Ever had a dart enthusiast over and worried they might put a hole in your wall? As a casual darts player yourself, you know accidents happen. Before your next match at home, take some precautions to protect the wall from errant darts.
No need to cover the whole wall in a protective material, just the area behind the board. And you don’t have to spend a fortune, there are some easy DIY solutions.
With a few basic supplies from your local hardware store and about 30 minutes of time, you can create an effective backboard to place behind your dartboard. Once installed, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your wall is safe and protected.
Take it from an experienced home darts player, protecting the wall is worth the small investment of time and money. Your security deposit and relationship with your landlord will thank you.
Why You Need to Protect Your Walls From Dart Damage
You’ve invested in a killer dartboard and a set of pro darts, now it’s time to protect your walls. Without a dartboard backboard or surround, those darts can cause some serious damage.
Why You Need Protection
Dropped or bounced darts, stray shots that miss the board completely, and darts that work loose from the board over time can all end up sticking in your walls. And since darts are designed to penetrate, they can puncture drywall and plaster.
To avoid wrecking your walls, you’ve got a few options. Dartboard backboards, surrounds and cabinets can protect from stray darts and contain everything in one area.
A backboard is a simple sheet of plywood, plastic or metal that mounts behind the board. A surround creates a barrier on all sides of the board while still allowing access. And a cabinet encloses the board completely when not in use.
Any of these options will save your walls from becoming a pincushion. Because no matter how good your aim is, darts don’t always hit their mark. Protect your space, and your security deposit, with a backboard, surround or cabinet. Your walls will thank you, and your game can go on without worries!
Choosing the Right Wall Protection for Dartboards
Protecting your wall from stray darts is a must for any dedicated player.
Backboards
A backboard is your best defense. Look for a dense material like cork, sisal fiber, or coiled wire – these can take repeated hits without damage. For casual play, a basic 1/2-inch cork board should do the trick. More serious players may want a thicker board, up to 2 inches.
Mount the backboard securely to wall studs, not just drywall. This provides a solid base and prevents the backboard from pulling away from the wall over time. Use wall anchors for extra holding power.
Surroundings
Pay attention to what’s around the board too. Keep the area clear of any breakables, and consider a floor mat to catch dropped darts.
If there are doors or windows nearby, hang a curtain rod above the board and drape a heavy fabric over it. This creates a barrier to prevent stray darts from sailing into the next room.
Your Technique
Work on your accuracy and follow-through. Release the dart smoothly, don’t jerk your arm. Aim small, miss small. With practice, you’ll get better at hitting your target and avoiding the wall.
Protecting your wall does take some investment up front, but it will save you money and frustration down the road. Stay focused, hone your skills, and keep your darts on target. With the right precautions taken, you can enjoy this game for years to come without putting any holes in the wall.
Installing a Dartboard Backboard
To protect your wall from stray darts, installing a dartboard backboard is essential.
Materials You’ll Need
You’ll need a few supplies:
- A large sheet of plywood, MDF board, or peg board
- Wood screws or bolts
- Washers
- A drill/driver
- Stud finder
Installation
Mounting the backboard is pretty straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Use the stud finder to locate studs in the wall behind where you want to hang the dartboard. Mark the stud locations.
- Align the top edge of the backboard with the marks for the highest stud. Secure in place by driving a couple of wood screws through the backboard into the studs.
- Add washers to the screws for extra protection against the wall. Tighten securely.
- Drive additional screws into studs down the left and right sides of the backboard to provide vertical support. Add washers and tighten each screw.
- You can also drive a few screws into wall studs across the bottom edge of the backboard for extra stability.
- Once installed, test how secure the backboard is by pushing against it. It should feel solid with no movement.
- Hang your dartboard directly in the center of the backboard.
With the dartboard mounted to a sturdy backboard, your wall will remain protected from stray darts. You’ll have peace of mind being able to practice your swing without worry of causing any damage.
Dartboard Cabinet
A dartboard cabinet provides a protective barrier between your wall and the board. The cabinet has doors that close to conceal the board when not in use, shielding the wall from accidental throws.
When playing darts, simply open the doors to access the board. Many cabinets are made of wood like oak or pine and have a classic look that complements most home decor.
You’ll want to choose a cabinet that’s at least 2 to 3 inches deep to adequately protect the wall. Look for one with doors that close securely to prevent darts from slipping through any cracks.
For safety, choose a cabinet with no glass panels – only solid wood doors. Some cabinets also have specialized lining or backing material inside to further prevent darts from penetrating into the wall.
With a well-made dartboard cabinet enclosing your board, you can throw darts without worry about the wall becoming a pincushion. Your wall will remain unmarked, allowing you to move the board to a new location or take it with you when you move.
For avid players, a dartboard cabinet is essential to keep your wall intact while still enjoying a game of darts.
Using Dartboard Surrounds for Extra Protection
To protect your wall from stray darts, the best solution is to use a dartboard surround. These surrounds fit snugly around your board to catch any darts that miss their mark.
Using Dartboard Surrounds for Extra Protection
A dartboard surround is a frame that attaches to the wall around your dartboard. The surround has a mesh backing or series of wires to prevent darts from hitting the wall.
Instead, the darts will harmlessly stick into the mesh or bounce off the wires. This protects your wall from damage while still allowing darts to be easily retrieved.
