Which Is Better, Slatwall or Pegboard?

September 30, 2022

A wide variety of storage solutions are available for use in a workshop, garage, or store. Slatwall and pegboard are two of the most well-liked options.

GarageSmart® Storage Cabinets, Draws, & Work Benches are the perfect way to organize your garage! With GarageSmart®, you’ll have plenty of storage space for all of your tools, sports equipment, and other belongings.

As far as storage and organisation are concerned, does Slatwall or pegboard fare better? Let's get a better look at it!

So, Exactly What Is a Slatwall?

Slatwall is superior to conventional garage shelving, but first, we must define them.

Slatwall gets its name from the horizontal slats or "slats" on the panel's surface.

They're frequently used in stores since they make displaying merchandise on racks a breeze for employees.

However, Slatwall alternatives have been increasingly popular recently, especially in private garages.

Today, most Slatwall is manufactured of MDF, or medium density fibreboard, which consists of wax, wood fibres, and a resin binder. Incorporating the slats into the final product is a highly automated procedure.

Even while 4" x 8" panels are the most common, larger sizes are still available for purchase.

By attaching plastic or aluminium inserts, your walls will become useful storage space for hanging tools, games, bikes, and more.

Slatwall is Convenient, Secure, and Easy to Put Away

Bulky sports supplies, tools, and other items can easily hang from the garage Slatwall.

In addition, they are resistant to fire and moisture since they are constructed from medium-density fibreboard and PVC.

Due to these and other benefits, Slatwall should be seriously considered as a means of garage storage.

They Have Superior Appearance and Adaptability

Another feature of the Slatwall is its variety of colours. Colour options for these panels include white, taupe, black, and maple.

This gives your custom garage more design options.

It is easy to paint the Slatwall to complement the current garage decor.

You can paint the panels to fit the colour scheme of your room and customise them by adding shelves, hooks, cupboards, bins, and baskets.

Slatwall's Drawbacks as a Storage Solution

Slatwall, like anything else, comes with both features and disadvantages.

They can be a pain to take down if screwed into the wall.

Despite its visual appeal, Slatwall storage can be expensive, especially for expansive garages.

Slatwall panels are long and heavy, so most homeowners would be wise to hire a professional to handle the installation.

What Then Is a Pegboard?

Pegboards are an alternative to cabinets for your garage storage needs.

Pegboard, also known as perforated hardboard, is a type of particle board that has been predrilled with holes instead of planks or ridges.

All of the holes are precisely the same distance apart.

The holes in a pegboard allow you to hang things from the board using hooks or pegs.

Peg-Board is a brand name once owned by the Masonite Corporation and launched in the 1960s; however, the company's trademark on the term has since expired.

The generic name for the treated hardwood has persisted, however.

Most pegboards are made of wood, but not all. Metal ones are possible as well, typically steel.

Since metal pegboards are lighter and less expensive to ship, they are often smaller than their hardwood counterparts.

There have been cases of steel pegboards sagging between their mounting points.

This is usually the result of the boards not being thick enough. However, this should not occur, provided your pegboard is of sufficient thickness.

Even hardwood pegboards with holes punched in them don't fare any better. The quality of the pegboard will decline if too many objects are hung on it or if a single big load is added. It can start to warp or split apart.

A Pegboard Can Serve as a Convenient Organizational Tool

No matter the material, pegboards are a fantastic storage solution for garages. Metal pegboards are not only fire-safe and long-lasting, but they also provide much-needed illumination when mounted to drywall or wall studs.

Pegboards can be purchased in various dimensions to accommodate any workshop or garage space, and a wall can be covered by adding more panels.

In addition, it's easy to mount perforated hardboard on garage wall studs or, if your cabinets are sturdy enough, inside them.

Lastly, pegboards are versatile and simple for storing and arranging various hooks and accessories.

Downsides of Using Pegboard

Pegboard has various uses, but its aesthetic appeal is often criticised for being low-rent and unappealing.

