Axe throwing has surged in popularity as a recreational activity and competitive sport in recent years. Whether you’re setting up a backyard target or running a commercial venue, choosing the right wood for your axe throwing target is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. This comprehensive guide explores the best wood options for axe throwing targets, comparing their properties, construction methods, and maintenance requirements to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Wood Properties for Axe Throwing Targets
Before diving into specific wood types, it’s important to understand what makes certain woods better suited for axe throwing targets than others.
Key Wood Characteristics for Axe Throwing
The ideal wood for axe throwing targets should possess several important qualities:
| Characteristic | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Wood should be soft enough to allow axes to stick | High |
| Durability | Ability to withstand repeated impacts | High |
| Grain Structure | How the wood fibers are arranged | High |
| Moisture Content | Amount of water in the wood | Medium |
| Splitting Resistance | Ability to resist cracking along grain lines | High |
| Availability | How easy it is to source the wood | Medium |
| Cost | Price relative to durability | Medium |
The perfect balance is soft enough for axes to stick easily but durable enough to withstand hundreds or thousands of throws before needing replacement.
Edge Grain vs. End Grain: Understanding the Difference
One of the most important factors in axe throwing target construction is whether to use edge grain or end grain wood orientation.
Edge Grain (face grain) is what you see when looking at the side of a board. In this orientation, axes must cut through wood fibers to stick.
End Grain is what you see when looking at the cut end of a board (like looking at the top of a tree stump). In this orientation, axes separate wood fibers rather than cutting through them.
End grain targets are substantially more effective for axe throwing because the blade can slide between wood fibers instead of needing to cut through them. This makes it easier for axes to stick and significantly increases target lifespan.
Best Wood Types for Axe Throwing Targets
Different wood species offer varying levels of performance for axe throwing targets. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
Cottonwood: The Professional’s Choice
Cottonwood is widely considered the wood of choice for professional axe throwing venues due to its soft nature and high moisture content, which allows axes to stick with minimal effort. This wood offers several advantages:
- Extremely soft and forgiving
- High natural moisture content
- Self-healing properties (fibers can partially close after axes are removed)
- Exceptional durability despite its softness
- Resists splitting better than many alternatives
Commercial venues often use cottonwood for their center target boards where most throws land, as it provides the most consistent sticking and longest lifespan.
Pine: The Accessible Alternative
Pine is one of the most commonly used woods for DIY and home axe throwing targets due to its widespread availability and affordability:
- Readily available at most hardware stores and lumber yards
- Relatively soft compared to hardwoods
- Budget-friendly price point
- Easy to work with using basic tools
While pine makes a functional target, it’s not as forgiving as cottonwood and tends to splinter or split more easily, resulting in more frequent board replacements.
Poplar: The Middle Ground
Poplar offers a good balance between performance and accessibility:
- Softer than pine but more widely available than cottonwood
- Good resistance to splitting
- Moderate cost compared to other options
- Available at many lumber suppliers
Poplar provides sufficient softness for consistent sticking while offering enough durability to make it suitable for various skill levels.
Douglas Fir: The Durable Option
Douglas fir is sometimes used for specific parts of axe throwing targets:
- More durable than the softer woods
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- Readily available in construction-grade lumber
Douglas fir is often used for the frame components of targets rather than the throwing surface itself due to its durability and strength.
Comparison of Wood Types for Axe Throwing
The following table compares the key properties of the most popular woods used for axe throwing targets:
| Wood Type | Softness (1-10) | Durability (1-10) | Availability | Cost | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | 9 | 7 | Limited | High | Center target boards, professional venues |
| Pine | 7 | 5 | Excellent | Low | Home targets, budget builds |
| Poplar | 8 | 6 | Good | Medium | All-purpose targets, mid-tier venues |
| Douglas Fir | 5 | 8 | Excellent | Low-Medium | Target frames, support structures |
| Cedar | 8 | 5 | Moderate | Medium | Outdoor targets (weather resistant) |
| Spruce | 7 | 5 | Good | Low | Budget home targets |
Note: Softness and durability scores are relative to other woods used for axe throwing (10 being the highest).
Target Construction Methods for Axe Throwing
The way you construct your axe throwing target is just as important as the wood you choose. There are several popular construction methods, each with its own advantages.
Edge Grain Board Construction
The traditional and simplest method involves using vertically oriented boards placed side by side:
- Materials: Typically 2×10″ or 2×12″ boards (actual thickness 1.5″)
- Arrangement: 4-6 boards placed vertically side by side
- Mounting: Secured to a frame or backing board
- Advantages: Simple to build, easy to replace individual boards
- Disadvantages: Shorter lifespan, axes must cut through wood fibers
For edge grain targets, selecting boards with minimal knots is important, particularly for the center board where the bullseye is typically located, as knots can affect how well axes stick.
End Grain Block Construction
End grain targets are constructed by arranging blocks of wood with the end grain facing outward, allowing axes to slide between wood fibers rather than cutting through them. This method has grown increasingly popular for commercial venues:
- Materials: Typically 4×4″, 6×6″ blocks or shorter sections of 2×4″ lumber
- Arrangement: Blocks are arranged in a grid pattern and compressed together
- Mounting: Usually secured within a frame that applies pressure from all sides
- Advantages: Much longer lifespan, easier sticking, modular replacement of worn sections
- Disadvantages: More complex construction, heavier, potentially higher initial cost
End grain targets can provide thousands of tiny gaps between wood fibers, making it significantly easier for axes to stick even with imperfect throwing technique.
