Ever throw a dart that misses the board entirely? That sudden thud against your wall can send a shiver down your spine, not to mention the potential for a nasty repair bill! Playing darts is fun, but protecting your surroundings is serious business. Finding the perfect darts surround can feel like navigating a maze. Do you choose foam, wood, or something else? How thick does it need to be? These questions can stop you from getting the best setup for your game.
Don’t let a stray dart ruin your fun or your drywall. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great darts surround. You will learn the key features to look for so you can confidently pick the best protection for your dartboard setup. Get ready to stop worrying about stray darts and focus on hitting that triple twenty!
Top Darts Surround Recommendations
- SAFEGUARD YOUR WALL - Protect your walls with the durable 1" thick high-density EVA foam, offering 2.8 square feet of extra coverage against stray darts
- REVERSABLE DESIGN - Backside is jet black (no logos) so it can be easily flipped to extend the lifespan of your surround and maintain a clean appearance
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Easily fits all 18" and 17.75" sisal dartboards. Simply use the included adhesive band to accommodate smaller dartboards
- PROTECT YOUR DARTS - Safely catches and protects darts when board is mounted on hard surfaces like cement or brick, preventing damage or wear
- QUICK & EASY SETUP - Assemble effortlessly by snapping the segments together and mounting them around your dartboard -- no need for additional holes in your wall; The lightweight EVA foam allows for easy installation and removal, making it simple to set up and take down as needed
- Winmau Blade 6 Grey Dartboard Surround
- Winmau dartboard surrounds protect the area around the dartboard from stray darts
- Suitable for all Winmau bristle dartboards and perfect for home, club or pub use
- Inner Diameter - 43.6cm / Outer Diameter - 67.5cm
- Dartboard not included
- Premium Dartboard Protection Guaranteed: Shield your walls from damage with our high-performance surround ring! Made of dense EVA foam with a velvet surface, it captures stray darts and reduces bounce-outs. With a generous 5-inch width and 1-inch thickness, it offers superior coverage. Ideal for game rooms or parties, it preserves walls and extends dart tip life.(Dart Board is not included)
- Engineered for Perfect Fit & Easy Setup: Designed with precision, this darts board surround features an inner diameter of 17.71inch and outer diameter of 28.74inch, ensuring compatibility with all standard 18-inch dartboards. The innovative 5-piece jigsaw design allows quick, tool-free assembly – simply snap the pieces together by hand! No extra brackets or hardware needed. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction makes it ideal for home offices, clubs, or even temporary party decor
- Superior Material for Enhanced Safety: Made from high-resilience EVA foam, this dart surround offers exceptional shock absorption. The soft surface protects delicate dart tips while holding them firmly in place for easy removal. With an expanded protective area, it reliably safeguards walls from missed shots. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this dart board wall protectors solution ensures peace of mind during every game
- Versatile & Portable Design: Take your dart game anywhere! This lightweight (only 450g) Dart Board Backboards set detaches into flat segments for compact storage in bags or drawers. Great for pubs, club events, vacations, or spontaneous gatherings. Its sleek look also doubles as stylish party decor for game rooms and man caves, blending functionality with entertainment-ready aesthetics
- Transform Your Gaming Experience: More than just protection – this dart board surround elevates your space! Enjoy uninterrupted gameplay knowing your walls are safe from damage. The professional-grade build enhances any environment, from casual family fun to competitive party atmospheres. Durable, practical, and visually appealing, it’s the ultimate add-on for dart enthusiasts who value both performance and décor
- SAFER PLAY AREA: High-density polyurethane foam helps reduce marks from stray throws on near surfaces and floors, creating a wall-safe dartboard zone for practice, club play, and game nights
- FASTER SETUP: Slide-on design installs with no tools around compatible dartboards, giving you a portable dartboard surround easy to fit in game rooms, garages, basements, clubs, or pubs
- SHARPER PRESENTATION: The Winmau PDC model creates clean, professional dart display with dartboard look, making any recreational or commercial setup feel more polished and tournament-ready
- RELIABLE IMPACT CONTROL: This round foam dart surround acts as a dart backboard and dartboard edge protector helping with indoor dart protection, stray dart coverage, safer steel-tip sessions
- BROAD FIT AND SPECS: 26.5-inch, solid round profile, and one-piece surround ring fits all Winmau bristle dartboards, including Blade 5 and Blade 6 - package quantity one package weight 1.54 kg. Dartboard not included. Surround ring only.
- THE ULTIMATE DART BOARD SURROUND RING: Maximum strength high density foam to shield walls from dart damage, plus avoiding breakage to darts if they hit the wall. Industry leading 28mm EVA Foam pile, highly stain resistant and odourless, durable to last.
