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Home Office Innovative garage design Installation Pegboard

Custom Size Slatwall Installation for a Melbourne Pharmacy

Not every storage project fits into a standard box. At StoreWALL Australia, we often work with clients who need a storage solution tailored precisely to their unique space. Recently, we partnered with a small pharmacy in Melbourne that wanted to install slatwall panels for improved organisation and storage. Their challenge? Very specific wall dimensions that required a custom size slatwall.

The Challenge: Custom Size Slatwall

The pharmacy had four small wall sections that needed to be panelled. Each wall varied in both height and width, making an “off-the-shelf” slatwall solution impractical. They needed something precise, functional, and durable that would maximise every available centimetre of space.

The Solution: StoreWALL Standard Duty Panels

To meet these requirements, we recommended our Standard Duty StoreWALL panels. Known for their strength, versatility, and professional finish, these panels could be cut and stacked to fit the exact measurements of the pharmacy’s walls.

Here’s how we tailored the installation:

  • Wall 1: 660mm (W) x 914mm (H)
    • Solution: 3 stacked panels reaching 914mm high.
    • Width achieved by cutting 3 x 660mm sections from a 2438mm panel.
  • Wall 2: 480mm (W) x 1524mm (H)
    • Solution: 5 stacked panels reaching 1524mm high.
    • Width achieved by cutting 5 x 480mm sections from a 2438mm panel.
  • Wall 3: Same as Wall 2 (480mm x 1524mm).
  • Wall 4: 950mm (W) x 914mm (H)
    • Solution: 3 stacked panels reaching 914mm high.
    • Width achieved by cutting a 2 x 950mm sections from a 2438mm panel, plus 1 x 950mm section from a 1219mm panel.

Each slatwall area was delivered using our standard 2438mm StoreWALL panels, allowing us to deliver a precise fit while maintaining a clean, seamless finish.

The Result: Organised, Efficient Storage

The pharmacy now has a customised slatwall system that perfectly matches their wall dimensions. The panels provide a solid foundation for hooks, baskets, and shelving—making it easy for staff to store and access everyday items like supplies, stock, and equipment.

By investing in a tailored StoreWALL system, the pharmacy not only maximised its storage potential but also achieved a professional, organised look that supports its daily operations.

Why StoreWALL?

This project highlights one of the key advantages of StoreWALL: flexibility. Our panels can be cut and installed to fit almost any wall size or configuration, making them ideal for businesses and households that need custom solutions. Whether you’re fitting out a pharmacy, a garage, or a workshop, StoreWALL adapts to your space—not the other way around.

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garage design Mould in Garage Pegboard

Why Cheap Pegboards Are Not Worth Buying

When it comes to organizing your workspace, garage, or retail display, pegboards seem like a simple and cost-effective solution. However, many people fall into the trap of buying cheap pegboards only to regret their decision later. While the initial cost may be low, poor-quality pegboards often lead to frustration, frequent replacements, and unexpected expenses. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why cheap pegboards are not worth buying and why investing in a durable storage system like StoreWALL is a smarter choice.

cheap pegboards

Weak Materials and Poor Durability

Cheap pegboards are often made from low-quality particleboard, thin MDF, or flimsy plastic, which can’t withstand heavy use. Over time, these materials tend to:

  • Warp or sag, especially in humid environments like garages or basements.
  • Crack under weight, leading to damaged tools or accessories.
  • Lose grip strength, causing hooks and attachments to fall out unexpectedly.

A weak pegboard doesn’t just reduce its usefulness—it also creates safety hazards as heavy tools or equipment may fall unexpectedly.

Limited Weight Capacity

One of the biggest drawbacks of cheap pegboards is their low weight-bearing capacity. Many budget-friendly pegboards can only support lightweight items, making them unsuitable for storing tools, sports gear, or other heavy objects. If you attempt to hang heavier items:

  • The pegboard may buckle or tear over time.
  • Hooks may pull out of the board, dropping items onto the floor.
  • The entire board may detach from the wall, especially if not properly installed.

For anyone needing a reliable and sturdy storage solution, investing in a heavy-duty wall panel system like StoreWALL is a far better option.

Hooks and Accessories Fall Out Easily

A common complaint with cheap pegboards is that hooks and accessories don’t stay in place. Since budget pegboards often feature poorly cut holes or low-quality finishes, hooks tend to:

  • Wobble and shift, making it hard to keep items securely in place.
  • Fall out when retrieving items, leading to constant frustration.
  • Require additional clips or adhesives, which add unnecessary costs and hassle.

