There will hardly be any game room without a dartboard on its wall. However, after a few heated games, you might find damage around the dartboard. To prevent that, you can use a backboard or a much more stylish option – a cabinet. Some of the best dartboard cabinets out there look great, have room for darts and scoreboards, and will protect the wall behind them.

So, how do you go about finding a cabinet that will work for your dartboard? That’s where I come in!

I’ve tested out several models on the market and narrowed down my choices to 10 durable, top-of-the-line cabinets that you will love. I’ve also put together a detailed buyer’s guide, so you can learn about all the different features these cabinets have to offer, why you’ll need one for your board, and how to ensure the cabinet you’ve chosen is the right one. Let’s kick things off with a brief comparison chart between some of the top models for this year…

Dartboard Cabinets Comparison Chart

Product	Closed Dimensions	Includes Dartboard	Material	Our Rating
Viper Hideaway Shop On Amazon!	21 x 21.5 x 2.13 inches	Yes	Plywood
American Legend Barnwood Shop On Amazon!	24 x 24 x 4 inches	No	Solid wood
Barrington Cabinet Shop On Amazon!	24 x 24 x 4 inches	Yes	Pine wood
EastPoint Sports Set Shop On Amazon!	21 x 24 x 3 inches	Yes	Plywood
Trademark Gameroom Shop On Amazon!	25 x 20 x 3.25 inches	Yes	MDF and Walnut
Viper Stadium Shop On Amazon!	21 x 21.5 x 3 inches	Yes	Solid wood
DMI Sports Cabinet Set Shop On Amazon!	27 x 22 x 5 inches	Yes	Oak
Imperial NFL Cabinet Shop On Amazon!	25 x 20 x 4 inches	Yes	Pine wood
Arachnid Cricket Maxx Shop On Amazon!	27 x 22.5 x 5.5 inches	Yes	Plywood

Viper Hideaway Cabinet & Steel-Tip Dartboard

Our Rating: (5/5)

The Viper Hideaway Cabinet & Steel-tip dartboard bundle is one of the best all-in-one deals you can get currently. It features a great cabinet with a well-made dartboard. And while the dartboard itself isn’t a bristle one like most other Viper models, that is reflected in the price, making this one of the cheaper combos out there.

This massive dartboard cabinet features large, wide door panels that will provide your wall with ultimate protection from stray darts. Featuring a classic style, this is a cabinet that will look great in any setting thanks to its minimalist design. The cabinet’s finish is a striking matte black, so it should easily blend into your existing décor. At both ends of the cabinet, there are scoring boards that you can use to keep track of your game.

The cabinet’s thin profile will allow you to enjoy a round of darts without taking up too much wall space. The cabinet also features a high-density, two-sided paper dartboard that comes with baseball darts on one side and traditional darts on the other. This cabinet also comes with easy-to-use mounting hardware, which allows for fast and easy installation.

Conclusion

The Viper Hideaway Cabinet ensures that your walls are well-protected from those stray darts. It includes magnetic door locks that will prevent the doors from obstructing space or swinging out. The antique brass finish gives this model an elegant, classic look.

Under the main portion of the cabinet, you’ll find slots that are designed to store the darts, so you can keep all the board’s accessories neatly organized. The included chalkboard will allow you to easily keep score when you’re playing a round of darts with friends. Overall, this is a great cabinet and board setup, but the board itself is not as sturdy as a traditional bristle dartboard, which can be a drawback for the serious dart player.

American Legend Barnwood Dartboard Cabinet

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

American Legend is a brand that has been specializing in darts products for a long time now. Their Barnwood Dartboard Cabinet is one of the best-looking models out there. And while it does cost quite a lot more than other cabinet sets, it does bring some of the most unique visuals and pure craftsmanship to the table. It is made out of solid wood, unlike other cheaper alternatives that are made out of plywood. However, that does bring the weight up a bit, making installing it a tad trickier.

To make the most out of this cabinet, you should use it with regulation-sized dartboards or up to 18 inches in diameter. It works superbly with bristle dartboards, both in terms of performance and in terms of looks. When closed, it measures 24 by 24 inches to form a perfect square. It is 4 inches deep, allowing for even bigger dartboards to fit comfortably inside. That depth also guards your walls against accidental bounce-outs when they happen. With its doors opened, it measures nearly 50 inches in width, so make sure you have enough space on your wall to install it.

