If you’re a lover of darts but either you or your friends have the occasional bad throw and miss the board, you may want to consider some sort of wall protection. The three best ways to protect your walls from dart holes are dartboard cabinets, surrounds and backboards (in no particular order).
To save you some time and trouble of digging around the web and local pubs for recommendations, we have compiled and reviewed what we think are some of the top dartboard cabinets, surrounds and backboards .
Best Dart Board Cabinet
There are many advantages to getting a dart board cabinet. For a start, you’ve got somewhere to keep your board and the darts – most cabinets will have dedicated space for two sets of darts, and plenty of flat surface to keep the odd ones.
On a similar note, the doors will often have (at least on better cabinets) a chalkboard on either wing, making score-keeping more convenient and, in a way, more official. Of course, there’s the fact that they keep the wall from being pockmarked by darts flying wide, not to mention the fact it looks cool whether it’s open or closed.
American Heritage Billiards Cavalier Dart Board Cabinet Review
- Finish: Mocha
- Materials: Solid wood, MDF with veneer, Bristle Board
- Bristle-Board Dart Board
- Solid Wood Front
- Comes with 6 Darts
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
As far as the American Heritage Cavalier Dart Board Cabinet in Mocha goes, you’ve got pretty much all the info in the name already. It’s made of solid wood boards and MDF with veneer (mocha).
This keeps the price at an affordable level while not scraping on the quality. The cabinet measures 25.25H x 24.75W x 5.25D inches when closed and 25.25H x 45.25W x 5.25D when open.
You get roughly 14 to 14.5 inches of distance between the bullseye center and the top of the cabinet, if you’re wondering about having enough clearance from the ceiling.
While we’re crunching numbers, it’s worth noting that the whole setup weighs about 29 pounds and comes with pre-mounted Z-brackets on the back for mounting (you’ll have to supply the rest of the mounting hardware, though).
The cabinet comes with a tournament-quality bristle board already in, as well as a couple of dual-score chalkboard – one on either door panel. You’ll also be getting a double set of darts, decent enough considering they’re a throw-in item.
Still, it’s only a minor gripe, and one you can easily remedy by getting a better set, or, better yet, playing your old darts with the new board.
Viper Metropolitan Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard & Cabinet Bundle Review
- Comprehensive bundle features the Viper Metropolitan dartboard cabinet available in 4 finishes; Crafted with solid pine, box joints and bronze hinges
- Open dimensions: 42" L x 27.5" W x 3.5" D; Closed dimensions: 21" L x 27.5" W x 3.5" D; Includes a dry erase scoreboard, out-chart board and mounting hardware
- Viper Razorback is a completely staple-free dartboard constructed from self-healing sisal/bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Focused light of the Viper laser throw/toe line marker allows for use even in daylight and provides a clutter-free room by eliminating adhesive floor markers
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
As the astute readers may have already guessed, the Viper Metropolitan cabinet comes in a bundle with a Viper Dead-On dart board. The best dart board cabinet in the range is the Deluxe Set, as the Premium and Standard sets feature Viper Razorback and Viper Shot King boards, respectively.
There’s also a Cabinet-only offer, which is pretty much what it sounds like. The cabinet is available in four different flavors (finishes) – Cinnamon, Espresso, Mahogany and Oak.
As for the build, it’s actually entirely made of solid pine wood and assembled using box joints (so no nails or glue), with bronze hinges on the door panels.
The dart board itself is an official 18-inch tournament size, made of self-healing sisal fibers, which should ensure the board survives years’ worth of punishment. On top of that, the board ring is movable, so you can rotate it and add even more time to the board’s life.
Besides the board, the cabinet also incorporates a dry-erase scoreboard on the right panel (from the player’s POV) and an outchart on the opposite side. You’ll also be getting a single set of steel-tipped darts (Viper Black Mariah), as well as all the mounting hardware you’ll need to attach this puppy to the wall.
The cabinet measures about 21W x 27.5H x 3.5D inches when closed and 42W x 27.5H x 3.5D when open, so make sure you have enough clearance.
Viper Hudson Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard & Cabinet Bundle Review
- Comprehensive bundle features the Viper Hudson dartboard cabinet with a mahogany finish; Crafted with solid pine, box joints and bronze hinges
- Open dimensions: 41.5" L x 21.25" W x 3.5" D; Closed dimensions: 23.25" L x 21.25" W x 3.5 D; Includes dry erase scoreboard, out-chart board and mounting hardware
- Viper Dead On staple-free bullseye dartboard is constructed from self-healing sisal/bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Measuring 18" in diameter, the Viper Dead On is official tournament size; A movable number ring further extends the dartboard's life
- Includes 1 set of Viper Black Mariah 22 gram steel tip darts designed with black coated brass barrels that deliver exceptional balance and styling
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The Viper Hudson Cabinet comes with an entire bundle that includes the cabinet itself, a pre-mounted tournament-quality board, steel-tip darts (two sets of Viper Black Mariah), a dry-erase scoreboard, out-chart, as well as all the mounting hardware you’ll require to put this bad boy up on the wall (U-brackets and appropriate screws).