StoreWALL, on the other hand, features a secure locking system that ensures hooks and accessories stay in place, eliminating these issues.

Susceptibility to Moisture and Damage

Many cheap pegboards are made from particleboard or MDF, materials that are highly sensitive to moisture. This makes them unsuitable for environments like:

  • Garages – where humidity and temperature changes are common.
  • Basements – where moisture exposure can cause swelling and warping.
  • Workshops – where dust, spills, and rough handling can degrade the board quickly.

StoreWALL panels, in contrast, are made from waterproof and impact-resistant materials, making them ideal for long-term use in various environments.

Poor Aesthetic and Long-Term Value

While a cheap pegboard may look fine when first installed, it often ages poorly. Over time, you may notice:

  • Peeling or chipping paint from hooks being inserted and removed.
  • Dirty or stained surfaces that are difficult to clean.
  • Warping and bending, making the board look uneven and worn.

This results in a cluttered and unprofessional appearance, making your workspace or garage look messy instead of organized.

The Hidden Costs of Replacement and Repairs

While a cheap pegboard might seem like a bargain upfront, it often leads to higher costs in the long run due to:

  • Frequent replacements when the board warps, cracks, or breaks.
  • Additional accessories or modifications needed to keep hooks secure.
  • Time and effort wasted reinstalling and repairing the system.

Instead of constantly dealing with these issues, investing in a high-quality, durable storage system like StoreWALL saves money and hassle in the long term.

Why StoreWALL is a Better Alternative

If you’re looking for a storage system that is built to last, StoreWALL offers the perfect solution. Here’s why:

  • Heavy-duty materials – Impact-resistant and waterproof for long-term durability.
  • Superior weight capacity – Supports heavier items without sagging or breaking.
  • Secure locking system – Accessories stay in place, eliminating frustration.
  • Modular and adaptable – Easy to expand or reconfigure as storage needs change.

Final Thoughts

This article has focused on why cheap pegboards are not worth buying. While cheap pegboards may seem like a cost-effective solution at first, their poor durability, low weight capacity, and susceptibility to damage make them a poor long-term investment. Instead, choosing a high-quality storage solution like StoreWALL provides a reliable, long-lasting, and hassle-free way to keep your space organized.

Categories
Ceiling Storage Garage Hooks Garage Ideas Garage Walls Gardening Tools Pegboard

How to Inefficiently Store Your Stuff

The Art of Unclever Storage Solutions: How to Inefficiently Store Your Stuff

Are you tired of all those innovative, practical storage solutions that actually help you organize your space? Do you long for the days when a pile of junk was just that—a glorious mess with no sense of order? Look no further! We present to you a guide to Unclever Storage Solutions, where inefficiency meets creativity in the least helpful ways imaginable.

1. The Suspended Chaos

Forget about neat shelves or pegboards. Instead, try suspending random objects from the ceiling with varying lengths of string. Nothing says “I’ve given up” quite like a bicycle hanging just low enough to smack you in the forehead every time you walk by. For added flair, hang your heavy tools above fragile items like glassware. It’s like playing a daily game of “Will It Shatter?”

2. The Misplaced Heirlooms

Have valuable family heirlooms that need storing? Perfect! Tuck them away in the least logical places. Grandma’s precious porcelain doll collection? Toss it into an old, dusty cardboard box marked “Holiday Decorations” and shove it into the attic. The thrill of possibly losing priceless memories will add excitement to your otherwise mundane storage routine.

3. The Mystery Box

Nothing beats the old “box of randomness” approach. Simply gather all your odds and ends, throw them into a box without labels, and bury it in the darkest corner of your garage. Finding that one missing screwdriver or your wedding album becomes an adventure, complete with frustration and hours wasted searching. Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt?

4. The Tetris Fail

Instead of neatly stacking items, try cramming everything into a space it clearly doesn’t fit. The trick is to use brute force until the lid almost closes. Bonus points if you manage to wedge things in so tightly that removing one item causes an avalanche. You’ll never know the joy of hearing your stuff crash to the ground until you’ve tried this method.

5. The Decorative Clutter

Why hide your clutter when you can make it a centerpiece? Place your unused, bulky items in prominent locations around your home. That old surfboard you never use? Prop it against the dining room wall. Guests will marvel at your ability to blur the line between art and hoarding.

