How to Hang a Pegboard - Kitchen Cabinets

A pegboard is a great way to organize tools, supplies, or other items on a wall. Hanging a pegboard properly ensures it will be secure, level, and ready for your items. With some planning and the right tools, you can install a pegboard in your garage, workshop, laundry room, or other space. Here is a step-by-step guide to hanging a pegboard correctly.

Choose a Location

The first step in hanging a pegboard is deciding where to put it. Consider the following when picking a location:

Space – Make sure there is adequate wall space for the size of the pegboard you purchased. Measure the area to ensure it will fit.
Accessibility – Pick an area you can easily reach. Having tools and supplies in arms reach makes using a pegboard convenient.
Purpose – Where you will use the items stored on the board most often? In the garage for tools? In a laundry room for supplies? Pick a central, handy location.
Traffic flow – Avoid high traffic zones where you or others may bump into or brush up against the pegboard often.
Height – Mount the pegboard at a height you can comfortably reach. Around eye level or slightly above typically works best.
Backing – Choose a wall with studs or solid backing to ensure secure installation. Drywall alone may not be enough support.

Once you’ve selected an optimal spot, prepare the area by clearing the wall space and making sure it is clean prior to installation.

Gather Materials and Tools

Before starting installation, gather the following supplies:

Pegboard – Purchase a pegboard in the desired size. Common sizes are 2×4 feet and 4×8 feet. Pegboards typically have evenly spaced holes for peg placement.
Pegs and hooks – Buy an assortment of pegs, hooks, baskets, and other accessories to hold your items. You’ll insert these into the pegboard later.
Fasteners – Most pegboards come with screws or nails. Make sure you have enough for secure mounting based on the pegboard’s size and weight.
Stud finder – This tool locates studs behind the wall. Studs provide a solid material to screw into.
Level – A level ensures you install the pegboard evenly. Look for a “bubble” style level that’s easy to position on the board.
Drill and drill bits – Use a power drill with the appropriate size bit to make pilot holes for fasteners.
Pencil – Mark locations for pilot holes with a pencil.
Tape measure – Measure to find studs and mark board position.

Getting all materials together ahead of time ensures an organized installation.

Locate and Mark Studs

Before mounting the pegboard, locate the studs in your wall and mark them. Studs are vertical supports behind the drywall that provide a solid material for screws to grab. Here’s how to find and mark them:

Use a stud finder tool. Run it vertically along the wall to detect studs. Mark their edges with pencil.
If you don’t have a stud finder, try tapping the wall while listening for a change in sound. Dense studs sound different than hollow drywall areas.
As another option, measure 16 or 24 inches from an edge or opening which is often on a stud. Mark and test this spot by driving a small nail in to confirm if it’s a stud.
Space marks evenly to align with pegboard dimensions. Having a mark near each end is ideal so the board is securely fastened.

Knowing the stud locations ensures your pegs, hooks and items will be properly supported when installed on the pegboard. Mark them clearly for quick reference when drilling pilot holes.

Drill Pilot Holes

With your studs marked, now drill pilot holes for the pegboard fasteners. Pilot holes allow screws or nails to sink into the stud easily without causing wood splitting. Follow these steps:

Position your pegboard over the stud marks. Use a pencil to mark through the fastener holes onto the wall studs.
Take the board down. Use a drill bit slightly narrower than your fasteners to drill holes at each pencil mark. Drill just deep enough for the fastener’s length.
Drilling into studs provides maximum holding power. But if a mark happens to fall over drywall instead, make sure to use hollow wall anchors.
Vacuum up any drywall dust so it won’t interfere with leveling or mounting.

Pre-drilling with pilot holes is crucial for avoiding cracks and other damage as you insert screws or nails to hold up the pegboard.

Mount the Pegboard

You’re now ready to mount the pegboard onto the wall. Follow these instructions for proper installation:

Hold the pegboard up to the wall in the desired position. Have a helper assist in holding it level.
Place your level tool at the top edge to double check it is perfectly horizontal. Adjust if needed.
Line up the pegboard’s pre-drilled mounting holes with the pilot holes you created.
Use a screwdriver or drill to insert screws into each hole and drive them into the wall. Work top to bottom or side to side systematically.
If using nails instead of screws, carefully hammer them into the pilot holes using a rubber mallet. Be cautious not to damage the pegboard.
Install any provided pegboard border brackets or trim pieces if included. These give a finished look.
Take care not to overtighten screws or drive nails too far. Tight enough to hold the pegboard is sufficient.

Properly mounting the pegboard provides a secure base for years of keeping your items neatly organized.

Add Pegboard Accessories

Once the pegboard framework is installed, you can start outfitting it with pegs, hooks, shelves, bins and other accessories specially made for pegboard storage. Here are some tips:

Pegs and hooks – Insert pegs and hooks into the holes where you want to place items. Space them according to the objects you’re storing. Mix up sizes too.
Shelves – Pegboard shelves held by clips or brackets allow stacking items. Great for tools.
Baskets – Wire or mesh baskets hung from pegs corral small supplies like hardware. Some come with covers.
Bins – Plastic bins add enclosed storage. Use them for messy items or to categorize by type.
Tool holders – Specialized tool holders keep specific items sorted and easy to grab. Great for screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
Jars – Mason jars or wall-mounted jars make great organizers for hardware, craft supplies, kitchen goods and more.
Labels – Customizable plastic labels identify what goes where. Alphabetized labels help keep things neat.