In contrast to Slatwall, most pegboards come in just two colours: white and brown.

Although it can be coated, drilling through the dry paint to instal hanging hardware can be difficult.

Due to its low weight capacity, pegboard is best suited for holding lightweight gardening and hand equipment.

Hangers and hooks tend to loose from pegboards when heavy things like bicycles and lawnmowers are hung.

Putting spacers between the wall and the panels during installation to remove and reinstall attachments is another important challenge.

What's the Difference Between Slatwall and Pegboard?

The Variation in Design

When comparing Slatwall organisers to pegboards, the visual differences are striking.

Slatwall is made of long, horizontal strips of strong material and is installed flush to the wall.

The overall effect is one not unlike that of outside siding. But pegboards are made up of separate panels with many holes in them.

The two methods are similar in that they both employ hooks for displaying possessions.

Slatwall systems provide an attractive, up-to-date appearance for your garage.

On the other hand, it's difficult to overlook the exposed pegboard holes.

The appearance of your garage wall system should be considered if you intend to take the time to install it, particularly if you want to turn your garage into a playroom or hobby space.

However, one's physical attributes shouldn't be the only deciding factor in a relationship. So, let's have a look at its usefulness.

Hole-Based Organising vs. Slatted Shelving

There's no denying the convenience and longevity of the pegboard. Each board has multiple holes, and you can position the hooks wherever you like.

However, the standard inch-apart spacing of peg holes restricts your ability to add your unique touch.

Due to the large volume of holes, the board can easily get cluttered. It all works, but it doesn't look great.

In contrast, Slatwall systems are designed to be used in conjunction with hooks, bins, and baskets of varying sizes, allowing you great flexibility for arranging objects of varying shapes and sizes.

In addition, each item can either be hung directly from the wall or placed within a hanging container, eliminating the need for extraneous storage or shelving.

Sturdiness and Toughness

Consider what you plan to keep on the walls if you're trying to decide between the two options.

Tools, rakes, pliers, and craft materials are just some of the many objects that can be conveniently managed by any method.

How about things that are both large and cumbersome, like sports equipment, chainsaws, and bikes?

When hooks are forced out of their pegboard holes by heavy objects, the pegboard may collapse.

However, slatwall organisers can reliably hold heavy objects against the wall indefinitely, which is no mystery.

Factors of Temperature and Humidity

Many individuals don't pay attention to this minor detail, yet it might cost them a lot of money.

As a result of their location, garages experience dramatic climatic shifts, both in terms of temperature and humidity.

In reality, only a tiny fraction of households have climate-controlled garages.

PVC Slatwall panels are much more resistant to these causes. As the humidity and temperature outside fluctuate, they will not change.

However, because pegboards are resistant to this shift in moisture, the panels are more likely to rip or become damaged.

Fittings

Pegboard is more compatible with a wide variety of wall-mounting attachments than Slatwall is.

Here, the dominance of Pegboards is particularly clear.

Hooks come in a wide range of sizes, so you can use them to store everything from tiny screws to hefty hammers.

Hanging choices for Slatwall panels are extensive; however, they cannot exceed 40 or so.

Price

You've come this far because you know the Pegboards will win this only round.

Slatwall panels are better than other options because of their superior strength, robustness, load capacity, and functions.

Having such exceptional characteristics doesn't come cheap.

Stick to pegboard panels if you're trying to keep costs down. But keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

It's Up to You to Make a Decision

Slatwall and pegboard are two storage alternatives if you want to personalise and organise your garage.

Both have their benefits, but Slatwall's superior load-bearing capacity makes it the superior choice here.

Slatwall, in contrast to pegboard, comes in various looks, measurements, and hues. Garages can be transformed from boring dumping grounds into stylish showpieces with the help of these storage options.

Conclusion

First, let's clarify what slatwall is and why it's better than traditional garage shelving.

Slatwall gets its name from the horizontal slats or "slats" on the panel's surface.

The most widely used panel size is 4 feet by 8 feet, but you may also get them in other dimensions.

