Buying guide for Best pegboards
If you’re looking for a way to turn wall space into organizational space for tools or other items, consider pegboards. After mounting a pegboard to your wall, you can store numerous tools in a variety of configurations using metal hooks inserted into the holes.
When it comes to organizational systems, a pegboard is one of the least-expensive and most versatile options. Installation is as simple as mounting the pegboard to studs and installing hooks and accessories however you like. Pegboards are sold in panels of varying sizes, and they may be made of particle board, solid wood, or metal.
Choosing the right pegboard involves considering what tools you need to organize and how much weight your pegboard will hold. Size and price also factor into your decision. Pegboards can be small and inexpensive, or it can be pricey and large enough to hold a workshop’s worth of tools.
A well-organized pegboard can declutter your kitchen, garage, or workshop while neatly displaying your tools.
What is a pegboard?
A pegboard is a square or rectangular piece of wood, plastic, or metal with evenly spaced holes that can hold hooks and other storage devices. With a pegboard, you can easily hang and display tools of nearly any shape or size.
The versatility of pegboards makes them ideal for offices, workshops, garages, kitchens, and classrooms. They come in different styles and colors, so whether you are looking for something utilitarian for a basement workshop or something sleek that complements your home, there’s a good chance you can find a pegboard to suit your needs.
Expert Tip
Consider hanging pegboards with hinges in front of open shelving to have double-sided storage opportunities.
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Key considerations
Size and shape
Pegboards come in a range of sizes, from long, narrow strips to large squares or rectangles that can be mounted to cover an entire wall. The smallest pegboard pieces are around 8 x 20 inches, while the largest reach up to 28 x 48 inches. Expanding your pegboard wall is as easy as buying multiple panels of the same size and mounting them edge to edge.
Hole size
The two types of pegboards are small-hole and large-hole pegboards.
Small-hole pegboards are typically an eighth of an inch thick. The holes are typically 3/16 of an inch in diameter. The smaller pegs are best suited for hanging lighter tools and items.
Large-hole pegboards are the more popular choice. With quarter-inch thickness and holes that are a quarter of an inch in diameter, these are the best option for hanging heavier tools and shelving units. You can also use smaller 3/16-inch pegs in these holes.
Some pegboards have slotted holes that allow you to install different accessories and shelving units.
Materials
Pegboards can be made of plastic, wood, or metal. In general, metal is stronger and more durable but also far heavier.
Plastic pegboards are inexpensive and lightweight, but they lack durability and strength. Plastic pegboards are best for hanging small tools.
Wood pegboards may be made of MDF particleboard, plywood, or solid wood. Solid wood is the most reliable option and is more decorative, but it is also the most expensive. If you plan to install your pegboard in a visible location like your kitchen wall, solid wood may be worth the extra price. Plywood and MDF pegboards may be coated in melamine for a sleek, white look.
Metal pegboards are generally made of aluminum or stainless steel. Steel is more durable but is the heavier of the two. In most cases, aluminum is sufficiently strong to hang heavier tools.
As a general rule, a thicker pegboard is capable of holding a greater total weight. The sturdiest pegboard may be capable of supporting up to 100 pounds of tools.
Expert Tip
Avoid hanging items of substantial weight in the same area on MDF pegboards. Spread heavy items out so the board is not stressed and less likely to rip.
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Features
While pegboards are fairly straightforward, the design and included accessories will vary from one product to the next. Make sure you have an idea of what is included with the pegboard you select, or you may find yourself without installation hardware or hooks.
Hardware and accessories
Not all pegboards include mounting hardware — or even hanging hooks, for that matter. When you are comparing prices, take into consideration whether you will need to purchase your own hooks and hardware.
Other included accessories to look for include:
Bins and trays for nails, screws, and other small bits
Shelves or organizing items
Less-common hook styles
Non-wall-mounted options
Pegboards are also available in the form of vertical stands, which may have two to four sides of pegboard. Some stands rotate, while others have a folding design that can stand on a flat surface and be easily transported.
Framing
If you plan to put your pegboard in a visible place, style can be important, especially if you don’t want to mar your décor. Some pegboards come framed and may be available in a few different colors. If you are putting your pegboard in your kitchen or office, it can help keep things looking tidy. You could always frame the pegboard yourself, but this can be time-consuming.
Expert Tip
Screw pegboards to the wall rather than nailing them. Using screws is more secure.
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Pegboard prices
Inexpensive
Pegboards in the $10 to $30 range may be made of wood, metal, or plastic. In this price range, accessories and hooks are rarely included. Installation hardware may also need to be purchased separately. Expect to find smaller sizes here.
Mid-Range
Spending $30 to $80 for a pegboard gives you the option of many shapes and sizes. Some sets on the upper end of this price range may include accessories, or they may be vertical designs for displaying products.
Expensive
Pegboard products in the $80 to $200 range are usually large and include a variety of accessories to make organization easy from the start.
Expert Tip
You can use zip ties to secure peg hooks. Simply run a zip tie through the hole and zip it tight across the body of the hook.
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Tips
Use a stud finder to ensure that your screws find a solid anchor when mounting your pegboard.
Remember to leave about a half inch of space between the board and the wall. Hooks take up space. If you don’t leave enough room, you won’t be able to insert hooks.
You needn’t use a pegboard solely for hanging items. A pegboard is also a great way to set up a custom shelving area.
A pegboard doesn’t have to go on walls. It can also be installed on doors or on the inside of cabinets.
Designate a space for each tool and item by drawing silhouettes of each tool. It’s easy to let things become cluttered, which can lead to using your pegboard space inefficiently. And just because you can rearrange your pegboard easily doesn’t mean you should. It’s best to find the most logical and ergonomic organization of your tools and stick with it.
FAQ
Q. Does the orientation of a panel of a pegboard matter?
A. No. In fact, you can mount a pegboard with any of the holes. As a result, there is no such thing as vertical or horizontal pegboard — it’s whatever you need it to be.
Q. The hooks keep falling out of my pegboard whenever I remove a tool. How can I prevent this?
A. The only guaranteed way to keep this from happening is to glue your hooks in the holes. Hot glue is a reliable option.
Q. Can I paint a pegboard?
A. Absolutely. It’s as easy as laying down some newspaper and spray painting the surface. Just make sure to not overpaint and clog the holes.
