Luke Littler Is Trending Again — Here's How to Build a Home Darts Setup for Under £30
Luke Littler's making darts cool again. Whether you're inspired to pick up a set or want to upgrade your home game room, here's everything you need — and nothing you don't.
SHOPTHIVA Editors
The basics: what you actually need
A regulation dartboard (£15-25), a set of tungsten darts (£10-15), and a clear wall space with about 8 feet of throwing distance. That's it. The portable fascial massage gun (£19.99) is the secret weapon serious darts players use — it releases the forearm and shoulder tension that builds up during long practice sessions.
Setup tip: Mount the board so the bullseye is exactly 5'8" from the floor. Mark a throwing line (oche) at 7'9¼" from the face of the board. Use tape if you're renting.
Beyond the board: what separates casual from serious
Lighting: A dedicated dartboard light (£15) eliminates shadows and makes the board pop. It's the single biggest upgrade after the board itself. Scorekeeping: A chalkboard or whiteboard works fine. Apps exist, but nothing beats the tactile satisfaction of chalking your own scores.
The recovery piece nobody talks about: Darts looks gentle but it's repetitive. Same muscles, same motion, hundreds of times per session. A massage gun used on the forearm extensors and rotator cuff for 2 minutes post-practice prevents the nagging elbow and shoulder issues that plague regular players.
Featured in this article
Frequently asked questions
How much does a decent dartboard cost?
£15-25 for a staple-free bristle board. Avoid coiled paper boards — they wear out in weeks. Look for 'sisal fibre' in the description.
What weight darts should I use?
22-26 grams is the sweet spot for most players. Lighter darts (18-20g) require more force; heavier (28g+) are harder to group tightly.
Do I need a surround?
If you value your walls, yes. A foam surround (£10-15) catches stray darts and prevents holes in the plaster. Cheaper than redecorating.