This project was built and designed by Gary Herd, also known as The Bearded Woodworker. It’s a backyard-friendly version of the classic game Yahtzee—scaled up, built from leftover lumber, and perfect for outdoor fun with family and friends.
Using just a 4-foot scrap beam, some basic tools, and a little creativity, Gary turns potential waste into a fun and functional game. It’s an ideal weekend project that blends woodworking with entertainment and gives new life to old material.
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What Is Yardzee?
Yardzee is the outdoor twist on the traditional dice game Yahtzee, played with oversized wooden dice instead of tabletop-sized ones. The larger format makes it great for outdoor events, backyard barbecues, or just goofing off in the yard.
Gary’s version uses 5.5-inch wooden cubes that are big enough to throw easily but small enough to store without taking up too much space. These oversized dice aren’t just fun—they also become a unique conversation starter at any gathering.
Sourcing the Materials
The beauty of this build is its simplicity. Gary starts with a leftover 4×4 beam, likely salvaged from a job site or backyard shed. If you don’t already have one on hand, he suggests asking around at construction sites or checking with friends who might have old framing lumber.
Because the finished dice need to be uniform in size, the lumber must be relatively straight and free of large defects. Gary recommends inspecting the board thoroughly before cutting to ensure you get six clean blocks.
Cutting the Dice
Each cube is cut to roughly 5.5 inches on all sides using a stop block on a miter saw. The stop block helps ensure consistency across all six pieces. This step is crucial—accurate cuts mean the dice won’t wobble or roll unevenly.
Once cut, the corners are rounded off using the sander. This not only improves the look but also makes the dice easier to handle and toss around. It’s a small touch that adds a polished feel to the finished set.
Drilling the Dots
To mark the numbers, Gary drills small holes into each face of the dice to represent the traditional 1–6 dot layout. He begins by carefully finding the center of each side and marking out the dot positions to maintain symmetry.
After the holes are drilled, they’re painted using black acrylic paint. Gary notes that acrylic is a good choice because it dries quickly and mistakes can be sanded off easily. He paints before sanding the full dice so that excess paint can be removed during cleanup.
Sanding and Smoothing
With the drilling and painting complete, Gary moves on to sanding. Using an orbital sander, he rounds the corners and softens the edges, making the dice safer and more comfortable to use.
Starting with coarse grit and working up to fine grit ensures a smooth, splinter-free finish. This step also removes any lingering paint from the dot holes, leaving them clean and crisp.
Gary reminds viewers to wear a dust mask during sanding—a small step that makes a big difference in shop safety.
The Rolling Container
After completing the dice, Gary tests out different methods for rolling them. His first thought was to use a five-gallon bucket, but the cubes were a bit too large to roll freely.
Instead, he used a plastic storage bin while keeping an eye out for a more fitting container. This part of the project adds a bit of flexibility—any large bin, laundry basket, or tote can work as long as it allows enough space for the dice to tumble.
Why This Project Works
This Yardzee set is more than just a fun game—it’s also a great scrap wood project. It takes a single piece of lumber that might otherwise go to waste and turns it into something functional and enjoyable.
Because it’s handmade, it can also be customized. Gary encourages viewers to try different paint colors, wood types, or even engrave the dice faces for a more personal touch. This level of customization gives it a charm that store-bought versions just don’t offer.
Built to Be Played
Gary’s version of Yardzee emphasizes durability and usability. The large dice are easy to grip and throw, and the acrylic-painted dots stand up well to repeated use.
Whether you’re playing with kids, hosting a backyard cookout, or just want something fun to keep in the garage for impromptu game nights, this set is a hit. It’s easy to store, fun to use, and makes the most of materials you might already have lying around.
Final Thoughts
Yardzee is a perfect example of how woodworking can be fun, practical, and social. It combines basic skills like measuring, cutting, and sanding with the satisfaction of creating something that brings people together.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Gary’s channel: