How to Protect Your Wall Around a Dartboard

The easiest ways to protect your wall around a dartboard are to use a dartboard surround, a cabinet set, a backboard or a complete wall setup kit. Beginners should add wall protection before regular play because missed darts are normal, especially in home game rooms, basements and family spaces.

Quick Answer

• Best simple option: dartboard surround
• Best clean game-room look: dartboard cabinet set
• Best wide coverage: dartboard backboard or wall panel
• Best all-in-one path: complete dartboard setup kit
• Most important rule: protect the wall before new players start throwing

Why Wall Protection Matters

Even accurate players miss the board sometimes. A dart can bounce out, hit the wire, or land outside the scoring area. Without protection, missed darts can leave holes in drywall, marks in painted walls or dents in wood trim.

Wall protection also makes the dart area look more intentional. Instead of a bare board on a wall, a protected setup feels like a real practice space.

Option 1: Dartboard Surround

A dartboard surround is the easiest wall-protection upgrade for many home setups. It fits around the outside of the dartboard and covers the area where beginners most often miss.

Surrounds are a good choice if you already own a board and want a clean, simple way to reduce wall damage. They are also flexible because they can usually be removed or replaced without changing the whole setup.

Shop dartboard accessories and wall protection: https://northdarts.com/collections/accessories

Option 2: Dartboard Cabinet

A dartboard cabinet protects the wall while also giving the setup a finished look. Many cabinets include doors, storage space and scoreboards, making them useful for family rooms, garages, basements and bars.

Choose a cabinet if you want your dart area to look organized when not in use. A cabinet set can also be easier for beginners because the board, darts and scoring area are presented as one complete setup.

Shop dartboard cabinets: https://northdarts.com/collections/cabinets

Option 3: Backboard or Wall Panel

A backboard gives wider wall coverage than a surround. This can be useful if new players, kids or guests will use the setup often. Backboards can also help define the dart wall visually.

If your dartboard is near painted drywall, wood paneling or a high-traffic room, wider protection may be worth it.

Option 4: Complete Dartboard Setup Kit

A complete setup kit can be the easiest buying path because it reduces guesswork. Instead of choosing a board, wall protection, darts and lighting separately, a kit gives you a cleaner starting point.

Complete setups are especially useful for gifts, new home game rooms and players who want the dart area to look finished from the beginning.

Shop complete dartboard setups: https://northdarts.com/collections/pro-wall-setup

How Much Wall Coverage Do You Need?

Most missed darts land close to the board, so a surround or cabinet is enough for many casual players. If the setup is for beginners, parties, family play or a rental space, wider coverage can be safer.

Think about who will throw. A careful adult player may need less protection than a group of first-time players at a family game night.

Setup Tips Before You Start Playing

• Mount the bullseye 5 ft 8 in from the floor.
• Measure the throw line 7 ft 9.25 in from the dartboard face.
• Protect the wall before regular play.
• Add lighting so players can see the scoring area clearly.
• Keep spare flights and shafts nearby.

Related guide: Dartboard Height and Distance Guide

FAQ

Do dartboard surrounds work?

Yes. A dartboard surround helps protect the wall around the scoring area, especially from common beginner misses close to the board.

Is a cabinet better than a surround?

A cabinet is better if you want storage, scoreboards and a finished game-room look. A surround is better if you want simple wall protection around an existing board.

What size surround do I need?

Choose a surround that fits a standard bristle dartboard and covers the area around the outer edge. If beginners will play often, consider wider wall protection.

Can beginners damage walls with darts?

Yes. Beginners can miss the board or hit the wire, so wall protection is strongly recommended before regular play.

What is the cleanest-looking option?

A dartboard cabinet or complete wall setup usually creates the cleanest look because it combines the board, protection, scoring and storage into one organized area.

Can I use steel tip darts without wall protection?

You can, but it is not recommended for home setups. Steel tip darts can mark or puncture walls when they miss the board.

Ready to Protect Your Dart Wall?

Shop North Darts surrounds, cabinets, accessories and complete dartboard setup kits shipped from Canada: https://northdarts.com/collections/frontpage