Build a Kubb Set from Scratch: Complete Cut List and Dimensions
A full kubb set is 10 kubbs, 6 throwing batons, 1 king, and 4 corner markers. The good news for a builder is that almost all of it comes out of one 4x4 post and a length of round dowel. A common kubb block is cut from a 2.75 inch square section, the king is a taller block topped with a simple crown, and the batons are lengths of dowel roughly 12 inches long. Hit those parts and you have a real, playable set.
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A full kubb set is 10 kubbs, 6 throwing batons, 1 king, and 4 corner markers. The good news for a builder is that almost all of it comes out of one 4x4 post and a length of round dowel. A common kubb block is cut from a 2.75 inch square section, the king is a taller block topped with a simple crown, and the batons are lengths of dowel roughly 12 inches long. Hit those parts and you have a real, playable set.
This is a saw-and-sander project with no fancy joinery. If you can make a square crosscut and round over an edge, you can build the whole thing in an afternoon. Here is the full cut list, the wood I use, and every step in order.
Step by step
- Gather the wood The classic kubb is cut from a roughly 2.75 inch square section. A standard 4x4 post actually measures about 3.5 inches square, which makes a slightly chunkier but perfectly playable kubb, or you can rip the post down closer to 2.75 inches if you have a table saw. Grab one 4x4 at 8 feet for the kubbs and king, plus a length of 1.25 to 1.5 inch round dowel for the six batons. Choose a hardwood like maple, ash, or birch if you want the set to last, though a dry softwood 4x4 works fine for a backyard set. cut list1 x 4x4 @ 8 ft (kubbs + king), one 1.25-1.5" round dowel for batons. Hardwood lasts longer; dry softwood is fine.
- Cut the ten kubbs Crosscut 10 kubb blocks from the 4x4. A common kubb height is about 6 inches tall on a roughly 2.75 inch square base, so if you are using a full 3.5 inch post just keep all ten the same height around 6 inches. Use a stop block on your saw so every kubb is identical. Consistent blocks are the whole game, since mismatched kubbs stand and topple differently. cut list10 kubbs, each ~6" tall. Use a stop block so all ten match exactly.
- Cut and crown the king The king is the tall block in the center. Cut it from the same 4x4 at about 12 inches tall, double the height of a kubb, so it stands out on the field. To make the traditional crown, cut four shallow angled notches around the top with a saw, or round the top with a sander. The king does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be obviously the tallest, most important piece. cut listKing ~12" tall (about double a kubb). Cut four angled notches for a crown, or just round the top.
- Cut the six batons From your round dowel, cut 6 throwing batons. A common baton is about 12 inches long on a roughly 1.75 inch dowel, but a 1.25 to 1.5 inch dowel throws fine and is easier to find. Cut all six the same length so each player throws identical sticks. These are what players underhand-toss to knock down the kubbs. cut list6 batons, each ~12" long. Cut them all identical so throws are fair.
- Make the four corner markers Kubb is played on a marked rectangle, so you want 4 corner markers. The simplest are four short lengths of leftover dowel or four wooden stakes you can push into the grass. They do not need to be fancy, just visible enough to mark the corners of the pitch so everyone agrees where the field lines are. cut list4 corner markers from scrap dowel or stakes. Just needs to mark the field corners.
- Sand every piece smooth Sand all ten kubbs, the king, and all six batons with 80 grit to knock off saw marks and ease the sharp edges, then finish with 120 grit. Round the top edges of the batons especially so they are comfortable to throw and do not splinter in a hand. A smooth set is safer and feels far better in play. cut listSand 80 grit then 120 grit on every piece. Round baton edges so they throw comfortably.
- Optional finish and field layout Bare wood is traditional and totally fine, but if you want the set to shrug off dew you can wipe on one thin coat of exterior oil or matte poly. Keep it light so the batons are not slippery. To set up the game, mark a pitch about 16 feet wide by 26 feet long with your four corner markers, stand the king in the center, and line five kubbs along each team's baseline. cut listOptional: one thin coat of exterior oil or matte poly. Field is ~16 ft x 26 ft, king centered, 5 kubbs per baseline.
What wood to use
Kubb takes a beating. The batons get thrown, the kubbs get knocked over and stacked, and the whole set lives outside on the grass. That argues for a dense hardwood like maple, ash, or birch if you want a set that survives years of play and looks like a real Scandinavian kit.
That said, a dry, knot-free softwood 4x4 makes a perfectly good backyard set for far less money and effort, and it is what most weekend builders use. The tradeoff is that softwood dents and weathers faster. If you go softwood, seal it and store it dry, and it will last plenty of seasons.
Getting the sizes right
Kubb forgives a lot, which is part of why it is such a friendly build. The pieces do not have to match an official tournament spec to play great in a backyard. What matters most is internal consistency. All ten kubbs should be the same size and weight, and all six batons the same length, so no player has an advantage from the wood.
If you want to land near the traditional proportions, aim for kubbs around 6 inches tall on a roughly 2.75 inch square base, a king about double the kubb height, and batons about 12 inches long. Using a full 3.5 inch 4x4 makes a slightly heftier set that still plays well. Keep everything in the same family of sizes and you are set.
Rather skip the saw?
If cutting and sanding seventeen wooden pieces is not your afternoon, a ready-made kubb set shows up sanded, sized, and bagged. These are the sets I would buy.
Yard Games kubb viking clash set
Vetted by the commissioner and ready to play out of the box.
GoSports kubb regulation yard game set
Vetted by the commissioner and ready to play out of the box.
SWOOC kubb hardwood set with crate
Vetted by the commissioner and ready to play out of the box.
Build a Kubb Set from Scratch FAQ
What pieces are in a kubb set?
A full kubb set has 10 kubbs, 6 throwing batons, 1 king, and 4 corner markers. The kubbs are the small blocks each team defends and attacks, the batons are the round sticks you throw, the king is the tall central block, and the markers define the corners of the field. That is everything you need to play.
How big are kubb blocks?
A traditional kubb is about 6 inches tall on a roughly 2.75 inch square base, and the king is about double that height. The throwing batons are usually around 12 inches long. Backyard sets vary, and the game forgives small differences, so the key is that all ten kubbs match each other and all six batons match each other.
What wood is best for a homemade kubb set?
A dense hardwood like maple, ash, or birch makes the most durable set and looks the part, but it costs more and is harder to cut. A dry, knot-free softwood 4x4 is what most weekend builders use and works great for a backyard set. If you go softwood, seal it and store it dry so it lasts.
How big is a kubb field?
A standard kubb pitch is roughly 16 feet wide by 26 feet long, marked at the four corners. The king stands in the center, and each team lines five kubbs along its own baseline at the short ends. You can shrink the field for kids or a small yard, just keep it a tidy rectangle so the baselines are even.