Pegboard is one of the best options for organizing tools in garages, workshops, offices, and all kinds of other spaces. It has many benefits but also many drawbacks that I’ll discuss in this article. I have a love-hate relationship with it but continue to use it as one of my go-to organizing options in my workshop and shed.
Pegboard is usually found in 4×8 sheets that have numerous holes spaced out over the entire area. How many holes exactly?
There are approximately 4608 holes in a standard 4×8 sheet of pegboard. These holes are arranged in 96 rows with each row containing 48 holes. Each hole measures approximately 1/4″ and they are spaced 1-inch apart on center. Some pegboard may be cut in a way that renders an end row of holes useless.
Pegboard can also be purchased in 2×4 sheets for easier transport and installation. A 2×4 sheet has 1152 holes in it. These holes are arranged in 48 rows with each row containing 24 holes. These holes also measure approximately 1/4″ and have the same 1-inch spacing that the larger sheet has.
Some pegboard is also available with 1/8″ holes but these holes are also spaced 1-inch apart, resulting in the same number of holes per sheet.
As an example of the end row of holes often being useless, the pegboard image below is one that I recently purchased. It is a standard 2×4 sheet and the holes on one end are cut through, rendering that row of holes useless. However, since it’s an end row, you wouldn’t use it for hanging tools anyway.
These holes in this row are mostly useless for hanging tools but that wouldn’t be the purpose of the end rows. You would likely use this row of holes for screwing to furring strips in which to hold it to the wall. I’m only pointing it out so that you pay attention when purchasing it. Try to choose a pegboard that has holes intact on all sides. This isn’t always possible but is worth keeping an eye out for.
What Thickness Does Pegboard Come In?
Standard pegboard is usually 1/4″ thick. This is the most common size that you will find and is strong enough for most applications that it is designed for. Some may vary but you can usually expect the thickness to be about the same between different types of pegboard.
Reasons to Love Pegboard
Pegboard offers many benefits, especially for those who want a simple and affordable way to organize a workshop or garage. It’s the standard wall covering that you would find above a workbench. There are a lot of reasons to love it and just a few are outlined below.
- It’s affordable. No matter what type you choose, pegboard is a low-cost option that has many benefits. Having your tools organized is helpful for maintaining your sanity while working.
- It’s easy to find and install. You can purchase pegboard at your local home improvement store and have it installed the same day.
- It can be customized to your liking. There are an unlimited number of ways that you can organize pegs into the holes scattered throughout the board.
- There are many ready-made attachments for nearly any tool you can imagine. No matter the tool, you can spend a little extra and find something ready-made for it. Just put the pegs in the hole and hang your tool.
- It creates an attractive wall covering in your shop. When you walk into a workshop, you automatically expect to see a pegboard wall. It’s a great wall covering that actually has a function.
Reasons to Hate Pegboard
While pegboard has many benefits, there are a few reasons that it can be an annoyance to people.
- Pegs fall out. My biggest gripe with pegboard is that the pegs fall out. You can purchase peg locks but they often come out as well. It’s frustrating when you take a tool off the wall and the peg falls off behind your workbench.
- Some tools fit awkwardly on the hanging pegs. It can be a challenge getting each tool to hang the way you want it to. Some tools require multiple pegs to make them hang properly and it can be difficult to find the perfect balance.
- It doesn’t hold up well over time. Nearly all the pegboard walls I have had in various spaces around my house have broken down over time. The hardboard kind can disintegrate and the plastic kind can warp or bow making it unattractive and less useful.
Choosing the Best Type of Pegboard
Pegboard is available in different types with each having its own benefit. Let’s look at some of these different types below.
Hardboard / Wood Fiber
This is the most common type of pegboard that you will find and it is also the most budget-friendly. You can purchase it in 4×8 sheets or smaller 2×4 sheets. Either will be the same thickness and have the same usage rating.
Pros
- Affordable
- Readily available at nearly any home improvement store
- Easy to cut to size and install
- It can be painted to your liking
Cons
- It can be easily damaged by moisture
- It may not hold up well with heavier items attached to it
Plastic
Everything comes in plastic nowadays and people either love it or hate it. I try to avoid it whenever possible but there are some applications where plastic pegboard is the better choice. It’s especially good in damp areas where moisture might damage hardboard pegboard.
Pros
- It stands up well in areas where moisture and humidity may be a problem
- It’s lightweight and easy to install
- It is comparable in price to hardboard pegboard making it an affordable choice
- It usually comes in smaller sections, making it easier to work with and customize
- It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth
Cons
- It can bend and warp easily, especially in hot locations such as a shed in the summer
Metal
Metal is going to be the strongest pegboard that you can buy and will also be the most expensive. While it’s not necessarily the best option in every scenario, it does give a high-quality finish to your workshop and provides you with a very sturdy area to hang and organize your tools.
Pros
- It’s very sturdy and can withstand more weight when compared to other types of pegboard
- It looks great and gives a high-end feel to your workspace
- It can last a long time
- The holes are less likely to become damaged over time as often happens with hardboard pegboard
- It works well in damp areas as long as you are using the stainless steel variety
Cons
- It’s heavy and more difficult to install
- It’s more expensive than the other options
- It can be easily scratched by hanging tools constantly rubbing against it
Conclusion
Pegboard certainly has its place within the workshop and can allow you to arrange and organize tools to your liking. For most workshops, it works great in helping to keep tools in their proper place rather than strewn around all over the place.
It’s a tried and true option that has stood the test of time and found its way into garages and workshops all across the world. You’ll see it in almost any workshop you come across as the standard way to organize small tools on the wall. While there are other options, such as French cleats and slat walls, these require more work and are not as budget-friendly.
With pegboard, you can easily find it at home improvement stores, install it on your wall, and have thousands of holes to choose from in which to organize your tools. Whether you need the large 4×8 sheet or are able to work with smaller sheets, the options are endless for you to be creative in keeping your tools nice and tidy.