On one of the doors, you have a classic black chalk scoreboard, while the other has built-in slots for darts. In total, you can store 6 darts. Another unique thing that I absolutely love about this model is the attention to detail it has. While the wood part is crafted to perfection, the best part is the brass hardware used. The door hinges are solid and there is no squeaking or moving around in them. All these things do tend to add up to the final cost, though, making this particular cabinet the most expensive one on this list.

Conclusion

Being able to fit 18-inch bristle dartboards, the American Legend Barnwood Dartboard Cabinet is one of the best premium options on the market currently. It has a great-looking wheat finish on its barn-styled doors and is also plenty big to fit all dartboards out there. If you’re willing to look past the high price, this might be the perfect addition to your game room!

Barrington Collection Bristle Dartboard Cabinet Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Barrington Collection Bristle Dartboard Cabinet set is one of the best deals on the market in terms of all-in-one solutions. Unlike some other models, it comes with a good dartboard, darts, chalkboards, and all the hardware you will need to install it on your wall. This makes it a good solution for someone looking for a hassle-free way to set up his game room with a terrific darts set! You can choose between different models within this collection but, in my opinion, the “Webster” is the best-looking and brings the most bang for its buck.

This cabinet comes with a self-healing eighteen-inch sisal fiber bristle dartboard, complete with a staple-free bull that’s designed to increase board longevity and resilience. The set includes six steel tips darts, a mounting bracket, and flights. It also has two chalkboards on both doors to keep track of the score for each player. The darts can be stored inside on both sides of the dartboard for added convenience and protection.

Mounting the Barrington cabinet isn’t going to be hard. The custom cabinet can hang on any wall and comes with a strong box joint construction that’s designed with durability in mind, complete with quality hinges that will prevent the doors from slamming or opening easily. This is great to prevent potential damage to the cabinet over a long period of time. All in all, this cabinet will look great in any game room, office, family room, or business thanks to its rustic look.

Conclusion

This is a beautifully finished dartboard that includes everything you need to create your own pro-quality dart setup. The included hardware will allow you to solidly mount the cabinet to any wall, although I do recommend finding a wall stud since this will ensure the hardware doesn’t tear holes in the wall under the weight of the dartboard and cabinet. This cabinet set is solidly built and will be at home in a pub, man cave, or family room.

EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The EastPoint Sports Belmont Dartboard Cabinet is one of the cheaper models on this list. However, it does bring substantial value to the table and is a good all-rounder that will get you all you need to equip your game room with a good dartboard. Price-aside, this particular cabinet is very easy to install, has a decent build quality, and the dartboard inside is surprisingly good. On top of all that, it also comes with all the accessories you’ll need to start a game of darts right away!

The cabinet itself is made out of plywood which does make it lighter than most other models. It makes it a bit cheaper-feeling compared to the more expensive models, though, so keep that trade-off in mind. It is also a bit smaller in its overall footprint measuring 21 by 24 inches closed. That can still hold a regulation-sized dartboard. In fact, it comes with a sisal dartboard inside ready to go. The whole cabinet weighs just over 20 pounds and comes with the hardware needed to install it on your wall. On both doors, you have chalk scoreboards and dart racks which are handy in a game of cricket.

If you’re looking for something slightly different and cheaper from the same brand, there is the Derbyshire Dartboard with Green Cabinet. It has a slightly different design and a more minimalist footprint compared to the Belmont model. There are also individual sisal dartboards sold by EastPoint which are great for when you need replacement in a couple of years. Both dartboard sets include 6 steel-tipped darts which are in their darts storage.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your darts hobby, this is truly one of the most well-rounded sets out there. It is cheap, has a good sisal dartboard, comes with two scoreboards, 6 darts, and more accessories. Simply the fact that it has everything you need and it is half the price of most other sets out there makes it worthy of your consideration!