Tree Round/Cookie Construction
Using cross-sections of tree trunks (often called “cookies” or “rounds”) is another popular method, especially for rustic or outdoor settings:
- Materials: Cross-sections of logs, typically 4-7″ thick
- Arrangement: Single piece or multiple rounds arranged together
- Mounting: Usually mounted on a stand or support structure
- Advantages: Natural end grain surface, authentic look, often available for free
- Disadvantages: Can crack as they dry, may be inconsistent, heavy
For tree round targets, wrapping the outer circumference with wire and securing with fence staples can help prevent splitting as the wood expands and contracts with moisture changes.
Target Maintenance and Longevity
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your axe throwing target, regardless of wood type.
Moisture Management
Maintaining appropriate moisture content in your target boards is crucial:
| Maintenance Technique | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Misting | Spraying water on target surface | Keeps wood fibers pliable |
| Soaking | Submerging new boards before installation | Increases initial moisture content |
| Oil Treatment | Applying food-safe oils to boards | Slows moisture loss |
| Indoor Storage | Keeping targets away from direct sun/heat | Prevents rapid drying |
Some users recommend soaking wooden targets in water or treating them with oil to prolong their life and prevent premature splintering and cracking.
Rotation and Replacement
Strategic rotation and replacement schedules can maximize target lifespan:
- Board Rotation: Periodically change the position of boards to distribute wear
- Flipping: Turn boards around to use both sides
- Sectional Replacement: With end grain targets, replace only worn sections
- Shifting Impact Areas: Adjust target placement to create new impact zones
End grain targets can potentially reduce wood costs from approximately $10 per hour of throwing time to less than $1 per hour due to their significantly longer lifespan and ability to replace only worn sections.
DIY vs. Commercial Axe Throwing Targets
When deciding whether to build your own target or purchase a pre-made one, consider these factors:
DIY Target Considerations
Building your own axe throwing target offers several advantages:
- Cost savings (potentially)
- Customization options
- Satisfaction of making something yourself
- Ability to repair and modify as needed
DIY targets typically require basic materials like 2×10″ boards, a plywood backing board, and appropriate hardware for mounting, with quality board selection being the most critical factor.
Commercial Target Options
Purchasing pre-made targets may be preferable in some situations:
- Professional-grade materials and construction
- Proper regulation dimensions
- Time savings
- Sometimes include features like scoring rings and mounting systems
Some manufacturers offer starter kits that include not only the target but also accessories like stencils, markers, and even throwing axes.
Setting Up Your Axe Throwing Space
Beyond the target itself, proper setup of your throwing area is crucial for safety and enjoyment.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be the primary concern when setting up any axe throwing space:
- Backstop: Install material behind and around target to catch missed throws
- Flooring: Use material that won’t damage axes but will stop bounces
- Spacing: Allow adequate distance between throwers
- Lighting: Ensure good visibility of targets
- Clear Zones: Establish and mark areas where non-throwers should not enter
Throwing Distance and Target Height
Follow these standard measurements for proper target placement:
| Measurement | Standard Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Throwing Distance | 12-15 feet (4-4.5 meters) | Measure from target face to throwing line |
| Target Center Height | 60 inches (152 cm) | Measure from floor to bullseye center |
| Target Width | Minimum 24 inches (61 cm) | Wider targets provide more safety margin |
| Target Height | Minimum 36 inches (91 cm) | Taller targets catch high throws |
For regulation setup, the bullseye should be positioned 60 inches from the floor, and proper template tools can help ensure accurate target dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood for Axe Throwing
What is the best wood for axe throwing targets?
Cottonwood is generally considered the best wood for axe throwing targets in professional settings due to its ideal combination of softness, moisture retention, and durability. Professional venues prefer cottonwood because it allows axes to stick with minimal effort while withstanding heavy use. For home targets, pine and poplar are good alternatives that are more readily available at local lumber yards and home improvement stores.
How long do axe throwing targets last?
The lifespan of axe throwing targets varies significantly based on construction method, wood type, and usage intensity. Edge grain targets typically need board replacement every 500-1000 throws in high-use areas. End grain targets can last substantially longer, potentially extending target life by 50-100 times compared to traditional edge grain targets. Regular maintenance like misting with water can extend target life regardless of construction type.
What’s the difference between end grain and edge grain targets?
The fundamental difference lies in how the wood fibers are oriented relative to the throwing surface. Edge grain targets require axes to cut through wood fibers to stick, while end grain targets allow the axe blade to slide between fibers, creating thousands of tiny gaps that make sticking much easier even with imperfect throws. End grain targets are typically more expensive and complex to build initially but offer much longer lifespans and better performance.
Can I use plywood for an axe throwing target?
Plywood is generally not recommended for axe throwing targets as the thin layers and glue make it difficult for axes to stick properly. The laminated structure of plywood causes axes to bounce off or become damaged, with many experienced throwers considering it one of the worst choices for targets. While plywood can be used as a backing board for mounting solid wood targets, the actual throwing surface should be solid wood boards or blocks.
How do I maintain my axe throwing target?
Regular maintenance is key to extending target life. Many experienced throwers recommend using a spray bottle to mist the target regularly, keeping the wood fibers moist and pliable for better axe penetration. For outdoor targets, consider protective coverings when not in use to shield from direct sun and rain. Rotating boards or blocks periodically helps distribute wear more evenly, and prompt replacement of severely damaged sections prevents problems from spreading to adjacent areas.
Whether you’re building your first backyard target or setting up a commercial axe throwing venue, selecting the right wood is an essential step toward creating a safe, functional, and enjoyable throwing experience. By understanding the properties of different wood types and construction methods, you can make informed decisions that balance performance, durability, and cost for your specific needs.
Learn more about building axe throwing targets at World Axe Throwing League
Discover the benefits of end grain targets at Axcitement
Find expert advice on wood selection at Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing
Get DIY target building tips at Pyramyd Air
Explore essential materials for axe throwing targets at Brainy Actz
