How to Make a Pegboard Storage Solution
"We are always on the lookout for storage solutions to help declutter and simplify everyday life. This DIY pegboard storage system is not only stylish, it's simple. With the right tools and materials, you can create your own pegboard for bathroom, kitchen, or closet storage."
Materials
We updated this project in 2018—check it out here.
The Internet is full of DIY projects we love. Inspiration is just a click away, but there are few home design and improvement sites we love more than Apartment Therapy. When we saw their tutorial for a Modern Pegboard Shelving System, we had to give it the #DunnDIY treatment.
We visited the Seattle store to gather our tools and materials to construct our very own Pegboard. It's perfect for a kitchen, office, or even a bathroom. It's a simple, elegant, and modern storage solution that can be completed in a few hours and for under $50 dollars.
Step 1
We visited the Lake Union Dunn Lumber location to have our shelves cut to size. We took a number, shopped for our other items, and before long we had a 10 ft Spruce board cut into five 2 ft lengths and a half sheet of plywood cut down to 36"x48". Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Step 2
Gather your tools and materials!
Step 3
On the face of the plywood, mark out a grid of dots six inches apart with a yardstick. You should end up with a total of 35 dots (5 dots x 7 dots).
Step 4
With the spade bit, drill all 35 holes onto the surface. Note: Be safe. The spade bit can whip the drill around if you aren't careful. The best technique is to turn the spade bit quickly, but move the drill slowly and with a light pressure. If you feel like you aren't making progress pull the bit out and make sure there isn't anything stuck to the tip of it. Also, drilling with a spade bit can be messy. There will be a lot of wood shavings, and they will go everywhere. Keep a vacuum or shop vac close at hand.
Step 5
With sandpaper, smooth out all the splinters in the holes and on the reverse side of the plywood. Tip: Save the big splinter pieces; you can use them to shim the underside of the dowels, holding them in place for added stability for the shelves.
Step 6
Cut the dowels into 6.5" pieces. You'll want 10-14 dowels: ten for the shelves and a few extras to hang necklaces or picture frames. We used a power saw to cut our dowels, but all you really need is a hand saw.
Step 7
It's time to mount the pegboard! Studs are usually 16" apart, but check the wall with a stud finder first! Based on the location of the studs, mark the wall and the corresponding places on the pegboard, 8" off center of the board. Pre drill with a countersinking drill bit so that you can later plug the screw holes with wood plugs.
Step 8
Hang and admire! You'll need assistance for this step, so be sure to recruit a friend to hold the pegboard in place while you drill the screws through the pre-drilled holes into the wall studs. If you can't find the studs or they don't correspond to the pre-drilled holes, hang anchors in the wall first.