Made out of medium-density fibreboard and PVC, they can withstand heat and humidity without warping or rotting.

Slatwall is a sort of particle board that has been predrilled with holes instead of planks or ridges.

You can use hooks or pegs to suspend items from a pegboard thanks to the board's holes.

Due to their length and weight, slatwall panels are best installed by a professional and are not recommended for DIY projects.

Pegboards can be purchased in various dimensions to meet any workshop or garage area, and a wall can be covered by adding more panels.

Perforated hardboard can be hung on the studs in your garage walls or, if your cabinets are solid enough, mounted inside them.

Pegboards are a simple and flexible solution for organising and stowing a wide variety of hooks and hardware.

Slatwall systems are made to work with various hooks, bins, and baskets of different sizes.

This gives you a lot of leeway when arranging things of different sizes and shapes.

There is no longer a need for extra shelves or storage space because everything can be hung on the wall or contained in a hanging container.

Slatwall and pegboard are two storage solutions if you want to personalise and tidy your garage.

While both options are useful, Slatwall is the better option due to its higher load bearing capacity.

If you need to keep prices low, use pegboard walls. The saying "you get what you pay for" holds true, however.

Content Summary

There is a plethora of options for stowing away items in a warehouse, factory, or retail outlet.
Two of the most popular choices are slatwall and pegboard.
First, let's clarify what slatwall is and why it's better than traditional garage shelving.
The horizontal "slats" on the panel's face are the inspiration for the product's namesake.
There has been a rise in the use of alternatives to Slatwall, particularly in home garages.
Most Slatwall these days is made of MDF, which is a composite material made of wax, wood fibres, and a resin binder.
Highly automated processes are used to incorporate the slats into the final product.
The most widely used panel size is 4 feet by 8 feet, but you may also get them in other dimensions.
You may convert your walls into functional storage space by installing plastic or aluminium inserts to hang things like tools, games, bikes, and more.
Slatwall is a great storage solution because it can be quickly assembled and taken down. The garage Slatwall is a great place to store large objects such as sports equipment, tools, and other storage bins.
Since they are made out of medium-density fibreboard and PVC, they are also fireproof and waterproof.
Slatwall is an excellent option for garage storage because of these and other reasons.
Their looks and versatility are top-notch. Slatwall also comes in a wide array of colours.
These panels can be ordered in a variety of colours, including white, taupe, black, and maple.
Your unique garage now has more aesthetic freedom as a result.
The Slatwall may be simply painted to match any colour scheme in the garage.
You may also add shelves, hooks, cupboards, bins, and baskets to the panels and paint them to match the rest of the decor in the space.
Just like any other material, slatwall has its perks and disadvantages.
If they are screwed into the wall, removing them can be a hassle.
Slatwall storage is attractive, but it may be pricey, especially for large garages.
Due to their length and weight, slatwall panels are best installed by a professional and are not recommended for DIY projects.
In the absence of cabinets, pegboards can be used to organise your garage's sundries.
You can use hooks or pegs to suspend items from a pegboard thanks to the board's holes.
Although most pegboards are constructed from wood, others are not.
Metal pegboards are typically smaller than their hardwood counterparts due to their lesser weight and lower shipping costs.
Steel pegboards have been known to sag between the screws.
This is frequently the result of the boards not being thick enough.
However, if your pegboard is thick enough, this shouldn't happen.
You can cover a whole wall with pegboards if you buy enough of them, and they come in a wide range of sizes to suit any workshop or garage.
Perforated hardboard can also be mounted on garage wall studs or, if your cabinets are solid enough, inside them for further storage space.
Last but not least, pegboards are a simple and flexible solution for arranging and storing a wide variety of hooks and other accessories.
Despite its usefulness, pegboard is often criticised for its cheap and unattractive appearance.
White and brown are the only common colours for pegboards, but Slatwall is available in a variety of patterns and colours.
It can be painted, however it can be difficult to drill through the dry paint when installing hanging hardware.
