Choosing the right wood for your custom arcade stick or fightstick can make all the difference in both aesthetics and performance.
From the feel under your hands to how it complements your gaming setup, the type of wood you select plays a crucial role.
Understanding the top wood options will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your custom wooden arcade stick not only looks great but also functions smoothly.
Whether you’re an experienced custom arcade stick builder or a newcomer, exploring different wood types can provide valuable insights.
This guide covers the top 10 wood types to consider for your custom arcade stick or fightstick. It highlights the unique qualities and benefits of each.
Creating a personalized gaming experience has never been more accessible or fun.
1. Hard Maple
Hard maple is a popular choice for custom arcade sticks.
This wood type is known for its strength and durability. It can handle frequent use without wearing down quickly. If you want something that lasts, hard maple is a good option.
The light color of hard maple gives your arcade stick a clean, modern look. It also takes stain well, so you can customize the color to fit your style.
Whether you want a natural look or a darker finish, this wood works great.
Hard maple is also easy to work with. It can be cut, sanded, and drilled without too much hassle. This makes it a favorite among custom arcade stick builders.
You can achieve a smooth finish without a lot of effort.
For those looking to add art or designs, hard maple’s fine grain provides a great surface. It won’t interfere with intricate designs, so your custom art can really stand out. The even texture ensures that paint or decals adhere well.
Overall, hard maple combines strength, good looks, and workability. If you are building a wooden arcade stick, it’s definitely worth considering. Hard maple helps you create an arcade stick that not only looks good but also stands the test of time.
2. African Mahogany
African Mahogany is a popular choice for custom arcade sticks.
Its rich color and fine grain make it visually appealing. You’ll find it has a reddish-brown hue that darkens over time. This characteristic gives each arcade stick a unique and attractive look.
The wood is also known for its durability. African Mahogany can withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear. This makes it ideal for arcade sticks that see a lot of action. You won’t have to worry about the wood getting damaged easily.
Another great feature is its workability. African Mahogany is relatively easy to cut and shape.
This can be helpful if you’re customizing your arcade stick. You can sand and finish it to achieve a smooth surface. This enhances both its appearance and feel.
The weight of African Mahogany is just right for arcade sticks. It’s not too heavy, making it easy to handle. At the same time, it’s heavy enough to provide stability during gameplay. You won’t experience any awkward shifts or movements.
In terms of availability, African Mahogany is fairly accessible. You can find it at most wood suppliers. It’s also reasonably priced compared to some other exotic woods.
This makes it a great option if you’re on a budget but still want quality wood.
Using African Mahogany for your custom arcade stick can give you both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The wood combines beauty, durability, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for any custom fightstick project.
3. Black Walnut
Black Walnut is a popular choice for custom arcade sticks due to its rich color and durability.
This hardwood has a dark, chocolatey hue that gives your wooden fightstick a sleek, professional look.
You’ll find that Black Walnut is easy to work with. It sands well and finishes beautifully, making it perfect for intricate designs and smooth surfaces.
This wood type is strong, ensuring your arcade stick can withstand lots of intense use.
Black Walnut’s aesthetic appeal is matched by its practical benefits. You’ll appreciate its durability and resilience.
It is known for its resistance to wear and tear, so your custom arcade stick will last a long time.
Black Walnut can be a bit pricey, but many builders find that its quality justifies the cost.
If you’re interested in seeing examples of custom fightsticks made from this wood, you can check out the projects shared by users in Reddit fightsticks community.
Whether you are building your first custom arcade stick or adding to your collection, Black Walnut is a solid choice. Its combination of beauty and strength makes it a standout option for any custom arcade stick project.
4. Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is a solid choice for custom wooden arcade sticks.
This wood is known for its rich, warm tones that get deeper with age. If you’re looking to build a controller that looks elegant and timeless, cherry wood can be an excellent option.
