Choosing a Dartboard Setup You’ll Actually Use

Thinking about adding darts to your game room? Good call. It’s a low-maintenance, high-fun upgrade - but not all dartboards are created equal. Between casual play and something more serious, the right setup makes all the difference.

Here’s what to consider before you buy.

Bristle or Electronic?

Bristle dartboards (the kind used in tournaments) are made from tightly packed sisal fibers. They’re built to last and self-heal after each throw. If you want that classic feel and solid thud when the dart hits, go bristle.

Electronic dartboards keep score for you and are safer for kids. They use soft-tip darts and are ideal for casual play or parties.

Shop both types of dartboards

How Much Space Do You Need?

Darts doesn’t take up a ton of room, but it does need clear space. You'll want at least:

-8 feet of distance from board to throw line (the official throw line is 7 ft. 9 ¼ in.)

-A few feet of clearance behind the line so people can comfortably stand and throw

-2–3 feet of width on each side of the board, just in case someone misses wide

Pro tip: Don’t hang a dartboard too close to furniture, glass doors, or anything fragile. Soft-tip or not, darts can bounce.

Cabinet or Wall-Mount?

A cabinet-style dartboard looks clean and hides the board when not in use. It usually includes chalkboards or dry-erase score panels inside.

A bare wall-mount board is more compact and easier to install. Add a backboard or wall protector if you want to save your drywall.

Don’t Skip the Lighting

If your dartboard is in a basement or rec room, lighting is key. A well-placed spotlight or ring light keeps the board clearly visible without casting shadows.

CAVES can help you add dedicated lighting or tie it into your smart home setup with dimming control.

Add the Right Accessories

We carry a full lineup of accessories to round out your setup:

• Shot Darts, Viper, and Elkadart sets

• Fit Flight shafts and flights

• Metroline dart cases

• Wall protectors, scoreboard panels, replacement tips, and more

Build your own setup or let us help; our team is happy to recommend gear that fits your space and your skill level.

Shop everything darts

Dart Safety at Home

Have kids or a game room open to guests? Consider:

-Choosing soft-tip darts for more casual setups

-Using a backboard or dartboard surround ring to catch misses

-Hanging the board away from high-traffic areas

-Keeping darts stored safely when not in use

Our team can help you choose the right gear based on who’ll be using it and how often.

Installation Help, Too

Not sure where to hang it? CAVES can help with wall mounting, lighting, and layout. We’ll make sure everything’s level, secure, and spaced correctly - so you can focus on hitting bullseyes. If you're in North Dakota, give us a call!

Contact Us

CAVES Bismarck
701-751-1162

CAVES Dickinson
701-483-2283

CAVES Minot
701-420-2765