How to Install a Pegboard Wall

Installing a pegboard system is a quick way to encourage organization and increases the available work space. By utilizing vertical space, tools are visible and easily sorted. Because pegboard is pre-punched on a 1" x 1" grid, tool hangers can be moved and reconfigured to meet future needs. 

If your garage was built before the early 1990s, chances are you will have bare wall studs. Fire code in later years mandated drywall be installed. Because pegboard accessories need a small void behind the board to accommodate the mounting pegs, furring strips are needed for installs over drywall. 

Start by laying out your install area. If you have a work table, start the lower edge of the pegboard at this height. Install horizontal blocking between the studs to support the lower and upper edge of the pegboard (Image 2). 

If you are installing over drywall, cut 2×1 wood furring strips for the perimeter edges and vertically at every stud.

Use a stud finder to mark the locations of the existing studs (Image 1). Install the furring strips vertically at each stud and horizontally across the top and bottom edges using 3" wood screws. Continue until you have a grid layout (Image 2).

Measure and lay out the locations of wall switches or outlets that will be installed in the pegboard (Image 1). Use a jigsaw to cut the holes for the outlets and switches (Image 3). Be sure to size the cut so that the trim plate will cover the opening. Hold the pegboard up to the wall to make sure it fits and make any needed adjustments to the pegboard’s overall size.

Use a table saw or circular saw to cut the pegboard to size.

Mount the pegboard to the wall studs or furring strips using lathe screws (Image 1). Normal drywall or wood screws will work, however, the large washer head of lathe screws will help prevent tear-through when mounting heavy items. Tighten the screws snug but don't over drive and break the pegboard. Continue installing screws 12-inches on-center vertically and at every stud or furring strip horizontally (Image 2).

Pegboard is great for carrying weight over a large surface. But because it is only 3/16" thick, it can't carry a lot of weight in one spot. For areas of the wall where you want to hold heavy tools and yard equipment, use a rail system. Look for a rail system that has mounting holes every inch so it lines up with the pegboard (Image 1). Mount the rail track with the included wood screws using two at each stud or furring strip (Image 2). If you are mounting to furring strips, make sure the wood screws are long enough to reach into the underlying wall stud. Clip on the rail cover (Image 3). Because the accessory hangers can mount anywhere along the rail, they won't prevent you from using the pegboard for smaller items as well.

Since the new prefinished pegboard really lightened up this space, we took the opportunity to give some upcycled kitchen cabinets and old workbench a fresh coat of white gloss enamel making them easier to keep clean in the future.

Pegboard accessories come in a variety of hooks, hangers, baskets, and tool holders. To install them, tip the top pegs into the board and then rotate down. Pegboard is a great workspace organizer since it is easy to configure in whichever way you want. Specialty hangers exist for everything from screw guns to crafting supplies. 

A pegboard is an easy and inexpensive way for you to organize your garage or DIY workspace. Combined with a rack system, this previously unused wall area can now hold everything from small parts to large yard tools. Because of the flexibility inherent to the pegboard system, this space can easily be reconfigured for years to come.