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DIY Shuffleboard

Once considered the sport of silver-haired retirees and cruise ship passengers, shuffleboard's fan base has grown increasingly young. More than ever, college kids, couples and families enjoy the pleasures of this competitive game. In another win, a National Shuffleboard Hall of Fame formed in 1995. But don't worry, you don't have to be a tournament champion, or even experienced, to compete at this vintage sport. Build your own backyard shuffleboard court and play the best shuffleboard game in town.

Things You'll Need

Chalk
Wood strips
Concrete mixing drum
Concrete
Paint
Sponge roller
Nylon brush
Clear coat
Shuffleboard wax

Instructions

- 1
  Find a level surface in your yard. A standard shuffleboard court requires a playing area 52 feet long and 6 feet wide, with additional room for observers to stand. Modify this size if you choose, but keep the measurements in proportion. Mark the court's dimensions with chalk.
- 2
  Install wood strips, 4 inches high, around the court's perimeter. Secure the frame with wood spikes.
- 3
  Pour the concrete. If building a full-size court, rent a large concrete mixing drum to ensure you can pour it all at once. Level the concrete and allow it to fully dry. Depending on climate, this can take anywhere from four days to four weeks.
- 4
  Paint the concrete with a sponge roller. Traditionally, shuffleboard courts feature a green background, although you can choose any color you want. Once the background dries, paint the markings and boundaries with a contrasting color. Use a nylon brush and a shuffleboard template. Templates can be found at many sporting goods stores. Allow it to dry. Seal the surface with two coats of clear finish. Allow it to dry.
- 5
  Clean off any accumulated leaves or dirt. Wax the court with shuffleboard wax until the surface is smooth and discs glide easily. Repeat once a month.

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