Easy DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back!

Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own easy DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back! Hours of fun to be hand right here starting with a simple bulletin board.

Don’t put that undone puzzle away! Here’s how to make your own easy DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back! Hours of fun to be hand right here starting with a simple bulletin board.

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links in which I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank-you for helping to support my blog!

I recently got into puzzles lately.

My new jigsaw puzzles hobby transpired while watching the news. I wanted to hear what was up, but my mind wandered. What else could I be doing? Knitting? Nah. Embroidery? Maybe. However I wanted a hand hobby that didn’t require much thinking.

That’s when I started scrolling a local Facebook group where someone was generously giving away puzzles. Wow! What timing! I didn’t hesitate… I picked up a puzzle with a picture that really resonated for me (around 500 pieces and an easy picture LOL) and ended up really enjoying the peaceful activity.

Sharing my new puzzle hobby on social media, someone asked to see the DIY jigsaw puzzle board I was using.

What’s a DIY puzzle board?

 

Hmm… Truth be told? I didn’t own one of those official jigsaw puzzle tables. I had simply plunked the puzzle pieces on top of a cork bulletin board as a means of carrying it around. But I admit, as I worked on the puzzle, I was dreaming up ways to refine the board itself to better suit the task and look prettier.

So this request became the perfect challenge! I already loved using a cork board as a puzzle table, so I set out to flip a good idea in into a GREAT one by turning a plain cork board into a super cool and official DIY puzzle board!

And then it became so much more…

What you’re about to see transpire is certainly one-of-a-kind by doing something extra special to the back for those who love tic tac toe and a fun game of checkers now and then…

So no more need to pack up your undone puzzles any longer or do without your dining room table. Grab a cork board and make this DIY puzzle board / game board combo for yourself or for a unique gift idea! 

Here’s the step-by-step instructions on making your own DIY puzzle game table.

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links in which I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank-you for helping to support my blog!

Easy DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back!

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Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own DIY jigsaw puzzle board that's easy to move! With checkers and tic tac toe game boards on the back! With scrap wood board game pieces. Full tutorial.

Office bulletin board project – view original post HERE

I revamped this previous project to make this new game board!

 

Supplies I used:

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A pre-made bulletin board with wood frame (mine is 24″ x 36″)

Stencils: from Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils

Fusion Mineral Paint products (find a merchant HERE)

3 x 3 post

Wooden closet dowel

Stencil brush

A puzzle of choice! (see my own collection on Amazon HERE)


Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own DIY jigsaw puzzle board that's easy to move! With checkers and tic tac toe game boards on the back! With scrap wood board game pieces. Full tutorial.

How to make the DIY puzzle board side

 

1. Choose a bulletin board that is slightly larger than most of your puzzles. Mine is 24″ x 36″.

I really like the bulletin board idea because the trim creates a picture frame of sorts, holding in the loose pieces. And you don’t need woodworker skills to use a ready-made board!

However even a cut down piece of plywood or sheet of mdf could work too. You could always add your own frame if desired.

2. Masking tape around the frame of a cork board, then paint the top of a bulletin board a paint color of choice.

I used Fusion’s Ash because I liked how rich the dark background looked against a puzzle!

Learn how Fusion's Beeswax seals paint to help protect surfaces! #fusionmineralpaint #furniturepaint #paint

Painting and waxing the board

 

3. Remove the masking tape, then coat the painted cork and wood frame trim with Fusion’s Beeswax.

While Fusion doesn’t require a topcoat, I desired a surface that felt a little smoother to the touch vs. the matte finish Fusion leaves. A light coat of Beeswax was perfect!

The Beeswax also helped to enhance the wooden bulletin board frame as well.

How to apply Beeswax

 

  1. Apply Beeswax to your chosen surface with a rag.
  2. Leave for a few minutes, then buff off the excess.
  3. Repeat if you’d like to increase durability or sheen.

I LOVED the outcome… but desired to add a tiny bit of personally to that scrumptious wood frame…

Learn how to create pallet styled projects with this Shipping Crate Stamps stencil! #stencil #palletwood #pallets #stencils #oldsignstencils

Shipping Crate Stamps stencil HERE

Adding stencil details

 

Shipping Crate Stamps is a stencil designed to mimic pallet stamped wood.

Visit this and other the pallet-styled stencils HERE

Learn how to turn a plain bulletin board into a super cool puzzle and game board with paint, scrap wood and stencils! #puzzles #checkers #tictactoe #stencils

4. Using the Shipping Crate Stamps stencil and Fusion’s Ash, small areas of the frame were enhanced by stenciling random pallet styled lettering on the wood frame.

I was tempted to stencil something tone-on-tone in the middle of the board, but I ultimately decided to leave it plain so it didn’t compete with a puzzle picture.

Seriously, the perfect DIY puzzle tray… that was about to get even better!

