How to Set Up a Dartboard at Home: The Complete Checklist

Practising at home is the fastest way to improve, and setting up a board properly only takes an afternoon. Here's our checklist.

1. Pick your spot

You need a clear run of roughly 3 metres from the wall to where you stand, plus a bit of room either side. Avoid doorways and walkways, and think about what's behind the board. A garage, games room or spare room wall is ideal.

2. Get the height and distance right

For standard steel-tip darts:

• Bullseye height: 1.73m (5ft 8in) from the floor to the centre of the bull.
• Throwing distance: 2.37m (7ft 9¼in) from the face of the board to the back of the oche (throw line), measured along the floor.
• Diagonal check: 2.93m (9ft 7⅜in) from the centre of the bull to the back of the oche.

The diagonal is the best way to double-check everything is right. For more on the rules, see our guide to darts distance rules.

3. Mount it securely

A board that wobbles or spins is no good. Most boards come with a bracket, but if yours is missing or worn, our Metal Dart Board Mount and Plastic Dart Board Mount are simple replacements. Use proper wall plugs and screws for your wall type.

Tip: rotate your board every so often (most let you move the number ring too). It spreads the wear from the 20 and 19 and makes the board last much longer.

4. Protect your wall

Missed darts happen to everyone. A dartboard surround or a sheet of cork or board behind the dartboard will save your plaster.

5. Light it up

Good, even light on the board makes a big difference to accuracy, so avoid having a single light behind you that throws shadows. For atmosphere, our Dartboard LED Light adds a modern glow to any darts space, with multiple colours and fade modes.

6. Keep score

A scoreboard next to the board saves arguing over the maths. Our Light Up Scoreboard is bright enough to read from across the room.

7. Give your darts a home

Darts left on a table get knocked, bent and lost. A wall holder next to the board keeps them safe and ready. Our Wall Display Holder and Minimal Wall Dart Holder are designed and 3D printed by us.

Free UK delivery on every order. Game on.