How to Build an Axe Throwing Target

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How to Build an Axe Throwing Target

Axe throwing venues have been popping up all over the country! To get really good at throwing an axe, you need something to throw it at. We at Heber Hatchets get lots of questions about our axe throwing targets:

  • What kind of wood do you use?
  • How often do you switch out targets?
  • How does the target scoring work?
  • What can I use for a throwing axe target at home?

Below are answers to the most common questions we get about our axe throwing targets. Every axe throwing company probably does it a little differently, but we believe these are the some of the best ways to build and manage great targets.

What Is the Best Wood for an Axe Throwing Target? 

The best wood choice depends a lot on personal preference and how you plan on using your target. For example, at our Heber Hatchets venues, we know that our targets are going to receive a lot of wear and tear from constant throwers of all skill levels. With this in mind, most axe throwing companies like to use wood that will last as long as possible without being too hard to consistently embed an axe in.

Pine is usually the best option because it’s easy to find and far more affordable than other wood types. If you want another kind of wood, though, that’s fine! Just remember, it’s best to stay on the softer end of the wood-type scale. With softer wood, you’ll have to regularly replace the target, but your axes will get stuck in the wood and give you that satisfying thud. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when designing targets is the grain of the wood. Even a good throw can bounce off the target if the axe blade hits at an angle that doesn’t align with the natural direction of the wood grain.

At Heber Hatchets, we use large, thick boards displayed with a vertical grain. This allows the axe blade to stick tightly in the boards after a well-timed throw. We’ve seen others use stumps, with the grain going in a circular pattern. These are great targets as well because an axe or hatchet will stick well to the wood. 

What Type of Axe Do I Need?

Most axes used for chopping wood or other materials have long handles to generate power and leverage your swing. These are often known as felling axes. These axe blades are very large, so they can effectively cut large pieces of wood. Axe-throwing for sport is a whole different beast and uses specially designed axes. 

According to the International Axe Throwing Federation guidelines, there are two categories: hatchets and big axes (also called felling axes).

Hatchet: 

  • Between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds
  • Used for most competitions
  • Handle is between 13 and 17 inches in length
  • Smaller blades 

Felling Axes:

  • Between 2.75 pounds and 3.75 pounds
  • Often used in tie-breaker throwing matches
  • Handle is between 25 and 32 inches in length
  • Larger blades

When you’re new to axe throwing, the smaller hatchets are the best option. You can get used to how to properly throw and build up your strength. When you get the hang of it and have some practice hours under your belt, you can give the larger felling axes a try.

Pro tip: Most beginners start by throwing over their heads using two hands. When you feel like you’ve gotten the hang of the lumberjack lifestyle and are up for a new challenge, try throwing with one hand and see how you measure up.

How Does The Target Scoring Work?

Throwing axe targets usually have 4 rings, 1 bullseye, and 2 special zones called “the clutch”.

The Rings

Just like playing darts, scoring within the target rings is pretty straightforward. Whichever ring your axe sticks into, that’s the score you get for that throw: 1, 2, 3, or 4 points. Often the axe head will be touching two different scoring rings. When this happens, the score will be the highest-valued ring that the axe head touches, even if it’s just a little bit!

The Bullseye

You know where it is—right in the center of the target! If you can throw your axe straight and true and stick it in the orange bullseye, you score 6 points. That’s two more points than if you land it just outside the bullseye in the center ring! If you can hone your throwing motion and become more accurate and consistent, this is the easiest way to rack up big points.

The Clutch

On the upper half of the target are two little blue dots, one on the upper right and one on the upper left. These dots are called the clutch, and they are the high-risk, high-reward scoring areas on the axe throwing target.

If you go for the clutch and miss, you’ll most likely score just 1 point, or maybe even 0. But if you manage to stick the clutch, it’s worth 10 points!

Many pro axe throwers can hit clutch shots consistently, but it’s definitely a challenge for most people. When it comes down to the last throw of a game where you’re down by a handful of points, you may need to go for the clutch to stay in the game. Good luck! Hitting the clutch for the win is a rare but very satisfying experience that we highly recommend.

How Often Do You Switch Out Targets?

The short answer: as often as we need to!

Obviously, it would be a big headache if we were constantly running back and forth taking down old targets and installing new ones, so we try to make them last as long as they can.

Fun fact: Targets that have the wood slightly beat up and worn actually are better than brand new targets! It just helps that used wood isn’t quite so firm, and the nicks and cracks already present help the axe head find a better entry into the wood.

But of course, axe throwing targets are no good once they’ve become too worn out. When there are holes through the target, pieces missing, or the axe can no longer find a hold in the splintered mess, it’s time to switch the target out. At Heber Hatchets, this happens more often during our busiest times: nights and weekends. We keep track of which targets are getting close to needing a replacement so we can take care of it in between groups or before someone arrives for their session.

Pro tip: One trick that we use is to spray our targets regularly with water. Sometimes we get some funny looks from guests, but it’s actually helpful! Regularly misting the face of the target with water over time helps to keep the wood soft, making it easier for axes to stick. This also helps preserve the target longer, since the soft wood doesn’t splinter out and shred as much as dry wood does.

