Whether you are a pub owner, or simply building your very own home game room, a dartboard is likely to be a welcome and common addition to your game space. Dart games are among the most popular and easily recognized 'pub' games around today. All across the world, and among nearly every culture, dart games are played and enjoyed every day; competitively and just for fun.
So if you are in a position to include a dartboard in your home, or establishment, you probably want to know how to officially mount one. While it may seem as easy as simply mounting it on the wall and playing, it really isn't. A lot of care and thought goes into properly mounting a dartboard in order to ensure that the games are fair and properly challenging.
Because of this, it's probably a good idea to take a moment to discuss the proper height, distance, and measurements of a perfectly mounted dartboard. After you have read this, you are guaranteed to be a dartboard mounting expert!
First, let's talk about the dartboard itself for a brief moment.
Dart Board Type | Hard-Tip | Soft-Tip |
|---|---|---|
Dart Board Size | 17-3/4" | 15-1/2" |
Height | 5' 8'' | 5' 8'' |
Throw line distance | 7' 9¼'' | 8' |
Material | Sisal | Plastic |
Darts | Steel tip | Soft Tip (Reviews) |
Governing Body | Professional Darts Corporation, British Darts Organisation | World Soft Darts Association |
Official Dartboard Measurements & Materials
There are primarily two types of dart boards - Hard-tip and Soft-tip.
Hard-tip or bristle dart boards are more popular and often considered as 'Real darts'. Soft-tip or electronic boards, on the other hand, are safer and more convenient to use. Both the boards differ in size and throw distance.
A regulation-sized hard-tip dartboard will measure 17-3/4" (or 18") in diameter with 13-1/4" playing area. It comes with 20 numbered columns around the board and the bullseye in the very center. While you may be able to find dartboards in smaller or larger sizes, it is recommended that you stick with the official standard 18-inch size. This ensures that the proper mounting is done and that the dart games played on it are the correct amount of challenging and fun.
The regulation size of a Soft-tip dart board is 15-1/2" diameter with 15" playable area.
In general, most dartboards will be the same size, no matter what they are made of.
Material:
You can choose between sisal fiber dartboards (the most common and 'official' choice), wooden dartboards, cork dartboards, paper dartboards, and even electronic dartboards made of plastic. Different dartboard materials will often require different types of darts. Plastic electronic boards, of course, cannot use steel-tipped darts. You will want to keep this in mind when choosing a dartboard, and which material you desire.
If your ultimate goal for the dartboard is simply for use in your own home game room, the material and style of board you choose really won't matter. However, paper and cork boards tend to have a shorter lifespan. If your desired use for the dar board is in a pub or game establishment, you will do best to stick with regulation materials. No matter what your use for the dartboard maybe, if you are trying to stick with tradition, going with a sisal fiber dartboard will be your best bet.
Now, let's talk about how to actually mount a dartboard.
Official Height & Distance to Mount Your Dartboard
Mounting the dartboard will require a small bit of precise measurement, and in order to ensure you are sticking with official regulations, you should first ensure you have the proper space within the playing area. Officially, your dartboard should be measured from the center of the bullseye to the floor. Between the two, there should be 5 feet 8 inches, (173 centimeters). This height will not usually change for any reason in official settings, no matter the height of the player.
The mounting height of 5 feet 8 inches remains the same in both hard-tip and soft-tip board.
The only instance in which this measurement will officially change is in the case of players who play from a wheelchair or sitting position due to disability. In this case, the dartboard will be mounted at 4 foot 6 inches from the center of the bullseye to the floor (137 centimeters).
Throwline
The official distance used to measure the throwing line (or the 'Oche'), should be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the dartboard to the throwing line, (237 centimeters). In order to determine if you have mounted the dartboard correctly, measure the distance between the bullseye and the throwing line. If you measure 9 feet 6 inches (293 centimeters), then you are perfect!
For soft-tip dart boards, the throw line is a little farther at 8' (243cm).
Measuring the oche distance can be a pain, especially if you don't have a permanent place to mount your dart board. You can consider investing in a dart mat, which marks not only the regulation throw line but also saves your precious flooring from errant darts.
The distance from the board to the throwing line will almost always stay the same, no matter if the player is male or female. However, some leagues may include a female throwing line. In this case, the measurement from the dartboard to the throwing line should be 3-6 inches closer (8-15 centimeters). This is ultimately your decision.
In the case of players who play from a wheelchair or sitting due to disability, the distance measurement should be the same as standard.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from properly measuring the distances from the dartboard to the throwing line, and height from the floor, etc. You should also consider a handful of other variables when getting set up:
Space:
You want to allow for plenty of room behind the throwing line. This ensures that the player who is throwing will not feel cramped, and can properly move around and practice their throwing motion. Try to allow for at least 3 feet (92 centimeters) of space behind the throwing line.
Lighting:
You want to ensure that your dartboard is well lit on its surface. This ensures that all players involved can properly see the numbers and zones of the board without any awkward shadows. It is best to keep the lighting direct, and as warm of a tone as possible. Avoid blue lights; try to stick to natural colored lights. You can also find dartboard specific lighting systems that can be mounted above or around the dartboard if you choose.
Maintenance:
Maintaining the dartboard and darts will be a huge part of ensuring longevity for your dashboard. You don't want to have to replace the board constantly. This means making sure the dart tips are in good shape, and you choose a dart board material that is self-healing, as opposed to something that may fall apart quickly. In addition, with many sisal dart boards, you can remove the number ring, which allows you to rotate the board. This prevents certain commonly hit areas from accumulating too much damage.
Conclusion
I bet you didn't know there would be so much thought required when mounting a dartboard, did you? Never fear, it's not as complicated as it may sound on the surface. With a measuring tape and a little bit of patience, you will be throwing darts with your friends in no time.
Don't worry yourself with overthinking it too much. Unless you are working for a sanctioned dart tournament, you are unlikely to run into any sticklers hounding you if your dartboard measurements are a couple of millimeters off. Try to get the general height and distance right, and you will be fine. Darts should be fun, so enjoy it!
