
Now that I actually have some saws and power tools its time to step up my garage workshop game. No more cutting boards on the floor of the garage or balancing stacks of wood on either side of the mitre saw so boards don’t teeter saw back and forth.
Since I’m a budget DIYer I decided to search Facebook Marketplace to see what I could find.

I came across a listing for this SOLID WOOD DRESSER FOR $10!!!! It was missing a drawer but since its going in the garage and I’m not planning on using it as a dresser I didn’t care.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (click to jump ahead)
BEFORE PICTURE
Little Story: To be honest I was so excited about the find I didn’t think to take someone with me at this meetup (which I always do). Honestly, I’ve met the absolutely nicest people through these purchases (I’ve only had a couple not so great experiences which were just issues with items smelling like smoke).
Anyways, I don’t like to judge a book by its cover but this guy looked straight out of jail. Like big body builder, shaved head, tattoos all over, and our meetup was out in a not so great part of town. (yes you can say I’m making a lot of stereotypes, but lets be honest, I’m a woman, this stuff is literally always on my mind).
As I drove up I called several family members and friends, sent them the address and shared my location the whole time. I also was FaceTiming my husband the whole time. At first it looked like it was at a creepy storage facility and I immediately envisioned a “Dexter” scenario. But I drove a little further and it was in his garage. There were several people there walking out with items like a garage sale so I felt safe.
LISTEN this guy was THE NICEST PERSON I’VE EVER MET. He helped take it apart, wrapped it in plastic wrap, loaded it for me, sold me a couple other things super cheap. We talked about my DIYs and he said he bets he’s gonna see me with my own show one day. He had a moving company and a junk removal service so he gave me his card.
Seriously so so nice. I sent him pictures of it when I was done. Another friendship made

PREP AND SUPPLIES
TIME: 5-6 hours
COST: $140 (dependent on size)
DIFFICULTY: Medium
To complete this project, you’ll need a few supplies. The biggest issue you may run into is getting these big boards from the store to your home. Keep in mind you can always ask the big hardware stores to cut your wood for you.
Lumber
- 1/2”x4’x8’ sheet of Sande Plywood cut to desired size
- Scrap wood (for Furring strips)
- 1” Dowels
HOW-TO STEPS
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR SPACING
First, measure out and plot your spacing for your DIY Pegboard. These are pretty heavy so try to plan it out with as many wall studs as possible.

STEP 2: MEASURE AND MARK HOLES
Decide on your desired peg spacing and mark your lines. I found it helpful to start on the center line and see how many could evenly fit.


TIP
To complete this project, you’ll need a few supplies. The biggest issue you may run into is getting these big boards from the store to your home. Keep in mind you can always ask the big hardware stores to cut your wood for you.
STEP 2: DRILL HOLES
Use your Forstner bit to drill holes
Next, drill slow steady and straight. Drilling too fast will wear out your bit, and drilling at any sort of an angle will prevent the pegs from sitting correctly. (Your arms will be really sore by the time you’re done.)

TIP
Be sure to drill through the side that will be visible. The pressure form the bit will cause tear out on the last layer of plywood. You can avoid this by covering the back side with tape or drilling half way through the front then half way through the back.
But since the back is not visible who has the time or patience for that?


TIP
After completing a few rows of holes, stack the board on top of the other board as a template for your holes.
This will save you time to not have to draw out every single line.
Screw in Pegboards
Using a level, drill cabinet screws through the peg boards into the furring strips.

STEP 4: INSTALL PEGBOARD
Attach Furring Strips
Furring strips are just pieces of wood that help the peg board sit off the wall, so pegs have room to slide in. Use long cabinet screws to install strips of wood into studs along the top, middle and bottom; just make sure they are spaced out correctly where they won’t block the holes.

STEP 5: FINISH AND DECORATE
Sand and Stain or Paint
Finally, you can paint or stain your pegboard however you choose. Cut some 1″ dowels and style your DIY pegboard however you choose! I love this because it can be changed and adapt to whatever your future needs may be.


MITRE STATION REVEAL
