8 Best Wood For Axe Throwing Target + 3 Woods To Avoid!

Ever wondered which wood makes the best axe throwing target? From durability to self-healing properties, the right choice may surprise you. Read on, your ultimate guide awaits!

Best Wood For Axe Throwing Target

Axe throwing is a fast-paced sport and an enjoyable hobby for any age group. By making an axe throwing target, you can take the game to the next level.

When I became interested in axe throwing as a hobby, I wondered about the types of wood that could be used for an axe-throwing target.

After conducting some research, I was able to find best wood for axe throwing.

So, Here’re the 8 best wood for axe throwing target,

  1. Poplar
  2. Cottonwood
  3. Pine
  4. Willow
  5. Spruce
  6. Cedar
  7. Palm
  8. Douglas Fir

So, in this article, I’ll deeply discuss the best wood for axe throwing target with the pros and cons of each type of wood.

I’ll discuss their unique characteristics and how they differ from other woods which make them ideal for axe throwing target.

Also, I’ll talk about woods you should avoid using as an axe throwing target, and how to select the best wood on your own and have fun of it.

So, let’s get going!

Best wood types for axe-throwing target boards
Best wood types for axe-throwing target boards

1. Poplar

Poplar is considered a common and popular wood for axe throwing target because of its very smooth surface and being a non-resinous wood.

Here’re some qualities of Poplar wood that make it perfect for axe throwing target,

  • Self-healing wood
  • Axe stick easily
  • High durability
  • Strong wood

So, let’s discuss each of those qualities of poplar wood which are important to use as axe throwing target in detail.

Poplar wood axe throwing target board
Poplar wood axe throwing target board

Self-Healing Wood

Poplar is softwood with self-healing capabilities which is so useful to use as axe throwing target material.

Poplar wood is soft and forgiving. Once the axe hits, the Poplar board tends to fill the holes marks and move back to its original position when the axe is removed.

The self-healing property of Poplar is important to keep your axe throwing target fresh as new for a long time.

Axe Stick Easily

Poplar wood is a straight grain wood with a uniform texture. Axe edge can easily go through its wood grain.

Therefore, in Poplar wood axe will stick nicely and easily. You don’t need to put much effort in order for the axe to stick.

High Durability

Poplar axe throwing target will easily last longer 4 to 7 times longer than normal dry boards like a bullseye.

Because of having good strength Poplar axe throwing targets can use for both outdoor and indoor use.

Pros and Cons of Using Poplar Wood For Axe Throwing Target

Here are the summarized details about the pros and cons of Poplar for making axe throwing target.

ProsCons
Self-heal holes and scratchesEasily split
Axe stick nice and easyNo moisture resistance
Can use indoor and outdoor bothCan get mold easily
Uniform attractive texture 
Benefits of using Poplar wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Poplar wood as an axe-throwing target

2. Cottonwood

Cottonwood is undoubtedly one of the best woods for axe throwing targets.

It is a softwood with many unique qualities that are preferable for making axe throwing targets.

Here’re some qualities of Cottonwood that make it perfect for axe throwing target,

  • Self-healing wood
  • High durability
  • Axe stick easily
  • Soundproof

Let’s discuss each of those qualities of cottonwood in depth

Cottonwood axe throwing target board
Cottonwood axe throwing target board

Self-Healing

Cottonwood is able to abord moisture from the outside world and act like self-healing material.

Holes that make on Cottonwood due to axe edges will seal up quickly as soon as once the axe is removed.

High Durability

Cottonwood lasts longer than most other types of woods, including Pine.

By making an axe throwing target using Cottonwood end grain it will last longer and have resistant to splitting or cracking.

Axe Stick Easily

Because of being a softwood with straight grain, the axe will easily go through fibers without splitting the wood. Even a little effort is well enough to stick deeply on Cottonwood.

If you’re a beginner in axe throwing, Cottonwood is best. It gives satisfaction and the workability is also higher than hardwoods.

Soundproof

Cottonwood absorbs moisture and water molecules are trapped inside of the fibers. Water has natural shock resistance and soundproofing ability.

