Leslie Massey
Giant Jenga is a fun outdoor game that can be enjoyed at BBQs, picnics, or family get-togethers. It is a great beginner woodworking project and is very affordable to make. The game involves stacking and pulling wooden blocks, testing your strategic thinking skills. To make your own giant Jenga set, you will need timber pieces, sandpaper, and optionally, paint or stain for a personalised touch. The number of timber pieces required depends on the desired height of your tower. For a simple and quick project, follow the steps outlined in the provided links for a fun and challenging game that is perfect for your next outdoor gathering!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pieces | 48, 54, 60, 78 |
| Length of each piece | 270mm, 300mm, 7.5" |
| Width of each piece | 70mm, 90mm |
| Thickness of each piece | 35mm |
| Height of the tower | 1.2m, 18 layers tall, 1m |
| Materials | Pine timber, plywood, linseed oil, wood stain, lacquer, polyurethane, sandpaper, wood glue, plywood, timber |
| Tools | Adjustable table saw, belt sander, eye protection |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right timber
Type of Timber:
- Pine timber is a popular choice for Giant Jenga sets in Australia. It is known for its durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. Pine is also a sustainable option, as mentioned by Bunnings, a leading Australian hardware retailer.
- Look for premium-grade or quality-grade pine to ensure the timber blocks can withstand repeated use and provide a smooth playing experience.
Source of Timber:
Consider the source of your timber to ensure it meets your requirements. For example, New Zealand grade pine, as used by Timber Fun Games, is known for its high standard and quality.
Treatment and Finish:
- Ensure the timber has been appropriately treated for outdoor use. Some timbers, like pine, are naturally durable and weatherproof, but additional treatments or finishes can enhance their longevity.
- Consider applying a coat of boiled linseed oil to protect the timber and provide a smooth finish. This will also help prevent the blocks from becoming sticky or difficult to play with over time.
Safety:
If your Giant Jenga set is intended for children, ensure that the timber is "kid-safe approved." Creative Play Australia, for example, offers Giant Jenga made from exterior-grade pine timber that meets this safety standard.
Sustainability:
Opt for sustainably sourced timber whenever possible. Pine, as mentioned earlier, is a sustainable option that can be reused repeatedly. This choice will reduce the environmental impact of your Giant Jenga set.
By considering these factors when choosing the right timber, you can create a Giant Jenga set that is not only fun and entertaining but also durable, safe, and environmentally friendly.
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Cutting the timber
To make a giant Jenga set, you will need to cut timber into blocks. The dimensions of the blocks will depend on the desired size of your Jenga set.
For a standard Jenga set, each block is three times as long as it is wide. For a giant Jenga set with blocks that are 2.5 inches wide, you would cut your timber into pieces that are 7.5 inches long. If you are using 8-foot-long boards, you can get 12 Jenga pieces out of each one. You can cut the boards yourself using a table saw or a drop saw.
To make a taller tower, you can cut your timber into more pieces. For example, if you cut five 8-foot boards, you will end up with 60 pieces. However, keep in mind that if you make your tower too tall, it may become unstable and difficult to play with.
When cutting your timber, it is important to wear eye protection and other safety gear. The cutting process will create a lot of sawdust, so be prepared for a messy workspace. You will also need to sand the cut pieces to smooth out any rough edges and remove any splinters. This can be done by hand with sandpaper, but it is a time-consuming process. Alternatively, you can use a belt sander or an adjustable table sander for faster and more efficient results.
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Sanding the blocks
Selecting the Right Sanding Tools
There are several options available for sanding wood, including hand sanding and using a belt sander. Hand sanding provides more control and is ideal for delicate surfaces or edges where precision is crucial. It allows for a gentle and gradual removal of the surface layer, minimising the risk of damaging the wood. Hand sanding also ensures a consistent grain pattern and a uniform finish. If you choose to hand-sand your Jenga blocks, you will need a sanding block and sandpaper. Sanding blocks come in various forms, including sponges and rectangular wood blocks. Rectangular blocks are easy to grip and manoeuvre. If you opt for a wood block, cut it into a size that comfortably fits your hand, approximately 2" x 4".
Choosing the Right Sandpaper
The next step is to select the appropriate grit of sandpaper for your task. Sandpaper comes in various grit sizes, such as 60, 80, 120, and 220. A finer grit size, such as 120 or 220, is more suitable for sanding wood to achieve a smooth finish.
