The dartboard is the central part of the game, but the backboard behind it is also very important. It helps keep your walls safe from darts when you fail to hit the board and makes the area look nicer. Understanding the right size for your dart backboard is important for how well it works and how it looks.
This article covers dart backboard dimensions, room size considerations, and common questions.
Understanding the Purpose of a Dart Backboard
When you start looking at different sizes, it’s important to know why a dart backboard is useful. The main job of a backboard is to keep your walls safe from darts that go off target. Even good players sometimes miss the dartboard, and without a backboard, your walls might get damaged with holes.
A backboard also makes the dartboard area look nicer. It surrounds the dartboard, making the space look more neat and professional. Depending on what it’s made of and how it looks, a backboard can also fit in well with the room’s style.
Standard Dartboard Dimensions
To choose the right size for a dart board backboard, you need to know the usual measurements of a dartboard. A typical dartboard is 18 inches (45.72 cm) across. It should be placed with the bullseye’s center 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) above the floor.
Understanding these measurements is important because the backboard must be big enough to protect the area around the dartboard where darts are likely to miss.
Ideal Dart Backboard Dimensions in meters for Different Spaces
When picking a backboard for your dartboard, consider the size of your room, how skilled you are at playing darts, and where you’ll put the dartboard. Here’s a simple explanation to help you choose the right size:
Small Spaces (Narrow or Tight Areas)
In small spaces like a narrow hallway or a small game room, the backboard should be big enough to shield the wall near the dartboard.
It’s best to have a backboard that goes out at least 0.15 m (15 cm) past the dartboard on each side. This means the backboard should be around 0.76 m by 0.76 m (76 cm by 76 cm).
This size gives you a good amount of room for mistakes without taking up too much space. If your room is really small, think about using a round or oval backboard, which can save space while still keeping the wall safe.
Medium Spaces (Standard Game Rooms or Basements)
In a medium-sized space like a game room or basement, you can be more flexible with the size of the backboard. In this case, you might want to focus on both protecting the wall and making the area look nice.
A backboard that goes 0.30 m (30 cm) past the dartboard on each side is a good option. This would make the backboard about 1.07 m by 1.07 m (107 cm by 107 cm).
This size not only keeps the wall safe but also gives a bigger frame around the dartboard, making it stand out more in the room.
Large Spaces (Dedicated Game Rooms)
If you have a large space just for playing games, you can choose a large backboard for your dartboard. In such rooms, the backboard is not only useful but also makes a strong impression.
A backboard that is 0.46 m to 0.61 m (46 to 61 cm) wider than the dartboard on each side would be perfect. This would make the dart board backboard size about 1.37 m by 1.37 m (137 cm by 137 cm) to 1.68 m by 1.68 m (168 cm by 168 cm) in size.
This size offers the best protection for your wall and looks very impressive. It’s also great if you have more than one dartboard or if you want to add other features, like chalkboards for keeping score or pretty lights.
Types of Dart Backboards
Cork Backboards: Cork is the most used because it is highly absorptive to dart impacts. There are no bouncers, and darts don’t get that quick dullness. Cork backboards are available in various thicknesses; the thicker, the more protective the board is. Still, they are lightweight, and installation is easy, even though they wear down with time.
Foam Backboards: These are good for protection and are easy to mount. They come in a variety of densities, with high-density foam lasting longer. Foam does not leave holes like cork, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it can compress over time, reducing effectiveness.
Wood Backboards: These are typically made of MDF or plywood and offer a solid base behind the dartboard. They can then be painted or covered in felt for a finished appearance. These resist wear a little better than their cork or foam cousins but can allow for bounce-outs if the dartboard is not mounted correctly.
Cabinet Backboards: Dartboard cabinets have built-in backboards. These give a professional appearance and extra storage space for darts and accessories. They are generally made of wood, lined with felt or cork to protect the wall. They look fantastic but are expensive and a real pain to install.
Wooden Dart Backboard Dimensions
A wooden dart backboard protects walls from stray darts. While standard sizes do exist, a common size is 3 feet by 2 feet. This much coverage around a dartboard should be about 18 inches in diameter. It should be at least ½ inch thick to make sure the darts do not go through.
Some players prefer to have a square backboard, such as 4 feet by 4 feet, for more protection. It should be mounted flush against the wall to avoid gaps through which darts may pass.
The framed edge will contain the tips of the darts. Long-lasting wood, like plywood or MDF, is used for durability and consistency.
Best Backboard for Darts
Viper Defender III: This is foam surrounds a regular dartboard and offers very great wall protection. It is quite easy to install; it simply just slides on over the board. Because it’s one piece, it has no gaps for missed darts. However, it only fits regulation-size boards.
Winmau Dartboard Surround: Made of foam, it is light yet effective. This backboard will cover the dartboard closely and block the way of darts that went astray from reaching the wall. It’s ideal for casual players who want something straightforward.
Dart-Stop Cork Dart Backboard: This is a thick cork backboard, featuring good shock absorption and a professional look. It comes in different sizes and shapes for various setups. The only drawback with cork is that it tends to wear down with time and frequent use.
Viper Wood Framed Backboard: This features a wood frame and felt backing. It has a professional look and is a very reliable protector. Installation is more involved, but the solid construction makes it last.
Custom MDF Backboard: For a budget-friendly option, a DIY MDF backboard works well. Cut a sheet of MDF to size, cover it with felt or cork, and mount it behind your dartboard. This method allows for full customization of size and style.
What is the Best Material for a Dart Board Backboard?
The ideal choice for a dartboard backboard is cork because it readily takes in the force of the darts, keeping the wall safe and quiet. Cork is durable, can fix itself, and gives a flat surface that makes it simple to take out darts.
Dense foam is another great choice since it also absorbs the force well and is light, making it easy to set up. Both cork and dense foam keep the wall safe, make your darts last longer, and give your dartboard area a polished look.
What is the Ideal Thickness for a Dart Backboard?
The ideal thickness for a dartboard backboard is around 1 inch. This thickness gives enough padding to catch darts that don’t hit the board, keeping the wall safe from harm. A 1-inch thick backboard, made from cork, foam, or wood, can handle hits well without being too big.
This thickness also makes the backboard strong and protects the wall for a long time, so darts don’t go through it. Some players might want a slightly thicker backboard, up to 1.5 inches, for extra safety.