Best Dart Backboards of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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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
MQQUFF 36" x 25" Felt Dartboard Wall Protector Cover #TOP 3
MQQUFF 36" x 25" Felt Dartboard Wall Protector
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 Defender III Extended Length Dartboard Surround Wall Protector, Fits 17.75" and 18" Bristle Dartboards, Compression-Fit Easy Mounting, 45" H x 32" W x 1" Thickness, Black

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
Lightweight design
Effective wall protection
Professional appearance
Sturdy and durable material
What We Don't Like
Visible seams between panels
Occasional felt peeling
#TOP 2

Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

41-0612
Grey
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Cover
Viper Defender Dartboard Surround Reversable Wall Protector, Fits 17.75" and 18" Bristle Dartboards, Compression-Fit Tool-Free Easy Mounting, Black, Round, 28.25" Diameter x 1" Thick

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
Easy installation
Excellent wall protection
Professional appearance
Durable EVA foam
Snug fit for most boards
What We Don't Like
Limited compatibility with some dartboards
Slightly loose fit for a few models
#TOP 3

MQQUFF 36" x 25" Felt Dartboard Wall Protector

Dart Board Wall Protectors-01
Black
MQQUFF 36" x 25" Felt Dartboard Wall Protector Cover
MQQUFF Dart Board Wall Protectors, Black Felt Wall Tiles Cork Dartboard Backing Wall Protector, 36" H X 25" W X 0.5" Square Dartboard Alternative Dart Accessories

The MQQUFF Felt Dartboard Protector is designed to keep your walls safe from dart damage, so you don’t have to worry about marks or holes. Its foldable design makes it easy to store and perfect for use with dartboard enclosures, saving you space when not in use. Made from durable felt, this protector resists wear and tear while staying odor-free, ensuring long-lasting use. Installation is simple—just peel off the adhesive backing and stick it wherever you need, allowing you to quickly set up and enjoy games with family and friends without hassle.

What We Like
Wall protection
Easy installation
Reduces wall marks
Good sound muffling
Fits well with dartboard
What We Don't Like
Adhesive could be stronger
Darts may not always stick
#TOP 4

XUANZIKEMAO Felt Dart Board Wall Protector

XUANZIKEMAO
dart board wall protectors
black
XUANZIKEMAO Felt Dart Board Wall Protector Cover
Dart Board Wall Protectors, 36" H X 24" W X 0.5" Thickness, Felt Wall Tiles Dart Board Wall Surround Protector, Cork Board Alternative

The XUANZIKEMAO Dart Wall Protector is a practical addition to your game room, designed to keep your walls safe from dart marks and damage. Its foldable design makes it easy for you to set up and store away when not in use, saving space and adding convenience. Made from durable felt material, it not only protects but also looks good, offering a stylish alternative to traditional cork boards. Installation is simple and quick with double-sided tape and a replaceable adhesive backing, so you can have your dartboard ready to use without any hassle.

What We Like
Wall protection
Easy installation
Customizable size and arrangement
Attractive appearance
Useful for beginners and kids
What We Don't Like
Thickness may be insufficient
Adhesive may damage paint
#TOP 5

Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork

41-0614-99
Viper Wall Defender III Dartboard Surround Cork Cover
Viper Defender III Cork Dartboard Surround Reversable Wall Protector, Fits 17.75" and 18" Bristle Dartboards, Compression-Fit Tool-Free Easy Mounting, Tan, Rectanglular, 45" L x 32" W x 1" Thick

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 and installation
Effective wall protection
Lightweight and snug fit
Attractive cork finish
No need for mounting hardware
What We Don't Like
Somewhat higher price
May need extra adhesive
#TOP 6

Afumazi Extended Dartboard Wall Protector

Black
28.5 x 42 tum
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 assembly and setup
Effective wall protection
No adhesive or nails required
Good material quality
Fits securely over dartboard
What We Don't Like
Slight misalignment of pieces
May be small for some boards
#TOP 7