Working with cherry wood is relatively easy. It cuts and sands smoothly, making it perfect for detailed and precise projects like custom arcade sticks.
You won’t struggle much to achieve a refined finish.
The durability of cherry wood is another positive aspect. It stands up well to regular use, ensuring that your custom arcade stick remains in good condition for years.
The wood’s natural beauty can handle wear and tear while still looking polished.
Cherry wood also offers a smooth tactile experience.
When you’re in the midst of a game, the feel of the wood can be an unexpected but welcome bonus. It’s a small touch that adds to the overall appeal of your arcade stick.
Additionally, cherry wood pairs well with a variety of buttons and joysticks. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more modern, this wood can adapt to your design choices seamlessly.
5. Purpleheart
Purpleheart is a unique wood known for its striking purple color. When freshly cut, it appears grayish-purple but quickly darkens to a deep purple with age and exposure to light.
This hardwood is quite dense, making it durable for custom arcade sticks. Its hardness ensures the stick will withstand regular use without showing wear easily.
Working with Purpleheart can be a bit challenging. The wood is tough and can dull cutting tools faster than other woods. Make sure your tools are sharp.
The wood grain is usually straight, providing a smooth finish after sanding.
You’ll appreciate the visual appeal and smooth touch of your custom fightstick.
Purpleheart is also relatively stable, with minimal shrinkage or movement over time. This stability is essential for maintaining the integrity of your arcade stick.
If you’re looking for a blend of durability and unique aesthetics in your custom arcade stick, Purpleheart is an excellent choice.
READ: JUANminiDIY’s Best Wood Choices for Custom Wooden FightsticksÂ
6. Padauk
Padauk is a popular choice for building wooden arcade sticks.
Its unique red-orange color stands out, giving your custom fightstick a striking appearance.
You can find Padauk in regions like Africa and Asia. The wood is tough and durable, making it perfect for frequent gaming sessions.
One of Padauk’s best features is its workability. You can easily cut, sand, and shape it to fit your design.
This wood takes well to finishes, giving your arcade stick a smooth and polished look. Because of its natural beauty, you might not even need to paint it.
Padauk also has good resistance to wear and decay. This trait makes it a reliable option for long-term use.
You won’t have to worry much about your wooden arcade stick showing signs of rough handling or environmental factors.
Keep in mind that over time, Padauk can darken when exposed to light.
This natural process adds character to your arcade stick, creating a more vintage look. If you prefer its original color, consider using UV-resistant finishes to slow down this change.
7. Wenge
Wenge is an exotic wood from Central Africa known for its dark brown color with black streaks. It’s a durable material that’s great for custom arcade sticks.
You might like Wenge if you prefer a sleek, modern look. The wood’s natural pattern adds a unique touch without needing extra decoration.
Working with Wenge can be a bit challenging. It’s very hard and dense, so you may need specialized tools. Take your time when cutting or shaping it.
When finishing your arcade stick, Wenge responds well to oil finishes.
This brings out its beautiful grain and makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
You should also be aware of potential allergies. Some people may react to the dust, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear.
8. Bamboo Plywood
Bamboo plywood is a great choice for custom arcade sticks. It’s a lightweight and durable material, which makes it easy to work with.
If you’re building your own stick, this can save you some hassle.
You might like bamboo plywood because of its strength. It’s tougher than many types of wood, yet not too heavy.
This balance means your arcade stick will be sturdy without being too cumbersome.
The look of bamboo plywood is unique and stylish. It has a sleek, modern appearance that will make your arcade stick stand out.
The natural patterns and textures add a bit of flair to your design.
Another benefit of bamboo plywood is its sustainability. Bamboo grows quickly and is a renewable resource.
Choosing bamboo plywood means you’re making an eco-friendly decision, which is a plus.
In terms of cost, bamboo plywood is usually affordable. You don’t have to break the bank to get quality material for your custom arcade stick.
This makes it a good option if you’re on a budget but still want something that looks and feels great.
