If you play darts occasionally or regularly and often face problems, that is after you throw darts, the wall does a lot of damage due to the dart sharpness point. Besides, your favorite darts also become dull and get damaged easily. When throwing darts, many nearby people or kids are likely to get hurt by knocking darts off walls.
If you can install the backboard for the dart board then this problem is easily will be solved.
So in this article, we will try to know the different types of backboards, their advantages, what to consider while buying, and look at some authentic backboards in the market.
What is a Backboard for Dart Board
A backboard is an extra piece used with a dartboard. Its main job is to keep the wall safe from darts that go through the dartboard. It’s made from wood, cork, or foam, and helps lessen the damage darts can cause. Most backboards are the same size and shape, but some designs and sizes can match your home’s style.
They are especially helpful in games for people who aren’t very good at throwing darts or play only sometimes. Besides protecting the wall, some backboards also make the dart setup look nicer.
Types of Dartboard Backboard
There are different kinds of dartboard backboards that keep walls and nearby areas safe from harm and help stop dart tips from getting blunt. Here are the most usual ones:
Cork Dart Backboard
A cork dart backboard covers the area behind a dartboard. It stops darts from bouncing off and damaging walls or wearing out. Natural cork makes up this board, which is tough yet light. Cork has a cool ability to seal up holes when darts hit it.
The thick cork surface keeps many darts from bouncing back or breaking, so it’s easy on walls. It also gives the dartboard setup a tidy pro look. You can find cork dart backboards in different sizes and shapes. They’re great for keeping a home or pub dart area tidy and out of harm’s way.
Wood Dart Backboard
A wood dart backboard protects the wall behind a dartboard. It catches darts that miss the target. People make these backboards from plywood or solid wood. This gives a tough and long-lasting backing for dart setups. The hard surface stops darts from going in too deep.
This helps the darts last longer. It also brings a traditional, country look to a game room or bar. You can customize wood dart backboards with different finishes, stains, or logos. They come in many sizes to fit different spaces. Serious players who want a solution that lasts often choose these boards.
Foam Dart Backboard
A foam dart backboard is also a protective surface that goes behind a dartboard. It’s made to catch darts that miss the board and stop them from hitting the wall. It’s made from thick foam, light, simple to put up, and absorbs the impact well, so darts don’t bounce off or break.
These backboards are great for new players and those who play casually because they are very tolerant. They are in different sizes, colors, and shapes, letting you customize the look around your dartboard. The foam can fix itself over time, keeping it looking nice, which makes it a smart and cheap option for home use.
Felt or Fabric Backboard
A felt or fabric dart backboard is a protective surface used behind a dartboard to catch stray darts and shield walls from damage. It is usually concealed with what is referred to as soft felt or cloth with backing material that resembles wood or cork. The textile surface provides a luxurious, glossy finish that can complement diverse game room looks in a secondary but beneficial manner.
Although maybe not as hard-wearing as cork or foam, it offers reasonable protection by providing a cushion for wayward darts to bounce off. Felt or fabric backboards are very light in weight, easy to mount, and are available in various other colors. They are best used for a little ornament and mid-level wall shielding.
Cabinet Backboard
A cabinet dart backboard is a design of a dart backboard that comes as a complete package with storage facilities. It comprises a throwing surface enclosed in a wooden or synthetic frame having hinged doors to cover the dart board. The interior of the cabinet may also contain provisions for holding darts, chalk or dry-erase scoreboards, and other related accessories.
On its side, the backboard mounted inside the cabinet also gives protection to walls from wayward darts. Cabinet backboards give game rooms a traditional, stylish touch and can be lettered or emblazoned.
Benefits of Using a Dartboard Backboard
A quality dartboard is essential for any serious darts player, and one of the most important components of the setup is the backboard for dart board. Whether you’re setting up a casual play area at home or upgrading your practice zone, here’s why adding a backboard should be a priority.
Whether you’re creating a simple play area at home or improving your practice space, here’s why a backboard is important and what the benefits are given below.
Wall Protection
Ultimately, the primary purpose of a dartboard backboard is to prevent the darts from hitting your walls frequently. In any case, even the most accurate of players will have their throws go off course from time to time due either to inexperience or rapid-fire throwing. If they are thrown at the wall, they will leave an unattractive mark on the wall or just leave a hole in the wall.
If not attended to early, these damages accumulate to a high level and pose a huge bill for repair work. A strong backboard serves as a protective wall that counters the force of a shot that bounces off and keeps your walls clean.
