Project Cut List and Plans

four 2x10 x 48" for the backboard
four 2x4 x 22" for the backboard
eight 2x4 x 72" for the pitching platforms
twenty 2x4 x 15" for the pitching platforms
two 4x4 x 84” posts
twelve 5/4" x6 x 72" deck boards

All the materials can be found at any large home-improvement store, (except for the horseshoes). Have the store cut the 12’ deck boards in half so it will be easier to transport them.

Much of this project can be built indoors then taken to the site for installation. We made the center/sand area of our pit four feet wide. Regulation states it should be three-feet wide. You can adjust accordingly.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

A Few Tips Before You Get Started

Measure for the Pitching Platform

The two side platforms are where a player stands to toss the horseshoes to the other pit. They stand at the back of the platform, take two steps forward and pitch each horseshoe.

Cut eight of the 2x4 to 72 inches. Save the cut off pieces. Cut the eight saved pieces and two of your 2x4s into twenty 15-inch pieces.

Lay one of the 72-inch pieces on its side. Perpendicularly place five of the 15-inch pieces, evenly spaced across the 72-inch board. Here is the easiest way to determine equal spacing:
Add the amount of pieces by their width: 5 plus 1-1/2" = 7-1/2".
Then minus that from total length: 72" – 7-1/2" = 64-1/2".
Then divide by the number of spaces: 64-1/2" divided by 4 = 16-1/8".
Thus, there is 16-1/8" between each 2x4 (image 1, below).

Mark the 1-1/2" thick 2x4s on the small side of each end of the 72-inch board and measure over 16-1/8" and mark another 1-1/2" and continue. Put a mark across the edge on both sides of the 2x4 with an "X" in the center so there’s no confusion as to where you will fasten the boards.

Lay the other 2x4 x 72" boards against the one you just marked. Transfer all the marks across to the other boards using a carpenter's square (image 2).

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    Image 1

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    Image 2