Peg Boards

Use peg boards to hold jackets, robes, leashes, dried flowers, etc. in a variety of places.

1" x 4" pine boards
pegs
miter box
back saw
drill
drill bits
wood glue
stain
sandpaper
awl
carpenter's square
self-driving anchors

Steps:

1. The length of each board depends on where the rack will go. Decide the placement of the rack and cut lumber to length using a miter box and back saw. For featured peg boards, 1" x 4" stain-grade pine was used. Try wider boards if desired, depending on the look you are trying to achieve .
2. Rough surface up until aged if desired. Use sandpaper or an electric palm sander to make the new wood look old fast. Sand the edges of the board using a 120-grit paper, or a medium-grit paper on a palm sander. Don't over-sand, just round the edges slightly and remove all dust with a tack cloth.
3. Evenly space the pegs along the board. To do this, put the first pegs near the ends of the board (about three inches in), find the center and place a peg there. Then measure the distance between center and the end and divide in half, placing a peg in each location. This is a guide for a five foot board with five pegs.
4. Once the peg positions are marked, make a center punch using an awl. This will help start the drill hole, keeping the drill bit from "walking" on the wood. Decide what type of bit to use by holding one next to the peg. The bit should match perfectly, as you don't want the hole too big or too small. Hold the bit next to the base of the peg, and wrap a piece of masking tape on the bit matching the depth of the base to know how deep to drill into the board. Drill holes and remove all the waste.
5. Add color to all the pieces with a wiping stain. The longer it stays on the wood, the darker the pieces will get. Wipe off excess stain when desired look is achieved. Soak all staining rags in water and dispose of properly. Use a piece of plastic foam to place pegs in once stained so that they can dry. If desired, apply a coat of polyurethane.
6. Drill a hole through the end peg holes (these will be pilot holes for hanging the board on the wall). Put the board in position and use an awl to mark the placement on the wall. Put self-driving anchors into the wall at each mark. Replace board again and attach to the wall with screws. Put pegs in using a little carpenter's glue.

Note: Be sure not to overglue, as you may want to take the board down in the future. At that time, twist the pegs with the screws behind and remove the screw.