Experiment with arrangements to find a system that fits your needs and style. Change it up anytime as your storage needs evolve.

Maintain Your Pegboard Wall

To keep your pegboard wall looking and functioning its best:

Dust regularly – Wipe down the board and accessories to prevent dust buildup. Use a microfiber cloth or duster.
Check for looseness – Make sure pegs, hooks and shelves are still snug in holes. Tighten or replace any that become loose.
Reorganize as needed – Over time your storage needs may change. Reconfigure hooks, shelves and bins to stay optimal.
Avoid moisture damage – Use pegboard in a dry area and promptly wipe up any spills or drips which could harm the fiberboard material.
Consider paint or finish – Unfinished pegboard can be painted or stained for a more decorative look. Use proper primer and finishes.
Replace when worn – Pegboards do wear out over many years. Replace it when necessary for safety and looks.

Proper maintenance keeps your pegboard wall looking great and functioning at its best. Follow these tips so it stays organized for years to come.

Pegboard Uses

Pegboards are versatile organizational tools. Here are some popular uses:

Garage and Workshop Pegboards

Tools like hammers, wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers
Hardware such as nails, screws, nuts, bolts
Power tool accessories like drill bits, grinding wheels
Cords, hoses, and extension wires

Laundry and Utility Room Pegboards

Laundry detergent, spot remover, fabric softener
Clothespins, hanging racks, ironing accessories
Cleaning tools like brushes, sponges, gloves
Sewing supplies such as thread, needles, buttons

Craft and Hobby Room Pegboards

Craft paints, brushes, pens, scissors, adhesives
Yarns, embroidery floss, cross stitch fabric
Beads, jewelry findings, stringing cord
Stencils, stamps, punches, stencils

Kitchen, Pantry, and Spice Pegboards

Spices, oils and seasonings
Kitchen tools like spatulas, tongs, whisks
Pot lids, oven mitts, aprons, towels
Food storage containers and wraps

Garage Pegboard Ideas

Pegboards are the perfect solution for organizing a garage or workshop. Here are some great ideas for maximizing your garage pegboard storage and organization:

Use alternating lengths of hooks to hang items like gardening tools, brooms, and hoses close to the board. Reserve longer hooks for heavier items like power tools.
Invest in heavy duty metal hooks, baskets, and bins that can handle the weight of tools. Plastic may bend or break.
Incorporate magnetic strips or pin up bars to hold small metal items like nails, screws, or keys. The pegboard background makes a great magnetable surface.
Use pegboard clips or wall-mounted spring-loaded holders to securely hang extension cords, hoses, and cables. Keeps them up and out of the way.
Add clear plastic holders with labels to sort and store nuts, bolts, washers and other hardware. Easy to see contents.
Utilize pegboard shelves and bins to categorized items or get them up off the floor. Great for spray paints, automotive fluids, cleaning supplies.
Mount a small pegboard panel or grid inside a cabinet door to neatly organize contents. Keep these lighter weight items.
Use pegboard baskets to corral messy items like gardening gloves or paint brushes. The air circulation helps them dry out.
Outline each tool’s location with marker or tape for easy return after use. Keep a simple consistent layout.

With the right mix of accessories, a garage pegboard becomes the ultimate organizational asset. Follow these tips to maximize its usefulness.

Laundry Room Pegboard Ideas

Pegboards are useful in laundry rooms for keeping supplies organized and at your fingertips. Here are creative ideas for a laundry pegboard wall:

Use sturdy hooks to hang delicates nets, drying racks, and clothes hangers. Have them ready right when the dryer stops.
Corral clothespins, safety pins, snaps, and clips in small baskets. Use one for each clothesline.
Install handy racks or shelves to stack folded laundry waiting to be put away. Control the folding pile chaos!
Attach a mesh bag for collecting lint from the dryer filter. Keep lint under control.
Use pegboard bins for laundry detergent pods, dryer sheets, stain removers, spray starches.
Hang a water-resistant bin for wet laundry items waiting to be washed like bathing suits or exercise wear.
Use wall-mounted jars or containers to hold laundry helpers like spot removers, fabric softener beads, static guard.
Corral sewing supplies for quick clothing repairs – needles, thread, buttons, safety pins, tape measure, seam ripper, scissors.
Add sturdy iron hooks to hang your ironing board when stored or an iron when cooling down.
Attach a magnetic bar to hold safety pins, needles, scissors, tweezers for those impromptu sewing fixes.

Get your laundry room beautifully organized with these handy pegboard storage ideas. No more laundry headaches!

