How to Build a Simple Horseshoe Pit

Horseshoes is a relaxing backyard game

If you enjoy the game of horseshoes and have a few building skills, you don't have to go to the park to play. Building a horseshoe pit of your own is a unique addition to the backyard. The area where you want to build the pit should be fairly level or you will have to grade it, but beyond that consideration you can install your horseshoe pit anywhere you have enough space in the yard.

Things You'll Need

• Tape Measure
• Chalk
• 6 2-by-2 pieces of wood, 48 inches long
• Cement
• Water
• Bucket (at least 12 inches deep)
• 1-inch diameter threaded rod (see Tips)
• 3 36-inch long fence boards
• 6 48-inch long fence boards
• Screws
• Drill
• Shovel
• Newspaper
• Sand

Instructions

1. Measure out and mark off your horseshoe pit. Official rules call for a pitch 6 feet wide and 46 feet deep, but this might take up a good portion of your yard. These plans will construct only the pit portion, not the entire pitch. The pit should measure between 31-36 inches wide, and from 43 to 72 inches deep. For this project the pit will measure 36 inches wide (this will be the back) by 48 inches deep (this will be the sides).

2. Dig a hole about a foot deep at each corner of the pit. Dig one hole in the center of each 48 inch long side. Mix the cement with water. Put the 2-by-2 pieces into each hole and pour the cement around them. Fill the holes to a depth of at least six inches. Support the stakes with shims to keep them straight until the cement dries.

3. Pour the remaining cement (mix more if needed) into the bucket. Put enough cement in to fill the bucket at least halfway. Insert the threaded rod into the center of the bucket. Support the rod with shims so the rod leans slightly forward.

4. Attach the 36-inch fence boards to the 2-by-2s to make the back of the pit using the screws. One board will be the bottom, one will be the middle and one will be the top. Attach three of the 48-inch boards to make up one side, and three 48-inch boards to build the other side. Attach these to the end 2-by-2s and the center 2-by-2.

5. Dig out the grass from the pit area. Dig down about four to six inches. Place a layer of newspaper into the pit to hinder weed growth. Dig a hole in the center of your pit large enough to fit the bucket.

6. Place the bucket into the hole and fill in with some of the dirt you dug out, to the level of the bucket's lip. Place it so when viewed from the sides of the pit, the rod is leaning forward.

7. Pour sand into the pit to fill it at least up to the bottom board.

Tips & Warnings

• Your piece of threaded rod should be long enough to touch the bottom of the bucket and still stick 14 inches above the sand.

• Call your utility company to have them check for underground pipes and cables before you dig.

References

• Popular Mecanics: Lawn game plans
• Missouri Scenic Rivers: Horseshoe Pit plan