Viper Hudson Dartboard Cabinet

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Viper Hudson Dartboard Cabinet is a luxury offering from the brand that brings us some of the best-selling dartboards out there. This cabinet is meant to work with all the dartboard models from the brand as well as third-party ones. While it is a tad pricier than other cabinet sets, you should definitely consider this one.

To start things off, one of the top features of this cabinet is its build quality. Almost no other model comes close to this level of craftsmanship. The solid bo joint construction combined with its durable door hinges make this cabinet feel and act premium. All that is made possible thanks to the solid pine wood used in the construction. And while that will improve longevity and durability, it makes the cabinet heavier and more expensive, which can be a downside for someone on a tighter budget. There are door stoppers for both doors to prevent them from slamming shut. On the inside, there is a soft black felt to add to the premium feel and appearance.

Within the cabinet, you can 6 inlaid slots for steel-tipped darts. You also get one dry erase cricket scoreboard, one out chart, and a dry erase marker. The mounting hardware is also included however I suggest getting a second person for the mounting process, as it isn’t as easy as it is on some other cabinets. When opened, the cabinet measures 41.5 inches wide and 23.25 inches tall, so keep these dimensions in mind when you’re planning out the layout of your game room wall.

Conclusion

Premium dartboard cabinets range a lot in their prices and despite the Viper Hudson being on the cheaper side of the spectrum, it still is quite the pricey cabinet for someone on a budget. However, if you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will truly stand out in your game room, this one has to be on your shortlist. It comes with all the accessories needed and is ready to go once you set up a dartboard inside it!

Trademark Gameroom Dartboard Cabinet Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The TG Dartboard Cabinet Set is a good middle-ground option for people on a tighter budget. It offers everything you will need, including a dartboard, a set of darts, scoreboards, chalk, and more. It isn’t going to wow you with its looks but it gets the job done and is more than adequate for any game room enthusiast that wants his walls protected from dart holes!

The cabinet is made out of durable MDF material, complete with a walnut finish. The bristle dartboard is the regulation size eighteen inches, so you can enjoy a tournament experience with it. The cabinet itself measures in at 3.25x20x25 inches when it’s closed making it a bit on the bigger side compared to other models but that can be considered an advantage in certain cases. The board’s magnetic door closure secures the doors firmly in place when you’re done playing for the day.

This beautiful cabinet comes with six steel tip darts and an eraser and chalk. It will be the perfect addition to any family game room, man cave, office, or business. The cabinet is pro-quality and includes a bristle dartboard, which is made out of tough sisal fibers that are self-healing. However, the dartboard itself lacks in terms of quality, especially when you compare it to a Viper model. The chalkboards can be used to keep the score. Having two of them is actually much better than what most other models have (just one), especially for two-on-two games of cricket.

Conclusion

The TG Dartboard Cabinet Set comes with everything you need to get started playing a game of darts with family and friends including a dartboard and six steel tip darts. The cabinet itself features a durable MDF construction, complete with a walnut finish. The elegant design will make this cabinet fit right in with your existing décor and will make a great addition to your man cave, family rec room, or small business!

Viper Stadium Cabinet & Shot King Dartboard

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Viper Stadium Darts Cabinet is one of my favorite sets for this year for a few very good reasons. First of all, it is extremely well-priced into its niche and it can compete with both premium and mid-tier cabinets. Secondly, it comes with the Viper Shot King Bristle Dartboard inside which is arguably one of the best dartboards out there right now. To top all that, this set comes with a full array of accessories, two scoreboards, and plenty of other cool features that really cement its spot in this top 10 list.

Before we dive into the details, it is important to note that there are 4 variations of this cabinet. These are the Deluxe set, the Elite set, the Premium set, and lastly – the Standard one. This here is the Deluxe version and it gets all the goodies the others don’t. However, it is also the most expensive out of the bunch. With it, you will get a mounted display light to keep your dartboard illuminated even in dimly lit rooms. Additionally, you get the Viper laser throw liner marker. This will help people shoot from the same place every time making for a fair game.

The construction quality of this particular cabinet is decent. It is a bit on the smaller side of things but it can still take a full-sized regulation dartboard inside. However, it isn’t very deep, meaning the doors might slam against the dartboard should you decide to swap it out for a thicker one in the future. Speaking of the doors, they close magnetically and are quite sturdy at the hinges. There is a scoreboard on each board, allowing for exciting 2 vs 2 games!

