How to Build a Dartboard Cabinet (DIY)

Introduction

A solid-wood dartboard cabinet typically starts at $150, and at that price you’re getting one made of pine; you’ll pay much more for a premium hardwood. For the same cost, you can build a better one yourself, such as this one, which is stylish, durable and easy to make. There are no fussy miters or fancy joinery, and it’s made from standard board widths, so you don’t need a table saw. And if the aged-steel door panels don’t suit your style, you can substitute plywood panels to match the surrounding wood.

Tools and materials overview

We spent about $150 on the materials, which are available at any home center. You could save some cash by choosing different hardwood and hinges (we found ours online for $6 each!). You’ll need a pocket hole jig to replicate the dart storage system. To make perfectly matched plugs to hide the screws, you’ll need a plug cutting bit ($17 for a set of three sizes) and a drill press, or you could use a dowel or store-bought plugs.

An angle grinder would be helpful for cutting the steel, but you’ll get a decent cut with aviation snips—without the sparks. You can have the panels cut to size at the home center or cut them yourself with a circular saw and straightedge guide. Just check the diagonal measurements before you make the cuts.

dartboard aged rust steel Family Handyman

Age the steel panels

dartboard age steel panels rust Family Handyman

To achieve the rust patina shown here, first lay the panels on a scrap of plywood outdoors. Pour a few ounces of muriatic acid into a spray bottle, spray the metal and let it sit overnight. When it’s dry, spray on a mixture of vinegar (1 part), hydrogen peroxide (4 parts) and table salt (1 to 2 tbsp.) and let dry. If it fizzes a little bit, you’ll know it’s working. If you want more rust, spray on more rounds of the rust solution. Try your hand at “painting” with the solution by opening the nozzle on the spray bottle and creating a unique pattern with the stream. The solution will dry and leave a superficial rust surface. To keep the look permanent, spray on several light coats of a matte clearcoat finish.

Caution: Muriatic acid releases harmful fumes and can burn skin. Work outdoors, wearing rubber gloves and eye protection.