Best Dart Backboards of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Dart backboards are essential for any serious dart player. These backboards are designed to protect walls from wayward darts and provide a durable surface to play on. They come in a variety of materials, such as cork, sisal, and bristle, and in different shapes and sizes to fit any space. Some models even include scoreboards and storage for darts. Dart backboards are a must-have for any game room or bar, and they provide a professional and safe environment for players to enjoy the game.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Viper Defender III Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover #TOP 1
Viper Defender III Dartboard Surround Wall Protector
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover #TOP 2
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork Cover #TOP 3
Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dart Backboards

#TOP 1

Viper Defender III Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

41-0614
Black
Viper Defender III Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover
Viper by GLD Products Defender III Extended Length Dartboard Surround Wall Protector, Black, One Size

The Viper Defender III Dartboard Surround Wall Protector accommodates both standard 17.75 inch and 18 inch bristle dartboards, providing 8.2 square feet of protection with a 1 inch thick high-density V-foam. Its attractive velvet surface minimizes signs of wear, and its easy to assemble compression fitting requires no additional bracing, mounting hardware, or tools. This dart backboard is the perfect solution to protect your walls while playing darts.

What We Like
Easy installation
Effective wall protection
Sturdy and thick material
Lightweight design
Good fit around dartboard
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent quality control
Pieces may not match in color
#TOP 2

Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

41-0612
Grey
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover
Viper by GLD Products Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector , Black

The Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector is a durable 1" thick EVA foam that safeguards your wall from darts. It provides 2.8 square feet of coverage and is reversible with a jet black backside that prolongs the lifespan of your surround. It is compatible with both 18" and 17.75" sisal dart boards and catches your darts to protect them when playing on harder surfaces like cement or brick. It is easy to set up, simply snap the segments together and mount it around your dartboard to use without any extra holes in your wall.

What We Like
Durable EVA foam material
Easy installation and removal
Professional and sleek appearance
Great wall protection
Fits standard dartboards snugly
What We Don't Like
May fit loosely on some boards
Visible gaps on outer ring
#TOP 3

Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork

41-0614-99
Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork Cover
Viper by GLD Products Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork, Tan

The Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork is designed to protect your wall from dings and dents caused by stray darts. It is constructed from high density V-Foam and provides an astonishing 8.2 square feet of protection. This foam surround fits perfectly on regulation 17.75” sisal dartboards and is engineered to form fit tightly compressed against the wall and board, with no hardware required.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Lightweight design
Effective wall protection
Snug fit around dartboard
Aesthetic cork finish
What We Don't Like
Requires additional mounting strips
Some pieces may have gaps
#TOP 4

Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard

41-0602
Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard Cover
Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard, Dark Mahogany Finish

The Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard features a stylish dark mahogany finish that enhances your home decor. Made of MDF wood, it is equipped with a durable black felt backing that protects your wall from missed throws. It measures 29" L x 29" W x 1" D and fits most traditional sisal fiber bristle dartboards. The package includes mounting hardware, making installation a breeze.

What We Like
Stylish design
Easy installation
Durable construction
Effective wall protection
Good for beginners
What We Don't Like
Mounting hardware issues
#TOP 5

Viper Resolute Dart Backboard

41-0627
Black
Viper Resolute Dart Backboard Cover
Viper by GLD Products Resolute Dart Backboard, Black

The Viper Dart Backboard is designed to enhance your dart-playing experience. It comes with a wall shield and pre-installed mounting bracket, making setup quick and easy for you. With built-in scoreboards for Cricket 01, you can effortlessly keep track of your game scores. The durable EVA shield increases the defensive area, protecting your walls from stray darts. Additionally, you can conveniently store two sets of steel tip darts in the pre-drilled slots, ensuring that your darts are always close at hand when you want to play.

What We Like
Nice quality and value
Easy to install
Good scoreboard
Stability seems good
Inexpensive option
What We Don't Like
Not very sturdy
Wall protector ineffective
#TOP 6

Dart-Stop 29" Octagon Pro Dartboard Backboard

1101
Black
29 Inch Diameter
Dart-Stop 29" Octagon Pro Dartboard Backboard Cover
Dart-Stop 29 inch Black Octagon Pro Dart Board Backboard | Wall Protector | Dartboard Surround

The Dart-Stop 29 inch Black Octagon Pro Dart Board Backboard is a high-quality, handcrafted wall protector that enhances your darts experience and improves your dartboard appearance. It is engineered to perform with sturdy 3/4 inch thick wood that minimizes bounce-outs, and a plush no-dart-holes fabric finish. The backboard has steel-reinforced wall mounting points and comes with easy, clear instructions and hardware included. The pre-installed, recessed metal bristle dartboard bracket ensures quick, wobble-free mounting of steel-tip dartboards. Soft-tip dartboards can be hung using the keyhole slot(s) on the back, but check the screw locations for conflicts with the backboard mounting.

