If you’re a dedicated cornhole enthusiast, you know there’s nothing worse than pulling out your board for a backyard showdown only to find out it’s not quite in the condition it used to be. While it might be a bit embarrassing to have a cornhole board that is past its prime, there’s a more important issue afoot—your board isn’t going to be nearly as smooth and slippery as it used to be.

Fortunately, not all hope is lost. Whether you’re a casual tosser or the reigning champ of your neighborhood tournament, a little TLC can keep your board looking and playing its best for years. Here are some tips and tricks for properly maintaining your cornhole board to keep it in outstanding condition.

Keeping Your Board Clean

Your cornhole board is inevitably going to take some hits—literally. Dust, dirt, and the occasional barbecue sauce drips are all part of the game. But allowing grime to accumulate over time is never a good idea. That’s why making a habit of cleaning your board regularly is step one in your maintenance game plan.

To start, use a soft, dry cloth to sweep away loose dirt and dust. You’ll be surprised how much gunk accumulates after a single evening of competitive tossing. If a deeper clean is necessary, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and give your board a gentle scrub. Be sure to watch out for over-wetting—boards and moisture don’t typically play well together, leading to warping or swelling if left unchecked. As long as you do a thorough job drying after cleaning, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

For stubborn stains (looking at you, gravy smudge from last Thanksgiving’s showdown), try a solution of vinegar and water. Just test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure your board handles it well. As long as you keep up with this on a regular basis, you shouldn’t have to worry about any long-term stains or discolorations.

Shielding Your Boards From Mother Nature

Outdoor games call for outdoor risks. To protect your prized boards from the elements, avoid leaving them in the great outdoors for prolonged periods. Even if they’re weather resistant, it’s best not to constantly put the claim to the test. Rain, humidity, and even harsh sunlight can cause even the best-made boards to crack, fade, or warp. However, that doesn’t mean you can never leave your boards out in harsher weather. If you invest in waterproof covers, you’ll be able to leave them in the rain when it shows up all of a sudden. Simply put the covers on and quickly head inside.

If you don’t have a way to cover your boards during a sudden rainstorm, be sure to dry them as quickly as possible and get them back inside as quickly as possible to avoid long-term damage. And speaking of storage, keeping your cornhole boards in a dry, climate-controlled area when not in use is the ultimate power move. Try to avoid sticking them in the garage, where moisture can creep in unless warped bags and bouncy surfaces are your idea of fun.

Fixing the Oops Moments

Over the lifetime of your cornhole boards, scratches, dents, and cracks can happen—blame overly enthusiastic players or that one time someone thought it was a good idea to stand on the board mid-celebration. The good news? Most minor damage is fixable, and you don’t need a carpenter’s badge to handle it.

For small scratches, grab some fine-grit sandpaper, give the affected area a light rub, and sand down until the surface feels as smooth as butter. Once it’s smooth, you can apply a light coat of clear polyurethane or wood finish to seal it. Not only will your board look like new, but the polyurethane will also restore that signature slippery surface that bag slide dreams are made of.

For dents or cracks, wood filler is your go-to hero. Spread the filler into the crevice with a putty knife, smooth it out, and leave it to dry according to the instructions on the product. Once fully set, sand the area until flush with the board’s surface, wipe it clean, and seal it with a finish to ensure durability. If the repair feels like it’s out of your league, don’t hesitate to call in a professional—because no one wants to play on a Franken-board.

Commiting to Seasonal Maintenance

Cornhole is a game for all seasons (except maybe winter—unless tossing bags in snowdrifts is a dream come true for you). For most people who live in damp or icy regions, your board deserves a cold-weather hibernation plan. This kind of winter storage is about preventing moisture damage and maintaining the structural integrity of your board, so you might want to find a more secure place than where you normally put it in the summer. Preferably somewhere that won’t get too cold or damp.

However, before stashing your board for the season, give it that deep cleaning we talked about earlier (minus the gravy stains, hopefully). Make sure it’s bone dry before wrapping it in your weatherproof cover. Once you find a place that’s dry and temperature-stable, like your basement, a closet, or even under your bed, if you have the space, you can rest easy knowing that it’ll make it through another winter.

Once spring rolls around, give your board a checkup before bringing it back into action. Wipe off any dust, inspect for any cracks or signs of moisture damage, and make it game-day-ready with a fresh polish or wax coat if needed. Your board will be primed and ready for all those backyard brawls.

What To Do If Your Board Didn’t Make It

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts to follow our suggestions on how to maintain your cornhole board, the day will come when you’ll eventually need to retire your favorite board set. When that day arrives, you need to make sure you find a proper replacement—preferably one better able to handle the harshness of Mother Nature and the occasional wild celebration.

If you’re in the market for a quality set of cornhole boards, Slick Woody’s is your one-stop shop. We have a plethora of boards to choose from. From standard regulation boards to fun, customizable options, we have it all. You can even get yourself a set of beer cornhole boards with your favorite brand of beverage on the surface. No matter what you choose, you can trust Slick Woody’s to provide you with something that’ll stand the test of time. Just be sure to keep up with these maintenance tips to ensure their longevity.