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Playing darts at home is great fun, until you miss the board and hear that dreaded thud of a dart hitting the wall.
Here at Throw For 180 headquarters, we’ve been there, done it, and had the telling off from other members of the family!
Over time, even the most accurate players will have the odd stray dart. Without protection, your walls can quickly become pockmarked, chipped, or even cracked.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and add some kind of dartboard wall protection. The good news? You’ve got plenty of options how to protect walls when playing darts, from ready-made products to clever DIY solutions.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best ways to protect your wall behind a dartboard, weigh up the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the right method for your home darts setup.
How to Protect Walls When Playing Darts: Why it Matters?
Even if you’re a steady hand, darts are sharp and heavy enough to damage walls. Some of the most common issues include:
- Holes and chips in plasterboard from stray darts.
- Paint damage and unsightly marks.
- Splintered wood if mounted directly onto doors or timber.
Repairing these can cost time and money, and it doesn’t take many accidents for walls to start looking rough. When working out how much to spend on your first darts setup, it’s a good idea to leave some aside to work out how to protect walls when playing darts.
Adding some form of dartboard wall protector will not only save your walls but also make your home darts setup look much more professional. Even pro darts players miss on occasions, so don’t think you’ll get away with it.
Option 1: Dartboard Surrounds
The most popular in our darts buying guides and a widely used solution is a dartboard surround.
- What it is: A foam or rubber ring that fits snugly around your dartboard.
- How it works: Missed darts stick into the surround instead of the wall.
Pros
- Simple to set up – slip around your board
- Lightweight but effective
- Available in different colours
Cons
- Only covers a small area
- Wild throws will miss the surround
This is a great option if you’re short on space and want something quick and tidy.
Option 2: Dartboard Cabinets
A more traditional solution is a dartboard cabinet.
- What it is: A wooden or MDF cabinet that houses your dartboard inside two closing doors.
- How it works: The doors provide a wider surface area around the board, absorbing darts that miss.
Pros
- Stylish, classic look
- Protects walls & keeps board safe
- Many have built in chalkboard or scoreboard
Cons
- More expensive than surrounds
- Harder to install
If you want your setup to look traditional and tidy, cabinets are a great choice.
Option 3: Backboards
Another excellent option is a dartboard backboard.
- What it is: A large surface (often wood, cork, or felt) mounted behind your dartboard.
- How it works: Provides broad protection, much larger than a surround.
Pros
- Covers a wide area, great for beginners
- Can by DIY’d by you with materials
- Looks professional if well made
Cons
- Bulky and needs space
- Purpose built, store bought, is expensive
Backboards are one of the most effective ways to protect walls and are especially good if kids or new players will be throwing darts.
Option 4: DIY Wall Protectors
Working out how to protect walls when playing darts doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re on a budget or like a creative project, there are plenty of DIY dartboard wall protector ideas.
Some common methods include:
- Hanging an old carpet piece or rug behind the dartboard.
- Mounting cork tiles around the board.
- Using plywood covered with felt or fabric.
- Repurposing an old cork notice board.
Pros
- Cost effective option
- Fully customisable in size and style
- Fun way to create something unique
Cons
- May not look as stylish as store bought
- Dependant on your DIY skills
For casual players, DIY solutions can work just as well as professional ones, and being made by you, they can fit the different types of dartboard regardless of what you choose.
Option 5: Floor Stands & Portable Setups
If the solution to how to protect walls when playing darts is not have a dartboard up on the wall at all, then this is the one for you. Another way to reduce wall damage is to use a freestanding dartboard stand or portable setup.
- What it is: A stand that holds your dartboard without attaching it to the wall.
- How it works: Protects both the wall and makes the board easier to move.
Pros
- No drilling or wall mounting needed
- Great for those renting who can’t mount
- Portable – can be moved to suit
Cons
- More expensive than wall-mounted
- Can take up floor space
Not a direct “protector,” but it prevents wall damage entirely by keeping your dartboard off the wall.
Comparing Your Options
So, which wall protector is right for you if you want to know how to protect walls when playing darts?
- For small spaces: Go with a dartboard surround.
- For a stylish, classic look: A cabinet is the way to go.
- For maximum protection: Use a large backboard.
- For budget-friendly setups: DIY solutions work well.
- For renters or temporary setups: A freestanding stand avoids wall damage altogether.
Bonus Tips for Wall Protection
- Choose the right wall: Avoid fragile plasterboard if possible, brick or masonry walls handle darts better.
- Height & placement: Double check your dartboard is mounted at regulation height.
- Lighting: Good lighting not only improves your throw but also helps you avoid wild misses.
- Keep distance in mind: Make sure there’s enough space around your setup so people don’t bump into the throwing area.
How to Protect Walls When Playing Darts: Our Conclusion
Missing the dartboard is part of the game, it happens to everyone, even the pros. The difference is whether you’ve planned ahead and worked out how to protect walls when playing darts.
From dartboard surrounds to cabinets, backboards, and DIY protectors, there are plenty of ways to keep your home darts setup looking neat while still enjoying the game.
Choose the option that fits your budget, style, and space, and you’ll never have to worry about unwanted holes or marks on your walls again.
And finally, if you want to try hitting the board more, instead of the wall, be sure to follow our darts tips and tutorials that will hopefully turn you into a better player!