaining 2-inch-by-6-foot board into four pieces: two 18-inch pieces and two 15-inch pieces.

Attach these pieces to the base of the plywood square using a pocket-hole jig and pocket-hole screws. Flip it over, and you’ll have a sturdy base for your stacking block game.

Good to Know

We can cut your plywood board to size at Lowe’s to save you a step.

Tip

Use wood glue in addition to the screws on the base for added strength and stability.

A DIY Project the Whole Family Can Enjoy

This wood stacking game can entertain children and adults alike. With some smooth wood, woodcutting power tools and hardware, you can easily create a game that’s sure to bring plenty of family fun to your outdoor fall activities. At Lowe’s, we have all the building supplies you need to get started on this project.

Related Tags:

Outdoor Living

How to Make a Stacking Block Game