Pegboard: Hang Your Kitchenware

Pegboards are a great way to organise your pots and pans and clear up drawer and cabinet space. They are easy to install and can be customised to fit your kitchen and the equipment you want to hang. You can buy pre-drilled pegboards and the necessary hooks and accessories from hardware stores like Home Depot or online.

Choose the right materials for your pegboard

When choosing the right materials for your pegboard, there are several factors to consider, including the weight of the items you plan to hang, durability, cost, aesthetics, and the installation process.

Pegboards are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Epoxy Resin Pegboards

Epoxy resin is a durable material that can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and physical stress. It is ideal for laboratories and can also be used in kitchens. Epoxy resin pegboards are easy to clean and resistant to damage caused by chemicals and fire. They are typically more expensive than other options but offer excellent longevity.

Metal Pegboards

Metal pegboards, also known as metal grids, are constructed of galvanised steel, making them suitable for all weather conditions. They are long-lasting, resistant to warping and sagging, and aesthetically pleasing. Metal pegboards can be easily cleaned with a wet rag. However, they are the most expensive type of pegboard and can be heavy and cumbersome. Steel is also a conductor of electricity, so caution must be exercised when using it around exposed wiring.

Wood Pegboards

Wood pegboards, also known as fiberboard or Masonite pegboards, are made of compressed wood fibre and resin, with a thin coat of oil for moisture resistance. They are highly customisable and come in various shapes and sizes. Wood pegboards are generally cheaper than other options and are readily available in hardware stores. However, they are not suitable for holding heavy weights and cannot be continuously exposed to water. They also have a limited lifespan due to warping and splitting and can be damaged by tools.

Plastic Pegboards

Plastic pegboards, often made of moulded co-polymer plastic, offer unmatched versatility and strength. They are lightweight, durable, and available in a wide range of sizes, making them suitable for customised spaces. Plastic pegboards are resistant to rust, mould, splintering, and warping. They can be manufactured from recycled plastic, helping to reduce landfill waste. However, some people may prefer other materials over plastic for aesthetic reasons.

When choosing the right pegboard, consider the weight of the pots and pans you plan to hang, the available space, and your budget. The installation process may also be a factor, as some materials require additional steps or accessories.

Decide what to hang on your pegboard

Now that you have your pegboard set up, it's time to decide what to hang on it!

First, you need to decide how much you want to hang. Do you want to hang up all your kitchen gear or just the essentials? This will help determine the size and strength of your pegboard. If you have a lot of items, you may want to consider a larger pegboard or adding additional pegboards to create a larger storage area.

Pegboards come in various materials and shapes, such as steel and wood, squares and rectangles. The holes are typically spaced one inch apart and come in two sizes. Small holes (3/16-inch diameter) are better for smaller, lighter items, while large holes (1/4-inch diameter) can accommodate both small and large hooks and are suitable for heavier items.

When deciding what to hang, consider creating a display system based on how you cook. Arrange your most-used tools within easy reach. For example, if you bake frequently, prioritise hanging your baking gear. If you use certain knives more than others, ensure there is room for those.

You can hang a variety of items on your pegboard, including pots, pans, utensils, measuring cups, scissors, lids, and even a wine bottle holder. Use a variety of hooks, such as standard v-hooks and u-hooks, to hang your items. You can also get creative with 6-ring tool holders, large double arm hooks, and magnets for smaller items like measuring spoons and knives.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different pegboard kits to create a larger or more colourful storage area. You can also add accessories like shelves and baskets for items that can't be hung.

Remember to arrange your items in a way that inspires you and brings you joy. A pegboard is a great way to create a functional and stylish storage solution in your kitchen!

Paint your pegboard

Painting your pegboard is an important step in the process of hanging a pegboard for pots and pans. Even if you intend to leave your pegboard the natural colour you bought it in, it is recommended that you paint it with a clear polyurethane sealant. This will protect the board from water damage. You will need to paint both the front and back of the pegboard, as well as the top of each plank. Use a wooden skewer to clear out any paint that collects in the holes. Allow everything to dry for at least 24 hours.

If you want to make your pegboard a feature of the room, you could consider painting a border around it. Use masking tape and a level to ensure the lines are straight, then paint two coats. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape. Alternatively, if you are nervous about painting your walls, you could use washi tape to create a border. This can easily be peeled off if you change your mind.

You can also paint the pegboard accessories to make them stand out. For a graphic look, you could spray paint them black, or perhaps gold for a chic finish. If you want them to blend in, paint them the same colour as your pegboard.

Attach the pegboard to the planks

Now that you have your planks lined up with the pegboard, it's time to attach the two together. Using your drill, screw in two small brass wood screws per plank to secure the pegboard to the planks. Make sure the edge of the plank is flush with the edge of the pegboard. This will ensure the stability of your pegboard and create the anchor points for attaching it to the wall.

If you're working with a larger pegboard, consider adding an additional plank to the middle for extra support. This is especially important if you plan on hanging heavy items like cast iron pans.

Once the pegboard is securely attached to the planks, you can move on to marking its position on the wall and drilling the holes for mounting.

Mark, drill and anchor your pegboard to the wall

Marking, drilling, and anchoring your pegboard to the wall is a straightforward process. Here's a detailed guide:

First, decide on the location of your pegboard. Hold it against the wall and mark the corners with a pencil to indicate where it will go. Once you're happy with its placement, enlist a friend to help hold the pegboard in place while you drill.

Drill four holes, one in each corner near the brass screw, through the pegboard and plank and into the wall. Ensure the holes are drilled straight and deep enough to accommodate the anchors. The size of the drill bit will depend on the size of your anchors and screws—it should be just large enough for a snug fit.

After drilling the holes, set the pegboard aside and push an anchor into each hole. Then, place the pegboard back against the wall, lining up the holes with the anchors. Drill screws through the pegboard and into each anchor to secure it in place.

For a neat finish, use paint to touch up the heads of the screws, ensuring they blend in with the rest of the pegboard.

Tips and Considerations:

• If you're working with drywall, drilling and anchoring are relatively straightforward. However, if you're drilling into plaster or brick, you'll need a special drill bit designed for these surfaces.
• Be mindful of the weight your pegboard will bear. For heavier items like cast iron pans, consider using metal anchors designed to hold more weight.
• To prevent paint from accumulating in the pegboard holes while painting, use a wooden skewer to clear out any excess.
• For added stability, particularly if you're hanging a larger pegboard, consider adding a third wooden plank to the middle of the board, with additional screws and anchors.

Frequently asked questions