Mounting Your Brunswick Dartboard Cabinet

Hanging a Brunswick dartboard cabinet is a simple task that can be completed in a few steps. Firstly, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a power drill or screwdriver, and a tape measure to mark the throw line. Choose an open space on the wall, away from doors, windows, and furniture, leaving around 6-8 feet from the bottom of the floor to the dartboard. Mark the wall to indicate where the bullseye should be, which is typically 5'8 from the floor for a regulation board. If you're using a U-shaped bracket, secure it just below the mark with the U part under the mark. Place the dartboard in the bracket and check that it's level. If using a cabinet, measure the distance from the bottom of the cabinet to the centre of the bullseye, and mark this spot on the wall at the regulation height. Mount the cabinet and secure the dartboard inside.

How to Hang a Brunswick Dartboard Cabinet

Finding the right location for your cabinet

When choosing a location for your dartboard cabinet, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that you have at least 8 feet (2.4 m) of space between the board and the throwing area. This allows for comfortable arm movement while throwing darts. Additionally, avoid hanging the cabinet near any valuable items or fragile objects, as stray darts may cause damage.

Next, measure the wall to ensure that the cabinet will fit properly when it is open. Consider not only the width of the cabinet when closed but also the space needed when the doors are fully unfolded. You don't want the doors to be obstructed when the cabinet is in use.

If you plan to follow regulation rules for dartboard height, measure 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) from the floor. This is the standard height for the bullseye of a dartboard. However, if you are just playing for fun and comfort is a priority, you can adjust the cabinet height so that the bullseye is at your eye level.

When choosing a wall for your dartboard cabinet, select an open space away from doors, windows, furniture, or other objects in the room. This is important for safety reasons, as it reduces the risk of injury from stray darts. Additionally, make sure there is enough space for spectators behind the throw line.

Finally, use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall. Mark the height you decided on for the bullseye, and locate the next stud by measuring 16 inches (41 cm) from the first spot, as this is the standard distance between studs. Alternatively, use a stud finder to locate the second stud. These marks will guide you when mounting the cabinet securely to the wall.

Finding a stud and levelling the cabinet

To hang a dartboard cabinet securely, you'll need to fix it to a wall stud. Use a stud finder to locate the first stud, marking the height of your chosen bullseye with an X. The standard height for a regulation board is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m or 68 inches), but you can adjust this to eye level if you're playing for fun.

Once you've found the first stud, locate the next one. You can either use a stud finder again or measure 16 inches (41 cm) from the first spot, as this is the standard width between studs. Mark this spot with a pencil. If you can't find any studs where you want to hang your board, you'll need to use wall anchors to attach your cabinet. These are plastic or metal pieces that you place into the wall so that the screws have something to attach to.

Now, centre the cabinet over your studs at the bullseye mark. Most cabinets are made so that the bullseye will be located at the centre of the cabinet. If this is the case, the mark you made to indicate your dartboard's height will be the centre of your cabinet. Centre the cabinet and mark where the pre-drilled screw holes are located.

Finally, use a level to make sure the cabinet hangs straight. You can purchase a level at a hardware store or download a levelling app on your smartphone. Simply place the level on the top of the cabinet and adjust the angle until the indicator on the level is in the middle. If you are using a laser level, attach it to the wall and hang the cabinet so the top is parallel to the laser line.

Marking the wall for the bullseye

Determine the Height of the Bullseye:

Start by determining the desired height of the bullseye on the wall. The regulation height for the bullseye of a dartboard is 5 feet and 8 inches (68 inches or 1.73 meters) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye. This height is the same for both electronic and steel tip dartboards and is recognised internationally. Make a mark on the wall at this height.

Measure from the Floor:

Using a measuring tape, measure 5 feet and 8 inches (68 inches or 1.73 meters) up from the floor. This will be the reference point for the centre of the bullseye. Make a small mark on the wall at this height to indicate the desired position of the bullseye's centre.

Mark the Centre of the Bullseye:

At the height you have marked, make another clear indication of the centre point of the bullseye. You can use a pencil, a small piece of tape, or a sticker to mark this spot. Ensure that this mark is straight and level, as it will be the central reference point for hanging the dartboard cabinet.

