If you are going to hang your first dartboard and you don’t know where to start then this guide is for you. We will tell you how to hang a dartboard properly and give you useful tips and advice to help you get that perfect dartboard setup. We’ll also look at some of the most popular dartboard accessories, including surrounds, lighting systems and mats, so you can get the most out of your setup.
It is important to have your dartboard positioned correctly if you want to play under the correct conditions and get the most enjoyment from the game. In this guide we'll cover everything from dartboard height and oche distance to selecting the best location for your setup and protecting your walls and flooring from stray darts. Whether you’re building a dedicated practice space or just assembling a board at home for casual games with friends and family, these tips will help you create a setup that looks great, performs well and lasts for years to come.
Dartboard options
Here at Double Top Dart Shop we have a massive range of top quality bristle dartboards from some of the biggest names in darts, including Winmau, Target, Red Dragon, Unicorn, Harrows and Shot. We stock professional tournament dartboards used by some of the best players in the world and other, more affordable options, perfect for use at home. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, and no matter your budget, we have a dartboard for you.
Today’s bristle dartboards are designed for superior durability, consistent scoring, and a long lifespan. The range of options is vast, from entry level boards for casual play to tournament standard models used on the biggest stages in the sport, so finding the right board has never been easier.
We also have a full range of accessories to complete your setup, from automatic scoring systems like Omni and Scolia to surrounds, lighting systems and mats. Whether you’re working on a professional practice area that darting legends would be proud of or a home setup to use with your friends, there are a ton of products out there to help take your darting experience to the next level.
How to hang a dartboard
Part of building that perfect setup is where you position your dartboard. It should ideally be attached to a solid, flat wall, with enough space for players to stand comfortably and throw safely. The oche should be 2.37 metres (7 ft 9 ¼ in) from the face of the board when mounting a dartboard for steel tip darts or 2.44 metres (8 ft) for soft tip darts. The bullseye should be placed 1.73 metres (5 feet 8 inches) from the floor. Best not to put your dartboard too close to valuable things as bounce outs and stray darts can sometimes cause damage. When hanging your dartboard you’ll need to ensure it fits flush to the wall, rather than hanging out at an angle like a picture. Make sure the number 20 is at the top of the board when mounting, ready for a double top checkout!
Measurements at a glance
| Measurement | Distance |
|---|---|
| Bullseye Height | 1.73m (5ft 8in) |
| Steel Tip Throw Line | 2.37m (7ft 9¼in) |
| Soft Tip Throw Line | 2.44m (8ft) |
| Diagonal Distance | 2.93m (9ft 7⅜in) |
Mounting Brackets and Surrounds
A mounting bracket can really help make installing your board a lot easier while also helping to keep it secure and stable while playing. Many brackets allow for easy rotation of the board on a regular basis, helping to more evenly distribute wear and tear across the segments. This can help prolong the life of the board and keep it working at its best for longer.
Another popular addition to any setup are surrounds, which help to shield the wall or surface behind the board from stray darts and bounce outs. If you’re playing in a home environment, this could be very useful as marks and damage can be costly to repair. Surrounds not only protect but also enhance the aesthetics and feel of your playing area, providing a cleaner and more professional setup. They come in a whole range of colours and designs, so they are a simple way to bring style and practicality into your darting space.
Additional accessories to go into your setup
Accessories can also help you take your setup to the next level. A dart mat offers protection for your floor from wayward darts and has a clearly marked throwing line. This is a useful addition for players of all abilities as it clears up any confusion on where you are supposed to be standing to throw the darts.
Another popular upgrade is a lighting system that helps to illuminate the board evenly so that each segment remains clearly visible regardless of the room’s lighting conditions.
If you want to create a truly professional experience at home, automatic scoring systems like Target Omni and Scolia Home 2 are excellent options. These systems automatically track and record scores through their dedicated apps using camera based technology allowing you to enjoy a more immersive and professional style of play having your scores recorded for you instead of having to keep score in the traditional way.
Common Mistakes When Hanging a Dartboard
Hanging the Board at the Wrong Height
Fix: Measure from the floor to the centre of the bullseye and ensure it is exactly 1.73 metres (5 ft 8 in).
Measuring the Throwing Distance Incorrectly
Fix: Measure 2.37 metres (7 ft 9¼ in) from the face of the dartboard to the front of the oche.
Not Securing the Dartboard Properly
Fix: Use the supplied mounting bracket and stabilisers to keep the dartboard secure and prevent movement during play.
Forgetting to Rotate the Dartboard
Fix: Rotate the number ring and dartboard regularly to spread wear evenly and extend the life of the sisal.
Not Using a Surround or Proper Lighting
Fix: Fit a dartboard surround to protect your walls and add a dedicated dartboard light for a shadow free playing area.
Find out more
Whether you are setting up your first dartboard or are upgrading your current dartboard, a new dartboard or the right accessories can make a big difference to your game. The right equipment can help elevate your game and improve your time at the oche, from premium dartboards to surrounds and mats.
At Double Top Darts Shop we pride ourselves on offering the best quality products to our customers and have one of the largest ranges of dartboards and accessories from the leading brands in the sport available in the UK.
Learn more about us and why we are one of the UK's leading darts retailers on our About Us page. Looking for a new dartboard, need help setting it up or want to pick the right accessories? Our team is always happy to give you advice and help you find the perfect solution.
Sam Jackson
Sam Jackson is a member of the content team at Double Top Dart Shop, and runs our social media accounts. He has over 100,000 followers across the social platforms creating engaging darts content, sharing the latest product releases and helping keep players up to date with everything happening in the world of darts.
