Have a small entryway with limited storage? Make the most of it with a stylish and functional DIY peg rail!

If your home is anything like mine, you understand the struggle of making the most out of limited space. We don’t have a mudroom or entryway to accommodate much entry way storage.

To add to our storage problem… we actually demolished the awkwardly placed coat closet in our dining room as part of our kitchen renovation. We have plans of adding back in some built in storage down the road, but for the short term our small garage entry way desperately needed a coat rack and place to hang bags and Burkley’s leash.

Fortunately, this DIY shaker peg rail with bead board is a really simple project! This is a fantastic beginner-friendly DIY project that not only maximizes functionality but also adds a touch of charm to your home.

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Peg Rail Inspiration

Facing the challenge of an underutilized entryway wall, I decided to put on my DIY panties and not only solve my storage woes but also enhance the aesthetics of the space. The goal was to create a functional and stylish peg rail using readily available and affordable materials. This project is accessible for anyone, regardless of their DIY experience.

Materials Needed for DIY Shaker Peg Rail

Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:

1. Bead Board
2. Circular saw
3. Measuring Tape
4. Paint & brushes
5. Stud Finder
6. Nail gun
7. Common Board 1×5
8. Base Cap Molding
9. Miter saw
10. Peg Hooks
11. Drill and drill bits
12. Laser Level
13. Caulk
14. Wood filler
15. 220 grit sand paper (I love this mini sander)

How to Make Shaker Peg Rail:
Step by Step Process

Step 1: Measure and Cut Bead Board

Using a circular saw, measure and cut the bead board to fit the dimensions of your wall. This will serve as the backdrop for the wood peg rail, adding a touch of texture to the space.

I gave mine a fresh coat of paint in the color Sculptor Clay by Behr which is the color I used on our baseboards and crown molding throughout the rest of our home. I then attached it to the wall over the studs using a brad nailer.

Step 2: Attach Common Board and Base Cap Molding

Secure the common board to the wall, ensuring it is level and well-anchored. You’ll first want to locate wall studs using a stud finder.

After cutting the board to your desired length using a miter saw, attached the board to the wall. I used my Ryobi 18g Airstrike nail gun. The common board will act as your peg rail board later.

Below the common board, I attached the base cap molding for added detail and visual interest using the same method with my nail gun over the studs. This step forms the foundation of your peg rail.

WHY I DIDN’T USE WOOD GLUE FOR ATTACHING TRIM TO THE WALL…

For easy removal later, if I ever change my mind, I didn’t use wood glue for this project. The nails in the studs makes it plenty secure and won’t tear apart my walls as much if I ever want a different look

I opted to paint the common board before attaching to the wall so I didn’t have to worry about cutting in. The base cap molding was a last minute add-in so I just painted that after attaching. Either way is fine, depending on your cutting in skills.

Step 3: Install Wooden Pegs

For the next step, grab your wood peg hooks which we’ll be attaching to the common board.

Using a laser level, line up the laser with the center line on the common board. With a small drill bit, drill pilot holes along the center of the board and manually screw in the wood pegs. I purchased my shaker pegs from Amazon which already come attached to wood screws. 

My laser level and I are having a love affair right now. There is no more accurate straight line than with a laser level! It really ensures precision without the fuss of a hand-held level.

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HOW TO SPACE PEG HOOKS FOR COAT RACK?

The number of pegs and peg spacing will depend on your space and preference. I spaced mine 6 inches from the ends and 10 inches apart between each peg which is a comfortable distance for hanging coats and bags. 

MATH TEMPLATE FOR PEG SPACING:
(assuming you space the end pegs 6 inches from the edges)

(LENGTH OF COMMON BOARD – 12 INCHES ) / 10 INCHES + 1 = TOTAL # OF PEGS

(LENGTH OF COMMON BOARD – 12 INCHES) / (TOTAL # PEGS – 1 ) = TOTAL DISTANCE BETWEEN EACH PEG

Step 4: Fill Nail Holes & Caulk

For your final step, you’ll want to fill all nail holes and caulk small gaps for a seamless, finished look. After the wood filler dries, sand it lightly with 220 grit paper before paint touch-ups.

The Result: A Functional and Beautiful Entryway

Now we have a wooden peg rail! In just one day, I transformed what was once a useless wall into a functional and really pretty hallway. The peg rail now houses coats, hanging baskets for dog leashes, and provides a dedicated spot for hats, gloves, and bags. The once-neglected space by the garage door has become an organized and stylish nook off the kitchen.

You’ll notice I didn’t include a shelf. While a shelf is totally optional, there already isn’t much space in this narrow hallway and i didn’t want to risk things getting bumped off the shelf. if you have the space you could definitely include a 1×2 or 1×3 common board as the top of the shelf.

Benefits of the DIY Peg Rail for Small Entryway

1. Maximized Functionality: The peg rail provides a practical storage solution for a variety of items, keeping your entryway tidy and organized.
2. Enhanced Aesthetics: The combination of bead board and base cap molding adds a touch of sophistication to the space, turning a mundane wall into a stylish focal point.
3. Budget-Friendly: With common materials and basic tools, this project is cost-effective and accessible for beginners.
4. Quick and Easy: Achievable in just a day, this project is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact on their entryway without a long and complicated construction process.

Final Thoughts on Shaker Peg Rail

The DIY Peg Rail with Bead Board is a testament to the transformative power of simple, accessible projects. Not only does it add some architectural interest to our builder grade 2002 home, it’s also one of the easiest DIY projects I’ve ever completed.

With minimal materials and tools, even beginners can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing storage solution for their small entryways.

SHOP OUR ENTRYWAY:

Now we have a perfect place for grab-n-go items for the family. By maximizing every inch of available space, we turned a neglected area into a welcoming and organized drop zone that we have loved utilizing every day for all the functional things.

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