6. The Forgotten Fridge

For perishable items you need to store, why not use that old, broken fridge you keep meaning to throw out? Perfect for ensuring that you’ll never actually see those leftovers again. The best part? You’ll rediscover them months later, transformed into a science experiment gone horribly wrong.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—our guide to Unclever Storage Solutions, where disorder and inefficiency reign supreme. Whether you’re aiming to waste time, misplace important items, or simply create a tripping hazard, these methods are guaranteed to deliver. Because who needs practicality when you can have chaos?

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Pegboard

The Pitfalls of Using Cheap Pegboards in Garage Organization

Garage organization is crucial for homeowners looking to maximize space and maintain order. One common solution for tool storage and organization is the use of pegboards. However, while cheap pegboards may seem like an economical choice, they come with several weaknesses that can compromise their effectiveness and durability. This article explores the drawbacks of using low-cost pegboards in your garage.

Compromised Durability

Cheap pegboards are often made from lower-quality materials like thin pressed wood or low-grade plastic. These materials are prone to warping, cracking, and breaking, especially under the weight of heavier tools. This fragility limits the type and amount of equipment you can safely store. Over time, the wear and tear from regular use can render these boards unusable, leading to the need for frequent replacements.

Limited Weight Capacity

One of the most significant drawbacks of inexpensive pegboards is their limited weight capacity. They are often unable to support heavier tools and equipment, which is a critical consideration in a garage setting. This limitation not only restricts what you can store but also poses a safety hazard if the board or hooks give way under too much weight.

Poor Aesthetic and Fit

Cheap pegboards usually offer limited options in terms of size, color, and design. This lack of variety can make it challenging to find a board that fits well with the aesthetics of your garage or home. Additionally, cut-rate boards might not fit properly against the wall, leaving gaps that reduce stability and visual appeal.

Lack of Customization

Higher-quality pegboard systems often come with a range of accessories and customization options, allowing you to create a storage solution tailored to your specific needs. Cheap pegboards lack this versatility, offering only basic hooks and limited arrangement options. This restriction can lead to inefficient use of space and difficulty accessing frequently used tools.

Environmental Impact

Lower-quality materials often have a higher environmental impact, both in terms of manufacturing processes and the need for frequent replacements. Investing in a more durable pegboard made from sustainable materials can reduce your environmental footprint while providing better long-term value.

Conclusion

While the initial low cost of cheap pegboards can be appealing, their weaknesses in durability, weight capacity, aesthetics, customization, and environmental impact make them a less desirable choice for effective garage organization. Homeowners are better served in the long run by investing in higher-quality, more durable storage solutions that can reliably hold their tools and withstand the demands of a garage environment.

Categories
MDF Slatwall Pegboard Slatwall

Maximize Your MDF Slatwall with StoreWALL’s High-Quality Accessories

Explore the Best Slatwall Accessories for Your Home Garage

Recently, we’ve noticed a surge in enquiries from homeowners looking for superior slatwall accessories to enhance their MDF Slatwall Wall Panels. Common in retail settings, MDF slatwalls, characterized by 100mm spaced grooves and metal trim, are now finding their way into household garages.

Understanding MDF Slatwalls:

  • Design: MDF slatwalls are budget-friendly and popular in retail stores. However, their accessory range is primarily retail-focused and may not suit home garage needs.

Slatwall Accessory Options:

  • Online Availability: A search on platforms like eBay for ‘Slatwall Accessories’ reveals various hooks, shelves, and baskets. While adequate for light items like dustpans, they may lack versatility for diverse storage needs.

Why Choose StoreWALL’s Accessories:

  • Robust Construction: Our accessories are crafted from steel and finished with powder coating, ensuring durability and longevity. They also feature rubber tips for item protection.
  • Extensive Range: Offering over 35 hook types, 15+ metal shelves, 8 basket styles, 4 bracket sizes, 15+ bins in various colors, and 4 Tote Bags, our range caters to a broad spectrum of storage needs.
  • Global Recognition: StoreWALL’s accessories are recognized as some of the best in Australia and internationally.

Adapting StoreWALL Accessories for MDF Slatwalls:

  • CamLok Removal: To fit our accessories onto MDF Slatwalls, we simply remove the CamLok. This modification allows the “L” shaped lip to fit into your MDF wall, supporting various items.
  • Result: While CamLok’s extra security is absent, our range offers greater depth and versatility. Exercise caution when handling stored items.

Elevate Your Storage Game:

Transform your MDF Slatwall with StoreWALL’s wide array of accessories. Whether you’re storing garden tools, sports equipment, or household items, our solutions offer unmatched functionality and style for your home garage.

