How to Hang Pegboard

Hanging pegboard might seem simple, but it must be hung properly to stay in place and safely hold heavy items. It is one of the least expensive ways to add storage in the home, and it can be used in the kitchen, utility room, a child’s bedroom, a toy room, a garage, or a workroom in a basement. It can also be very useful in a craft room or a home office, and contrary to popular belief, pegboard can look far better than most people envision. The options for using pegboard are virtually endless, and when painted and decorated it can be as stylish as it is useful. Consider the following ways to hang and use pegboard in the home. You might be surprised by how much organized storage space it provides while adding color and unique interest to bare walls.

Selecting Pegboard and Hardware

Thin lighter weight pegboard is ideal for hanging lightweight items such as craft supplies, hand tools, and kitchen utensils, but for heavy-duty storage it is important to choose heavier pegboard. If the pegboard will be used to hang heavy items such as electrical tools or shelving, spend a little more on quarter-inch perforated hardboard that has been tempered. Material that has been tempered is far stronger than ordinary pegboard.

When shopping for hardware, keep in mind that pegboard hooks are available in widths that will fit eighth-inch board and quarter-inch board, but some styles will work with both. Hooks are also available in various lengths. Choose heavy-duty hooks for use with thicker hardboard and when combined they will hold a considerable amount of weight. Choose the right board and hooks to hang heavy or lightweight items and they will last indefinitely.

Tips on Painting Pegboard

Pegboard is available in painted varieties that is easy to keep clean. Colored pegboard has a finish that is washable and highly durable, but you can save money and match specific colors if you choose to hang unfinished boards. Select high-quality urethane enamel for adding color and durability. Just like wall paint, urethane enamel can be mixed to match any color, and it will provide a resilient finish that will color-coordinate with any room you choose.

How to Cut Pegboard

Perforated hardboard is available in sheets that vary in size, and to make the job easier, purchase it from a home improvement store that will cut the sheets to the proper size. Otherwise, the sheets can be cut at home, but it is easily damaged if not properly clamped and cut with a fine-tooth crosscut blade. Using a straightedge and a level, make a line with a fine-tip marker, and line up two boards with clamps along that line. The boards will help keep the edges smooth and straight. Support the board from beneath using a workbench, and carefully saw along the line. Depending on where you plan to hang the pegboard, consider embellishing the sheets and framing them before hanging.

Creative Ideas for Displaying Pegboard

To make the edges of the pegboard appear finished, consider surrounding them with a wood frame. Simply paint or stain ordinary trim, and after it is completely dry, cut it to fit the perimeter of the board using a miter saw. Assemble the framework using v nails, and hold them in place with flexipoints and wood glue. Framing material designed to frame works of art can also be used. The decorating options are truly limitless.

Do you want to further embellish painted pegboard to hang in a child’s bedroom, a kitchen, or another room in the home? Use the perforated hardboard as a base for creating whimsical flowers. Paint petals around the holes or stamp them on using a sponge or a piece of craft foam. Finish by painting on stems and foliage, and make sure the holes are not painted closed. Allow the paint to dry completely before you hang the finished board.

If you do not plan on using pegboard holes in predetermined increments or locations, randomly glue colorful glass beads over unused holes to create interesting designs, text, or pictures. Shop online or visit a local craft store for eye-catching beads in countless colors and designs. Consider creating mosaic sunflowers, moons, stars, cars, trucks, or anything else you can dream up. This is an ideal way to decorate pegboard you plan to hang in a child’s bedroom, a craft room, a utility room, or even a kitchen. Let your imagination be your guide.

How to Properly Hang Pegboard

Whether the pegboard you plan to hang is plain or embellished, it is important to hang it properly. If you plan to hang lightweight pegboard you will require plastic wall anchors, spacers measuring three-eighths of an inch in length, and screws of the appropriate size. Alternately you can hang the material with specially designed hardboard anchors. If the pegboard is thick and heavy or very large you will require three-quarter inch furring strips instead of spacers to give it the proper support. In addition, if the spacers or furring strips will be visible on a dark or light colored wall, paint them to match and they will not be nearly as noticeable.

When preparing to hang lightweight pegboard, begin by leveling, measuring, and marking sixteen-inch increments on the wall through the top holes of the material. Next, mount the wall anchors at the location of the marks, and with help from an extra pair of hands, place the screws through the holes in the pegboard and through the spacers. Lastly, tighten the screws into the anchors.

If you plan to hang heavier pegboard, furring strips will have to be mounted in advance. Level and mount the furring strips on wall studs, and attach and hang the pegboard directly over the furring strips. The furring strips will sufficiently hold heavy items on attached peg hooks as well as the weight of the heavy hardboard.

When properly attached, pegboard will stay in place until you are ready to remove it. This vertical storage solution will provide a tremendous amount of space for storing items that will be close at hand and ready to use, and surprisingly it can add interest and unique design to existing decor. Hang pegboard in your home where extra storage space is needed while stylishly making the most of empty wall space in your home.

Author and decorating specialist, Jessica Ackerman, is the top writer for Wall Decor and Home Accents, and she offers numerous other free ideas on decorating with wall art.