Therefore, when the axe hits hard on the Cottonwood axe throwing target, it makes less noise because of having high water content inside the wood.

Cottonwood absorbs the shock and vibration and makes less noise.

This is important for people who like to axe throwing without making much noise level.

You’ll be able to keep the concentration because of its soundproofing properties.

Pros and Cons of Using Cottonwood For Axe Throwing Target

Here’re some summarized pros and cons of Cottonwood that are important in axe throwing target making.

ProsCons
Self-healingGet mold so easily
Soundproofing abilityLess weather resistant
Axe sick easilyCan be allergic to some people
Great for beginners 
Beautiful appearance 
Straight wood grain 
Lightweight 
Benefits of using Cottonwood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Cottonwood as an axe throwing target

So, let’s talk about what makes Pinewood perfect for becoming one of the best wood for axe throwing target.

3. Pine

Pine is a good option for axe throwing target. Pinewood is not too strong or not too soft. That is what makes it special making it perfect to use as axe throwing target.

Here’re some qualities of Pine that are useful as axe throwing target material.

  • Easy to work with
  • High availability
  • Strong wood
  • Durable wood

Let’s discuss each of those qualities of pine in detail for axe throwing target making.

Pine wood axe throwing target board
Pine wood axe throwing target board

Easy To Work

Pine is considered one of the easiest woods to work with. Therefore, even if you’re a beginner, Pine ais a good wood to go with.

Pine has good screwing and nailing properties which are so useful in woodworking projects.

High Availability

Pinewood is easy to find. It is readily available at many hardwood stores. Therefore finding quality Pinewood is easier and you will be able to practice making axe throwing target using Pinewood.

Strong

Pine has good compressive and bending strength. Therefore, you’ll be able to make a strong and durable axe throwing target using Pine.

Yellow Pine has a compressive strength of 8,470 psi and a bending strength of 14,500 psi.

White Pine has a compressive strength of 4,800 psi and a bending strength of 8,600 psi.

As you can see yellow and white Pine both have pretty good strengths and can use for indoor and outdoor axe throwing target easily.

Durable

Pinewood axe throwing target will easily last for years. Also, Pine boards are thick enough to sustain against repeated throwing.

Pine boards can use under any weather conditions because they’re resistant to shrinking and swelling without cracking.

Pros and Cons of Using Pine Wood For Axe Throwing Target

So, let’s summarize what are the pros and cons of Pine making axe throwing target.

ProsCons
High workabilityNo self-healing or forgiving
High availabilityScratch and dent easily
Resist to swelling and shrinkageTear up easily
Has good moisture resistance 
Cheap 
Benefits of using Pine wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Pine wood as an axe throwing target

4. Willow

Willow wood is hardwood and resistant to dents and cracks. Therefore, it is so much useful to use as axe throwing target material.

Here’re some qualities of Willow wood that make it perfect for axe throwing targets,

  • High workability
  • Less noisy
  • beautiful appearance

Let’s discuss the above qualities of willow wood in detail.

Willow wood axe throwing target board
Willow wood axe throwing target board

High Workability

It is so much easy to work with Willow because of having straight grain smooth texture. Sanding, painting, and gluing are easy.

Therefore, even a beginner in woodworking can use Willow wood to make an axe throwing target as wished.

Less Noisy

Most of the woods that use for axe throwing targets are noisy and it is a huge disturbance. But Willow wood is a less noisy wood type.

When the axe hits hard, the shock and the noise absorb by the wood itself and release less to the outside world.

Therefore, it is so much easy to keep the concentration steady, because axe throwing needs lots of patience. 

Beautiful Appearance

Willow wood has a pinkish-brown beautiful uniform texture that adds a nice unique appearance to the axe throwing target.

The straight wood grain of Willow wood is helpful for finishing the wood because of the high acceptance of wood finishers.

Pros and Cons of Using Willow Wood For Axe Throwing Target

So, let’s highlight some pros and cons of Willow in making axe throwing target.