- MAXIMUM PROTECTION: Generous total 720mm wall protector, radius of ring plus 125mm diameter means maximum protection top & bottom, left & right. Premium Velvet finish with Anti Slip for all wall types. Setup and throw with confidence.
- EASY ASSEMBLY AND EXTRA LONG LIFE: Convenient 4pcs segments which securely fit together, anti slip EVA foam pile fits firmly around the board, no other mounting required. Dual Sided to prolong use, simply turn surround around and get fresh side protection. 28mm EVA depth means extra strength of panels, damage from darts is eliminated.
- DARTBOARD SURROUND FOR PROFESSIONAL DARTS: Tournament Specification measurements to fit any standard size dart board, with regulation depth and diameter.
- ESSENTIAL DARTS ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR DART BOARD SET: Harrows Darts is the world's leading and most widely distributed darts brand, offering all dart accessories for your darts board set.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Darts Surround
A darts surround is a must-have accessory for any dartboard owner. It protects your walls from stray darts. A good surround makes your playing area look professional. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
Size and Coverage
Check the dimensions of the surround. It needs to be wide enough to catch darts that miss the board. Most surrounds cover the area around the dartboard completely. Bigger is usually better for wall protection.
Ease of Installation
Some surrounds snap together easily. Others need screws and tools. Look for simple setups, especially if you move your setup often. You want to spend time playing, not building.
Aesthetics and Design
The surround frames your dartboard. Many come in black or dark colors. Some feature branding or unique patterns. Choose a style that matches your game room.
Portability (If Needed)
If you play darts in different locations, consider a foldable or lightweight surround. These pack down small for easy transport.
Important Materials for Durability
The material matters a lot. It determines how well the surround stops darts and how long it lasts.
- EVA Foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): This is a very common material. It absorbs impact well. Darts stick into it easily. It is usually lightweight and affordable.
- Rubber: High-density rubber offers excellent stopping power. It resists dents better than foam. It often feels sturdier.
- Wood/MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Sometimes used for the backboard or frame. Wood adds a classic look but is heavier.
Factors That Influence Quality
Thickness
Thicker materials stop darts more effectively. A thin surround might let a powerful throw penetrate through to the wall. Aim for at least 1 inch of material thickness for good protection.
Fit Around the Board
The surround must fit snugly around your specific dartboard size (usually 18 inches in diameter). Poorly fitting surrounds leave gaps where darts can escape.
Noise Dampening
When a dart hits the surround, it makes noise. Quality foam or rubber absorbs more sound. This is important if you play late at night and don’t want to disturb others.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your dart setup. This guides your purchase decision.
Home Casual Play
If you play darts just for fun sometimes, a simple foam surround works great. Focus on easy setup and good coverage.
Competitive Practice
Serious players need maximum durability. Look for dense rubber or high-quality, thick EVA foam. These withstand thousands of hits without breaking down.
Shared Spaces
If the setup is in a common area, noise reduction becomes a key factor. A surround that muffles the sound of missed shots improves everyone’s experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Darts Surrounds
Q: Do I need a darts surround if I have a bristle dartboard?
A: Yes, you still need one. Even the best bristle boards occasionally miss. The surround protects the wall behind the board from scratches and holes.
Q: Will a surround damage my dartboard?
A: No. Most surrounds are designed to fit around the board without touching or squeezing it. They simply frame the target area.
Q: How do I clean a foam darts surround?
A: You can usually wipe foam surrounds with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, as they can break down the foam structure.
Q: Can I paint my darts surround?
A: Some foam surrounds accept paint, but many do not. Check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Paint might make the foam sticky or brittle.
Q: Are all surrounds compatible with electronic dartboards?
A: Not always. Electronic boards often have sensors or scoring screens. Measure carefully to ensure the surround does not block these features.
Q: How long does a standard EVA foam surround usually last?
A: With regular use, a good quality EVA foam surround can last several years before needing replacement due to heavy pitting.
Q: What is the difference between a surround and a dartboard cabinet?
A: A cabinet is a box that closes over the board for storage and protection. A surround is a ring that stays around the board while you play.
Q: Does the surround affect dart bounce-outs?
A: Yes, it helps. If a dart bounces off the wire and hits the surround, the soft material usually catches it, preventing it from falling dramatically or damaging the wall.
Q: Should I buy a surround that is thicker than 1 inch?
A: If you throw very hard, or if your wall surface is delicate (like drywall), a thicker surround (1.5 inches or more) offers superior peace of mind.
Q: Is the surround heavy?
A: Foam surrounds are very light. Rubber or wood-framed surrounds weigh more. Check the product specifications if you plan to hang it on a weak wall.