The appropriate answer to this question will vary depending on your personal preference as well as how the target is going to be used. However, axe throwing companies prefer to go for woods that will last as long as possible without being too hard to stick consistently.
When building an axe target, it’s imperative to realize that an axe is designed to chop wood. Owing to that, how different woods react to an axe will determine how long an axe-throwing target will last. How soft or hard the wood is will also determine how easy it is to stick.
Ultimately, the best wood for axe throwing targets is using an End Grain target, as you are not going to cut through fibers, but the blade will just slide in between them. Nevertheless, if you are seeking the best wood for your axe-throwing target, here are the top options to consider.
Best Wood for Axe Throwing Target
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Palm
Palm has proven to be a valid choice for axe-throwing targets. Note that the tropical appeal that Palm wood is known to feature adds a distinctive look to your axe-throwing targets. Below are ideal characteristics of Palmwood that are considered important in axe-throwing targets,
- Rot-resistant
- Distinctive appearance
- Lightweight
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Pine
This is another very good option for axe-throwing targets. Although they are not too strong, it is also not too soft. These qualities have made it a popular option for most people looking to build axe throwing targets. Other qualities to love about this wood include;
- Easy to work with
- High availability
- Strong wood
- Durable wood
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Spruce
Over the years, spruce has grown to become another popular softwood option in axe throwing targets. This wood is known to soften over time and makes it possible for the sharp edges of the axe to reach deep inside the wood with little effort. Other significant qualities of Spruce for axe-throwing targets include,
- Axe stick easily
- High workability
- Self-healing wood
- Attractive appearance
- Easy to find
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Willow
Willow wood when accessible is a good option especially since it is a hardwood and known to be resistant to dents and cracks. Owing to that, it is so much useful to use as axe-throwing target material. Aside from being strong, other qualities of Willow wood that make it very ideal for axe throwing targets include.
- High workability
- Less noisy
- Beautiful appearance
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Poplar
A valid option when looking to build an axe-throwing target, poplar is a common and popular wood. It has long been used for axe-throwing targets owing to its very smooth surface and being a non-resinous wood. This is a good option to consider owing to the following qualities;
- Self-healing wood
- Axe stick easily
- High durability
- Strong wood
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Cedar
Another very popular softwood, cedar is a very good option to use as an axe-throwing target material. One thing to note is that it is an aromatic wood with insect-repellant qualities. Its reddish-brown grain gives the axe-throwing target a distinctive look. Aside from that, you will have to consider the other qualities of cedar, and they include;
- High durability
- Lightweight
- High workability
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Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is an ideal option to consider when looking to build an axe-throwing target. Well renowned for its strength and straight grain, this is, without doubt, a type of softwood that’s used for a wide range of woodworking projects all over the globe. Some of the qualities of this wood that make it a very good option for axe-throwing include;
- Harder than most other types of softwood
- Durable choice for axe-throwing targets
- Straight grain
- Commonly available
- Workability
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Cottonwood
This is regarded as one of the best woods for axe-throwing targets. This is a softwood with a wide range of unique qualities that are ideal for making axe-throwing targets. A few of the vital qualities of Cottonwood that make it a top option for axe-throwing targets include;
- Self-healing wood
- High durability
- Axe stick easily
- Soundproof