Conclusion

Finding a good all-rounder nowadays isn’t easy, especially in the darts world. Where some models excel, others fail. That can’t really be said about the Viper Stadium Cabinet. It isn’t going to wow you in any way, as it simply isn’t the best in any single aspect but it is a true jack of all trades. If you’re looking for a single product to check all boxes, this is a good place to start your search from!

DMI Sports Dartboard Cabinet Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The DMI Sports Deluxe Dartboard Cabinet Set is a classic model that won’t surprise you in any way but is still good enough to be put on your shopping shortlist. It is relatively cheap, offers plenty of functionality, and comes with a rather great DMI sports bristle dartboard.

This model features a light oak finish, complete with a durable frame construction for improved durability. Additionally, the cabinet doors are equipped with self-closing brass hinges which will prevent the doors from slamming. The long wide cabinet doors will protect your walls from stray darts and can be closed to protect the dartboard from moisture, dust, dirt, and debris. On the inside, you also get a regulation-size bristle dartboard, so you can enjoy a professional dart throwing experience.

The included two chalkboards will allow you and a friend to keep track of the score during a friendly competition. On top of that, it can hold up to two sets of darts, for a total of six darts. One thing that I really like about this cabinet is that it comes in two finish options. The first one is a Rosewood finish which really works well with darker rooms. However, the rustic tan finish is a true eye-catcher and can easily be the centerpiece of your game room!

Conclusion

This light hardwood dart cabinet features a beautiful finish and solid construction that improves the cabinet’s durability, as does the addition of the solid self-closing brass hinges, This model is quality all the way. Unlike competing sets, this cabinet and dartboard combo will come with two sets of high-quality steel darts, larger than average cabinet doors that offer a higher level of protection, and a self-healing bristle board that’s durable and regulation size!

Imperial NFL Dartboard Cabinet

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Imperial Official NFL Dart Board with Cabinet is a classic model that comes with a personalized touch that is truly unique to your particular darts set. Apart from that, however, it is rather standard both in its design, shape, and functionality, which is why it sits so low on my top 10 list. Still, thanks it being a decent all-rounder I’ve made place for it simply for the fact that you can customize its appearance which is something you can’t do on most other cabinets out there!

This is an officially licensed NFL dart cabinet that comes with a bristle dartboard and steel tip darts. It features the NFL team logo of your choice, which is located in the center of the cabinet, so you can proudly display your favorite team. One cool touch is that on the inside of the cabinet, you’ll also find the team’s logo and name. Mounting the cabinet is pretty straightforward and you get all the hardware with it.

The cabinet is made out of solid pine, which gives it a sturdy, classic look. It measures in at 23-1/4 x 22 x 4 and includes a traditional 18-inch dartboard with six steel tip darts that also bear your favorite team’s logo. For the scoreboard, you’ll find two small chalkboards, complete with chalk and an eraser. Below the scoreboards, you have holders for your darts. Each door gets 3 slots for the 6 included steel-tipped darts that come with this cabinet.

Conclusion

This model is perfect for the football lover who also happens to enjoy a good round of darts. The dartboard is regulation size, so you can use it for a fun round of darts with friends and family, or the serious dart player can use it to practice for an upcoming competition. This board is built tough, easy to mount, and a great buy for the diehard dart player and football fan. It will be a great addition to your living room, family room, office, or man cave!

Arachnid Cricket Maxx 1.0 Electronic Dartboard Cabinet Set

Our Rating: (4/5)

Out of all the darts brands out there, Arachnid is perhaps one of the most famous ones. They make some of the best electronic models and their dartboard sets are second to none when it comes to functions, game modes, and fun factors. The Arachnid Cricket Maxx 1.0 Electronic Dartboard Cabinet Set is something meant to be played by the whole family! It is unique in the fact that it doesn’t have a bristle but rather an electronic dartboard in the middle. It is also a bit smaller, lighter, and has a boatload of game options to choose from.

As I mentioned, this cabinet set comes with an electronic dartboard, complete with an electronic scoreboard. The included dartboard features a much smaller surface area of just thirteen and a half inches, so this model wouldn’t be a good choice for the serious dart player. Instead, it can make a better choice for families who love to play darts together. It also is a good learning tool for younger darts players.

The cabinet features a total of thirty-four games, complete with one hundred and eighty-three game variations. The wooden cabinet is made out of walnut, for a totally elegant look that all dart lovers can appreciate. With it, you get 6 special soft-tipped darts that won’t damage the dartboard. They don’t bounce out as much as you think and are fairly accurate even if you’re an advanced darts player.

Conclusion

This model features a smaller than average playing surface, instead of the eighteen-inch regulation size playing surface, which may be a deal-breaker for the serious dart player. This model comes loaded with some great dart-related games that both kids and adults will love, in addition to an electronic scoreboard that can keep track of up to eight different scores at once. It is a great choice for families with smaller children since the board comes with two sets of soft-tipped darts.

Dartboard Cabinets Buyer’s Guide

Finding the right cabinet may seem tricky, especially if you’re looking for a model that comes with a built-in board. There are some factors you’ll want to consider before you hit that buy now button, especially if you’re tight on space in the home or have a budget in mind.

When you’re shopping for a dartboard, the features to look for include:

Below, I’ll start off by going over the importance of cabinet sizes…

Cabinet Size

Most people don’t even think about measuring the amount of wall space they have to work with before they buy a cabinet. Before you buy, carefully measure your wall and pay close attention to the specs of the cabinet that list its dimensions. Once you’ve done this you can choose a model that’s equal to your available wall space or a little smaller.

One tip I have for you is to look for the dimensions of the dartboard cabinet with its doors opened. That way, you will get an accurate representation of how big it will be during games. Also, make sure that your wall has room for the cabinet at the exact height you will need it to be. We will discuss that again a bit further down.

Design

There are many different designs and styles available on the market. You can choose from different types of woods, cabinets that are elaborate with carved designs, or plain cabinets. You can even choose to have your cabinet customized. Some manufacturers offer the option of having a logo or name carved on the doors of the cabinet.

The most common options out there are cabinets that mimic a type of wood or are actually made out of it. However, these real-wood models cost quite a bit more even though they will be a true centerpiece to your room.

Material

The type of material used for the cabinet will give you a clear indication of just how durable it is. The most common types of materials used include cherrywood, poplar, mahogany, and plywood. Cabinets that are made out of solid wood will keep your board in perfect shape and can also protect it from moisture, dust, dirt, and debris.

These days, you can also find cabinets that are made out of steel and carbon fiber, however, these cabinets are often more expensive compared to plywood cabinets. In the end, your choice will be based on your budget, space, and whether you prefer a cabinet made out of wood, carbon fiber, or steel. If you’re planning on mounting the board outdoors, then go with a model that’s waterproof.

Scoreboards

Do you currently own a bristle board or another type of board that doesn’t automatically keep track of your game’s score? Many of the top cabinets will come with scoreboards, which will make it easier for you and your friends to keep track of who’s winning and losing. The scoreboards are often located behind the doors of the cabinet and can help to improve your performance. These scoreboards come in a variety of styles including whiteboards, blackboards, and electronic scoreboards.

On your search for the right cabinet, pay close attention to the type of scoreboard the model has to determine if it can meet your needs. A manual scoreboard will mean a cabinet that’s priced affordably, while models with an electronic scoreboard typically come with a steeper price tag.

Fixed or Hanged

Every cabinet you come across will be either hanged or fixed. This will give you more freedom when it comes to choosing a cabinet based on how you want it to be mounted or installed. Before you decide on a style, make sure you factor in how much space is available in the home. If you want a cabinet that’s portable and easier to move around then you should go with a model that you can hang. These cabinets are a cinch to mount and will not be limiting in terms of where you can use them.

A cabinet that needs to be fixed will require some skill to mount, however. These cabinets are considered the safest option, as long as they are installed correctly. They are mounted solidly in place so you won’t have to worry about it falling or getting knocked off the wall.

Darts

Most models of cabinets will come with a set or two of darts. For an electronic board, the darts are safer and lighter to use and are referred to as soft-tipped darts. These darts are usually made out of brass or tungsten. Darts that are made out of tungsten are considered denser than models that are made out of brass. Other models of cabinets will come with the traditional steel tip darts which can be used for all other styles of dartboards with the exception of electronic.

Sets

Some cabinets are sold as a set and will include a dartboard and one or two sets of darts. So you’ll need to know what type of dartboard you’re interested in and choose one that will work for your skill level and playing style. Even if you decide to purchase just a cabinet without a board, you’ll need to consider the type of board you want first, then choose a cabinet that will be compatible.

• Electronic dartboards are a good choice for beginners and casual dart players. These boards are often made out of plastic and come with soft-tipped darts. If you’re looking for a safer option for the kids, then this type of dartboard is a good option.
• Bristle boards are the traditional boards that you’ll commonly find at your local bar or a competition. These boards are made out of sisal fiber and are more durable than an electronic model. These boards are also very affordable and are used with steel tip darts, although there are some models available that can be used with soft-tipped darts.
• Magnetic boards are a combination of a bristle board and an electronic board. These boards use magnetic darts, so they’re a better option for younger children. They’re also a more affordable option compared to bristle.

Hanging Height for Cabinets

According to dart rules, the floor’s height to the bull should be five feet, eight inches. If you want to hang the cabinet at the correct height, make sure that you get it as close to this measurement as possible. This will be especially important for the serious dart player who is practicing dart drills for an upcoming tournament.

When you’re hanging up your cabinet you need to ensure there’s enough space for players to throw, without hitting your walls or any other objects in the surrounding environment.

Measuring a throw line

• Figure out how thick the cabinet is
• Measure the space exactly 93 ¼ our from the floor
• Add this to the cabinet’s thickness, using masking tape to make the front of the throw line. You may need to adjust the cabinet’s placement once it’s hung. You should also take into account the thickness of the cabinet’s hardware.
• If you have drywall, then you’ll need to locate a wall stud to mount the cabinet. This is because the stud provides enough support to handle the weight of the cabinet and the dartboard. Locating the stud will prevent the weight of the cabinet and the board from ripping up the wall and tearing the mounting screws out.
• Once you have mounted the board to the correct height you can drop a plumb line or string from the center of the bull to the floor. From here, you can measure seven feet 9 ¼ inches to the throwing line. If you’re using soft tip darts then the throwing line should be eight feet away.
• The wall area should have two to three clearance feet on each side that’s away from any breakables, including windows. You should also give a couple of feet of clearance behind the throw line in order to have enough room to aim and throw. To learn more about throwing like a pro, click here to read my guide on how to consistently hit a bullseye in darts.

The Dangers of Using a Dartboard Without a Cabinet

If you use a board without a cabinet, then you’re putting your walls at risk of damage from stray darts, whether you’re a seasoned player or a pro, accidents happen. While you can use a board without a cabinet, the cabinet helps to protect your walls from damage, in addition to protecting the board from moisture, dirt, and debris. It will also allow you to keep all of your dart supplies neatly organized and accessible, in one compact spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dartboard cabinet better than a backboard?

Yes, cabinets basically have the same functionality as backboards and then some. They offer plenty of additional features such as a storage place for your darts. Additionally, they have scoring boards and other features that might make the game even easier and more fun!

How deep are dartboard cabinets?

This is something you will have to take into account when picking the right cabinet. Most models out there are between 3 and 7 inches deep depending on their design.

Should you get lighting for your cabinet?

One of the best things you can do is get a top-light for your dartboard cabinet. Not only will that illuminate the dartboard itself but it will also make the cabinet look so much better! On top of that, the extra light will improve your aim and remove any possible eye strain from longer games in dim conditions.

Final Thoughts

The best dartboard cabinets will keep your board safe from exposure to moisture, dirt, debris, and more. But it can also be used to protect your walls from damage caused by stray darts. These boards are a great investment and can also give your dart set up a pro look, which is what many dart players are looking for.

I’m confident that you can find the perfect cabinet that will complement your home and your existing décor, while giving it a pro look, in my top 10 list. This guide can also help you learn more about the features these cabinets have to offer, and which type of cabinet will be a good fit for the type of board you already have or the setup you want.