Bamboo plywood’s versatility and aesthetic appeal make it an excellent choice for your custom project.
You can watch our Youtube video on how we build a wooden fightstick from scratch.
9. Zebrawood
Zebrawood is a unique choice for custom wooden arcade sticks due to its striking appearance. The wood features dark brown stripes that mimic a zebra’s pattern.
This creates a bold and eye-catching look, perfect for gamers who want their arcade stick to stand out.
You’ll appreciate how durable Zebrawood is. It’s a hardwood, making it resistant to scratches and dents.
This ensures your custom wooden fightstick can handle intense gaming sessions without showing significant wear.
Working with Zebrawood can be a bit challenging. The wood’s grain can be somewhat irregular, which may require extra care during the crafting process.
However, the final product is worth the effort due to its distinctive appearance.
Finishing Zebrawood is straightforward. A simple oil finish can enhance its natural beauty, making the dark stripes more pronounced.
This helps you achieve a professional and polished look without needing complex finishing techniques.
Zebrawood is also versatile. It pairs well with different button colors and layouts, allowing you to customize your wooden arcade stick to your preferences.
Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more elaborate, Zebrawood provides a solid foundation.
If you’re considering Zebrawood, remember it may be slightly more expensive than other wood types. Despite the cost, its unique visual appeal and durability make it a popular choice among custom wooden arcade stick builders.
10. Aromatic Cedar
Aromatic Cedar is a popular wood type for wooden arcade sticks. This wood is not only visually pleasing but also has a pleasant, natural scent.
The wood’s red and pinkish hues add a unique aesthetic to your custom wooden fightstick, making it stand out.
One of the key features of Aromatic Cedar is its durability. It’s resistant to both decay and insect damage, ensuring your arcade stick remains in good condition for a long time.
This makes it a practical choice, especially if you’re looking for longevity.
The texture of Aromatic Cedar is smooth, which means less sanding is required during the building process.
This can save you time and effort. Additionally, it’s relatively lightweight, making your arcade stick easier to handle and transport.
Aromatic Cedar also has excellent workability, allowing you to carve and shape it easily.
This is beneficial if you want intricate designs or custom carvings on your arcade stick. Its stability minimizes warping, so your custom fightstick maintains its shape over time.
Using Aromatic Cedar can also have the added benefit of repelling moths and other pests.
This is particularly useful if you plan to store your arcade stick in a basement or attic where such pests might be an issue.
Benefits of Custom Arcade Sticks
Custom arcade sticks offer a range of benefits, particularly in design and performance. They can be tailored to fit personal style and enhance gaming experience through superior functionality.
Personalized Design
With a custom arcade stick, you can choose the design that matches your preferences. Whether you want a specific color scheme, button layout, or artwork, you have the freedom to make it unique.
Some companies even let you upload a PSD file or manually insert your own artwork, giving you full control over the look of your stick.
Materials and finishes can also be selected. A popular choice is a wooden arcade stick that offers a variety of wood types, each with a different aesthetic and feel.
Custom options like black or white wiring sleeves and a removable transparent acrylic bottom can also be added to personalize your stick further.
Improved Performance
Beyond looks, custom arcade sticks often provide a better gaming experience. They can be built using high-quality components like Sanwa buttons, which are known for their responsiveness and durability.
With a customized layout, you can ensure the button placement suits your hands perfectly, reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions.
You can also opt for a leverless design, which can be advantageous for certain types of games due to a faster response time.
This makes actions more precise and allows you to execute moves more efficiently. Many builders even offer options like custom black wiring sleeves for better organization and reduced input lag, enhancing overall performance.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Custom Arcade Stick
Picking the right wood for your custom arcade stick is essential for both its look and feel.
Different wood types vary in hardness, weight, and appearance, which directly affects durability and aesthetics.
Image Credits: Explore Woodworkers Source for all your woodworking materials and supplies.
