The Ultimate Home Dartboard Setup (Step-by-Step Guide)

Darts is the perfect game for any occasion. Whether you're throwing darts in a bar, at home with your buddies, or just need to take out some frustration on something that can't talk back - it's got you covered.

But what if you want to make the ultimate setup for your dartboard?

Now we're talking!

This post will give you all of the information and tips that you'll need to create an awesome setup for playing darts at home.

#1 GET THE RIGHT DARTBOARD

A good home darts game starts with getting an appropriate dartboard. 

You can choose between two types of dartboards: Bristle dartboard or electronic dartboard.

Bristle Dartboards

Bristle dartboards are the most popular type of dartboard and come with metal rings that hold the edges together. 

When purchasing a metal ring, ensure it is removable.

The sisal fibers will keep darts from going through to the backside of the board. Steel tip darts can be thrown at Bristle boards and they'll penetrate them like butter!

The best bristle dartboard, I recommend, is :

Electronic Dartboards

The electronic dartboard has enjoyed a substantial amount of popularity, second to only the bristle type. 

This type of dart board is composed of small openings which allow for darts to enter and this departure from what’s obtainable with a bristle dartboard makes it one that many players enjoy playing.

An electronic dartboard is great for beginners because there are plenty of helpful features incorporated into these boards. 

One thing I really love about an electric dartboard is the fact that you can see your score at any given time--on a display screen located in the board itself

#2 Pick a good set of darts

Now, it's time to pick out your darts.

The first decision when starting out playing darts is whether you want to use steel tip or soft tip.

A good quality dart can make a huge difference in your game. 

When you pick a dart, it's important to always consider the quality of that dart.

Check our guide on the best darts of 2024!

Get some tungsten darts

You may be surprised at how many options there are when it comes to darts!

Wooden darts, brass darts, nickel/silver and tungsten.

The most popular material for darts is tungsten.

Tungsten has high density which resists wear, allowing barrels to be slimmer for tighter groupings while maintaining the weight of the dart.

Figure out what dart weight you want

The weight of your dart can make all the difference in how it flies.

A good way to find the right weight is to use a variety of darts with different weights until you find one that feels comfortable when throwing it.

However,

It's scientifically proven that the heavier your dart, the straighter it will fly. This is because heavier darts have more weight and less air resistance.

Lighter darts are better for beginners because they fly in a more parabolic trajectory, which is easier to control.

Heavyer darts will fly straighter through the air but require more precision from experienced or advanced players.

You should always start with 20-gram darts. These are the most common and will allow you to move up or down in weight.

If you habitually throw too high, it may be a good idea to use heavier darts and vice versa.

#3 A dartboard cabinet is a must-have

Why you need a dartboard cabinet?

A cabinet will protect the walls from stray darts, which means less time spent cleaning up after games.
It can hold other supplies such as darts, chalk, and scoreboards for easy access during gameplay.

You won't have to worry about storing your board on top of your table or furniture because it'll be stored within the cabinet!

What to look for when buying a dartboard cabinet?

What is the first thing you need to know when buying a dartboard cabinet? 

Well,

You'll want one that has plenty of storage space for all your darts and accessories.

Darts are not cheap, so you won't want them rolling around loose in some cardboard box!

You'll need a dartboard cabinet that is sturdy enough to withstand rowdy kids or drunken friends. 

I recommend for you this dartboard cabinet :

#4 ADD A DART MAT TO PROTECT YOUR FLOOR

When your dart hits a hard flooring, you run the risk that it will cause damage to either your darts or the floor.

By using a quality darts mat, you can protect both your home and your equipment from these risks!

Dart mats serve many purposes, from  giving a clear oche to being an attractive and decorative addition to your setup.

However,

Not every dart mat will fit your needs or budget.

But don't worry, I did the research .. the best dart mat in 2024 is :

#5 FINALLY, GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME SURROUNDS

Think of protecting your walls as an investment.

Imagine you have a dartboard and now someone has thrown the odd stray dart at it, leaving a nasty hole in the wall that is hard to fix.

 In order to protect your walls, many people buy dartboard surrounds so they don't have holes in their expensive wallpaper or even their beloved dartboard cabinet!

Darts are much less likely to be damaged or blunted if you're shooting against a soft foam surround as opposed to a hard wall made of brick, plaster, or wood.

A backboard that you can mount your dartboard on feels like a perfect way to add some flair and personality to the room.

A lot of dartboards come with these already, but if yours didn't come with one, or if you're looking for something more creative than just the plain black ones sold by big brands, there are many different types out there at varying price points.

In my opinion, the best dartboard surround is :

Conclusion

Darts is a game of precision and accuracy, so it's no surprise that darts players are some of the most nitpicky people in the world.

When they set up their own home dart board, it's important to get every detail just right. 

In this article we gave you 5 things to do to get the best dartboard home setup.