The cabinet is available in three bundles (counting the one we’re reviewing here) – Deluxe (Viper Dead-On bristle board + two sets of Black Mariahs), Premium (Viper Razorback + the double-set of Black Mariah steel-tips) and Standard (Viper Shot King bristle board + two sets of standard starter darts).
The case is made of solid pine wood with mahogany finish, assembled using box joints and bronze hinges and lined with felt. You’ll need to be careful to not hit the door panels with a maverick dart, as the dark finish will make any blemish really stand out.
The cabinet measures 23.25W x 21.25H x 3.5D inches closed and 41.5W x 21.25H x 3.5D when open, and weighs just over 24 pounds total.
As for the board, the Dead-On is a classic tournament-size 18-inch board, made of sisal fibres and sporting a movable number ring, which should make it quite long-lived in normal conditions.
As for the price, this is pretty much one of the best bangs for the buck you’ll find out there. On that note, you might be tempted to go for the Standard bundle to save a few bucks, but the Dead-On board is better than a few bucks.
Best Dart Board Surround
Short of making your own wall protection, getting a surround for your dartboard seems like the best solution for those confident in their aim. They cover somewhat smaller area than full-on backboards, but on the flip side, they look great and are in tune with the dart board itself.
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Review
- SAFEGUARD YOUR WALL - Protect your walls with the durable 1" thick high-density EVA foam, offering 2.8 square feet of extra coverage against stray darts
- REVERSABLE DESIGN - Backside is jet black (no logos) so it can be easily flipped to extend the lifespan of your surround and maintain a clean appearance
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Easily fits all 18" and 17.75" sisal dartboards. Simply use the included adhesive band to accommodate smaller dartboards
- PROTECT YOUR DARTS - Safely catches and protects darts when board is mounted on hard surfaces like cement or brick, preventing damage or wear
- QUICK & EASY SETUP - Assemble effortlessly by snapping the segments together and mounting them around your dartboard -- no need for additional holes in your wall; The lightweight EVA foam allows for...
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector is pretty much what it reads on the tin – a dependable way to prevent your darts from making any dents and/or holes in the wall. It’s a snug fit for any standard 18-inch dartboard, and provides 5 inches of cover in any given direction.
It’s not overwhelmingly thick (1 inch), but on the flip side, it’s made out of high-density rubber foam, which should stop all but the most savage throws (there’s always that one friend that thinks more force equals more precision).
As far as mounting goes, the Viper Defender requires no hardware, as it assembles around your dartboard, effectively using the board as a mount. On that note, the Defender only weighs 1.4 pounds, so there’s no need to strengthen the existing hardware.
Winmau Dart Board Surround Review
- Winmau Printed red dartboard surround
- Suitable for all Winmau bristle dartboards
- Perfect for home or club use
- 43.6cm Inner Diameter, 67.5cm Outer Diameter
- Dartboard not included
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The Winmau Dart Board Surround does cost a pretty penny when it comes to surrounds (and dartboards, for that matter), but rest assured you’ll see where each and every one of those pennies went. To put it this way – you probably won’t know where any of your stray darts went after you pull the protection down.
It’s designed to fit Winmau boards save the Rebel, and any other standard dart board. It’s made of molded rubber, about 1½-inch thick, and provides a 4½-inch radius of protected area around your board.
You Winmau comes in numerous colors, adding a little bit of character to your game room or home bar: Black, Xtreme (black with a better looking logo), Orange, White, Red, Blue, and Green – I own a green one.
Trademark Gameroom Black Foam Rubber Dartboard Wall Protector Review
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The TG Black Foam Rubber Dartboard Wall Protector is exactly what it says on the tin, no more, no less. It measures 28.25 inches in diameter and fits any standard 18-inch bristle board.
The rubbery foam is pretty dense, about an inch thick, and comes in four pieces that interlock to make a ring around the board, giving you a 5-inch protective radius. Obviously, this setup requires no mounting hardware, so you can use it as a temporary solution, putting it on and taking it off whenever you need.
It’s not the prettiest looking surround out there, but on the flip side, it’s dirt cheap, so if you can accept this trade-off, it should make you happy.
Best Dart Board Backboard
Backboards for dartboards (rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?), are a great way to protect your wall from dents/and holes. In a way, they’re halfway between surrounds and full cabinets, though you might argue some of them are just square surrounds, which isn’t a bad way to put it.
On the other hand, the average backboard will cost slightly more than the average surround, so there’s that to factor in. Sure enough, it’s a bit of an investment, but one that will pay for itself hundredfold in the money you’ll be saving by not having to repair your walls.