Categories
Garage Hooks Pegboard Power Tools Slatwall

Using low-cost Pegboards in Garage Organization

Garage organization is crucial for homeowners looking to maximize space and maintain order. One common solution for tool storage and organization is the use of pegboards. Pegboards can be purchased from all major hardware stores. However, while cheap pegboards may seem like an economical choice, they come with several weaknesses that can compromise their effectiveness and durability. This article explores the drawbacks of using low-cost pegboards in your garage.

Compromised Durability

Low-cost pegboards are often made from lower-quality materials like thin-pressed wood, metal, or low-grade plastic. These materials are prone to warping, cracking, and breaking, especially under the weight of heavier tools. This fragility limits the type and amount of equipment you can safely store. Over time, the wear and tear from regular use can render these boards unusable, leading to the need for frequent replacements.

If a lot of cases, where MDF is used and has been painted. Regular use can cause chips and scratches that are difficult to repair.

Limited Weight Capacity

One of the most significant drawbacks of inexpensive pegboards is their limited weight capacity. They are often unable to support heavier tools and equipment, which is a critical consideration in a garage setting. This limitation not only restricts what you can store but also poses a safety hazard if the board or hooks give way under too much weight.

Poor Aesthetic and Fit

Low-cost pegboards usually offer limited options in terms of size, color, and design. This lack of variety can make it challenging to find a board that fits well with the aesthetics of your garage or home. Additionally, cut-rate boards might not fit properly against the wall, leaving gaps that reduce stability and visual appeal.

Lack of Customization

Higher-quality garage wall storage systems often come with a range of accessories and customization options, allowing you to create a storage solution tailored to your specific needs. Cheap pegboards lack this versatility, offering only basic hooks and limited arrangement options. This restriction can lead to inefficient use of space and difficulty accessing frequently used tools.

Combined with a limited range of accessories, cheap pegboards can quickly turn into a throw-away solution.

Environmental Impact

Lower-quality materials often have a higher environmental impact, both in terms of manufacturing processes and the need for frequent replacements. Investing in a more durable garage wall storage system made from sustainable materials can reduce your environmental footprint while providing better long-term value.

Better Garage Storage Options

While the initial low cost of cheap pegboards can be appealing, their weaknesses in durability, weight capacity, aesthetics, customization, and environmental impact make them a less desirable choice for effective garage organization. Homeowners are better served in the long run by investing in higher-quality, more durable storage solutions that can reliably hold their tools and withstand the demands of a garage environment.

Categories
Pegboard

Pegboard Versus StoreWALL

Pegboard is the default garage storage choice for a lot of Australian homeowners, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s cheap, it’s familiar, it’s at every Bunnings, and it looks organised on day one. The problems start at about the three-month mark.

This post documents exactly what goes wrong with pegboard in an Australian garage environment, when pegboard is genuinely the right choice, and what slatwall offers when pegboard reaches its limits. We’ve tested both systems directly — including a side-by-side comparison of pegboard and StoreWALL for power tool storage — and the results are not close.

If you just need a couple of hooks for garden tools and you’re not storing anything heavy, pegboard is fine. Read on if you have bikes, power tools, ladders, or any serious storage requirement.

What Pegboard Actually Is

Most pegboard sold in Australia is one of three types:

  • MDF pegboard — the most common and cheapest. A sheet of medium-density fibreboard with a regular grid of 6mm holes. MDF is a wood composite that is highly sensitive to moisture.
  • Metal (steel) pegboard — thinner gauge steel with a similar hole grid. More moisture-resistant than MDF but prone to surface rust in humid environments and sharper edged, which can mark stored items.
  • IKEA SKADIS — a proprietary plastic pegboard system with its own range of accessories. Lighter duty than either MDF or metal, but with a cleaner aesthetic and well-designed accessory range for its weight class.

All three share the same fundamental storage mechanism: hooks are inserted into holes in the board and held in place by gravity and friction. There is no locking mechanism of any kind.

The Six Ways Pegboard Fails in a Garage

1. MDF Warps in Humidity

Australian garages are not climate-controlled environments. Summer heat, winter cold, humidity from rain and morning dew, and the occasional pressure wash all create conditions that MDF handles badly. MDF absorbs moisture, expands unevenly, and warps. A flat pegboard in November can be visibly bowed by March. Once warped, it doesn’t recover.

This is not a quality issue with any particular brand — it is a material property of MDF. Any MDF pegboard in an uninsulated garage in coastal Queensland, humid Melbourne summers, or the temperature swings of inland areas will degrade faster than the same board in a climate-controlled indoor environment.

