Choosing between a dartboard cabinet and a dartboard surround ultimately depends on your space, budget, and desired level of protection. A cabinet offers complete enclosure and storage, while a surround provides a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing solution with less protection. This article will delve into the specifics of a dartboard cabinet vs surround, helping you make the informed decision.
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Let’s start by examining the core differences. A dartboard cabinet fully encases the dartboard, offering significant protection to your walls and providing convenient storage for darts and accessories. In contrast, a dartboard surround simply frames the dartboard, offering some protection but leaving the back and sides exposed. Choosing between a dartboard cabinet vs surround comes down to your personal needs and preferences.
The decision of dartboard cabinet vs surround often hinges on the available space in your game room or home. Cabinets, due to their enclosed nature, require more floor space than surrounds. If you’re working with a smaller area, a surround might be a more practical choice. Consider measuring your space carefully before making a purchase. Think about the overall aesthetic, too – a cabinet can be a statement piece, while a surround tends to blend in more seamlessly.
Dartboard Cabinet: The Ultimate Protection and Storage Solution
A dartboard cabinet provides superior protection for your walls and surrounding areas. Darts, especially those thrown with less than perfect accuracy (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us!), can cause damage if they miss the board. A cabinet prevents this, ensuring your walls remain pristine. 
Beyond protection, the built-in storage is a huge advantage. Most dartboard cabinets include compartments for darts, flights, shafts, and other accessories, keeping everything organized and readily accessible. This is particularly useful if you have multiple sets of darts or various accessories. Having a dedicated spot for everything helps reduce clutter and makes your game setup smoother.
The construction of a dartboard cabinet can vary greatly, influencing the price and durability. Some are made from solid wood, offering a luxurious and long-lasting option. Others might be constructed from more affordable materials like MDF or particleboard, which are still quite sturdy but may not have the same longevity.
Furthermore, cabinets come in various sizes and styles, allowing you to choose one that complements your décor. From sleek modern designs to more traditional styles, there’s a dartboard cabinet to fit any game room or home setting. You can even find cabinets specifically designed for electronic dartboards, offering additional protection for the sensitive electronics. For a truly premium experience, some high-end models even include features like built-in scorekeeping or lighting.
Dartboard Surround: A Sleeker, More Space-Saving Option
If space is at a premium, or if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, a dartboard surround could be the better choice. These surrounds typically frame the dartboard, protecting the immediate area but leaving the back and sides exposed. The reduced bulk compared to a dartboard cabinet makes them ideal for smaller rooms or apartments where maximizing floor space is crucial. 
Surrounds often come in a variety of materials and styles to match different decors, offering a more seamless integration with your existing furniture. While they don’t offer the same level of wall protection as a cabinet, they do prevent darts from bouncing off the board and potentially damaging nearby items. They’re a good compromise if you want some protection without sacrificing too much space.
One significant drawback to consider when choosing between a dartboard cabinet vs surround is the reduced level of protection. A surround might not prevent errant darts from striking walls or furniture behind the dartboard. You might need to take additional precautions, such as installing dart-resistant wall coverings in the immediate area, to completely minimize damage.
Another factor to consider is the lack of storage. Surrounds generally don’t have built-in storage for darts or accessories, requiring you to find alternative storage solutions. This could lead to clutter and inconvenience if not properly managed. Think about how this impacts your overall game setup when choosing between a dartboard cabinet vs surround.
Choosing the Right Dartboard: Cabinet or Surround?
The ideal choice between a dartboard cabinet and a dartboard surround depends entirely on your individual needs and priorities. Carefully consider the following factors:
- Available space: Cabinets require more floor space than surrounds.
- Budget: Cabinets generally cost more than surrounds.
- Level of protection: Cabinets offer superior wall protection.
- Storage needs: Cabinets provide built-in storage, while surrounds do not.
- Aesthetic preferences: Choose a style that complements your décor.
