How to Install Pegboard

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References Approved

Pegboard is pre-drilled hardboard often used as an organizational grid for tools and other supplies. It is tempered, so it is especially rigid, hard and strong. Installing a pegboard wall in your garage or home is a surprisingly inexpensive project, although it requires detailed measuring, leveling and wall support.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Buying Your Materials

1
Measure the area on your wall where you want to install the pegboard. You should know the length and width of the area before you go to the home improvement store.
2
Buy a piece of pegboard. Pegboard is usually sold in two by four, four by four and four by eight foot pieces. If you want an exact size, buy the larger size of pegboard and ask the large home improvement store to cut it to size.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Most box stores will do this free of charge or for a nominal fee.
- You can also install several pegboard sections in tiles along your wall.
Advertisement
3
Purchase furring strips to use as a frame. Cut them to the width of your pegboard.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- A frame will allow you space between the wall and board to connect hangers. It will also support the pegboard and avoid damage to your wall.
4
Find a paint color that you want to use on your pegboard. It is sold in white or brown and can be left unpainted if you choose. In order to make a camouflaged pegboard for a craft room or kitchen, paint your pegboard the same color as your walls.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You can also use spray paint to create a contrasting pegboard installation.
5
Paint the pegboard a few days ahead of time in the garage or outdoors. Painting in advance will reduce the smell of the paint. It will also mean the paint is cured before you hang anything.

Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Mounting the Pegboard

1
Use a stud finder to mark off your wall studs. If you can’t find the studs and you are hanging the pegboard on drywall, install wall anchors every 16 inches so that the pegboard is adequately supported.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Drilling into studs is preferable, since pegboards are often used to hang heavy tools or kitchen pots and pans.
2
Ask a friend to help you install the furring strips. Hold them horizontally across the wall and place a level on top. Adjust until it is level, and then ask a friend to hold the strip while you drill long wood screws through the furring strips and into the studs or wall anchors.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For a small pegboard, two horizontal furring strips should be adequate. For larger installations, use three or four.
- Drill pilot holes through the furring strips before you place them against the wall and after you level it, so that you can match the strip with the wall anchor.
3
Raise the pegboard up to cover the framing strips. Ensure it is level and then get ready to mount it with help from a friend.
4
Screw the pegboard into the furring strips using 3/4 inch screws with washers. Screw the pegboard in at regular intervals, such as six inches apart, in a horizontal line. Repeat with remaining furring strips to secure the pegboard to the wall.

Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Using the Pegboard

1
Buy a pegboard organizer kit. Make sure it matches up to the pegboard interval of the board you purchased. Pegboards are available in 1/4 and 1/8 inch (0.6 and 0.3cm) holes.^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Lay the hangers out on a large table. Experiment with the configuration by placing the tools, craft supplies or kitchen supplies next to the hanger.
3
Install from the table to the pegboard to ensure the proper layout.
4
Add additional screws and washers if your pegboard moves extensively when you install the hangers.

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Question

How much space should you have behind a pegboard?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Your pegboard should have about ½ inch (1.27 cm) of space behind it so that you can install hooks. If you get a ready-made pegboard with a frame, that space should be built in. Otherwise, you’ll need to create that space by building a frame or adding screw-in standoffs with spacers.
Question

Can you hang a pegboard with command strips?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You can, as long as the pegboard is small and you don’t plan to hang anything too heavy on it. Make sure the strips you choose are rated for the weight of the pegboard and anything you plan to put on it.
Question

How do you install pegboard in a metal shed?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Most metal sheds have thin walls. You may be able to drive heavy-duty deck screws through the walls to mount the pegboard. Put a small amount of roof and gutter silicone around the drill holes/washers to seal up any gaps and prevent moisture from getting into your shed.
Question

What's the easiest way to screw things like hooks that are screwed into walls, anchor screws, etc., into a wall so that it goes in straight and securely?

Community Answer

Best way is to use a cordless or electric drill to drill a "pilot" hole. Pilot holes should be at least 1/16" smaller than the screw or hook diameter so the threads have something to grip to. Before drilling, compare the bit to the item being screwed into the wall. After marking the spot, tap a sharp finishing nail into it so your bit doesn't "skate." Some people have difficulty in drilling a hole that is at 90 degrees to the surface, because you must ascertain orientation of the bit not only left to right, but up and down as well. If you find this difficult, it helps to have another person viewing from the side to help you get lined up at 90 degrees.
Question

What should I do if I don't have a drill?

Community Answer

Borrow, rent, or buy one. Using a plain screwdriver is not a viable option if you care about your hands.
Question

We recently purchased a home that has peg board installed on three walls of a room behind the garage. There is an offensive odor in the room at all times, could it be from the peg board?

Community Answer

There could be a dead animal behind the peg board wall. Removing the peg board will be the only way to find out.
Question

Will this method work for concrete walls?

Community Answer

Yes. You will need to use masonry screws to mount the furring strips to the concrete wall. You need to to drill a pilot hole for the masonry screws using a masonry bit. If you will be drilling a lot of holes into concrete, it may be worthwhile to rent a hammer drill.
Question

How thick do the furring strips have to be?

Community Answer

Typically, furring strips are 1" thick by 2" - 3" width by 4', 6', 8', or 10' length. However, it is not unusual for them to be 3/4" to 7/8" thick, depending on whether they are dried and planed to be smooth surfaced strips.
Question

What kind of pegs would be best?

Community Answer

Unless you know exactly what hooks you want, buying an assortment works well. There are many styles, and what looks right may not be best. You will probably use short hooks the most, and only a few speciality shapes. But no matter what - your peg board will be revised and changed as time goes by. Spare hooks are required for when you change it up and revise your workflow.
Question

How much weight can a pegboard hold?

Community Answer

Approximately 20 lb per pounds per hook, although longer hooks will exert more force on structure than shorter ones.