What We Like
Easy installation
High quality craftsmanship
Attractive design
Effective wall protection
Sturdy and durable
What We Don't Like
Pricey for some customers
Sound could be quieter
#TOP 7

Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

41-0613
Black
4.5 x 16.8 x 16.8"
Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover
US title : Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Wall Protector, Black, square,4.5 x 16.8 x 16.8 inches

The Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Wall Protector is designed to fit any standard 18" bristle dartboard and provides a 5" square of protection. The high-density v-foam ensures durability, while the velvet surface minimizes signs of wear. The compression fitting makes it easy to assemble without any additional hardware or tools, and the fully reversible design ensures lasting protection.

What We Like
Easy setup and takedown
Blends well with board
Durable and great quality
Protects drywall effectively
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to DIY options
Could use thicker foam
#TOP 8

Hahafelt Dart Board Wall Protector

QUN-Hahafelt-114
Classic
24 x 24 x 0.5 Inch
Hahafelt Dart Board Wall Protector Cover
Hahafelt Dart Board Wall Protectors Dart Board Backing Felt Wall Tiles Cork Dart Board Backer Cork Board Alternative(24 x 24 x 0.5 Inch,Classic,1 Pieces)

The Hahafelt Wall Protector is designed to keep your walls safe while you enjoy your dart games. Its durable black felt material covers an area of 24 x 24 inches, offering ample protection against dart damage. Installation is a breeze with movable double-sided tape that secures the protector to your wall, allowing you to reposition or clean it effortlessly. Plus, its foldable design means you can easily store it away when not in use, keeping your space organized. With this protector, you can play darts without worrying about wall damage.

What We Like
Stays attached to the wall
Effective wall protection
Cost-effective and easy installation
Durable materials
Aesthetic appearance
What We Don't Like
Missing installation instructions
Quality of dartboard could improve
#TOP 9

Viper Defender II Dartboard Wall Protector

41-0613-99
Viper Defender II Dartboard Wall Protector Cover
Viper Defender II Cork-Lined Dartboard Surround Reversable Wall Protector, Fits 17.75" and 18" Bristle Dartboards, Compression-Fit Tool-Free Easy Mounting, Tan, Square, 28.25" L x 28.25" W x 1" Thick

The Viper Dartboard Wall Protector is designed to keep your walls safe from errant darts. Made from durable, high-density EVA foam, it offers ample coverage to shield your walls from damage. Its reversible cork design not only enhances its lifespan but also keeps your setup looking neat. This protector is compatible with both 17.75" and 18" dartboards, ensuring a snug fit, and it even includes an adhesive band for smaller boards. Additionally, it effectively catches darts on hard surfaces, preventing wear and tear on both your walls and your darts.

What We Like
Fits around dart board well
Protects walls from damage
Sturdy and thick material
Reversible cork pieces
Multi-functional as notice board
What We Don't Like
Flimsy for the price
Hole size may not fit
#TOP 10

Afumazi Extended Dartboard Wall Protector

Black
Afumazi Extended Dartboard Wall Protector Cover
Afumazi Extended Length Dart Board Wall Protector, Splicable Dartboard Backboard Surround

The Afumazi Dartboard Protector provides ample coverage for your dartboard and walls, measuring 28.5×42×1 inches. This spacious backboard is designed for 17.75-inch dartboards and offers 8.3 square feet of protection, ensuring your walls remain unscathed from stray darts. Made from durable EVA material with a velvet surface, it promises longevity and style. The setup is hassle-free, consisting of six interlocking pieces that require no tools for assembly. Just snap them together like a puzzle, making it easy to install and disassemble whenever needed, perfect for game rooms or lounges.