Dart-Stop 36″ Professional Dartboard Backboard Review
- TRUSTED QUALITY. EXPERIENCE | Built to the Highest Standard. Created to Last a Lifetime. Proudly Handcrafted in the USA Since 2004
- MORE THAN WALL PROTECTION | Enhance your Darts Experience. Improve your Dartboard Appearance. Symmetrical Dartboard Surround.
- QUICK REGULATION HEIGHT | Just Two Measurements. Secure. Steel-Reinforced Wall Mounting Points. Easy, Clear Instructions. Hardware Included
- ENGINEERED to PERFORM | Sturdy 3/4 inch Thick Wood; 1 inch Overall. Minimize Bounce-Outs. Plush No-Dart-Holes Fabric Finish. No Wood Finish to be Marred by Darts
- STEEL-TIP or SOFT-TIP DARTBOARDS | Pre-Installed, Recessed Metal Bristle Dartboard Bracket for Quick Wobble-Free Mounting. E-Dartboards: Install Screw(s) into the Face of the Backboard then Hang it...
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The Professional Dartboard Backboard from Dart-Stop is one of the better-looking ways to protect your wall from any stray darts. It’s made of .¾ thick hardwood backing with plush fabric finish on the front, which makes for a total 1 inch of thickness.
This combo works really well – on the one hand, you have the hardwood to stop the darts from marring the wall, and on the other there’s the soft front side to capture the dart and prevent it from falling down, damaging the floor.
Better yet, the backing also features recessed brackets, pre-mounted, and comes with all the screws and anchors you need to mount it, as well as a convenient instruction sheet on how to do it properly. There’s no way this thing’s falling off any time soon.
It’s worth mentioning that it’s designed and handcrafted in the US, so you can be fairly sure it’s made to exacting standards. Moreover, that makes ordering and shipping a whole lot faster.
Dart World Shoot The Bull Wall Protector Review
- Maximum Protection: The foam padding provides maximum protection to the wall and the dartboard, preventing damage caused by stray darts.
- Easy to Install: The wall protector is easy to install and includes all the necessary hardware for hassle-free installation.
- Fits Most Dartboards: The wall protector is designed to fit most standard-sized dartboards, making it a versatile option for your game room.
- Long-Lasting: Made with high-quality materials, this wall protector is built to last and will withstand years of use.
- Stylish Design: The sleek and modern design of the wall protector will complement any game room decor.
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The Dart World Wall protector made of high-density foam, 1-inch thick and fairly durable. The main selling point of the Wall Protector is that it’s reversible, which should extend its lifespan for quite some time.
There’s no mounting hardware included, for the simple reason that you don’t need it. It comes in four interlocking pieces that you assemble around the board as if it were a jigsaw puzzle, similar to the way you’d do with a surround.
Also, whereas surrounds are rings, the Wall Protector is a square, with sides measuring 28 inches (in effect, you’ll be getting a bit more protective area than you would with a comparable surround ring).
It fits any standard 18-inch bristle board, and you can mount it either as a square or diamond around yours, whichever jingles your jollies.
Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Review
- SAFEGUARD YOUR WALL - Protect your walls with the durable 1" thick high-density EVA foam, offering 3.8 square feet of coverage against stray darts
- REVERSABLE DESIGN - Backside is jet black (no logos) so it can be easily flipped to extend the lifespan of your surround and maintain a clean appearance
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Easily fits all 18" and 17.75" sisal dartboards. Simply use the included adhesive band to accommodate smaller dartboards
- PROTECT YOUR DARTS - Safely catches and protects darts when board is mounted on hard surfaces like cement or brick, preventing damage or wear
- QUICK & EASY SETUP - Assemble effortlessly by snapping the segments together and mounting them around your dartboard -- no need for additional holes in your wall; The lightweight EVA foam allows for...
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The four parts of the protector snap together like a puzzle to assemble, so there’s no mounting hardware needed. All you have to do then is slide it over your dartboard that’s already mounted to the wall and enjoy the game.
Basically, you’d be using the board as a mount, so there’s no reason to worry about the protection falling for lack of fixtures. The Viper Defender II snaps around the board pretty easily, and can be taken off just as easily, so you can even use it as a temporary solution.
A real plus point with the viper is that its fully reversible, which should go a long way to extending its life expectancy, and the velvet finish should make it look crisp for the greater part of that time. Of course, you can mount it as a square or diamond around your dart board, whichever way you feel makes better use of space and/or fits your game room.
Summary
If you play darts at home and want to protect your walls you will require either a cabinet, surround or backboard wall protector. Hopefully one of the products above will help, alternatively if you of an alternative that can be added to our best dart board cabinet, surround or back board section, let us know in the comments below and we will be happy to review it.