ProsCons
LightweightSusceptible to pests
High workabilityLess durable
Not too hard or too softNo decay resistance
Beautiful appearance 
Shock resistant 
Less noisy 
Resistant to dents and cracks 
Benefits of using Willow wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Willow wood as an axe throwing target

5. Spruce

Spruce is a popular softwood option in axe throwing target material. It softens over time and helps the sharp edges of the axe to reach deep inside the wood with little effort.

Here’re some significant qualities of Spruce for axe throwing target make,

  • Axe stick easily
  • High workability
  • Self-healing wood
  • Attractive appearance
  • Affordable

Let’s have an in-depth look at those qualities.

Spruce wood axe throwing target board
Spruce wood axe throwing target board

Axe Stick Easily

Spruce is soft enough for an axe’s sharp edge to penetrate through the wood. Therefore, even when the axe is not thrown too forcefully, the axe is able to stick well to the Spruce axe throwing target.

It makes the deeper cut and ensures the axe sticks in the target board on impact.

High Workability

Spruce has very good workability. It is easy to saw and has good nailing properties. It dries easily and does not tend to warp or split.

Therefore, even a beginner in woodworking can use Spruce to make an axe-throwing target.

Self-Healing

When you’re using Spruce wood as a material for axe throwing target, once you pull your axe out the holes will seal up pretty well. This improves the durability of the board, and you can use it for a long time.

It always stays fresh as new because of this self-healing ability which can only be seen in softwoods like Spruce.

Attractive Appearance

Fresh Spruce wood is bright in color. When you use a Spruce axe throwing target for a long time, the color of Spruce changes to reddish-white, and it will be darkened.

This gives a rich aesthetic look to the boards which is so attractive.

Affordable

Spruce is a cheap option for axe throwing target. It is so versatile and more than worth for the price.

Therefore, Spruce is not only used as axe throwing target material but also for many other indoor and outdoor woodworking projects as well.

Pros and Cons of Using Spruce Wood For Axe Throwing Target

So, let’s summarize the pros and cons of Spruce in terms of making axe throwing targets.

ProsCons
Axe stick easilyInsect infestations
Self-healingNo decay resistance
Beautiful appearanceNo weather resistance
Affordable 
Lightweight 
Benefits of using Spruce wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Spruce wood as an axe throwing target

6. Cedar

Cedar is a softwood that is optimal to use as axe throwing target material. It is an aromatic wood with insect-repellant qualities.

The reddish-brown grain adds a unique look to your axe throwing target.

Here’re some significant qualities of Cedar wood that are important in axe-throwing target make.

  • High durability
  • Lightweight
  • High workability

Let’s discuss those qualities in detail.

Cedar wood axe throwing target board
Cedar wood axe throwing target board

Durability

Cedarwood has high durability which is so useful in making outdoor axe throwing targets. It is resistant to decay, rot and insect attacks, and other environmental elements.

Furthermore, Cedarwood is resistant to moisture, and it does warp easily. Therefore, axe throwing targets made of Cedarwood easily last over years.

Even though most of the softwoods are unable to have good resistance against environmental elements, Cedar has some exceptional qualities for withstanding harsh weather conditions.

This is what Cedar wood makes special.

Lightweight

Axe throwing targets made of Cedar wood can hang on anywhere without any hesitations. It is easy to use at higher altitudes.

High Workability

Cedar wood is easy to work with. It has good finishing properties and is easy to work with big or small machines.

Nailing and screwing are so much easy because of being softwood.

Even a beginner in woodworking can use Cedar wood to make an axe throwing target because of its user-friendliness and meanwhile, you’ll learn lots of woodworking techniques as well.

Pros and Cons Of Using Cedar For Axe Throwing Target

So, let’s summarize the pros and cons of Cedarwood in axe throwing target make.

ProsCons
LightweightNeed High maintenance
High workabilityFlammable
Attractive appearanceExpensive
High durability 
Benefits of using Cedar wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Cedar wood as an axe throwing target

7. Palm

Palm is a great choice for axe throwing target. The tropical appeal f Palm wood adds uniques look to your axe-throwing targets.

