How to Install a Dartboard Surround Properly

A dartboard surround protects the wall, but it should never be doing the work of holding your dartboard in place. That distinction matters when learning how to install a dartboard surround: mount the board securely first, set it at regulation height, then fit the surround neatly around it. Get those basics right and your home setup will look sharp, handle missed darts and stay easy to maintain.

Set the dartboard height before fitting the surround

For a steel-tip dartboard, the centre of the bull should sit 1.73 metres from the floor. Measure from the finished floor surface, not from carpet underlay or a skirting board. If the playing area has a mat, thick rug or raised flooring, account for the surface players will actually stand on.

The throwing distance is measured horizontally from the face of the dartboard, not the wall behind it. Set your oche at 2.37 metres from the board face. This is worth checking before you commit to a wall position, particularly in a garage, spare room or covered outdoor area where space can be tight.

A surround will add visual size to the setup, but it does not change either measurement. Fit the dartboard to the correct height first, then use the surround to create a protected landing area around it.

What you need to install a dartboard surround

Most dartboard surrounds are dense foam rings designed to press around a standard bristle dartboard. They are simple to fit, but a clean installation starts with the right mounting hardware and a sensible wall choice.

You will generally need a tape measure, pencil, spirit level, drill, suitable wall plugs or anchors, screws, the dartboard mounting bracket supplied with the board, and your surround. A stud finder is useful for plasterboard walls. If you are mounting to brick, concrete or a masonry wall, use masonry plugs and screws rated for the load.

The board itself is not especially heavy, but repeated dart removal and board rotation put strain on the mount. Avoid relying on a single light-duty picture hook, adhesive strips or the foam surround to support it. The surround is a wall protector, not a structural fixing.

Choose a sensible wall location

Pick a flat wall with enough clear space for the entire surround and room for players to throw without brushing past furniture. Avoid walls with a television, glass, doors, windows or framed artwork nearby. Even with a surround, a dart can occasionally hit outside the foam - especially when a beginner is finding their release point.

For a permanent setup, a solid masonry wall or timber stud is ideal. Plasterboard can work well when the mount is fixed into a stud or uses the correct heavy-duty anchors. If you rent, a free-standing dartboard stand with a surround may be the more practical option, as it avoids drilling into the wall.

Install the dartboard mount first

Start by marking the bull height at 1.73 metres. Your dartboard’s centre mounting point will sit at that mark. Different boards use slightly different brackets, so check the supplied fitting hardware before drilling. Common systems use a centre screw in the back of the board that locates into a wall bracket, plus stabilising feet or spacers to keep the board level against the wall.

Hold the bracket on the wall with its centre aligned to your height mark. Use a spirit level, mark the screw holes, then drill pilot holes appropriate for the wall material. Fit plugs where required, screw the bracket into place and check that it is firm before hanging the board.

Once the board is mounted, stand back and confirm that the number 20 segment is at the top. This is the standard orientation. If the board is crooked, remove it and adjust the bracket or stabilising feet rather than trying to force the surround to disguise the issue.

A properly mounted board should sit flat, with minimal movement when you remove darts. Give it a light test by pulling a dart straight out from different sections of the board. If the board shifts, tighten or correct the mount before continuing.

How to install a dartboard surround around the board

With the dartboard fixed, fitting a foam surround usually takes only a minute. Most one-piece surrounds have a centre opening slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the dartboard. This creates a snug friction fit.

Line up the opening with the dartboard and press the surround evenly over the outside edge. Work around the ring rather than forcing one side all at once. The foam should sit flush against the wall and close to the board face, without covering the scoring segments or pushing the board out from its mount.

If the surround feels tight, that is normally by design. Cold foam can be less flexible, so allow it to sit at room temperature before fitting if it has arrived after a cold delivery trip. Do not cut the centre opening larger unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so. An oversized opening can leave a gap where darts reach the wall.

Some surrounds are split into sections for storage or transport. Fit the pieces around the board according to their join pattern, making sure each section meets cleanly. If the joins open noticeably, check that the board is sitting flat and that the surround is the correct size for a standard dartboard.

Should you glue or screw the surround to the wall?

In most home setups, no. A quality foam surround stays in position by gripping the dartboard and resting against the wall. Gluing it can damage paint, make board rotation awkward and leave residue if you move house or change your setup.

There are exceptions. A wall-mounted cabinet, uneven wall surface or a high-traffic venue may call for a different protection system. In those cases, consider a purpose-built backing board or cabinet rather than modifying a standard foam surround. The best option depends on how often the setup is used, whether it needs to be portable and how much wall protection you need beyond the usual throwing area.

Check clearance, lighting and the oche

A surround protects against misses near the board, but the rest of the playing lane still needs attention. Keep chairs, tables and storage out of the throwing path. Make sure other people cannot walk through the lane while someone is throwing, particularly in a family room or shared garage.

Good lighting makes a bigger difference than many players expect. Light the board evenly from above or with dedicated dartboard lighting so the wire, doubles and trebles are easy to see. Avoid a single ceiling light behind the thrower, which can cast shadows across the board and make grouping harder to read.

Mark the oche at 2.37 metres from the board face. A proper dart mat is useful because it provides a repeatable throw line, protects flooring from falling darts and helps establish a dedicated playing area. Tape can work for a temporary setup, but it tends to lift and move over time.

Common surround installation mistakes

The most common mistake is setting the board height by eye. A board that is even a few centimetres high or low changes the feel of your throw, especially if you also play at a club or in competition. Measure the bull height and the oche every time you install a new setup.

Another is mounting the board after the surround is already on the wall. It can make the bracket harder to access, and the board may not sit properly against the wall. Always secure the board first.

Players also sometimes expect a surround to stop every dart. Foam is highly effective for ordinary misses around the board, but no surround covers the entire wall. If children, new players or social groups will be using the setup, allow extra clearance and consider a larger backing solution.

Finally, do not overlook board rotation. A bristle dartboard should be turned regularly to spread wear across the scoring segments. Choose a surround that lets you lift off or move the board without a complicated disassembly process. This small habit helps your board last longer and keeps the treble 20 from wearing out first.

A well-fitted surround gives you the confidence to practise without watching every near miss. Mount the board properly, measure the line accurately and leave enough clear space for the whole playing area - then your darts setup is ready for relaxed home games or serious sessions alike.