Increased Safety
Safety is crucial when playing darts, particularly in environments where multiple people are present. You and your family and friends around you can get hurt because of Darts edges. A backboard also gives you a more extensive safety perimeter than the back wall which sharp darts cannot get to wherever they wish. This added layer of protection is especially beneficial in recreational spaces or homes with children.
Dart Protection
A dart comes into contact with the hard surface of a wall if, for instance, it is thrown to a wall, and this can bend or break dart tips or shafts. Contact with other surfaces apart from the dart board rubberizes the edges of the tips, causing them to blunt and hence reduce the player’s efficiency.
In backboard holes, wayward darts are absorbed by a soft surface that yields no bounce and does not damage your darts. If you want your darts to last a long time and keep them from being blunt, backboards are not an option.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Dartboard backboards can make your dart setup look more polished and professional. They come in different styles, like classic cork or wooden designs, so you can pick one that matches your room’s look. A backboard not only keeps things safe but also makes your dartboard area look better. Some designs can even be personalized, giving your game room a unique touch.
Noise Reduction
When you play darts in a shared space or at home, loud noises can happen, especially if the darts hit hard walls. A backer helps reduce the noise by covering the area around the dartboard. Cork or foam backboards are especially good at this because they effectively lower the noise during your game, which is good for you and everyone.
Improved Confidence and Focus
For those just starting out or playing casually, a backboard gives a bigger area around the dartboard, which helps you feel more at ease while practicing. It lets players concentrate on getting better at aiming without stressing about harming walls or losing darts, making practice time more effective.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Backboard
Before purchasing a backboard for a dart board, it’s important to consider several key factors:
Material Quality
The backboard material should be strong enough to last for many years and protect your walls well. Cork and wood are usually more durable, while foam and felt might wear out faster, especially if used often. So, when you choose one, you must keep the quality of the materials in mind.
Size and Coverage
The backboard should be big enough to cover the space around your dartboard. It’s best if it goes a few inches past the dartboard in every direction. This way, any darts that miss the board are more likely to hit the backboard instead of the wall. And that’s why you choose the backboard according to the full space of your wall.
Mounting and Installation
Some backboards are simpler to set up than others. Foam and cork backboards are usually light and easy to attach, whereas heavier wooden backboards or cabinet systems might need more work and stronger hardware to hang correctly. You make sure the installation is doable and won’t cause extra damage to the wall.
Thickness and Durability
A thin backboard can be dangerous in terms of players, rebound, and durability. Thinner backboards might not afford the same degree of protection, especially if the darts are launched with considerable force.
Cork and foam seem to be of considerable thickness while providing adequate protection to the material below so that darts will stick in it. So, it is very important to look at thickness while making a choice. The correct thickness of the backboard increases the durability.
Aesthetic Preferences
Your dartboard should match or enhance the room’s style. If your dart setup is in a formal area, a simple wooden or fabric backboard might be better. In a game room or casual space, you could choose something more colorful or unique, like a custom foam backboard.
Budget Considerations
Backboards vary in price based on the material and design. Cork and wood backboards are usually more expensive, costing between $50 and $150 or even more for premium options. Foam and fabric backboards are cheaper, typically priced from $20 to $50.
When picking a backboard, think about how much you want to spend. Spending more initially might be worth it if the backboard lasts longer and offers better protection. However, if you’re not a serious player, a less expensive option could be enough.
Customizing Your Backboard for Dart Board
Customizing your backboard for dart board is a fantastic way to make your gaming space unique while also protecting the wall. Begin by choosing materials such as cork, wood, or foam, each providing varying levels of durability and visual appeal. Cork and foam are perfect for smooth dart entry and reducing impact, whereas wood gives a traditional, rustic appearance.
To make it special, you can paint or color the backboard to match your room’s style. Putting fabric on it can make it look softer and nicer. You can also add things like your favorite team’s logo, your name, or your own artwork to make it more personal.
Adding LED lights or shadow boxes around the backboard can make it look even better. Customizing your backboard helps keep your wall safe from damage and gives your dart area a professional, personal look.
Some of the Top-Rated Dartboard Surround
With many options available, picking the right one can greatly enhance your darts experience. Here are the top Dartboard Surrounds to consider for your setup.
Viper Defender III Backboard
The Viper Defender III is one of the best out there for enthusiasts who are looking for both protection and style. This backboard is made of EVA foam, highly dense enough to capture darts that hit at the back and leave virtually no marks behind.
