Do you need a dart mat? What a mat really does for you
A dart mat seems like an accessory, but it solves three problems at once: damaged floors, blunt dart points and a throwing distance that changes every evening. Whether you need one depends on your floor and how often you play.
Three reasons for a dart mat
- Floor protection: a falling dart leaves dents in parquet and laminate, and even damages tiles
- Point protection: on a hard floor a steel point goes blunt or bent, on a mat it stays sharp
- Fixed throwing distance: a mat with oche fixes the official 2.37 metres, without tape measure or tape
When can you do without?
Fair is fair: if you have carpet or a thick rug on the throw line, your floor is already protected and you can mark the distance with tape. If you only play now and then, that is perfectly fine. If you play weekly or more, a mat quickly pays for itself in convenience and saved dart points.
What to look out for
- Length: a 3-metre mat covers the full throwing distance plus your standing spot
- Rubber lies heavy and flat, does not curl up and does not slide away
- Rollable in a few seconds if the space is also used for other things
- A width of 60 cm is enough: the throwing lane is narrow
Frequently asked questions
How long should a dart mat be?
At least the throwing distance of 2.37 metres plus room to stand. A 3-metre mat is therefore exactly right: oche on it, heels behind it.
Can a dart mat go on underfloor heating?
Yes, the mat lies loose on the floor and can sit on it just like a rug.
Does a dart mat also help against noise for downstairs neighbours?
It dampens the sound of falling darts, but the tapping of the board itself travels through the wall. For that, read our guide on dampening dartboard noise.