Metal pegboard avoids this specific failure mode but introduces rust risk in coastal and high-humidity environments, particularly around the cut edges and where hooks have worn through any surface coating.

2. Hooks Fall Out

The single most common pegboard complaint, and it happens for a simple reason: there is nothing holding the hook in the hole except gravity and the friction of a loose fit. When you pull an item off the hook, the hook comes with it. When you put an item back on, the hook shifts position. Over time, the holes enlarge slightly and the hooks become even less stable.

Various solutions exist — bent wire clips, rubber anchors, adhesive dots — but all of them add complexity and cost to what was supposed to be a simple system. The underlying problem is that pegboard hooks are not designed to lock; they are designed to be repositioned, and that repositionability comes at the cost of security.

3. It Can’t Handle Serious Weight

MDF pegboard has no meaningful weight rating for individual hooks, and for good reason: the load capacity of a 6mm MDF hole with a wire hook in it is marginal. The board itself can hold reasonable distributed loads, but individual hooks under point loads — a heavy drill, a coiled hose, a beach chair — will deform the hole over time, causing the hook to tilt and eventually pull free.

Metal pegboard performs better here, but even so, there is no rated accessory for hanging a bicycle, or even multiple gardening tools with a medium weight from a standard pegboard installation. These items require a system with a structural weight rating — not a friction-fit hook in a drilled hole.

4. The Accessory Range Is Shallow

Standard pegboard accessories cover the basics: single hooks, double hooks, small shelves, small bins. What you won’t find in a pegboard accessory range: a proper bike hook rated for a 15kg e-bike, a hook for your whipper snipper, a bungee mount for surfboards, a magnetic bar for hand tools, or a heavy-duty cradle for an extension ladder. These items require purpose-built accessories that are simply not made for pegboard.

This means pegboard systems hit a ceiling quickly. You can organise screwdrivers and hang a few hoses, but the moment your storage requirements include anything larger or heavier, the system can’t accommodate it.

5. It Doesn’t Cover the Full Wall

A 900mm x 600mm pegboard covers 0.54m² of wall. A typical single-car garage wall is 3m x 2.4m = 7.2m². Covering that wall with pegboard requires 13+ boards, tiled together with visible joins. In practice, most pegboard installations cover a single section of wall, leaving the rest unused.

A slatwall panel system is designed to cover the full wall from floor to ceiling in a continuous, uniform surface. Every point on that wall is usable storage, not just the areas where a board happens to be fixed.

6. It Ages Badly

A pegboard installation rarely improves with age. Hooks accumulate scratches and surface rust. MDF boards swell, warp, and develop soft spots around frequently-used holes. The visual result within 2–3 years is typically a tired, patchy wall that looks less organised than it did on day one.

A well-installed slatwall system maintains its appearance indefinitely. The PVC surface is UV-stable and impact-resistant; it wipes clean; and the colour runs through the full depth of the panel, so minor surface marks don’t show through.

When Pegboard Is the Right Choice

Pegboard is genuinely the right tool in specific situations. Being honest about this matters:

  • You have a single wall section in a climate-controlled room — an indoor workshop, craft room, or home office — where moisture is not a factor
  • Your storage requirement is limited to lightweight hand tools: screwdrivers, chisels, small wrenches, paint brushes
  • Your budget is genuinely constrained and you need a starter solution now, with plans to upgrade later
  • You are a renter and cannot permanently fix anything to the walls — some pegboard systems can be mounted in temporary configurations

Outside these scenarios — particularly in an Australian garage with temperature extremes, humidity, and any serious storage requirement — pegboard is rarely the right long-term choice.

Slatwall: How It’s Different

Slatwall solves the pegboard problem at the material and mechanism level, not through workarounds. Here’s what changes:

Material

StoreWALL slatwall panels are extruded from high-density PVC — the same class of material used in plumbing pipes, and outdoor signage. PVC does not absorb moisture, does not warp or swell, does not rot, and does not rust. In an Australian garage environment, the material advantage over MDF pegboard is substantial and permanent.

Accessory Security: CamLok™

The StoreWALL CamLok™ mechanism is what makes the accessory comparison with pegboard irrelevant. Rather than inserting a hook into a hole and relying on friction, CamLok™ accessories insert into the slatwall groove and lock via a rotary cam machined from solid metal. When locked, the accessory cannot tilt, slide, or be dislodged without deliberately rotating the cam to release it.