When it comes to gardening and hand tools, pegboard is best used for the lighter items.
When large items like bicycles and lawnmowers are hung from pegboards, the hangers and hooks often become dislodged.
Another significant difficulty comes from the need to use spacers between the wall and the panels in order to take attachments off and put them back on during the installation process.
Slatwall organisers stand out visually when compared to pegboards.
Long, sturdy strips of material are used to create slatwall, which is mounted flush to the wall.
But pegboards are made up of distinct panels with many holes in them.
Both techniques are similar because they use hooks to exhibit objects.
Slatwall systems provide a beautiful, up-to-date appearance for your garage.
On the other side, it's tough to overlook the exposed pegboard holes.
It's important to think about how your garage wall system will look if you're going to the trouble of installing it, especially if you want to use the garage for something other than parking a car.
But one's appearance shouldn't be the main criterion in a romantic partnership.
As such, let's examine the benefits it provides.
The pegboard has been around for a long time due to its usefulness and durability.
By comparison, Slatwall systems provide you a lot of leeway in terms of how you arrange items of varied sizes and shapes because they are meant to be used in tandem with hooks, bins, and baskets of varying sizes.
Also, there is no need for extra shelves or storage space because everything can be put up on the wall or inside a hanging container.
If you're attempting to pick between the two, it could be helpful to think about what will ultimately be hanging on the walls.
The vast majority of items, such as tools, rakes, pliers, and art supplies, may be easily managed by any technique.
Collapsing pegboards can be caused by heavy objects dislodging hooks from their pegboard holes.
Slatwall organisers, on the other hand, can reliably hold large objects against the wall indefinitely.
Many people overlook this fact despite the fact that it could cost them a significant sum of money.
Due to their locations, garages are subjected to extremes of temperature and humidity.
While it might be convenient, only a small percentage of homes actually have garages that are climate controlled.
PVC Slatwall panels are considerably more durable against these factors.
Nothing will alter even as the humidity and temperature outside shift.
Pegboards can withstand the change in humidity, but the panels are more prone to tears and other damage due of this.
Pegboard can accommodate a wider range of wall-mounting accessories than Slatwall can.
There are a lot of ways to hang Slatwall panels, but probably not more than 40.
The strength, durability, load capacity, and versatility of slatwall panels make them the best choice.
If you need to keep prices low, use pegboard walls.
The saying "you get what you pay for" holds true, however.
If you want to customise and improve the organisation of your garage, you can use slatwall or pegboard for storage.
While both options are useful, Slatwall is the better option due to its higher load bearing capacity.
Unlike pegboard, slatwall can be found in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colours.
These solutions might help turn your garage from a drab dumping ground into a stunning spectacle.

FAQs About Garage Walls

What Can I Use Instead Of Pegboard?

Velcro strips work well in the home or office as a pegboard alternative because they are light and easy to stick in place. Simply peel and stick the adhesive side to the wall and stick the other piece to the object that will be stored on the Velcro strip.

Are Peg Boards Sturdy?

Most so-called metal pegboards on the market are actually constructed of steel (which technically isn't a pure metal) but provide a sturdy design for organizing items or hanging up heavier tools.

How Strong Is Slat Wall?

Reinforced slatwall is the same MDF board with an aluminum metal insert in the slat designed to increase the strength and holding capacity. Un-reinforced slatwall will hold about 12 pounds per bracket 12" from the wall. Reinforced slatwall will hold about 50 pounds per bracket also 12” from the wall.

How Much Can A Peg Board Hold?

Pegboard manufacturers state the standard 3/16″ pegboard can safely hold 100 lbs of weight. The pegboard I tested showed a single peg can hold over 150 lbs without tearing or pulling away from the wall.

Is All Slatwall The Same?

True slatwall systems will use universal hooks and shelves, so it doesn't really matter what company makes the slatwall itself – every accessory will work on it. You can't say the same for the wall storage systems. Even though they use a similar concept, standard slatwall hooks are not compatible with them.

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