So, let’s find out what are the characteristic qualities of Palm wood that are important in axe throwing target,

  • Rot resistant wood
  • Beautiful appearance
  • Lightweight

Let’s discuss those qualities of palm wood in detail which makes it suitable for axe throwing targets.

Palm wood axe throwing target board
Palm wood axe throwing target board

Rot-resistant

Palm wood is hard and low in density. Even though the wood contains a high amount of water molecules and moisture, it cannot destroy the inner structure of the wood.

Therefore, Palm is mostly resistant to rotting and decaying. These significant features and great weather-resistant make Palm wood perfect to build outdoor axe throwing targets.

Beautiful Appearance

Palm wood axe throwing target have a distinct look with a great impression. The natural uniform texture of Palmwood adds unique beauty to the woodwork.

Lightweight

Palm wood is one of the lightest woods on the planet. Therefore, making and handling axe throwing targets made of Palm wood is easy.

The high mobility of Palm wood is great for outdoor axe throwing target-making projects.

Pros and Cons Of Using Palm Wood For Axe Throwing Target

So, let’s summarize the pros and cons of Palm wood in terms of making axe throwing target.

ProsCons
Attractive appearanceHigh maintenance is required
LightweightPoor weather resistance
Uniform wood grainPoor strength
Resistant to termitesExpensive
High workability 
Benefits of using Palm wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Palm wood as an axe throwing target

8. Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a good choice for an axe throwing target.

Known for its strength and straight grain, Douglas Fir is a type of softwood that’s frequently used for a variety of woodworking projects, including axe throwing targets.

Douglas Fir wood axe throwing target board
Douglas Fir wood axe throwing target board

Qualities of Douglas Fir for Axe Throwing Target

  • Strength: Douglas Fir is a robust and dense wood, which means it can withstand the force of repeated axe throws. It’s harder than most other types of softwood, making it a durable choice for axe throwing targets.
  • Straight Grain: The straight grain of Douglas Fir makes it less likely to split or chip when an axe hits it, which can contribute to the longevity of your target.
  • Availability: Douglas Fir is commonly available, making it an accessible choice for your axe throwing target.
  • Workability: Due to its straight grain, Douglas Fir is relatively easy to cut and shape, making it a good choice if you want to create a custom-sized axe throwing target.

However, Douglas Fir also has a few downsides. It’s not as resistant to decay as other types of wood, so if you plan on keeping your target outdoors, you’ll need to treat it to prevent rot.

Additionally, while it’s a strong wood, it isn’t as hard as some hardwoods, which means it may not last as long as targets made from woods like Maple or Oak.

Pros and Cons of Using Douglas Fir Wood For Axe Throwing Target

ProsCons
Strong and can withstand repeated axe throwsNot as resistant to decay as some other woods
Straight grain reduces likelihood of splittingNot as hard as some hardwoods
Widely availableMay require treatment for outdoor use
Easy to work with for custom target designsMay not last as long as targets made from hardwoods
Benefits of using Douglas Fir wood as an axe throwing target
Benefits of using Douglas Fir wood as an axe throwing target

Those are the 8 best wood for axe throwing target with their pros and cons with unique characteristics.

Now I’m going to share with you the factors you need to consider when selecting wood for axe throwing targets using my personal experiences.

Tips for Selecting Wood For Axe Throwing Target

Choosing the right wood for your axe throwing target is not just about picking the first piece of timber you come across.

Several factors should be considered to ensure your axe-throwing experience is both safe and enjoyable.

Let’s discuss some tips to help guide you in this process.

Consider The Wood’s Durability and Resistance

When selecting a wood type for your axe throwing target, durability and resistance are key factors to consider.

These attributes determine how well the target will withstand the impact of the axe and the elements.

Cedar, for instance, is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Similarly, Cottonwood, with its straight grains, is resistant to breaking, making it a solid choice for your target.

