How to Hang a Dartboard: Regulation of Height and Guide

The first time I tried to figure out how to hang a dartboard, I stood in my garage, drill in hand, staring at a blank wall and second-guessing every move. I thought it would be easy—just have a good look at the center and screw it in, right? Turns out, a few inches off can throw off your whole game. After some research and trial-and-error, I realized how much better things feel when everything is set up just right.

In this complete guide, I’ll show you the best way to hang a dartboard, including the correct dart board height and distance, how to hang it without the bracket, how to set it up outside, and how to avoid rookie mistakes. You'll feel more confident, your darts will fly straighter, and your wall will stay intact.

Regulation Dart Board Height and Distance – Get This Right First

Before you drill a single hole or place your dart mat, it’s crucial to know the correct measurements. These standards exist for a reason—they create fairness, consistency, and improve muscle memory for casual and competitive play alike.

According to the World Darts Federation, the correct measurements are:

Height from floor to the bullseye: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Distance from the front of the dartboard to the oche (throwing line): 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm)

These two numbers are the foundation of your setup. They’re the same for steel-tip and soft-tip darts if you're playing by standard rules.

Why the distance from the dart board to wall matters: You should also leave at least 1 to 2 inches of space behind the dartboard. This allows for proper ventilation and helps absorb vibration. It also provides room for darts that bounce out of the board to drop safely, rather than ricocheting off a flat wall. If the board is flush against drywall, repeated play can damage the wall and reduce the board's lifespan.

Quick Tip: If you’re setting up a long-term playing area, mark the oche line permanently using duct tape or a pre-marked dart mat. Some mats even include multiple throw lines for different games, which can be a fun bonus.

How to Hang a Dartboard on a Wall (Standard Bracket Method)

Hanging a dartboard with a standard bracket is the most secure and reliable method. It’s what most manufacturers recommend, and it ensures the board is level and centered. If you want a professional feel, this is the way to go.

Tools You’ll Need:

Power drill and appropriate bits
Tape measure
Level
Pencil
Dartboard Hanging Kit (includes bracket, screws, bumpers)
Wall anchors (if mounting on drywall or plaster)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Measure and mark the bullseye height. Use your tape measure to mark 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. This will be the center point of your dartboard.
Install the wall bracket. Attach the bracket so that its center lines up with the mark. If your wall is drywall, use wall anchors to prevent the screws from loosening over time.
Attach the dartboard. Most boards have a pre-drilled hole in the back. Slide this onto the bracket until it clicks or rests securely.
Rotate to align the number 20. The 20 should always be at the top. Use a level to double-check.
Test rotation and stability. A good setup allows you to rotate the board easily. This helps prevent uneven wear from repetitive play.

Personal note: I once skipped the level and assumed my wall was straight. It wasn’t. The result? The 11 was where the 20 should’ve been. Now I always use a level and step back to check alignment before tightening the final screw.

How to Hang a Dartboard Without the Bracket

Sometimes, the bracket is missing or you’re dealing with a makeshift setup. Maybe you're just testing out darting and don’t want to commit to holes in the wall. No worries—there are several ways to hang your dartboard without the bracket.

Alternative Mounting Options:

Screws directly into a wood backing: Works well if you have a cabinet or plywood panel behind the board.
Heavy-duty adhesive hooks: Only for soft-tip dartboards. Not strong enough for regulation boards.
Velcro strips: Great for lightweight boards and temporary setups.
French cleats: Ideal for DIY setups. They’re strong, removable, and distribute weight evenly.

When These Work Best:

You’ve lost the original bracket
You’re on a budget or just testing the setup
You want a temporary, damage-free mount (rentals or kids' rooms)

Pros:

Easy to install
Budget-friendly
Flexible placement

Cons:

May not hold regulation boards securely
Harder to rotate the board
May damage the dartboard over time if not supported correctly

Personal experience: I once used industrial velcro strips to mount a soft-tip dartboard in my apartment. It held surprisingly well—but I made sure to stick it to a thin plywood board first to avoid damaging the paint.

How to Hang a Dartboard Outside

An outdoor dartboard setup adds a whole new level of fun, especially during backyard barbecues or family gatherings. But outdoor setups come with their own challenges.

What to Consider:

Weather: Rain, humidity, and sun can damage your board. Choose a sheltered area like under a covered patio or pergola.
Mounting surface: Brick, wood siding, or concrete can affect how you hang the board. Avoid soft surfaces.
Moisture-proofing: Use a sealed cabinet or treated wood backing to protect the board from the elements.

How to Set It Up:

Pick a shaded, covered location. A dry, wind-free corner of your yard works well.
Mount a plywood panel or dartboard cabinet to your outdoor wall.
Use weather-resistant screws, anchors, and a standard bracket to mount the board.

Pro Tip: Cover the dartboard when not in use. A simple tarp or custom-fitted cover will help extend the life of your board.

Experience note: I installed my board on a treated cedar panel beneath our deck. It’s lasted three summers so far, but I learned to bring it inside during heavy storms or winter.

Choosing and Using a Dartboard Hanging Kit

If you want to save time, frustration, and crooked darts, a dartboard hanging kit is a great investment. These kits are designed to make the process as foolproof as possible.

What’s in the Kit:

Wall bracket (usually U-shaped or disc style)
Mounting screws
Center screw for board rotation
Rubber bumpers or feet
Wall anchors

Why It Helps:

Ensures perfect height and rotation
Minimizes vibration
Allows easy removal or adjustment

Recommendation:

I highly recommend the Viper Pro Dartboard Mounting Kit. It comes with clear instructions, heavy-duty hardware, and even a level guide. You can find it on Amazon, Home Depot, or your local sporting goods store.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging a Dartboard

Even experienced players mess up sometimes. Here are the biggest mistakes I’ve seen—and made.

Wrong measurements: Double-check everything. Even half an inch can throw off your aim.
Mounting directly to drywall: Use anchors or mount to wood to avoid sagging and damage.
No clearance for rotation: If you mount the board too close to a wall or cabinet, it won’t rotate.
Crooked number 20: Always use a level and stand back to check.

Personal mistake: I once got so excited I mounted the board, then realized I didn’t leave space for it to spin. I had to remove the whole setup and redo it with spacers.

FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Dartboard Setup Questions

Q1: What is the regulation height and distance for a dartboard?
A: The bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. The throwing line should be 7 feet 9.25 inches from the face of the dartboard.

Q2: Can I hang a dartboard on drywall?
A: Yes, but you’ll need wall anchors or a backing board to support the weight and prevent damage.

Q3: How do I hang a dartboard without damaging the wall?
A: Use adhesive hooks, velcro, or mount the board on a freestanding panel or cabinet.

Q4: What’s the best way to hang a dartboard outside?
A: Use a treated wood board in a covered area. Install with rust-proof hardware and shield it from weather.

Q5: Do I need a dartboard cabinet?
A: No, but it’s a great way to protect your walls and keep darts, chalk, and extras organized.

Conclusion

Learning how to hang a dartboard the right way pays off with every throw. From setting the perfect dart board height and distance to choosing the right dartboard hanging kit or finding creative solutions without the bracket, this guide covers all the essentials. You now know how to mount your board indoors or outside, avoid common mistakes, and make your space look and feel just right.

Whether you’re building a full game room or just want to have some fun on the weekends, take the time to set things up properly. Your game will thank you—and so will your wall.

Got a question or a tip from your own setup? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you did it!

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