In practical terms: a bike hook loaded with a 15kg bicycle will not move. A shelf loaded with paint tins will not tilt. A single hook holding a medium weight foldout table or multiple beach chairs will not fall out when you pull the item off it. This is the functional difference that separates a slatwall system from a pegboard at the accessory level.

Weight Capacity

StoreWALL Standard Duty panels installed with InstallStrips are rated to 113kg distributed load per 2438mm panel. Individual accessories like the Universal Hook are rated to 45kg. These are engineering specifications with a structural basis, not marketing estimates.

Pegboard has no comparable system-level weight rating because the friction-fit mechanism doesn’t support one.

Accessory Range

StoreWALL offers 24+ hook and accessory types specifically designed for the full range of garage storage requirements — including bike hooks, kayak brackets, bungee mounts, magnetic bars, and heavy-duty ladder hooks. Every accessory uses CamLok™ and is rated for the loads it is designed to carry.

garage pegboardThe Price Comparison: Honest Version

Pegboard is cheaper upfront. This is true and worth acknowledging directly. A 900mm x 450mm pegboard with a pack of hooks costs under $50. An equivalent area of StoreWALL panels with a few hooks costs more.

The honest long-term comparison looks different for three reasons:

  1. Replacement cost. MDF pegboard in a garage environment typically needs replacement within 3–5 years due to warping and hole degradation. StoreWALL panels carry a 5-year warranty and are designed to last the life of the installation. The replacement cycle matters when calculating total cost.
  2. Capability ceiling. If your storage needs grow beyond what pegboard can support — and for most households, they do — you will eventually replace the pegboard system anyway. The cost of the pegboard installation becomes a sunk cost, not a saving.
  3. Accessory quality. Pegboard hooks are cheap because they are lightweight and carry no locking mechanism. CamLok™ accessories cost more because they are machined from heavier steel and include a precision locking mechanism. The per-hook price difference reflects a functional difference, not a margin difference.

If your requirement is genuinely limited to a few lightweight tools in a dry environment, pegboard is cost-effective. If your requirement includes bikes, power tools, ladders, or full wall coverage, the cost of a proper slatwall system is justified by the capability gap.

Side-by-Side: Pegboard vs StoreWALL

Feature

Pegboard (MDF/Metal)

StoreWALL Slatwall

Material

MDF (warps) or thin metal (rusts)

High-density PVC — waterproof, impact-resistant

Hook locking

None — friction only

CamLok™ — mechanical rotary lock

Hooks fall out?

Yes — common complaint

No — mechanically prevented

Weight rating

Not rated (friction-limited)

113kg per panel / 45kg per Universal Hook

Suits bikes/ladders?

No

Yes — dedicated accessories

Waterproof?

No (MDF) / Partially (metal)

Yes

Full wall coverage?

Limited by board size

Yes — panels stack floor to ceiling

Colour options

White, brown, silver

7 colours (Standard Duty)

Lifespan in garage

2–5 years (MDF) / longer (metal)

10+ years — 5-year warranty

Upfront cost

Lower

Higher

Long-term value

Low — replacement cycle adds cost

High — single investment

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use StoreWALL accessories on my existing pegboard?

No. StoreWALL CamLok™ accessories are designed for the specific groove geometry of StoreWALL slatwall panels. They are not compatible with pegboard hole patterns or with any other wall storage system.

Is metal pegboard better than MDF pegboard for a garage?

Yes, in the sense that it won’t warp in humidity. However, metal pegboard shares all other pegboard limitations: friction-fit hooks, no weight rating for heavy items, no dedicated bike or ladder accessories, and a limited accessory range. It is a more durable version of the same system, not a fundamentally better one.

What about IKEA SKADIS — is that better than standard pegboard?

IKEA SKADIS has a well-designed accessory range for its weight class and a cleaner aesthetic than MDF pegboard. It is best suited to dry indoor environments (home office, craft room, kitchen) where loads are light. For a garage with tools, bikes, or heavy equipment, SKADIS is undersized for the task.

Can pegboard hooks be made to stay in place?

Various aftermarket clips and adhesive solutions exist that help keep pegboard hooks in their holes. Some pegboard hooks also come with screws to fasten them to the board. They add cost and complexity and address the symptom rather than the cause. In our testing, they improve hook stability but do not match the security of a mechanically-locked system like CamLok™ under sustained or dynamic loads.

How much does it cost to replace pegboard with StoreWALL slatwall?