Double-Check Measurements:

Before proceeding, it is always a good idea to double-check your measurements. Re-measure the distance from the floor to the mark you have made to ensure it is precisely 5 feet and 8 inches. This step will help prevent any errors and ensure that your dartboard cabinet is hung at the correct height.

Consider the Cabinet Dimensions:

If your dartboard is already placed within a cabinet, you will need to account for the cabinet's dimensions. Measure the distance from the centre of the bullseye to the highest mounting point of the cabinet. Add this measurement to the 5 feet and 8 inches required for the bullseye height. This will give you the total height needed from the floor to the top of the cabinet. Ensure that you centre the bullseye within the cabinet.

Mark the Top of the Cabinet:

If there are brackets located at the top of your dartboard cabinet, you may also need to mark the wall to indicate the top of the cabinet. Measure the distance from the centre of the bullseye to the top of the cabinet and transfer this measurement to the wall. This will ensure that you hang the cabinet at the correct height and that the bullseye is positioned correctly.

By following these steps, you will accurately mark the wall for the bullseye when hanging your Brunswick dartboard cabinet. This process will ensure that your dartboard complies with regulation heights and provide a solid foundation for the rest of the installation process.

Using a level to straighten the cabinet

Step 1: Purchase a Level

You can buy a physical level from any hardware store, or you can download a levelling app on your smartphone. A level will help you ensure that your cabinet is straight and even when mounted on the wall.

Step 2: Position the Cabinet

Place the cabinet in the desired position on the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions and the previous steps on finding the right location and marking the stud positions. Make sure the cabinet is centred and at the correct height.

Step 3: Place the Level on the Cabinet

Place the level on the top edge of the cabinet. Adjust the angle of the cabinet until the indicator on the level is centred, indicating that the cabinet is level. If you are using a laser level, attach it to the wall so that the laser line is parallel to the floor, and then adjust the cabinet so that its top edge is parallel to the laser line.

Step 4: Mark the Position

Once the cabinet is level, use a pencil to mark the wall through the screw holes in the cabinet. These marks will guide you when drilling holes and inserting screws to mount the cabinet securely.

Step 5: Drill Holes and Mount the Cabinet

If your cabinet doesn't have pre-drilled holes, you will need to drill holes at the marked positions. Drill four holes, one near each corner of the cabinet, making sure they are within 16 inches (41 cm) of the studs you located earlier. Then, use screws to securely mount the cabinet to the wall studs.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

After mounting the cabinet, use the level to check it again and ensure it is still straight. Measure the height of the bullseye to confirm it is at the correct position. If any adjustments are needed, remove the screws, adjust the cabinet, and then resecure it with the screws.

Mounting the cabinet

Now that you've found the right spot and marked the bullseye, it's time to hang the cabinet. If your cabinet came with instructions, follow those. If not, here are some general guidelines.

First, place the cabinet on a table or the floor, facing up, and open the doors. Lay the dartboard inside the cabinet and centre it. Measure from the bottom of the cabinet to the centre of the bullseye, and note this measurement down. Remove the dartboard, and use this measurement to find the location of the bullseye in the cabinet. Mark this spot so it's easy to see.

Next, have someone hold the cabinet against the wall in your chosen location. Measure from the floor to the mark inside the cabinet to ensure it's at the regulation height of 5 feet 8 inches. Keep the cabinet against the wall and use a level to ensure it's straight. Re-measure to verify the mark is still at the correct height.

Now, mount the cabinet to the wall. If your cabinet doesn't have pre-drilled holes, you will need to drill four holes, one near each corner. Make sure the distance between the holes doesn't exceed 16 inches, or you might not be able to anchor the cabinet securely. Use screws to mount the cabinet to the wall studs. Most dartboard cabinets come with the necessary hardware. Use a cordless drill to secure the cabinet.

If your cabinet didn't come with screws, use a #8 screw, also known as a 5⁄32 inch (4.0 mm) screw. Look for one that's about 2” (51mm) long. After hanging the cabinet, check it again with the level and measure the height of the bullseye. Make any necessary adjustments by removing the screws, shifting the cabinet, and re-securing it.

Frequently asked questions