Dartboard surrounds come in various materials like steel wire, nylon mesh or bristle. Wire surrounds offer maximum protection but can be difficult to retrieve darts from.
Nylon mesh is a good, budget-friendly option that most darts can be plucked from with minimal effort. Bristle surrounds, made of stiff fibers, allow darts to stick but are pulled out easily.
Installing a dartboard surround only takes a few minutes. Simply attach the surround to the wall using the included screws or bolts and you’re ready to throw.
For the most coverage, choose a surround that extends at least 6 to 10 inches beyond the edge of your board. This helps catch darts that go wildly off target!
Using a dartboard surround is an inexpensive way to prevent damage to your walls and make your dartboard last longer. With the surround in place, you can throw darts without worry and focus on improving your accuracy and technique. Protecting your wall will give you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your dartboard.
Alternative Wall Protectors
To protect your wall from stray darts, you have some alternative options besides a traditional dartboard.
Dart Mats
Dart mats, or dart mat boards, are a popular choice. These mats are made of a dense, self-healing foam that the darts stick into upon impact. The mats come in a variety of sizes, with some large enough to cover at least half the wall.
Dart mats are very affordable and easy to hang, and the darts pull out cleanly without damaging the wall. The holes heal themselves when the darts are removed.
However, the mats do require frequent rotation or replacement as the foam breaks down over time. For casual practice or games, dart mats can be a simple solution to keep your wall dart-free.
Dart mats provide a straightforward way to transform any wall into a target practice area without fear of damage.
DIY Ways to Protect Your Wall When Playing Darts
Protecting your wall from stray darts is important if you want to avoid damage. Here are some DIY ways to shield your wall:
Wooden Boards
Attach wooden boards, plywood sheets or planks to your wall. They provide a durable barrier and the darts will stick right in. You can paint or stain the wood to match your décor.
Doors
Reuse old doors, cabinet doors, or closet doors. Mount them on the wall and the darts will embed into the wood. Doors are an eco-friendly option if you have some to spare.
Ceiling Tiles
Grab a few ceiling tiles and adhere them to the wall with construction adhesive. Darts stick into the tiles and they provide good coverage. Acoustic tiles work well and come in various styles.
Cardboard
For a budget-friendly choice, use large cardboard sheets, boxes or packing paper. Secure them to the wall with tape, staples or glue and your darts will pierce right through. Replace as needed.
Cork
Cork flooring, cork boards or cork tiles make significant dart barriers. The darts will stick into the cork and it’s easy to pry them out. Cork also helps muffle sound.
Using materials you have on hand to shield your wall from stray darts will save you money. And when it’s time to remove the barrier, patching and painting any wall damage will be minimal. Protecting your wall lets you play darts without worry and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Don’t Forget to Protect Your Floor, Too
To protect your floors from stray darts, you’ll want to take some precautions.
Place a thick, dense material like plywood, MDF board, or laminate flooring underneath the dartboard. These materials can withstand repeated dart impacts without damage. You can also try interlocking foam mats, rubber patio tiles, or rolled rubber flooring designed for gym equipment.
Protecting Carpeted Floors
If you have carpet, place a piece of plywood at least 1/2 inch thick under the dartboard. Secure the plywood to wall studs so it remains firmly in place. You can also try:
-Dart mats: Thick rubber mats designed to go under dartboards. They provide impact protection and won’t slip on the carpet.
-Plexiglass: A large sheet of plexiglass placed under the board will prevent darts from piercing the carpet. Secure the plexiglass to the wall to keep it in position.
No matter what flooring you have, inspect it regularly to ensure no darts have fallen and become stuck where they could cause injury.
It’s also a good idea to measure the appropriate throwing distance for your board and mark a throwing line on the floor to keep players at a safe distance. Taking these precautions will help prevent damage to your floors and keep the game enjoyable for everyone.
What Not to Place Behind a Dartboard
When setting up your dartboard, be very careful what you place behind it. The darts can easily puncture or damage certain materials upon impact or removal.
Electronics
Avoid placing the dartboard in front of electronics like TVs, computer monitors or gaming consoles. The darts could pierce the screen or casing and destroy the device.
Mirrors
Do not set up the dartboard directly in front of any mirrors. If a dart hits the mirror, the glass can shatter and send sharp shards flying.
Drywall
Drywall, also known as gypsum board, will not hold up well to repeated dart impacts. The darts will poke holes in the drywall, damaging it over time. Place a wood board, cork board or other rigid backing behind the dartboard to prevent this.
Furniture
Keep all furniture, cabinets, chairs and other household items away from the immediate area behind the dartboard. Darts that miss the board can puncture and scratch the surface of these items.
In summary, the areas directly behind and to the sides of a dartboard receive a lot of abuse from errant darts. Take precautions to protect anything in those zones that could potentially be damaged or destroyed by darts.
A solid, puncture-proof backing placed snugly behind the board is the best way to avoid issues. Happy dart throwing!
Faqs
The most common questions about protecting your wall from stray darts.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few easy ways to protect your walls from stray darts. Installing a dartboard cabinet or surround is really the best option if you want a professional-looking solution, but the other DIY methods can work great too if you’re on a budget.
The most important thing is that you take the time to protect those walls – patching holes from errant darts is no fun at all! Now get out there, install some protection, and start throwing. Your walls will thank you, and you’ll be able to focus on perfecting that triple 20.
