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How to Make a Polished Horseshoes Board

The official rules of horseshoe pitching don't require a polished board at the back of the pitching box. However, many backyard players like to have a solid barrier in place to define the playing area and to keep wildly thrown horseshoes from straying too far away from the metal stake target. A polished horseshoes board sealed with urethane or other sealant will survive several seasons of play and inclement weather, and will make the game area more attractive.

Things You'll Need

Two 2-by-4s
Plywood
Six 1-by-6s (optional)
Wood screws
Electric screwdriver
Medium grit sandpaper
Sealant
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and cut the lumber. Your polished horseshoes board should be at least 3 feet wide to match the width of the inner sand pit of your pitching area, and at least 3 feet tall to catch wildly thrown horseshoes. One 3-by-3-foot square piece of plywood will make a fine horseshoes board, as will six pieces of 1-by-6 that are 3 feet long each. The 2-by-4s are the posts for your horseshoes backboard and should measure 4 feet in length each.
- 2
  Assemble the horseshoes board. Measure 1 foot from the bottom of each 2-by-4 and mark. Your board(s) will be attached above that mark on the remaining 3 feet of the 2-by-4. Lay the 2-by-4s on the ground 3 feet apart with a 4-inch side up. Line up the plywood or 1-by-6s so the ends are even, with the outer edges of the 2-by-4. Use 2-inch long wood screws to attach the board(s) to the posts with an electric screwdriver.
- 3
  Polish and finish the horseshoes board. Use medium grit sandpaper to smooth all rough and splintered surfaces of your horseshoe board. Cover with a layer of urethane or other wood sealant (including the posts) and allow to dry; add a second coat. When the horseshoes board is completely dry, dig holes in the yard for your posts, set in place, tamp the dirt down, and toss some horseshoes.

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