Did you know fact about finding bet wood for axe throwing target
Did you know fact about finding bet wood for axe throwing target

Look for Self-Healing Properties

This might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but some wood types, like Cottonwood and Poplar, have ‘self-healing’ properties.

Essentially, this means they can recover and close up the dents and cuts made by the axe, prolonging the life of your target.

This is an invaluable feature to consider when choosing your wood.

Consider The Wood’s Availability and Cost

Another crucial aspect to consider is the availability and cost of the wood.

It’s all well and good finding a wood that’s perfect for your needs, but if it’s difficult to source or it breaks the bank, it may not be the best choice.

Pine, for example, is an excellent option for those looking for readily available and cost-effective wood.

Think About The Wood’s Grain Structure

The wood’s grain structure can significantly affect your axe throwing experience.

Ideally, you want wood with straight grains, as it can withstand the axe’s impact better, reducing the likelihood of it breaking apart.

Willow and Cottonwood are excellent examples of woods with straight grains.

Avoid Certain Types of Wood

Not all woods are created equal, and some are simply not suitable for axe throwing targets.

Extremely hard woods, like Maple and Oak, are best avoided as they can be too hard for the axe to penetrate and they lack the self-healing attributes.

Similarly, plywood might seem like a soft and easily available option, but it has a bounce-back effect and can be overly noisy, detracting from your axe-throwing experience.

Consider The Aesthetics

Lastly, while it might not affect your axe-throwing performance, consider the aesthetics of the wood.

After all, your target will likely be a prominent feature in your yard or indoor space.

Woods like Cedar, with its dull red grains, or Willow, with its pinkish-brown appearance, can add a touch of beauty to your setup.

Choosing the best wood for your axe throwing target can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport.

Keep these tips in mind when you’re selecting your wood and you’ll have a target that is both practical and pleasing to the eye.

So, let’s find out what woods you should avoid when making axe throwing target.

Woods To Avoid for Axe Throwing Target

Basically, any wood that is not too hard or not too soft is good to make an axe throwing target.

But particularly there’re 3 wood types you should avoid when making axe throwing targets.

They are,

  • Maple
  • Oak
  • Plywood

So, let’s discuss each of the wood why they’re not suitable for axe throwing target material.

Maple

Maple is considered as a wood you should avoid when making axe throwing target. Maple is too hard with a Janka hardness rating of 1,450 lbf (6,450 N).

Because of being this hard, the axe doesn’t go deep inside of the wood and you need to put high effort to stick the axe on the Maple board.

Maple doesn’t have self-healing properties as softwoods.

Due to those concerns Maple is not the best choice for making axe throwing target.

Cons of using Maple wood as a axe throwing target
Cons of using Maple wood as a axe throwing target

Oak

Oak wood is also a hardwood like Maple which is not suitable for axe throwing target. it has an intense grain pattern.

Therefore, the axe edges cannot go through fibers and make a deep cut.

The workability of Oak wood is also poor because of being extremely hard and dense.

Even though Oak wood is considered great for many woodworking projects, it’s not the best option for axe throwing target material.

Cons of using Oak wood as a axe throwing target
Cons of using Oak wood as a axe throwing target

Plywood

Plywood is loud and noisy when getting hit by axe edges. Plywood has a tendency to bounce back, and only heavy axes can go through the Plywood board.

It is made by gluing laminated sheets together. the wood grain is perpendicular, and it is so hard for the axe to make a deep cut and go through the wood fibers.

Cons of using  Plywood as a axe throwing target
Cons of using Plywood as a axe throwing target

Pressure Treated Wood for Axe Throwing Target?

Pressure treated wood is good to use as axe throwing target material because of having weather resistance, rot, and decay resistance, and is so much better than untreated wood.

The durability of pressure-treated wood is also so much higher than untreated wood.

Understanding Pressure-Treated Wood

First things first, let’s clarify what pressure-treated wood is.

Essentially, this is wood that has undergone a process to improve its durability and resistance to the elements.

The wood is placed under high pressure to infuse it with various chemicals, which protect it from problems like pests, rot, and extreme weather conditions.