Hahafelt Felt Wood Grain Dart Board Wall Protector

QUN-Hahafelt-1043
Grain
36 x 24 x 0.5 Inch
Hahafelt Felt Wood Grain Dart Board Wall Protector Cover
Hahafelt Felt Wood Grain Dart Board Wall Protectors Square Dart Board Backing Tiles Dartboard Backboard Cork Backboard Alternative(Grain,36 x 24 x 0.5 Inch)

The Hahafelt Felt Dart Protector adds a stylish touch to your game room with its unique wood grain felt design, making it more eye-catching than typical black backboards. Installing it is simple and damage-free since it comes with double-sided removable tape, so you don’t need to worry about tools or marks on your wall. This protector is sized just right to shield your walls from stray darts, keeping your space neat and free from damage. Plus, if you have limited room, its foldable design makes it easy to store away when not in use, giving you more space and convenience.

What We Like
attractive wall appearance
sturdy, thick material
simple installation
fun for casual play
suitable for families with kids
What We Don't Like
included tape less adhesive
dart holes may remain
#TOP 8

Afumazi Dart Board Wall Protector

Black
Afumazi Dart Board Wall Protector Cover
Afumazi 5Pcs Splicing Dart Board Wall Protector, Cork Dartboard Backboard Wall Surround

The Afumazi Wall Protector is a great addition to any dart board setup. With its 28in outer diameter and 17.75in inner diameter, this wall surround provides ample protection for your walls from errant throws. Made from black flocking and EVA foam, it is both strong and sturdy. The easy installation process requires no tools, simply splice the 5 pieces of the dart backboards together. Not only does it protect your walls, but the EVA surface covered with black flocking also has a protective effect on the tip of the dart. Whether you have a dart board at home, in a pub, game room, or club, this dart board backer is an ideal choice. And if you have any suggestions or encounter any problems, the Afumazi team is dedicated to providing the best product quality and customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Wall protection
Easy assembly
Dense EVA foam
Fits most dartboards
Good value
What We Don't Like
Fit may be loose on some boards
Minor size variation issue
#TOP 9

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
Viper Defender II Dartboard Surround Reversable Wall Protector, Fits 17.75" and 18" Bristle Dartboards, Compression-Fit Tool-Free Easy Mounting, Black, Square, 28.25" L x 28.25" W x 1" Thick

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 assembly and setup
Effective wall protection
Durable quality foam
Snug fit around dartboard
No wall attachment needed
What We Don't Like
Slight color inconsistency
Foam could be thicker
#TOP 10

Fluxynara Felt Dart Board Wall Protector

Fluxynara
Walnut Brown
Rectangle
Fluxynara Felt Dart Board Wall Protector Cover
Fluxynara Felt Dart Board Wall Protector Foldable Backboard Square Surround Protector Backing Tiles, Wall Protector with Adhesive Pads | Home & Basement & Garage Use

The Fluxynara Felt Dart Protector offers a smart alternative to traditional cork boards, measuring 35.43 by 23.62 inches with a sturdy 0.47-inch thickness. Its surface mimics natural wood grain through advanced UV printing, giving your space a stylish look while protecting your walls. With a modern, frameless design and a clever folding feature, it folds flat for easy storage without losing strength. Made from thick, high-density polyester fiber, this felt board absorbs the impact of darts, preventing damage and unsightly marks on your walls. Installation is a breeze with included removable nano gel adhesive pads, making setup quick and hassle-free.

What We Like
Wall protection
Versatile usage
Easy installation
Attractive faux wood look
Reduces noise
What We Don't Like
Steel tip darts may penetrate
Adhesive difficult to reposition
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 24,851 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 $33.38.

The dart backboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dart backboards, including Viper, MQQUFF, XUANZIKEMAO, Afumazi, Hahafelt. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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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Brand Viper Viper MQQUFF XUANZIKEMAO Viper Afumazi Hahafelt Afumazi Viper Fluxynara
Color Black Grey Black black Tan Black Grain Black Black Walnut Brown
Material Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Foam - Felt Cork faced, High-density EVA-foam Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) felt Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) High-density EVA-foam felt
Item Weight 2 Pounds 1 Pounds 0.86 Kilograms 1.01 Kilograms 2 Pounds 1.38 Kilograms - - 1.4 Pounds -
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 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy