Dartboards can be used for many years, but over time the board will wear down and need to be replaced. Of course, the frequency of use and the quality of the board will be determining factors.
Darts enthusiasts may use their board every day while for some it’ more of a decoration piece in their man cave.
Read on for more about dartboard life expectancy, how to maintain them, and some ways that you can determine if your board needs to be replaced.
Table of Contents
What is the Life Expectancy of a Dartboard?
| Type of Darts Player | Hours per day | Dartboard Life Expectancy |
| Professional | 2 hours + | 6 months |
| Enthusiast | 30 mins + | 1 – 2 years |
| Recreational | Few hours per month | 5 years+ |
Professional and daily darts players can expect a dartboard to last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Maybe more if using a top-quality board like the Winmau Dual Core.
Casual recreational players should get a minimum of 5 years from a dartboard.
Our Picks for Long Lasting Dartboards
Last update on 2024-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A quality dartboard will last longer than a cheap one. If you have your sights set on a durable board that will last, check out the ones we recommend that won’t let you down.
How to Extend the Life of Your Board
- Check your darts regularly- darts with burrs pull out the sisal fibers when you pull your darts from the board after a throw. By checking them regularly especially after any drops, running your fingers round the tip will quickly make sure there are not burrs in your dart tips.
- Twist darts – when removing them from the board, if you twist the darts as you remove, it helps the fibers move back together and ‘self heal’.
- Sharpen your darts – darts ocassionaly may need sharpened (particularly if they are dropped often). Be careful not to over-sharpen. See our article on sharpening darts for more info.
- Do not use engineered points – these are more likely to pull out fibers and should be avoided ot extend the life of your board.
- Rotate your board – by switching the areas that are most targeted you can even out the rate of wear on your board. It’s quick and easy to do, just make sure you get a board with removebale number ring and center mounting.
How Often Should I Rotate my Dartboard?
Depending on how often you use your board, a good practice is to rotate it regularly. If you play every day, aim to rotate your board every second day. It takes seconds and is well worth it.
For casual players, aim to rotate your board a few times a year. This will more than suffice to keep it looking great.
Make sure you have a board with a removable number ring and center mounting hardware to make rotating fast and easy. The board pictured above does not have a removable number ring and therefore cannot be rotated.
Other Tips to Maintain Your Dartboard
- Keep your board indoors
- Do not soak your board – clean with a damp cloth only
- Make sure it is securely mounted
- Turn off lights when not in use – they can deteriorate your board
- Don’t over sharpen your darts
- When friends/family use your board, as them to check their darts regularly
In Summary
Modern sisal dartboards are self-healing and the fibers are designed to close back together when you remove your darts. By regularly rotating your board and protecting it from the elements, you can make sure to extend its life and get the most out of your beautiful new dartboard.
You might also like our article on the Winmau Blade Core Duo.
Sue has been playing darts since her 20’s when she played in weekly tournaments and she enjoys writing about darts. She’s also a great teacher, and she enjoys helping others learn how to play the game well. When Sue isn’t throwing darts, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
The easy way to keep track of your score is with our printable darts scoresheets. Easy to download and keep on your phone or computer or print straight off from our website. Pop your email address into the box and we'll send them straight to you.