The Benefits of Using Pressure-Treated Wood

One of the primary advantages of using pressure-treated wood for an axe-throwing target is its resistance to decay and pests.

This type of wood is treated to withstand harsh elements, making it a good choice if your target is going to be exposed to the outdoors.

Its durability can potentially provide you with a longer-lasting target compared to some other wood types.

Moreover, pressure-treated wood can be more readily available and less expensive than certain types of untreated wood.

This availability and affordability can make it an attractive option, especially if you’re new to axe throwing and are uncertain about investing in more expensive materials.

The Downsides of Using Pressure-Treated Wood

While pressure-treated wood offers some clear advantages, it isn’t without its drawbacks.

One potential issue is the safety concern related to the chemicals used in the pressure treatment process.

Some people worry about the potential health risks that can come from exposure to these chemicals, especially when the wood is cut or sanded, which can release particles into the air.

If you decide to go with pressure-treated wood, make sure to take proper precautions when handling and working with it.

Furthermore, depending on the specific type of pressure-treated wood you choose, it might be harder and more difficult for an axe to penetrate compared to untreated wood or softer woods.

This could potentially affect your axe throwing experience.

The Verdict

So, can you use pressure-treated wood for an axe-throwing target? Absolutely, you can! It’s an especially good option if durability and weather-resistance are high on your priority list.

But it’s essential to consider all factors, including your safety and the throwing experience you’re seeking, before making your final decision.

In the world of axe throwing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the best choice for you will depend on your unique circumstances and preferences.

Congrats folks! Now you know best wood for axe throwing target with pros and cons of each.

Tip for using wood for axe throwing target
Tip for using wood for axe throwing target

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Why should I avoid using extremely hard woods like maple or oak for an axe-throwing target?

Hard woods like maple and oak tend to lack self-healing attributes and have a high concentration of grains, making it difficult for the axe to penetrate and stick properly, thus reducing the effectiveness of your throwing target.

What is a ‘self-healing’ feature in the context of axe-throwing targets?

‘Self-healing’ refers to a wood’s ability to close up or recover quickly from the holes made by the axe, maintaining the wood’s integrity and extending the life of your axe-throwing target.

Is plywood a good choice for an axe-throwing target?

While plywood is soft, it isn’t recommended for axe-throwing targets because it has a bounce-back effect and can be quite noisy, which could detract from the enjoyment of the activity.

What is the best wood for a knife-throwing target?

Just like with axe-throwing, the ideal wood for a knife-throwing target should be soft enough for the knife to penetrate and stick, but durable enough to withstand repeated throws. Cedar, pine, and poplar are commonly preferred for knife-throwing targets due to their appropriate balance of softness and durability. Cottonwood, with its self-healing properties, is also a top choice as it can maintain its integrity even after many knife strikes.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Wood for Axe Throwing Target

In this article, I have deeply discussed the 8 best wood for axe throwing target with their qualities.

Furthermore, I’ve explored the advantages and disadvantages of those woods in terms of axe throwing target make.

Also, I’ve discussed about woods that you should avoid when axe throwing target making because of various reasons.

The best woods for axe throwing targets include cedar, pine, cottonwood, willow, poplar, palm, and spruce. Cedar is notable for its durability and aromatic allure, while cottonwood is favored for its self-healing properties. Pine, poplar, and spruce offer a balance of softness and strength, making them excellent choices as well.

According to my experience, any wood that is not too hard or not too soft is ideal to use as axe throwing target material.

Super hard or super softwoods are not good for these types of woodworking projects.

The axe needs to be stick well on top of the board with little effort and self-healing ability is an added advantage of those woods.

Hope you’ve gained good knowledge about the best wood for axe throwing target that you shouldn’t use.

So, let’s begin your next woodworking project of making axe throwing target with correct wood options. Have fun in woodworking!

Walter Parker is a woodworking enthusiast. He is passionate about woodworking projects & plays with woodworking tools having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Woodworking Planet. He wants to make people love woodworking! Read More About Him! Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

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