Wood & Darts: A Perfect Match

The satisfying thunk of a sharpened tungsten dart sinking into a bristled dartboard is a beloved sound for pub players and professionals alike. Yet despite advancements in dart materials and technology over the years, the nostalgic tradition of wooden darts and boards in UK pubs endures.

The History of Wooden Darts and Dartboards

While the origins of darts can be traced to medieval England, wooden dartboards and accessories as we know them today emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the sport formalised rules and expanded popularity, standard circular elm dartboards with inner and outer rings became common in pubs and homes.

Sets of three streamlined wooden darts with feather flights were typically stored in custom hardwood boxes. These ornate cases kept precious hand-turned darts safe between matches and signalled one's pride in the sport. For seasoned players, the worn patina of a well-loved dart case told as much of a story as the many games played.

Key Wood Types Used in Dart Equipment

The choice of wood impacts a dartboard's durability, aesthetics, and playing experience. Common types include:

• Elm - The traditional wood of choice, valued for its shock absorption and fibrous bristle-holding ability.
• Poplar - A budget-friendly alternative, slightly more prone to wear but with a smooth surface.
• Linden - Stable and rigid, producing a lively rebound effect and crisp dart impact.

Meanwhile, wood dart shafts and specialty grips highlight unique grains like bocote, olivewood, and purpleheart for decorative flair. Though less common now, one can still find artisans specialising in exotic hardwood darts for discerning clientele.

The Craft of Wooden Dartboard Making

Machined boards with stapled fibers dominate the market today, but at specialty workshops in the UK, traditional production methods remain. To construct a classic bristle board:

1. Glue several layers of timber together for thickness.
2. Carefully measure and mark circular guidelines on the wood.
3. Drill holes at set diameters to delineate scoring zones.
4. Hammer individual bristles into place by hand for a natural look.
5. Mount and seal the finished board onto a backboard.

From sourcing top-grade lumber to learning techniques passed down through generations, creators devote great attention to each handcrafted board.

The Allure of Wooden Dart Accessories

While tournaments and most pubs feature plastic-shafted darts and electronic scoreboards, wooden accessories provide an irreplaceable tactile experience for recreational players. The smooth heft of a turned ebony dart locking perfectly into your grip cannot be replicated. Hearing feather flights softly split the air before a satisfying thunk awakens senses that plastic and metal fail to activate.

Of course, with comfort and artistry come tradeoffs in durability compared to aluminum or nylon shafts. But as technology continues improving synthetic dart materials, so too does the appreciation for traditional equipment.

Famous Establishments Keeping Wooden Dart Traditions

Several British and Irish pubs maintain charming timber dart nooks that seem transported from past centuries, their wall panels etched with scores of games gone by. Among these institutions committed to preserving heritage are:

• The Skirrid Inn - This 900+ year old Welsh pub boasts one of the oldest dartboards in Britain, with the remnants of inner bullseyes past still faintly visible. Their much-loved board sits under exposed 17th century beams in a quintessential countryside alehouse.
• The Brazen Head - Dublin's oldest pub (since 1198 AD) features a polished wooden board housed in an atmospheric side snug, having hosted friendly tussles for generations. Their beautiful darts case showcasing ornate brass sets makes a proud display.
• The Grapes - London's former Charles Dickens local includes a weathered dartboard mounted upon 19th century tongue and groove panelling. The occasional stray dart hole only adds to its rustic ambiance.

These establishments, like many others across the UK and Ireland, represent proud keepers of the darting flame - mixing modern comforts with an homage to enduring tradition.

Caring for Cherrywood and Bristle

With the proper upkeep, a handcrafted dartboard can last over 15 years. To care for your wooden board and darts:

• Use a very lightly damp cloth on the wood finish; avoid liquid cleaners.
• Brush fiber bristles lightly to remove surface dust and debris.
• Rotate the position of your board every few months to evenly distribute wear.
• Store wooden darts in a felt-lined case away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Check flights and shafts periodically and replace as needed.

Additionally, take care not to leave drinks sitting on the dartboard surround, as moisture damage can lead to warping.

The Future of Wooden Darts

Even as electronic scoreboards, plastic components, and professional-grade “blade” dartboards take over competitive play, traditional materials stubbornly endure in homes and pubs.

Sustainably sourced woods and artisanal manufacturing techniques also allow companies to innovate within the wooden dart market. We may see creative hybrid designs that balance modern performance with old-school charm. One thing’s for certain - the nostalgic appeal of aged timber and the thwick of feather flights will never fade.

The Timeless Allure of the Wooden Dart

For those enamoured with darts' history and craftwork, few sensations compare to the perfect arc of a polished hornbeam dart thumping into a hand-bristled board below exposed ceiling beams. The background clink of glasses and murmur of pub conversation completes a time-traveling experience back to darts' early days.

So next time you're looking for a bit of nostalgic fun with friends, seek out one of the UK's remaining old-fashioned boards. Order a foaming pint, retrieve a set of wooden darts from their velvet-lined case, and enjoy an evening celebrating the rich tradition of Britain's favourite pub sport.

Sources, References and Further Reading

• Types of Dartboards
• The History of Darts and Dartboards