The cost depends on how much wall area you want to cover and which panel type you choose. Use the StoreWALL Storage Calculator on the website to enter your wall dimensions and get a panel count and cost estimate. StoreWALL also offers a quote service if you prefer to send your dimensions directly.

Is StoreWALL available at Bunnings?

No. StoreWALL is sold exclusively through storewall.com.au and ships Australia-wide. The slatwall product available at Bunnings is StorEase, which uses a different rail-based system and standard friction-fit accessories rather than CamLok

StoreWALL Power Tool Storage

 

Categories
Pegboard

Cheap Pegboards

Pegboards have long been a popular, budget-friendly solution for organizing tools and accessories in the garage, utilizing hooks inserted into pre-drilled holes for versatile storage. However, the market now offers a plethora of modern and stylish alternatives that elevate the traditional pegboard concept.

The appeal of pegboards lies in their simplicity: typically made from composite wood, they feature a grid of holes to accommodate hooks, which can be repositioned as needed for customizable storage.

The versatility of pegboards has expanded far beyond mere hooks. Today, they can be outfitted with a variety of accessories, including shelves, paper holders, storage bins, bags, and even roll holders, enhancing their functionality.

In our roundup, we’ve evaluated a selection of pegboards, ranging from economical options to more premium choices, all worthy of consideration for those seeking efficient garage organization solutions.

Ikea Skadi Pegboard

cheap pegboards
Ikea Cheap Pegboards

Ikea stocks the Skadis Pegboard and Accessories. The boards come in 2 colours, Wooden and  White. The size of the board is 76cm x 56cm.

This is how Ikea describe the Skadis Pegboard:

You can store things on both sides of the pegboard if you use it as a divider on a desk or in a freestanding ALGOT storage combination. Choose the accessories in the SKÅDIS series which suit your needs and create a personal storage combination.

ikea cheap pegboards
Ikea Cheap Pegboards

Peggie Cheap Pegboards

The Peggie System seems to be a lot more upmarket in terms of presentation.

Peggie Cheap Pegboards

“She is made of the good stuff with honest geometry and a material palette to match. Solid wood. Baked-on lacquer. A touch of brass. Peggie’s perforated grid system and dependable kit of parts create a framework for your ideas. You can count on Peggie to securely lock into place.”

The boards from the Peggie range come in a broad range of sizes. A couple of examples include:

  • 1190mm x 558mm
  • 890mm x 558mm

The boards are made from either Laminate or Wood. The colour range includes Natural Oak, White, Black and Ply. The range of accessories includes a hanging rail, prong, hook, cup, mirror, noteboard and clip.

Peggie Cheap Pegboards

Bunnings Cheap Pegboards

At the other end of the scale, you have the Bunnings Pegboard. In its most basic form, Bunnings sells its Masonite Cheap Pegboards for about $28 measuring 1220mm x 915mm x 4.8mm.

Bunnings Pegboard

Bunnings also sells the Pinnacle range of Pegboards. These are made of metal and come in both White and Black colours.

Both types of Pegboard include a good range of hook accessories which can be used for your garage items.

bunnings cheap pegboards
Bunnings Cheap Pegboards

Garage Slatwall Alternatives

The alternative to Cheap Pegboards is affordable but a lot more durable and versatile in what it can be used for.

cheap pegboards
StoreWALL Slatwall Wall Panels

Slatwall Garage Wall panels are a much better alternative than cheap pegboards. They look a lot nicer and cover your wall with a durable and water-resistant surface. They also come with a great range of accessories that no cheap pegboard supplier can match.

StoreWALL Garage Slatwalls are made from hardened PVC and come in a very broad range of colours. These include Brite White, Weathered Grey, Pine, Cedar, Graphite Steel, Barnwood, and Whitewood. Importantly, these colours are not a layer of paint on the outside of a board. The colour is blended into the PVC and runs through the depth of the panel.

StoreWALL’s panels can be used to cover all or part of an entire wall. All StoreWALL accessories come with the super secure CamLok locking mechanism which prevents your accessories from falling off the wall whenever you decide to use them. Watch the video below and compare the locking mechanism on your Pegboard’s accessories to that offered by StoreWALL.

storeWALL Metal Camlok and Slatwall Accessories

Having experienced cheap pegboards myself in my garage, all I ever found was pegboard hooks lying on the ground. Most of my accessories were on the floor with the hooks. My masonite pegboard also warped in shape over time and was not water or moisture-proof.

Is StoreWALL cheap? What I can tell you is that it will last a lifetime and so will the accessories that support your stored items.