What We Like
Easy installation
Effective wall protection
Good foam thickness
Fits standard dart boards
What We Don't Like
Interlocking pieces misalignment
No adhesive included
Buying Guide Image

The Complete Guide to Buying Dart Backboards

Introduction

Dart backboards are an important part of a dart game setup. Not only do they provide a background for the dartboard, they also protect the wall behind it from missed throws. When choosing a dart backboard, there are several factors to consider, including size, material, and durability.

Size

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a dart backboard is the size. The backboard should be large enough to cover the entire wall behind the dartboard and provide ample protection. A good rule of thumb is to choose a backboard that is at least 3-4 inches larger than the dartboard itself. This will ensure that all missed throws are caught by the backboard and not the wall.

Material

Another important factor to consider is the material of the backboard. There are several options available, including cork, sisal, and bristle. Cork is a popular choice because it is lightweight, durable, and provides good protection for the wall. Sisal is another popular option because it is more durable and provides a better surface for sticking the darts. Bristle backboards are typically used in professional dart tournaments because they provide the best surface for throwing darts, but they are also the most expensive option.

Durability

Finally, you should consider the durability of the dart backboard. Darts can cause significant wear and tear on the backboard, so it is important to choose a material that is capable of standing up to regular use. Cork and sisal are both durable options, but bristle backboards are the most durable option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a dart backboard is an important part of setting up a dart game. Consider the size, material, and durability of the backboard to ensure that it provides adequate protection for the wall and provides a good surface for throwing darts. With the right dart backboard, you can enjoy a fun and exciting game of darts without worrying about damaging your walls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are dart boards so expensive?

The price of dart boards can vary greatly due to differences in quality. More expensive boards often use higher quality fibers and have a tighter fiber core compression, which contributes to their higher cost.

2. How thick should dart backboard be?

A dart backboard should ideally be 1 inch (25mm) thick. These backboard sheets are typically 24 inches (approx. 600mm) x 36 inches (approx. 900mm) in size. You can use multiple sheets to create a larger backing area if needed.

3. What can I put behind my dart board to protect the wall?

To protect the wall behind your dart board, you can create your own surround using old wine corks. Wine corks offer flexibility and can be arranged in various patterns, giving your setup a unique look. Additionally, they can be easily added to an existing setup or cabinet for added protection and style.

4. Do pros use tungsten darts?

Many professional dart players, including Michael Van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney, and Peter Wright, typically use tungsten darts. Tungsten is a popular material choice for darts due to its properties and increased resistance. However, the shape of the flights may vary based on individual player preferences.

5. Can you use a cork board as a dart board?

While cork boards can be used as a cheaper alternative to try out darts, they are not as durable or long-lasting as dartboards made with sisal fibers. Cork dartboards are often much more affordable compared to high-quality dartboards made with sisal fibers.

6. How long does the average dart board last?

With average use, you can expect a dartboard to last between 2 to 5 years. However, frequent play will cause the dartboard to wear out more quickly. If a dartboard sees daily use, it may need to be replaced within 6 months to a year.

7. Is a 44 inch backboard too small?

Backboards for darts can range in size from 44 inches up to 72 inches, with 72 inches being the regulation size at the professional level. A 44-inch backboard is smaller and more suitable for a standard two-car driveway, saving space. A 60-inch backboard offers a good balance between space-saving and providing a larger size for banking shots.

8. Can drywall hold a dart board?

While it is recommended to mount a dartboard directly into a stud for maximum support, it is possible to mount a dartboard on drywall using heavy-duty anchors. Make sure to have the necessary tools, such as a drill or screwdriver, pencil, and tape measure, before attempting to mount the dartboard.

Editor's Notes

During our dart backboard research, we found 24 dart backboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,431 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dart backboards list. We found that most customers choose dart backboards with an average price of $31.75.

The dart backboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dart backboards, including Viper, Dart-Stop, Hahafelt, Afumazi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.

Dart Backboards Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
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#TOP10
Brand Viper Viper Viper Viper Viper Dart-Stop Viper Hahafelt Viper Afumazi
Material EVA Foam Foam High-density EVA-foam, Cork faced Wood Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Engineered Wood, Plush Fabric, Metal High-density EVA-foam Felt High-density EVA-foam, Cork faced Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Color Black Grey Tan Dark Mahogany Finish Black Black Black Classic Tan Black
Item Weight 2 Pounds 1 Pounds 2 Pounds 8.7 Pounds - 9.5 Pounds 1.4 Pounds 0.63 Kilograms 1.4 Pounds 1.38 Kilograms
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy