How to Set Up a Home Darts Area

A proper home darts setup transforms a spare wall into a practice space that matches the dimensions professionals play on every week. Getting the measurements right costs nothing extra, and it means every throw you make at home translates directly to league nights, pub games, and tournaments. This guide covers everything from choosing the right spot to mounting the board at the correct height.

Choosing the Right Location

You need a minimum of 11 feet (3.35 metres) of clear length from wall to throwing position, plus comfortable standing room behind the oche. Width-wise, allow at least 3 feet (0.9 metres) either side of the board for stray darts. or use a Winmau Dartboard Surround to protect the surrounding wall. A garage, spare bedroom, basement, or dedicated corner of a living room all work well.

Avoid setting up opposite windows or glass doors. Darts do miss the board, particularly when you are starting out, and a surround only covers so much territory.

Official Dartboard Measurements

The PDC and WDF both use the same standard measurements for competitive play.

• Bullseye height 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 metres) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye
• Throwing distance 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 metres) from the face of the board to the front of the oche
• Diagonal check 9 feet 7.5 inches (2.93 metres) from the bullseye to the front of the oche. Use this to verify your measurements

These measurements are non-negotiable if you want your practice to carry over to competitive play. Muscle memory is distance-specific, so throwing at a different distance at home will actively work against you in matches.

Mounting the Dartboard

Most dartboards come with a mounting bracket and fixing kit. The process is straightforward.

1. Mark the bullseye height (1.73m) on the wall
2. Fix the mounting bracket at the correct height using the provided screws. Make sure it goes into a wall stud or use appropriate wall plugs
3. Hang the board on the bracket and ensure the 20 segment is at the top (black, not white)
4. Check the board is level and not tilting forward or backward

If you are mounting on a plasterboard or hollow wall, use heavy-duty fixings. A dartboard with surround weighs several kilograms and takes regular impact from thrown darts, so it needs to be secure.

Protecting Your Walls

A dartboard surround is not optional and it is essential, especially in a home setting. The Winmau Red Dartboard Surround and Winmau Blue Dartboard Surround (both £42.95) fit all standard-size dartboards and absorb stray throws that miss the board. Without a surround, you will have a wall full of holes within weeks. Our dartboard surrounds guide covers your options in detail.

Essential Equipment Checklist

Here is everything you need for a complete home darts setup.

• Dartboard A bristle dartboard. The Mission Samurai Infinity (£49.95) is the best value starting point. See our best dartboards guide for all options.
• Surround A Winmau Dartboard Surround (£42.95) to protect surrounding walls
• Darts A set of tungsten darts. See our best darts for beginners guide if you need help choosing
• Oche marker A strip of tape, a rubber mat, or a raised oche at the regulation distance
• Lighting Good overhead lighting that illuminates the board face without casting shadows. A dedicated dartboard light ring or angled spotlight works best

The Dart + Board Bundle is the simplest way to get started if you want a board and darts together.

Lighting Your Setup

Poor lighting is the most common mistake in a home darts setup. The board face needs even illumination with no shadows across the segments. A dedicated dartboard light ring that circles the board is the gold standard. Failing that, an adjustable spotlight angled from above the board works well. Avoid lighting from directly behind the throwing position. it casts your shadow onto the board.

Frequently Asked Questions