How to stencil the frame

 

  1. Position stencil in place, then hold or use masking tape.
  2. Load stencil brush with paint, then off-load most on a rag to create a dry brush feel.
  3. Tap the stencil until desired effect is achieved.

You can learn more about how to stencil from THIS POST.

Learn how to turn a plain bulletin board into a super cool puzzle and game board with paint, scrap wood and stencils! #puzzles #checkers #tictactoe #stencils

Find stencils at: Buffalo Check – medium / Tic Tac Toe

How to make the game board side

 

5. Flip the bulletin board over to the other side, and either coat the surface with paint or leave as-is.

I choose to leave it as-is, although it would be more washable if it was painted. 

6. Two stencils were used to create a Checkers board and Tic Tac Toe game!

Learn how to create a Checkers checkerboard with a Buffalo Check stencil! Click for full tutorial plus video! #buffalocheck #checkers #oldsignstencils #stencils

How to stencil a Buffalo Check pattern

 

7. Stencil a stylish checkerboard using Buffalo Check stencil.

Although this stencil is not originally designed to be a checkerboard, the scale works excellent and is easy to modify! Click below for the video to learn how to stencil a checkers board from it!

8. Stencil just the main lines of Tic Tac Toe.


Checkerboard Video How-to

 

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Visit full Checkerboard Game tutorial HERE


Learn how to make this DIY gameboard of Checkers and Tic Tac Toe on a bulletin board! Plus, it's a puzzle board on the other side! Click for full tutorial including video! #games #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles

9. Once the game boards were complete, Shipping Crate Stamps was used to stencil the wooden frame to give it a crate vibe.

Simply position parts of the stencil where desired, then stencil in black.

Fun, right?! 

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

Make game pieces from scrap wood

 

Creating your own game board pieces is easy with a few select scrap wood pieces. Here’s how to make both wooden DIY checkers and wooden Tic Tac Toe square game pieces…

How to make DIY wooden checkers

 

10. Create wooden checkers game pieces by cutting wood slices out of a wooden closet dowel to 3/8 thick using a miter saw.

Stencil on top of the checkers to design them if desired.

How to make square wooden tic tac toe game pieces

 

11. Make X and O game pieces by slicing a 3″ x 3″ square post 3/8″ thick with a miter saw.

Stencil Xs and Os from the Tic Tac Toe stencil.

See how the pieces were made for both games through the tutorials below:

Make a Checkerboard from scrap wood HERE

Learn how to make a Tic Tac Toe game tray HERE

Learn how to turn this simple table into an amazing puzzle and game board using a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

Turn the DIY puzzle board into a games table

 

So, your DIY puzzle table with game board on the back is now complete! You are free to carry it around wherever you desire to use it! And I’ll show you more ways to use it below. But first…

This is when I pulled this little metal framed table out of my own stash. It worked perfectly for a game board base and doubled up as a coffee table as well!

Overall table measurements:

17″ deep x 28″ wide x 22.5″ high

The bottom shelf was made from two cut reclaimed wood planks, then set loosely in place on top of the bottom framework.

Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own DIY jigsaw puzzle board that's easy to move! With checkers and tic tac toe game boards on the back! With scrap wood board game pieces. Full tutorial.

Completed DIY jigsaw puzzle table

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Tadaa! Isn’t this DIY puzzle board the coolest?!

It’s the right height, offers plenty of space, and is totally moveable wherever desired! So let’s just sit on the couch for a good long spell and have some fun!

Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own DIY jigsaw puzzle board that's easy to move! With checkers and tic tac toe game boards on the back! With scrap wood board game pieces. Full tutorial.

A framed bulletin board is so lightweight and the frame helps keep the pieces on the board when you move it to another location! It works so well!

And the puzzle looks beautiful on the plain dark backdrop!

Although puzzles do require patience, don’t they? Some sure do. Are you fussy about which puzzles you choose too? I always choose ones that are different all over so I’m not working for days on one color, know what I mean?


Don't put that undone puzzle away! Here's how to make your own DIY jigsaw puzzle board that's easy to move! With checkers and tic tac toe game boards on the back! With scrap wood board game pieces. Full tutorial.

How to organize puzzle pieces

 

Various surfaces such as baking pans, muffin tins, pie plates, etc were used to organize the loose pieces. You really don’t need anything fancy!

Tip: consider flat surfaces such as small cutting boards, white foam sheet or heavy cardboard so loose pieces can slide off easily.


Visit many other puzzle table ideas on Amazon HERE

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

Game board side reveal

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Done with your puzzle? Flip the board around and let’s have a game of Checkers or Tic-Tac-Toe!

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

The game pieces are stored in a baking pan and some other metal container on the 2nd shelf of this little table. This is the perfect little work station for fun and games!

Using some repurposed dresser drawers would provide some great storage as well.

