Playing darts is a favorite pub-inspired pastime for many friends and family. It's a game combining competition, skill, and maybe a little bit of luck. To enjoy this lively game, not only do you need a dartboard, but you need to know how to hang a dartboard correctly. Having the right set up makes it possible to follow both the rules of darts and the best safety practices while maximizing enjoyment. Here’s how to hang a dartboard that follows professional guidelines so you can play like a pro.

In this guide:
How to Hang a Dartboard
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Hang a Dartboard

Follow these steps to have your game up-and-running in no time.

Tools & Materials Needed:

• Power drill or screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Pencil for marking
• Floor protection
• Tape or sticker for marking throw line
• Dartboard and darts

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step for hanging a dartboard is to choose the right location. This should be on a wall that’s in an open space and not next to a door or window to prevent injury. Your installation location should also be away from any furniture or other objects in the room.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing your dartboard location:

• Allow around six feet from the bottom of the floor.
• Allow up to 10 feet for throwing, plus more space behind you for friends and family spectating from behind the throw line.
• Do not place the dartboard near a window or other objects on the wall, so there is less chance of a wayward dart shattering glass or other home decor.
• Make sure no one needs to walk through the darts area to exit or enter the room or complete other tasks. Keep in mind that the path of a dart is slightly uncertain and that the dart could ricochet.

Step 2: Measure for Exact Placement

To ensure your game follows dartboard distance and heights rules, follow our guidelines for correct placement of your dartboard cabinets.

The rules state to center the bullseye 5'8" from the bottom of the floor. Measure the horizontal distance from the bullseye (on the dartboard's face) with your measurer to the throw line to ensure you have enough space. Mark the throw line if possible with your pencil.

Allow a horizontal distance of 7 '9 ¼" for steel tip-darts and 8' for soft-tip darts.

Step 3: Add Floor Protection & Leveling

Adding a rubber dart mat protects your floors and prevents the darts from breaking or dulling when they hit the ground. If you do not want to use a rubber mat, an area rug is a stylish alternative.

Step 4: Consider Adding Protective Backing or a Dartboard Cabinet for the Walls

Adding a surrounding protective layer, such as a cabinet, corkboard, plywood, or foam behind and around the dartboard gives your walls extra protection. Adding an extra protective layer for your walls is especially helpful if you have inexperienced darts players.

A dartboard cabinet surrounds the dartboard and is useful not only for offering protection for the walls, but also adding a dry-erase board for keeping score, for storage, or even adding lighting to it. Plus you can tuck away your dartboard by closing the cabinet doors when not in use.

Step 5: Mark & Hang Your Dartboard Cabinet

Once you've planned your space out accordingly, it's time to hang your dartboard by following these instructions:

• Mark the wall to indicate where the bullseye should be located (5'8" from bottom of the floor). You may also need to mark the top of the cabinet or dartboard, if there are brackets located at the top of your dartboard.
• Follow the manufacturer's hanging instructions for the dartboard. Instructions will vary based on the mounting bracket type, such as a U-shaped bracket or mounting disc.
• Once the bracket has been installed properly, it's time to slide your dartboard into the bracket and check that it is level.
• Mark the throw line so it is centered in front of the dartboard and the correct distance away, based on the types of darts. Use tape or a sticker to mark the spot. This is where you'll stand to throw your dart!

Tip!

Make your game room complete with ideas from our guide: Gaming Room Ideas: How to Create the Ultimate Gaming Setup

Article by Sara Coleman.