Backyard Targets: How to Make a Throwing Knife or Axe Target (Without Building a Fortress)

So you’ve picked up some throwing knives or a new tomahawk and now you’re itching to hit the target — literally. But unless you’ve got access to a professional range (or a stack of timber just lying around), you’re going to need a reliable target setup at home.

The good news? You don’t need to be a builder or have power tools to create a decent throwing target. From humble corkboard to softwood planks, here are the easiest ways to get throwing — safely, affordably, and without annoying your neighbours.

1. Softwood Plank Target – Classic & Cheap

This is the most common DIY target for good reason. All you need are untreated pine planks from your local hardware store (Bunnings, Mitre 10, etc.). They’re cheap, easy to work with, and soft enough for knives and axes to sink into. If you have a board, then all the better!

How to make it:

• Line up 5–6 planks vertically 

• Screw them onto two horizontal braces at the back

• Mount to a stand, fence, or tree

✅ Easy to repair
✅ Great for axes & knives
✅ Super durable

Tip: Keep the wood wet if possible — it’ll help prevent splitting and makes it easier to stick your throws.

2. Timber Rounds – Traditional but Tricky

Used in most axe throwing venues, timber rounds (cross-sections of thick logs) are ideal. The grain runs in the right direction for blade sticking, and they’re very durable.

The downside? Finding one can be a hassle unless you’ve got access to a chainsaw and a fallen tree.

✅ Best sticking power
✅ Long-lasting
✅ Great for full-size throwing axes

- Heavy
- Hard to source
- Needs strong mounting

3. Cork Boards – Surprisingly Effective

Don’t laugh — cork actually works really well for knife throwing. It’s quiet, lightweight, and “self-healing,” meaning it absorbs the blade without shredding too quickly.

Just stick several cork tiles to a plywood board, or glue a rolled cork sheet onto a flat surface.

✅ Quiet — great for suburbs
✅ Lightweight and easy to move
✅ Good for smaller knives

- Not great for heavy axes

Tip: Cork is especially good for practice sessions indoors or when you want to avoid damage and noise.

4. Wine Cork Targets – Upcycled & Cool-Looking

If you’re feeling crafty (or drink a lot of wine), you can make a surprisingly durable target by gluing together a few hundred wine corks into a block or pattern.

Mount that cork block to a backboard, and boom — you’ve got a soft-yet-sturdy target with a lot of character.

✅ Eco-friendly
✅ Custom shapes and sizes
✅ Soft on your blades

- Time-consuming to build
- Mostly for lightweight throws

5. Repurposed Furniture – The Lazy Genius Option

Got an old pine tabletop or wardrobe panel? Use it. As long as it’s soft wood and free of nails, it’ll work surprisingly well as a quick-and-dirty throw wall.

✅ No building required
✅ Zero cost if using scrap
✅ Fun way to repurpose junk

- May splinter or crack over time
- Might not last long outdoors

Tip: Lean it against something sturdy (shed, fence) and throw from a safe distance.

⚠️ Safety & Setup Tips

No matter which type of target you choose, safety is the name of the game:

• Always place your target in an open space, away from windows, people, and pets

• Never throw toward solid walls or metal surfaces

• Wear closed shoes (just trust us)

• Mark a clear throwing line — even with your mates

• Secure your target properly — nothing worse than a wobbly board

The Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking to kill time in the backyard or sharpen your skills for comps, having a proper target makes all the difference. You don’t need to go full Viking with tree stumps and steel mounts — sometimes a corkboard or a few planks will do just fine.

Build what suits your space, your style, and your throwing weapon of choice — then get to work sticking those shots.