Making a smart decision regarding a dartboard cabinet vs surround requires careful planning and consideration of these points. Don’t rush into a purchase! Take your time and thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons before making your final decision.
Installation and Setup: Cabinets vs. Surrounds
Installing a dartboard cabinet is generally more complex than installing a dartboard surround. Cabinets usually require assembly, often involving multiple steps and potentially some heavy lifting. 
You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure you have the necessary tools. Surrounds, on the other hand, are typically easier to install and often require minimal assembly.
Once installed, both cabinets and surrounds require careful leveling to ensure accurate throws. A slightly uneven dartboard can significantly impact your game, leading to inconsistent results. Use a level to ensure your dartboard is perfectly aligned before playing. This is crucial regardless of whether you choose a dartboard cabinet vs surround. The dartboard’s placement significantly impacts your game’s accuracy.
Consider the weight of each option. Dartboard cabinets, being larger and more substantial, are heavier than surrounds. This is an important factor to consider if you plan on moving the unit in the future. Ensure you have the physical capacity to handle the weight during installation and any subsequent moves.
Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Dartboard Looking Its Best
Regardless of whether you opt for a dartboard cabinet or a dartboard surround, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your dartboard’s longevity. Dust and debris can accumulate on the board, affecting its performance and appearance. Regular cleaning, using a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner, will help maintain its condition. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the board’s surface. 
For dartboard cabinets, pay special attention to the hinges and latches. Regular lubrication can prevent squeaking or sticking, ensuring smooth operation. Check the cabinet for any signs of damage or wear and tear and address these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment, providing years of enjoyment.
For electronic dartboards housed within cabinets or surrounds, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and maintenance. Avoid getting liquids inside the electronic components, as this could cause serious damage. Regular cleaning and careful handling will keep your electronic dartboard functioning correctly for years to come.
Accessorizing Your Dartboard Setup
Once you’ve chosen between a dartboard cabinet vs surround, you can enhance your game setup with various accessories. Consider adding a dart target light for improved visibility, especially in low-light conditions. This can help enhance the game’s enjoyment, especially in poorly lit areas.
A good quality Dart Counter App, like the one available at Dart Counter App, can simplify scorekeeping. A quality app can significantly simplify the game, especially for competitive matches.
For a more immersive experience, look at online resources like darts game youtube for instructional videos and tips. Watching instructional videos is a great way to enhance your skillset and enjoyment of the game.
Thinking about the overall setup also helps in making the right decision between a dartboard cabinet vs surround, based on your current and future needs. This allows for expansion and better management of your dart-related equipment.
You could also consider adding a dedicated area for practice throws, separate from the main game area. This helps in improving your overall accuracy and consistency over time.
Remember to always prioritize safety. Before you even think about a dartboard cabinet vs surround, it’s essential to have a safe and well-lit playing area that adheres to all safety regulations. This is crucial for protecting yourself and others from potential injuries. Playing darts should be fun and safe.
For more information on various aspects of the dart game, you can explore our other articles like who starts first in darts, what is a darts match treble, and darts double tier list to enhance your knowledge of the game. We also have resources for troubleshooting and game strategy.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
The choice between a dartboard cabinet vs surround boils down to your individual preferences and priorities. A dartboard cabinet offers superior protection, storage, and a more substantial feel, but requires more space and often costs more. A dartboard surround provides a sleek, space-saving alternative, ideal for smaller spaces, but offers less protection and storage. By carefully considering your space, budget, and desired level of protection, you can make an informed decision that enhances your dart-playing experience for years to come. Now, go forth and choose the perfect setup for your home!
Remember to consider all the factors discussed, from space requirements to maintenance needs, before making your final decision. Enjoy your new dartboard! And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on improving your game, like darts throwing line crossword 4 and darts world championship final date. For those interested in modifying their dartboards, you might find our article on darts auf swiss point umbauen helpful. Lastly, you may also be interested in exploring electronic dart board cabinet options.
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.