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Learn how to make a simple wooden DIY Tic-Tac-Toe game using scrap wood. It makes a great DIY gift idea! Full step by step tutorial video and plans included.

Playing wooden tic-tac-toe on the coffee table with text overlay

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Today I have a quick and simple project for you which also makes a great wooden DIY gift idea. Plus, you probably have enough scrap wood to make this. And using scrap wood always makes us happy 🙂

This DIY Tic-Tac-Toe game makes a great DIY gift for any kid (or kid at heart). I have the plans, full tutorial, and video for you to make your own.

***This project is sponsored by Bernzomatic. Thank you for supporting the brands that make it possible to bring you new projects***

Material Needed –

Lumber (check out the plans for details)
BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch
Bernzomatic Propane Tank
Miter Saw
Jig Saw
Brad Nailer and 1-1/4″ finish nails
Sandpaper (120 grit)
Rotary Tool
Heat-activated marker (optional)
White craft paint (optional)
Heat Resistant Gloves
Wood Glue
Clear spray paint

How to Make the Tic-Tac-Toe Game

Below is the video of how to use the Bernzomatic torch and to make the wooden house number sign.

Click here to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more great videos!

Step by step instructions follow below.

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Step by Step Tutorial –

Step 1: Make the Cuts

All the details for the exact lengths are in the plans.

Cut the 1×10 board to make a square board.
Cut up the 1×2 boards to make the sides
Cut up the square dowels to make the pieces for the inside grid. Be sure to use a stop block to safely make these cuts as the pieces are really tiny.

Tip – If you don’t have a 1×10 board, you can also use smaller width boards and glue them up to make a larger board. The key is to make a square board.

Once all the cuts are made, be sure to dry fit and make sure everything works!

Dry fitting the pieces for the Tic Tac Toe game

Step 2 – Cut the X’s and O’s

Print out the template for the X’s or O’s. I have this included in the plans or you can make your own too.
Glue these onto a scrap wood board using spray adhesive.
Cut out the shapes. A scroll saw for this would be perfect but I only had a jigsaw so I used that.
Use sandpaper to remove the paper from the pieces. Also, use a rotary tool to get into the corners and sand them smooth.

Cutting the X and O for the DIY wooden Tic Tac Toe game using a jigsaw

I think this was the hardest part of this project because I am not that great with these detailed cuts. I knew the inside of the O’s was going to be a challenge so I tackled them first and then went onto the outsides of the O’s and lastly the X’s.

Step 3 – Torch the Board

Lay the wood pieces on a concrete surface outdoors
Using the Bernzomatic BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch and the Bernzomatic propane tank, torch each piece of wood.

Tip – Keep the Torch moving slowly across the surface for a uniform look. The number of passes will determine how dark the char on the wood gets.

Sand each piece in between passes to get a smooth surface.
Turn pieces over between passes to make sure you get an even char on all sides.

Close up of using a blowtorch on the wood to get the charred effect

I made the square board lightly charred but went with the darkest char possible for the sides and the grid.

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Step 4 – Torch the X’s and O’s

Lay out the X’s and O’s on a scrap piece of wood to char them.
Make sure to turn them over to get an even char.

I decided to keep the O’s lightly charred but went with the darkest char possible for the X’s.

Torching the X and O using a propane blow torch

Be sure to sand the pieces in between chars.

At the end of the project, I decided I wanted to add a little pop to the board to break all the brown so I painted the O’s with metallic white craft paint. I like that the charred wood grain is still visible through the paint.

Step 5 – Assemble

Assembling the board is really easy using wood glue and brad nails.

Attach all the sides using wood glue and brad nails.
The grid is attached with wood glue.

Attaching the boards to make a tic tac toe board using a brad nailer

You can add brad nails if you like but I simply placed a heavyweight on it (a gallon of paint) and let it dry to avoid nail holes being visible on the top. Alternatively, you can transfer the grid to the back and add nails from the back too. But the wood glue is strong enough to hold everything together.

making the grid for the DIY wooden Tic-Tac-Toe game

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Step 6 – (Optional) Add a Special Message to the Back

Using an activated marker, add a note or message on the back and torch it! It makes a great little personalized touch!

Using a blow torch to show message written with scorch marker.

Step 7 – Seal Everything

Once all the pieces and board are ready, wipe them down as thoroughly as possible and add a few coats of clear sealer to protect the charred wood and rubbing off on hands or items.

That’s it! A quick and simple DIY tic-toe game!

DIY wooden Ti-Tac-Toe game on a coffee table

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It makes a great DIY gift or simply leave it out on the coffee table and it makes for a lot of impromptu sessions!

Woman playing tic-tac-toe on a coffee table

The wood burning adds a special effect to the entire project!

If you are curious about Bernzomatic torches and all the things it can do, you are in for a treat! Check out more at Bernzomatic.com

Plans for the Tic-Tac-Toe Game

You can get the plans for the game board and including a template for the X’s and O’s by clicking the link below.

GET THE PLANS

Reader Projects

Tic Tac Toe game reader project — By Larry R.

More Easy DIY Gift Ideas –

See these and 22 more easy DIY woodworking gift ideas here.