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

With game pieces in place

 

I love the neutral, rustic design! Fits right in with farmhouse decor! Looks so pretty one could glue the pieces in place where desired and hang it on the wall for games room artwork…

Now… which game should we play first?

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

I choose BOTH! Goodness this games board side turned out fun!

Learn how to DIY this gameboard and puzzle board with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for full tutorial plus video! #checkers #tictactoe #puzzles #stencils #oldsignstencils

What a great project!

But I have one more bright idea to share…

Organize your puzzle making with this perfect DIY bulletin board puzzle game board! A puzzle board on one side, and Checkers and Tic Tac Toe on the other! Made with a bulletin board, scrap wood and stencils! Click for the full tutorial with video! #checkers #games #puzzles #puzzleboard

How to cover the puzzle to use as a table

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So what happens if you’re knee-deep into a great puzzle but you’d like to use the table as a table for the short-term?

If you use two bulletin boards, you can have an instant coffee table while working on a puzzle!

Place blocks of wood in all 4 corners of the puzzle board, (or closer as shown if you wish to use a tray) then place another bulletin board on TOP.

Then it’s truly a game board AND coffee table all-in-one without removing the puzzle. What a perfect way to leave a puzzle out long term without actually being in the way of regular living!

Learn how to make this DIY coffee table that's actually a puzzle board and game board all in one! Click for full tutorial. #puzzles #coffeetable #games

Buffalo Checked tray – tutorial HERE

Wild Flower Seeds Pillow – tutorial HERE

Then pack it all away and there you have your coffee table ready for the next game or puzzle to come! 

Now I can’t decide if it’s puzzle time, coffee time or time for a few games…

I think I’ll enjoy a coffee or 3 while I decide.

Think you’ll create a DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back? Which part inspires you the most?

Other DIY game boards:

 

Learn how to make this DIY Buffalo Check checkers game with wood scraps and stencils! So easy to customize and works so good! Featuring Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils. Click for full tutorial AND video!

Make this scrap wood Checkerboard and checkers

Learn how to make this Tic Tac Toe game tray with scrap wood and a stencil! Click for full tutorial. #tictactoe #tray #games

Tic Tac Toe game tray with game pieces

Visit many other creative stencil projects HERE

Shop for Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils HERE

 

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Categories: All Cool Projects, DIY, Junk Drawer, Old Sign Stencils
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18 thoughts on “Easy DIY puzzle board with a game board on the back!

  1. What a great idea! I always look forward to your posts. Everything is just to my liking (just wish I thought of them lol).
    Thank you for sharing ?

  2. OMG!!!! That is such an amazing idea. I have wanted to do puzzles, but I have no space to work on one. This would work. Of course, I will have to buy a new board, but that’s ok. Thanks for the idea. Have you ever thought with your love of Hawaii making Hawaiian stencils?

    Thanks again for such a great idea.

    • Thanks Erin!

      Yes! Go get a new bulletin board! It’s so worth it! Mine was newish so it still turned out feeling new. Not all repurposed projects do. I just wanted something portable because I really do need every single surface actively in use in my home. This makes that easy!

      Thanks for the stencil idea! I have done a coffee stencil with a Hawaiian option to it, however not broadly. I have to be really careful of country names, towns and actual stores due to copyright infringement issues. It’s tricky to stay compliant.

      But if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to email me at donna@funkyjunkinteriors.net

  3. I am kicking myself for donating my Mom’s cork bulletin board several weeks ago. What a great idea turning them into a puzzle and game board! I’m showing my sister this who also has been making puzzles these days.

  4. Great ideas here, for some wonderful new puzzles take a look at the Cobble Hill Puzzle Company online, you may be surprised! Ann lee S

    • Thanks for the recommendation Ann!

      I’m now on my 2nd puzzle and it’s feeling like a little bit of an addiction at this point. It’s a very calming activity. I poke at it when my mind needs to settle down. LOVE my new hobby!

  5. That’s fantastic! I love this idea, and love that you dressed it up with my fav stencils.
    I’m glad you found a distraction you enjoy.
    Have fun Donna!

  6. Earlier this year I saw a movie called Puzzle. It was about competitive puzzle teams. They were very fast at putting puzzles together. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see the movie but it ended up being pretty good. At Thanksgiving our family puts together a puzzle every year. You look like you organize your pieces. Do you do it by shape? That was one of the things in the movie different people had their own way how to complete their puzzle.

  7. I have used a cork board for years to do puzzles. Not once did I ever consider giving it a “makeover”! What a brilliant idea!

  8. I really like this idea. We play backgammon and like I mentioned on Instagram this idea would be neat for our RV Table. Still pondering it, a great summer project when I’m stuck indoors. As I was reading and scrolling through the pictures, I was thinking how neat your home is. You’ve personalized it perfectly with your craft beautifully.

  9. ❤️❤️This idea! Just bought the board @Target. Can I use regular acrylic stencil paint?
    And Briwax? Thank you.

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