Setting Up Your Dartboard Cabinet

Whether you're an occasional dart player or a seasoned pro, it's inevitable that you'll occasionally miss your target. To prevent wall damage or bent dart tips, consider mounting your dartboard inside a cabinet. Fortunately, installing your own dartboard cabinet is a straightforward process.

Ensure there's a minimum of 8 feet (2.4 m) between the dartboard and the throwing area. You'll need ample space for both yourself and your arm movements during throwing. Additionally, avoid hanging the dartboard cabinet near valuable artwork or fragile objects to prevent potential damage from stray darts.

Ensure the cabinet fits when open by measuring the wall. Don't just measure the closed width, or the doors may be obstructed when fully unfolded.

Measure a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) for a regulation board. The standard height for the bullseye on a dartboard is 5’8” (68 inches or 1.7 m). If you're adhering to league regulations or official rules, position your cabinet so the bullseye aligns with this height.

Adjust the cabinet height for casual play so the bullseye is at eye level. If you're not concerned with strict regulations, customize the cabinet height for your comfort. Aim to center the cabinet so the bullseye is roughly at eye level.

Locate wall studs using a stud finder. Slide the stud finder horizontally until it detects a stud. Once you find one, mark it at the desired bullseye height. Ensure the cabinet is level before mounting.

Find the adjacent stud. To ensure stability, anchor your cabinet to two studs. Either use the stud finder again or measure 16 inches (41 cm) from the first stud, the standard distance between studs. Mark this spot with a pencil.

Secure the dartboard with wall anchors if studs are not available. In the absence of studs or a stud finder, employ wall anchors to affix the cabinet securely. Wall anchors provide a base for screws when no studs are present. Depending on the type, drilling may be necessary.

Align the cabinet centrally over the studs at the bullseye marker. Most cabinets are designed to center the bullseye. Use the bullseye mark as the cabinet's midpoint. Position the cabinet accordingly and mark where the pre-drilled screw holes align.

Check for straight alignment using a level. Acquire a level from a hardware store or utilize a leveling app. Place the level atop the cabinet, adjusting until the indicator is centered. For a laser level, align the top parallel to the laser line.

If your cabinet lacks pre-drilled holes, drill them. While most dartboard cabinets come with pre-drilled holes, you may need to drill four holes in the corners of your cabinet if they're absent. Ensure the distance between holes doesn't exceed 16 inches (41 cm) to facilitate anchoring in studs.

Mount the cabinet to wall studs using screws. Dartboard cabinets typically include all necessary hardware for mounting. Utilize a cordless drill to affix the cabinet securely with the provided screws.

Utilize a #8 screw if screws are not included with your cabinet. The #8 screw, equivalent to ⁵⁄₃₂ inch (4.0 mm), is a standard choice for installation. Opt for a length of approximately 2 inches (51mm).

Make adjustments to the cabinet as required. After installation, verify the alignment with a level and confirm the bullseye's height. If adjustments are needed, remove the screws, reposition the cabinet, then secure it again.