Below is a comparison of a standard sheet of pegboard from each of the suppliers this review has covered (pricing as of 11/2021).

IKEA Skadis Pegboard

  • 76cm x 56cm (.42sqm) – $25 each (other sizes are also available)

Peggie

  • 89cm x 56cm (.49sqm) – $185 each

Bunnings MDF/Steel Pegboard

  • Masonite 122cm x 91cm (1.1sqm) – $34
  • Pinnacle 90cm x 45cmm Garage (.40sqm) – $39

StoreWALL Standard Duty Panel

  • 120cm x 30cm (.36sqm) – $69.99 + Optional Installstrips (2 for $38)
  • Access several rows upon which you can store multiple items. You can easily add to it to expand your storage. Check out our Garage Gallery for ideas on how many Australian garages have used StoreWALL.

StoreWALL Basic Duty Panel

  • 120cm x 30cm (.36sqm) – $62.99
  • Access several rows upon which you can store multiple items. You can easily add to it to expand your storage. Check out our Garage Gallery for ideas on how many Australian garages have used StoreWALL.
StoreWALL Power Tool Storage
Categories
Pegboard

Garage Pegboard

Cleaning up your garage starts with throwing out what you don’t need and reorganising what you decide to keep. The choices on how to effectively reorganise are endless. If you visit your local Bunnings store you will find the ever popular Garage Pegboard. Pegboard garage storage is relatively cheap and super easy to install. Garage pegboards are paired with a range of hooks which are inserted into the board to hold and hang your items. It’s all pretty simple.

Garage Pegboards

I hate pegboards. When I fist purchased the home I live in (19 years ago), my garage had pegboards on one of the walls. They covered several meters in length and about 90cm in height. The coverage was fine, but the quality and practicality was not. My garage pegboard was made from masonite. It was durable but over time it’s shape warped (severely). This wasn’t my main issue however. I just hated using the hooks. They were not sturdy enough when on the board and my items would always fall off.

I had several long and some small hooks and the small hooks (particularly the extra small ones) where a real nightmare. Below the pegboard I had a bench and everything would fall behind the bench.

Slatwalls Vs Pegboards

Slatwalls are a far superior solution for garage storage compared the the garage pegboard. This is why:

  • Firstly the material that your typical slatwall is made from is stronger and heavier. Although much of what is sold by Bunnings in terms of Pegboards are made of a metallic material.
  • The range of slatwall colours is much larger.
  • The range of hooks on offer by slatwall systems is significantly larger and now includes heavy duty hooks. Your pegboards are aimed at lighter goods.
  • The locking mechanism using by even the cheapest slatwall is strong and sturdier than a pegboard.
  • Your premium range of slatwalls like StoreWALL are made from thermoplastic so they don’t lose colour, rust, take in moisture nor change shape.
  • StoreWALL’s installation process using InstallStrips adds additional strength to your wall so that it can carry the heavy loads.
  • Yes there is a price difference but I believe it’s balanced out by the difference in quality.
garage pegboard

Pricing your Garage Pegboard

Let’s take a look at price first, because Pegboards are usually selected based on price.

Bunnings sells a powder coated steel pegboard (Size: 900 x 450mm) for $35. Total coverage is 0.40 square metres.

A pack of 4 x 200mm hooks is $6.50. You can see the locking mechanism with these simple hooks. The two hooks at the rear plug into the board and the one hook presses against the board, creating resistance and holding the hook in place.

A pack of 4 x 200mm hooks is $6.50. In total it comes to $41.50.

garage pegboard

StoreWALL’s equivalent includes:

1 x StoreWALL 1.2m panel (1.2m x 0.3m) for $55 with a total coverage are of 0.36 square metres.

Garage pegboard options

The images to the left show the StoreWALL alternative. I have displayed the 63mm hook and the 190mm hook alongside the Pegboard option offered at Bunnings.

Pricing for the StoreWALL options are as follows:

  • 63mm – $13.30 (each)
  • 190mm – $16.65 (each)

Key differences in StoreWALL’s quality include:

  • Heavier metal
  • Heavy plate on the back of the hook which is used to support the locking mechanism and weight.
  • CamLOK locking mechanism so the hook will NEVER fall off.
StoreWALL Basic Hooks

Garage Pegboard Ideas

This video shows me using the Pegboard hooks on the StoreWALL panel. They hook in with no issues but in terms of stability and a quality garage wall panel solution, you can’t really compare these hooks to what StoreWALL offers.