Appearance and Aesthetics
When selecting wood, the appearance plays a significant role.
Woods like walnut offer a deep, rich color that stands out. Cherry wood, on the other hand, provides a lighter, smoother texture with a hint of red.
If you prefer a more uniform look, maple is a great option. It has a lighter, more consistent shade.
Mahogany gives off a warm, reddish-brown tone, adding a classic touch to your arcade stick. Birch and beech are lighter woods that can be stained to achieve various looks.
Durability and Longevity
Durability ensures your arcade stick can withstand rigorous play.
Oak is a strong, dense wood that lasts a long time. It’s less likely to dent or scratch.
Hickory is another durable choice, known for its shock resistance.
If you want a hardwood with good longevity, ash is ideal as it combines hardness with flexibility.
Teak is also excellent due to its natural oils, making it resistant to moisture and decay.
These aspects are crucial if your stick will be used frequently.
Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of the wood affect how your arcade stick feels during use.
Ebony is a heavier wood, providing a sturdy and stable feel. Poplar is lighter, which might make it easier to transport.
Pine is lightweight but not as durable, so it’s better for less intense use. Balsa is another extremely light option but is also the least durable.
Remember, the wood’s weight can influence your gaming performance, so choose according to your preferences.
Watch our video on how we build wooden arcade stick
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you’ll find answers to common questions about building custom arcade sticks, including wood choices, layout customization, and the best buttons and parts to use.
What is the best type of wood to use when building a custom wooden arcade stick?
Popular choices for building custom arcade sticks include Hard Maple, African Mahogany, Black Walnut, Cherry Wood, and Purpleheart. Each type offers unique durability and aesthetic qualities.
For example, Hard Maple is known for its strength, while Black Walnut provides a rich, dark finish.
Which wood is best for a lightweight and portable arcade stick?
Pine is an excellent choice for a lightweight and portable arcade stick. It’s easy to carry around and affordable, making it ideal for gamers who travel frequently or want something budget-friendly.
Can I create a custom layout for my fightstick, and how?
Yes, you can create a custom layout.
To do this, plan your button and joystick placement on your fightstick case. Many websites, like Focus Attack, offer customizable options.
You can also print and cut custom artwork to fit your panel, making your arcade stick uniquely yours.
What are the highest-rated buttons for custom arcade sticks?
Sanwa buttons are highly rated and widely used among enthusiasts and professionals alike. They are known for their responsiveness and durability.
Seimitsu buttons are also well-regarded and offer a different tactile feel. Both brands are excellent choices for your custom arcade stick.
But if you want an equally high quality, durable, and silent arcade buttons, check out our JMD OKi buttons.
What are some tips for maintaining a wooden arcade stick?
To maintain your wooden arcade stick, regularly clean the surface to remove dust and debris. Apply a protective finish, such as wax or oil, to prevent moisture damage and scratches. Avoid exposing the stick to extreme temperature changes or humidity to prolong its life.
How does wood grain affect the look of a custom arcade stick?
The grain pattern in the wood adds character and uniqueness to each custom arcade stick. Exotic woods like acacia and rosewood have distinct grain patterns that create a stunning visual appeal, making your arcade stick truly one-of-a-kind.
Can I combine different types of wood in one arcade stick build?
Yes, you can combine different woods for a unique look and feel. For example, you might use a lightweight wood like pine for the base and accent it with a more visually striking hardwood like rosewood or narra for decorative touches.
Want Your Own Custom Wooden Fightstick?
At JUANminiDIY, we specialize in building custom arcade sticks tailored to your gaming style and personality. We’ve crafted over 300 custom wooden arcade sticks for gamers around the world, and we’re passionate about bringing your dream arcade stick to life.
To see some of our previous builds, check out our Facebook page and YouTube channel. Feel free to DM us on Facebook or email us at juanminidiy@gmail.com for inquiries. For parts and accessories, visit our Lazada shop.
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