Preparing the Sanding Block
To prepare your sanding block, take a piece of sandpaper and fold it over the block. Ensure that the sandpaper is flat against the block by making a firm fold line. Wrap the sandpaper around the block as if you were wrapping a present, allowing the two edges to meet on one side. Cut the sandpaper to size if needed.
Now you are ready to start sanding your Jenga blocks. Hold the sanding block firmly at the edges and apply pressure to the whole flat part of the block. Sand with smooth, even strokes, following the direction of the wood grain. Pay particular attention to the edges of the blocks, ensuring they are slightly rounded to avoid splinters. Continue sanding until you achieve a smooth finish. Remember to replace the sandpaper if it becomes worn.
By following these steps, you will be able to sand your Jenga blocks effectively, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish that will enhance the playability of your giant Jenga set.
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Staining or painting the blocks
Once you've cut your blocks of wood to size, you'll want to give them a light sand to smooth out any rough spots and ensure they're all uniform. After sanding, remove any sawdust with a tack cloth or a damp cloth before beginning the staining or painting process.
There are a few different ways you can approach staining or painting your Jenga blocks. One option is to use a wood stain in a colour of your choice. You can apply the stain with a brush or a rag, following the direction of the grain. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this process for each block, allowing them to dry completely before playing your game.
Another option is to use a clear sealant to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. You can choose between a water-based or oil-based sealant, depending on your preference. Apply a thin coat of sealant to each block with a brush or rag, allowing it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired level of protection and shine.
If you prefer to add a pop of colour to your game, you can paint the blocks with a durable outdoor paint. Choose a paint that is suitable for the type of wood you are using, and consider selecting a paint that is designed for outdoor use to withstand the Australian climate. Apply one or two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another. You can paint each block a single colour or get creative by adding patterns, stripes, or designs.
For a more natural look, you can also opt to boil your blocks in a mixture of water and vinegar. This method will enhance the wood's natural colour and give your blocks a stunning finish. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Carefully place your wood blocks into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Simmer the blocks for about an hour, keeping them weighted down so they stay beneath the liquid's surface. Remove the blocks from the pot and let them air dry completely before enjoying your game.
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Constructing the tower
Constructing a giant Jenga tower is a simple DIY project that requires only basic woodworking skills. Here's a step-by-step guide to building your own giant Jenga tower:
Planning and Materials
First, decide on the desired height of your tower. A standard Jenga game has 54 pieces, but for a taller tower, you can aim for 60 or even 78 pieces. Calculate the number of timber lengths you'll need based on the desired number of pieces. Each board should yield 12 Jenga pieces. For example, if you want 60 pieces, you'll need five 8-foot-long boards.
For the timber, consider using pine as it is durable, weatherproof, and sustainable. You can use 90 x 35mm MGP10 Untreated Pine Timber Framing for adults and 70 x 35mm MGP Pine Timber Framing for kids.
Cutting and Sanding
Mark the timber lengths every 7.5 inches (or 270mm) and cut them to size using a table saw or drop saw. Wear eye protection during this step as it can be messy. Once cut, lightly sand each piece to smooth out any rough edges and remove splinters. You can use a belt sander or sandpaper for this step.
Finishing (Optional)
You can finish your Jenga pieces by applying a coat of boiled linseed oil, stain, or paint. This step will enhance the appearance and protect the wood. If you use oil, wipe off the excess and rub the pieces with a clean cloth. Alternatively, you can leave the pieces unfinished for a classic Jenga look.
Building the Tower
To build the tower, start by placing three blocks side by side to form the first layer. For the second layer, place three blocks on top of the first layer, turned 90 degrees. Continue stacking layers, always turning each new layer 90 degrees from the previous one. The tower will become increasingly unstable as it gets taller, adding to the challenge and excitement of the game.
Building a giant Jenga tower is a straightforward process that can be completed quickly and easily, making it a great outdoor game for parties, BBQs, or family gatherings.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need 54 pieces for a standard set. However, you can cut up to 60 pieces if you want to make your tower extra high.
Untreated pine timber is a durable, weatherproof, and sustainable option. You can also use lengths of 4x2 timber.
Each block should be 7.5 inches long, as the pieces need to be this length to line up evenly in rows of three.