It also has a larger design that goes farther than the dartboard in a way that will safely capture any flying darts. The sleek black color gives it a modern look, making it perfect for a variety of settings, from home setups to professional environments.
Winmau Xtreme 2 Surround
The Winmau Xtreme 2 Surround is a great option for those looking for simplicity and efficiency. This backboard is made of thick foam and covers the entire dartboard all the way around, for 360 degrees of protection.
When it comes to the mounting of this component, one only has to slide it over the board, and does not require any other mounting brackets. Winmau has established itself as a leading producer of darting accessories, and the Xtreme Surround is no exception, offering excellent wall protection without compromising style.
ONE80 Professional Dartboard Surround
The ONE80 Professional Dartboard Surround is another good one to look at, especially should you want a professional look. This material is made out of high-quality polyether polyurethane (PU) and gives a nice, bouncy surface for missed darts.
The product has a smooth finish, and there is close contact with the dartboard that gives the entire unit a professional look. ONE80’s emphasis on quality guarantees that this backboard will remain in good condition and work well for many years.
Shot! Bandit Dartboard Surround
Dart players who want a backboard that combines good looks with practicality should check out the Shot! Bandit Dartboard Surround. This backboard fits well around the dartboard and has been constructed from quality, lightweight material.
The texture is more on the slightly raised side so as not to generate high bounce-outs while ensuring that there is enough wall to cover. Taking advantage of its professional-grade fabric, the Shot! Bandit surround increases the security and style of your darts at the same time.
Cork Dart Board Backer by Jelinek
The Jelinek Cork Dart Board Backer is known for its natural and environmentally friendly design. Made from cork, it offers great dart absorption and is easy on your darts. Unlike foam or PU, cork has the advantage of self-healing, which keeps the board looking new over time. This backboard is perfect for home setups that want a traditional, rustic look.
Dart-Stop 36” Professional Octagonal Dart Board Backboard
For those looking for top-notch wall protection for their dartboard, the Dart-Stop 36” Professional Dart Board Backboard is a great choice. It’s made from strong, fabric-covered wood and covers a large area of 36 inches.
This backboard is very sturdy and comes with a simple mounting system. You can also choose from different colors to fit your room’s style. The padded surface helps prevent darts from bouncing out and reduces noise.
Viper Championship Backboard Set
The Viper Championship Backboard Set is a complete package that comes with a strong backboard, a chalk scoreboard, and a marker for keeping score. Made from MDF wood, this backboard is tough and helps protect against darts that miss the target. Its professional style and extra features make it a good choice for serious players looking for an all in one solution.
Target Pro Tour Dartboard Surround
The Target Pro Tour Dartboard Surround is a great choice for people who want a simple, modern look. It’s made from strong foam, so it’s light and easy to put up, and it keeps your walls safe. The basic black or red color makes it work well in many places, whether at home or in professional games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I use as a backboard for a dart board?
You can use different materials to protect your walls when you have a dartboard. Common choices are foam surrounds for dartboards, cork boards, and plywood sheets. High-density foam or EVA foam is great at absorbing hits, and cork provides a natural, self-healing surface.
If you prefer a do-it-yourself option, a big wooden board or carpet tiles can also be used. These materials keep your walls safe from missed darts and make your dart setup look better.
How to protect a wall from darts?
To protect a wall safe from darts, use a backboard made of materials such as high-density foam, cork, or wood. These materials help absorb the force of darts that miss the target and prevent damage to the wall. Dartboard surrounds are a simple and attractive way to protect the area around the dartboard.
You can also put a big cork board or plywood behind the dartboard for more coverage. Carpet squares or rubber mats can add extra protection by softening the impact of darts. Also, make sure the dartboard is firmly attached and use soft-tipped darts for extra safety, especially when kids or beginners are playing.
What is the best material for a dartboard surround?
The ideal material for a dartboard surround is high-density foam or EVA foam. These materials effectively absorb the impact of stray darts and prevent them from bouncing out. They are lightweight, durable, and offer great protection for your walls.
Cork is another excellent choice, as it has natural self-healing properties, making it a long-lasting and eco-friendly option. Both materials ensure top performance and look great.
What can I use to protect my walls from darts?
Every darts player with their own dart area should have a dartboard wall protector. This accessory protects both the wall and the darts. The protector stops your walls from getting holes and ensures that your dart tips don’t break or wear out when they miss the board.