How to Make a Dartboard

For a simple and pleasurable a pastime of throwing darts at a local pub, you might be surprised to realize how expensive some dart boards are. Luckily, constructing your own is hardly an overwhelming task, and can be accomplished with little more than a ruler, some cork, and a bowl of pretzels.

Secure a large piece of cork, about 1-1 1/2 inches thick. This is thick enough to hold the darts and protect your wall, but thin enough to be penetrated. It should also measure at least 18 inches wide and long.

Trace on your cork a perfect circle, eighteen inches in diameter. Cut out the circle, which is the size of a regulation dartboard. The excess can be used as a backboard to protect your wall.

Measure your inner bull's-eye, which is a small circle, half an inch in diameter, in the center of the board. Encircle this circle with an outer bull's-eye, which is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Color your inner bull's-eye's black, and your outer bull's-eye red.

Mark out two larger circles, one 7 7/8 inches in diameter, the other 8 1/2 inches in diameter. The 5/16 of an inch band between these two circles is the triple score ring. Measure two more circles, 13 1/2 inches and 12 7/8 inches in diameter--this band is the double-score ring.

The layout of your dartboard complete, divide the board into twenty equal sections like you would cut up a pie. Do not divide the bull's-eye. Assign each section of the pie, including the bull's-eye, a point value - you can either copy a regulation board, or make up your own.

To divide the sections of the board from each other, either outline the dividing lines with spider wire (available at dart supply shops), color alternating sections different colors, or both.

Hang your dartboard on the wall, so that the center is five feet, eight inches from the ground. Mark a line seven feet, nine inches from the wall: this is where players will stand.