We also have one other little Heber Hatchets secret that helps make our targets the best you’ll find anywhere! But that secret is one we keep guarded closely…. You’ll just have to come try some Heber Hatchets axe throwing to see if you can figure it out for yourself!

What Can I Use For An Axe Throwing Target At Home?

The easiest way to enjoy axe throwing games is to come down to the nearest Heber Hatchets venue and let us get you set up with axes and a high-quality target. 

When you can’t make it over for the Heber Hatchets experience, you may want to toss a few axes in your backyard or the backwoods. Here are some suggestions for setting up your own axe throwing target.

A Stump

Yep, don’t overthink it! Although it can be difficult to find a large stump that’s thick enough and in good enough condition to throw at, they can work pretty well. Stumps are already circular, so just spray paint some rings, the bullseye, and your clutch shots, and you’re good to go. But hey, don’t cop out and make your clutch dots too big!

Pine Boards

They don’t have to be pine, but those are usually the most common ones you’ll find lying around or available cheaply at the store. You’ll want to make sure your boards are thick enough to sustain some repeated throwing, otherwise your axe throwing game will be over pretty quickly.

Here’s a little tip, whether you’re using a stump or some boards: flip the wood over when it’s started to get too torn up. The fresh side might give you a little extra use before the target becomes firewood.

How Can I Build an Axe Throwing Target?

Creating your own target is easier than you’d think. At Heber Hatchets, we use a 10-inch board as our middle board and six 6-inch boards (3 on either side of the 10-inch board) to build our targets.

To build an axe throwing target at home, you’ll need:

  • Three 2-inch x 10-inch x 4-foot wooden planks (pine is best but other soft woods will work)
  • Four smaller boards
  • Nails
  • A hammer
  • Paint
  • A pencil
  • A soda can
  • String

Once you have all your materials, you can get started.

Step 1: Start by building a rectangular frame with the smaller boards. This will be the base of your target.

Step 2: Nail the three wooden planks to the frame, creating a solid and sturdy rectangle. 

Step 3: Nail or screw this to a tree or barn wall, or (if you have some skills with a tool set) build a standing frame. 

Step 4: Measure carefully and place a nail in the exact center of your target. Tie a string to it and use the string to carefully draw the target rings with a pencil.

Step 5: Go over your lines with paint, and use the soda can to paint the two clutches.

Step 6: Start throwing!

You may notice that after hitting the target regularly, it starts to splinter or it has big holes and notches. When the target becomes so worn out you can’t use it well, try flipping it over and painting new circles on the back. This will double the lifespan of your target.

Pro tip: If you want to work on throwing more powerfully, using a harder wood type will make sure you need to really put your back into it if the axe is going to stick.

What Are the Exact Dimensions of the Axe Throwing Target? 

Every axe throwing company might have slightly different proportions, but most follow these standards.

  • The bullseye is 7“ in diameter in the exact center of the target.
  • The exact center of the bullseye should be 63“ up from the ground.
  • The next ring is 17“ in diameter.
  • The next ring is 27“ in diameter.
  • Clutches are 2“ wide and sit 40.5“ from the base of the target and 5.25“ from the inner seam.

If you can’t get these measurements exactly right, that’s okay! Use what you can at home, but when you need exact measurements to practice on, visit a Heber Hatchets location!

Safety Tips for Axe Throwing

We get it: you’re living out your lumberjack dreams! No matter how good of an axe wielder you are, a few safety precautions will ensure you and those around you stay safe while you unlock your inner woodsperson.

Safety While Building

  • Wear closed-toed shoes: Dropping nails, wood, or other building supplies could seriously harm you if your feet aren’t protected.
  • Work with a partner: Have someone else who can be there and help you in case of any accidents.
  • Take Your time: Never rush when you’re using nails and a hammer. That way, you’re less likely to make a mistake.

Safety While Testing Out Your New Target

  • Use a sharp axe: A dull one can bounce off the wood and possibly come back and hit you or others.
  • Keep the target clear: Never throw your axe if people are in the throwing zone.
  • Safety Glasses: Targets can often splinter or an axe can bounce back, so wearing glasses is the best way to protect your eyes.
  • Make sure nobody is behind you: If someone is directly behind you, you could accidentally hit them as you wind up to throw.
  • One hatchet per target: Throwing an axe while another axe is already embedded in the board could cause a collision and risk the second hatchet bouncing back and harming you.
  • No horseplay: We get it, throwing an axe is fun! No matter how good of a time you’re having, it’s never safe to make jokes with or use your axe in any other way than throwing it directly at a target.

Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing 

All right, you don’t want to just keep reading about axe throwing—it’s time to play!

Heber Hatchets has the best axe throwing targets you’ll find anywhere. Come check out one of our various locations in Utah, Idaho, or Washington and get your lumberjack game on. 

Are you a play-it-safe competitor who just hopes to hit the target at all? Or are you a clutch addict who can’t help but go for the big points, even if you’re already winning against everyone else? Or maybe you’re looking for some new axe throwing games to make the competition exciting all over again. 

Whatever your style is, Heber Hatchets is ready for you. Come try us out and schedule your axe throwing session at any of the Heber Hatchets locations today! Let’s have some fun!

Let us know if you have an axe throwing target question that we didn’t answer. We’re happy to update this page!