How to Repair Cracked Pegboard Panels

by DoItYourself Staff

What happens if your pegboard panels get old and need repair? Pegboard is a popular material for storage areas. It can be made into storage cabinets or placed on walls with hooks for tools and such. Originally, it was made from a wood byproduct. Now it can be metal, but there is a lot of the old stuff still around and some of it doesn't look very good.

Support and Rehang

One of the common problems was that thin board hung without proper support might have warped or cracked. Sometimes, this can be fixed by removing the board from the wall and rehanging it with more support. Glue ½ by 1 inch or 1 by 2 inch spacer straps to the rear edges of the pegboard after removing the older straps or spacers, then continue with the straps across the center of the board. Reattach the pegboard to the wall by placing long screws through the straps and into the wall studs. Other things that can be used for spacers such as purchased spacers or empty thread spools.

Cracked Pegboard

If the pegboard has cracked, tape the piece on the back side, then a bit of wood putty and light sanding should smooth out the front. You can also glue it with wood glue and tape it up the back for support. Since the material can be painted, you'll be able to cover a lot of sins.

Rusty Metal Pegboard

If rust should appear on metal pegboard, sand it with steel wool and repaint it with a good rust-preventing paint.

Unfixable Damage

One repair that you can't fix, though, is water damage on old pegboard material. This weakens the structure by breaking down the original material. If the water damage is localized on a corner, consider cutting the board down in size and re-hanging it. Also, if you decide to replace the board, purchase at least ¼ inch thick material. This will be less apt to warp over time.