DIY Coastal Tic-Tac-Toe

Want to play a game? How about a little tic-tac-toe? In our house we play on a DIY Coastal Tic-Tac-Toe Board, complete with starfish as X’s and sand dollars as O’s. This coastal tic-tac-toe board is a pretty easy DIY project that you can knockout in an afternoon. If you own a beach house then you need this! 

DIY Coastal Tic-Tac-Toe Supply List:

Some Amazon affiliate links provided for you shopping convenience.

• 1- Pine Panel Board (15.5″ x 48″)
• 3- Hardwood Rectangle Molding (1/4″ x 1/2″ x 4′)
• tape measure
• Circular Saw 
• Rafter Square
• Miter Saw
• sand sponge
• Minwax Classic Gray Stain
• foam brush
• soft rag
• Sand Dollars
• Resin Starfish 

When deciding to make a coastal tic-tac-toe board I wanted to find a board that was wide enough to hold starfish and sand dollars,and also be inexpensive. I found a nice 4 foot long pine board at Home Depot. Now, I didn’t need 4 feet but the board was only a few dollars and would allow for any cutting mistakes or making multiple boards. This project is quite simple if you already have some power tools. 

Step 1: Measure the width of the board. Take that measurement and mark it along the length of the board. Cut an exact square out of the board by using a circular saw and rafter’s square to help keep the saw straight.  My board is 15.5″ x 15.5″. 

Step 2: 

• Create the outside frame edge. Cut a rectangular trim piece into 4- 15.5″ lengths, and cut the ends at a 45° angle as pictured below. 
• Cut 2 – 14  3/4″
• Cut 6 – 4  1/2″ lengths with straight end cuts

Step 3:

Stream a bead of wood glue along the molding pieces. Set in place to form a frame around the board. Wipe up any leakage or glue spills with a wet cloth. 

Step 3:

Glue the 2 inside pieces equal-distant from each other to create 3 equally spaced columns. Each column is 4 1/2″ inches wide. 

Step 4:

Glue in the 4  1/2″ spacers to create a grid pattern. 

Step 5: 

This is up to you! Paint the board, stain the board, or leave it as is. I used Minwax Classic Gray stain for my Coastal Tic-Tac-Toe board. I used a foam brush to apply the stain, left it for 5 minutes and then wiped off the excess stain with a soft cloth. The stain can be a bit strong smelling so leave it outside to dry and air out for a few hours. I added a few foam pads to the underside of the board. 

Choose 5 starfish and 5 sand dollars to play the coastal tic-tac-toe game. 

I hope you will make a board for yourself or make one as a gift. The DIY Coastal Tic-Tac-Toe board is so pretty as a coastal decor item and can add to a fun game night for the family! To see more of our recent nautical media room makeover click here. 

Wishing you a fun family game night!

KIM