Pegboard Shelving Ideas

Pegboard shelving adds extra storage over traditional peg accessories. Here are smart ways to use pegboard shelves:

Stacked small shelves great for holding paint cans in a garage or craft area. Keep them organized and drip-free.
Larger shelves with pegboard backing are ideal for organizing tools like hammers, wrenches, and socket sets. Outline each tool’s spot.
Use angled shelves to neatly store spray bottles and cans. Angle makes them easy to remove.
Install mesh bottom shelves to hold small hardware items like washers, tacks, staples. Won’t fall through but easily seen.
Pair shelves with pegboard bins and baskets to hold items of similar use. Group all sanding items on one shelf, cleaning items on another.
Add shelf dividers for sorting smaller objects. Great for jewelry findings, hardware, craft supplies like beads.
Use wall-mounted shelves to double your storage capacity. Hang frequently used items at eye level while shelves above or below hold overflow.
For a garage, sturdy metal shelves hold heavier items like car fluids, batteries, automotive tools.
Incorporate pegboard panels on the backs of cabinet doors to neatly organize contents on the shelf behind it.

Pegboard shelving multiples storage options. Use them to create zones by item type for ultimate organization.

Pegboard Tool Storage Ideas

Pegboards allow you to neatly organize tools for easy access while saving drawer and shelf space. Some great ways to store tools on pegboard include:

Outline each tool’s silhouette with marker or paint so it has a designated spot to return to.
Use hooks of different lengths to hang tools flat against the board or with handles outward for quick grabbing.
Incorporate spring-loaded holders to securely hold power tools without slipping.
Utilize bins, baskets or custom holders to neatly corral smaller items like drill bits, drivers, router accessories.
Add clear plastic pouches to pegboard to hold sets of loose hardware like screws or nails. Easily identify contents.
Pegboard shelves are perfect for holding stacked tools like wrenches or laid-out socket sets.
Use magnetic strips to hold metal tools like levels, files, small wrenches. The pegboard background acts like a magnet board.
Install wall-mounted spring arms to hold items extended out like tape measures, dusters, or work lights. Convenient to grab and return.
Use larger wall-mounted baskets to contain bulky or odd-shaped tools like glue guns, staplers, safety glasses.

Keep your most-used tools at your fingertips by organizing them strategically on your workspace pegboard. You’ll save time and workspace looking for them!

Pegboard Craft Storage Ideas

Pegboards are perfect for organizing a craft room or hobby area. Here are some great ways to use them:

Use small pegs or hooks to hang frequently used tools like scissors, pliers, tweezers within arm’s reach.
Corral loose items like beads, buttons, sequins and rhinestones in see-through bins with pegboard attached backs.
Install shelves to hold stacked supplies like glue sticks, bottles of paint, boxes of ribbon and trim.
Use wall mounted baskets for overflowing supplies like pom poms, googly eyes, feathers.
Arrange ribbons and cords by color on pegs or hang spools so they cascade vertically.
Categorize paper pads, sheet by size or color into wall-mounted letter sorters.
Keep embellishments together but separate with divided containers – glitter, confetti, gems each get a section.
Mount a pegboard inside cabinet doors to neatly organize interior contents.
Use long pegs to neatly store tall items like rolls of tape, lengthy rulers.

Keep your creative tools organized so you can find what you need in a flash of inspiration! Pegboards offer endless possibilities.

Pegboard Kitchen Storage

Pegboards allow for neat, compact kitchen storage. Ideas include:

Use hooks to hang colanders, strainers, pots, and lids within easy reach.
Corral spice jars in wall mounted racks for a space-saving solution to disorganized cabinets.
Mount a small pegboard inside cabinet doors to hang foil, baggies, bags – keep frequently accessed items handy.
Adhere pegboard sheets inside deep drawers to create customized dividers for utensils, gadgets, or baking pans.
Use pegboard baskets mounted sideways to hold cookbooks. Keeps them visible and accessible but contained.
Hang shallow pegboard bins trimmed with a stained wood border to keep packaged food like pasta organized.
Install pegboard on the back of pantry doors. Use hooks to hang aprons, towels, oven mitts.
Utilize magnetic strips for knives, graters, scissors, and other metal tools.
Use wall mounted rods hung from pegboard to hold baking sheets vertically. Keeps them neat but accessible.

Pegboards give you the ultimate customized kitchen organization. Maximize vertical storage and get items off counters with these handy ideas!

Pegboard Garage Shelving

Sturdy garage shelving paired with pegboard helps keep the workshop or garage organized. Ideas include:

Use heavy duty metal shelves with pegboard backs to hold stacked paint cans, stains, automotive fluids and cleaners.
Install tall shelving units with pegboard sides to store long handled tools like shovels, rakes, brooms, and mops vertically.
Mix in plastic bins and baskets that attach to pegboard to corral loose hardware, rags, tape rolls, and other supplies.
Add a magnetic strip to the shelves for metal tools like hammers, levels, wrenches, and screwdrivers.
On the backs of garage cabinet doors, attach a panel of pegboard to hang spray bottles, safety glasses