How To Install Pegboard

Pegboard offers a versatile storage solution that can transform a cluttered garage or workshop into a well-organized space. If you aren’t sure where to start, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva is sharing his tips for mounting and arranging your pegboard setup. This guide will show you how to put up pegboard like a pro, from picking the right supplies to storing and organizing your tools.

Types of Pegboards

Pegboards are perforated panels typically made of masonite, a type of engineered wood. These boards have evenly spaced holes that accommodate various hooks and accessories for hanging tools and equipment. There are several types of pegboard available.

• Masonite pegboard: Sometimes called fiberboard, it’s affordable and gets the job done. Because it’s made from engineered wood fibers, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use.
• Metal pegboard: Tougher than masonite and built to last. It costs more but may be worth it if you’re hanging heavy tools or working in a high-traffic area. Comes in various finishes like stainless steel or powder-coated colors.
• Plastic pegboard: Great for damp areas like basements or outdoor sheds. It’s light, easy to clean, and won’t rust or rot. Some types are even UV-resistant for outdoor use.
• Wood pegboard: Great for visible areas like craft rooms or home offices. You can stain or paint it to match your decor.

Pegboard Hole Sizes

Pegboards come with different hole sizes to accommodate various hook types. Here’s what you need to know:

• 1/4-inch holes: This is the standard size. Most pegboard hooks and accessories fit these holes, so this size is versatile for a wide range of tools.
• 1/8-inch holes: These smaller holes work well for lighter items. They’re less common but can be useful for organizing small tools or craft supplies.
• 1/2-inch holes: These larger holes are for heavy-duty use. They can handle bigger hooks and heavier tools, making them best for industrial settings or serious workshops.

Tools and Materials Needed To Install a Pegboard

You’ll need these materials before you start:

• Pegboard
• Screws
• Pegboard hooks
• Scrap wood (if needed for spacing)

Gather the following tools, too:

• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Stud finder (if mounting on drywall)
• Safety goggles and work gloves

Tools:

How To Install a Pegboard

The installation process depends on your wall type. Let’s cover two common scenarios:

Mounting on Open Stud Bays

If you have open studs, like in an unfinished garage, here’s what to do:

1. Measure and cut the pegboard to size.
2. Position the pegboard against the open studs.
3. Use screws to secure the pegboard directly to the studs.
4. Ensure the board is level as you attach it.
5. Make sure the screws are evenly spaced to fully support the pegboard.

Installing on a Solid Wall

Standard pegboard is 1/4-inch masonite with 1/4-inch holes, though you can also find it with smaller 1/8-inch holes. As Tom Silva explained on Ask This Old House, it comes in both painted and unpainted versions — so if you want a clean white finish, look for pre-painted panels to save yourself a step.

When mounting a pegboard on a finished wall, you’ll need to create space for the hooks. Follow these steps:

1. Cut 3/4-inch strips of scrap wood to use as spacers.
2. Locate and mark the wall studs using a stud finder.
3. Attach the wood strips to the wall studs using screws.
4. Mount the pegboard onto the spacers, ensuring it’s level.
5. Secure the pegboard with screws through the spacers into the studs.
6. Double-check that all screws are tight to avoid any wobbling.

Organizing Your Tools on Your Pegboard

Pro Tip: This Old House master carpenter Norm Abram stresses the importance of a well-organized layout: “Minimizing clutter only makes the space more efficient.” He also notes that open shelves, while convenient, can invite their own disorder: “Shelves easily get disorganized as things get stacked on one another.” Consider a mix of hooks, bins, and cubbies to keep every tool visible and accessible.

Now for the fun part—setting up your tools. Here are some of our pegboard organization ideas:

• Hooks: Come in various shapes and sizes. Use J-hooks for hammers, L-hooks for saws, and double hooks for heavier items.
• Bins and baskets: Great for corralling small parts like nails, screws, or paintbrushes.
• Magnetic strips: Perfect for metal tools or keeping small parts in view.
• Shelves: Add pegboard-compatible shelves for items that don’t hang well, like paint cans or power tools.
• Specialized holders: Look for holders designed for specific tools, like drill bit organizers or wrench racks.
• Labels: Consider labeling areas or outlines of tools to keep everything in its place.

Pro Tip: Pro organizer and interior designer Jeffrey Phillip advises restraint when setting up your pegboard: “Pop in the right hooks—but not too many.” As featured in This Old House Magazine, Phillip also suggests choosing a pegboard color that complements your space and finishing the edges with thin strips of molding for a polished look.

Common Pegboard Installation Mistakes To Avoid

Be aware of these potential pitfalls when installing your pegboard:

• Failing to secure the board to studs or solid backing.
• Skipping the spacers on solid walls, leaving no room for hooks.
• Overloading the pegboard with too much weight.
• Choosing hooks that don’t fit your pegboard’s hole size.