Jenga is a family game, mainly because it’s what we play indoors and whenever we have guests around. It’s a great way to break the ice and it also keeps you thinking. A couple of months ago, I watched this Big Bang Theory episode where they played with giant Jenga in their living room, and I was like “Hey! I could do that!”. I told my wife about my DIY giant Jenga project and she was ecstatic. It took us an entire weekend to get this done.
This DIY Giant Jenga Will Change The Way You Play The Game
For this project, you can use 2″s x 4″s, or even some scrap wood from your previous projects. Our project involved a mix of both new and old wood, seeing as we had a couple that were leftover from our recently finished tool shed. The size is completely up to you, but I suggest that you keep it below an average person’s height because bigger pieces are heavier and could cause serious injuries.
Tools:
- Orbital Sander
- Drill
- Circular Saw
- Protective equipment
- Glasses
- Hearing Protector
- Tape Measure
- Ruler
- Kreg Jig
Supplies:
- 2″ x 4″ boards
- 3/4″ plywood
- Screws
- Sandpaper
- Threaded feet as base
Steps:
1. Create the platform.
A platform is where you will be placing the blocks. You can use any piece of wood for this one. For this project, cut a square that is 18″ x 18″ out of a 3/4″ plywood.
2. Create the frame.
Make a frame out of the 2″ x 4″s to attach to the plywood. Cut two boards to 15″ and two boards to 18″ using either a miter saw or a circular saw.
3. Attach the frame.
Attach the 2″ x 4″s to one another and then to the board. You can pre-drill them or use a Kreg jig.
Drill holes to attach self-leveling feet. Tap the plastic threaded pieces into the wood and then thread the feet into place.
4. Cut the boards to giant Jenga size.
Gather the 2″ x 4″s and cut 54 Jenga pieces measuring 10 1/2″.
Small tip: you can establish a stop or block on your saw, so you won’t need to measure each cut.
5. Sand ’em.
Sand the ends and all surfaces of the Jenga pieces using an orbital sander or a bench top sander.
6. Use finish to make your pieces look good.
You can add a finish to your Jenga pieces or leave them just like that.
7. Stack the pieces and give your new game a try!
Stack the pieces in rows of 3, and alternating the direction of the stacked pieces for every layer, just like you would a normal Jenga game. Now, take this baby outside and enjoy your newly made backyard game.
Catch the full video tutorial of this fun DIY project from DIY Pete:
Do you like this fun outdoor activity for your family? It’s a great way to spend time playing with your loved ones– just a break from the norm that is work and errands. With materials just within reach, this DIY Giant Jenga will be easy to create.
Do you need any of these materials? Be sure to shop for all of them here!
Click here for more DIY outdoor projects.
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Mark says
January 10, 2017 at 9:47 pmThank you for the DIY on this. I’ve recently been introduced to a large game.
My issue is finding good quality straight and true 2x4s. Most of what is in Lowes or Home Depot requires a major culling to find anything resembling quality lumber.
If there is another source of quality lumber, please recommend it.
Thanks