Pegboard vs French Cleats: Which One Wins for Workshop Organization?

Keeping your workshop or garage organized can feel like an endless battle. Tools scattered, valuable space wasted, and the constant frustration of not finding what you need is a common struggle for many DIYers. Pegboards and French cleats offer solutions for conquering this chaos. I’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, helping you decide which is the right fit for your space and tool collection.

Closeup of pegboards and a French cleat with text Pegboard vs French Cleat

Table of Contents

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Visit my site policies for more information.

What is Pegboard?

A pegboard is the go-to storage solution for many workshops and garages. It’s a panel with a grid of evenly spaced holes, allowing you to insert pegs, hooks, and other accessories. Think of it as a customizable canvas for your tools.

Hand removing a sheet of white pegboard from a store's shelf

You can hang hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and even small power tools with the right hooks. Pegboards are an excellent way to reduce clutter on your workbench while keeping everything organized and within easy reach.

Brown pegboard attached to a shop's wall with various screwdrivers and pliers hanging on hooks

Pegboard is typically hardboard, but it’s also available in metal and plastic. The hardboard version is usually brown or white, but you can paint it to coordinate with your workspace. The metal and plastic varieties are often black or white, but some brands offer other colors.


Pegboard Pros and Cons to Consider

Pegboard has its perks for keeping workspaces organized. Its open design makes it easy to see and grab the tool you need quickly. It’s simple to install, and you can find a variety of hooks and accessories to fit your storage needs. Plus, the hardboard option is budget-friendly. One of my longtime followers, Steve, who shared a photo of his shop’s pegboard for this article, said, “I love pegboard for small tools.”

However, I’ve found that pegboards have their limitations. They’re not the best for heavy tools since the weight can strain the pegs and the board itself. In my dad’s shop, we had a pegboard wall, and I noticed that the holes in the hardboard-style pegboard can loosen over time. Sometimes this caused the hooks to fall out when I grabbed a tool too quickly, which was frustrating when I just wanted to get back to work.

Metal pegboards cost more, but I think they have a more polished look compared to the hardboard style. Again, this is my opinion, but I would recommend a white pegboard over brown or black since it reflects light, making your shop feel brighter, which is especially helpful in small workspaces like mine.

Related: My 12×13 Small Woodshop Layout


What is a French Cleat?

A French cleat is a clever way to hang items securely on the wall. It uses two angled interlocking pieces, one mounted to the wall and the other attached to the back of whatever object you want to hang. When the two pieces come together, they lock in place like a puzzle, creating a strong, sturdy connection.

Hands placing a wooden tool holder on a French cleat wall

You can hang almost anything with a French cleat, from handheld power tools to cabinets. It’s easy to adjust the position whenever needed, making it perfect for reorganizing your workspace as your tool collection grows and changes.

A French cleat wall with tool holders and tools such as a jigsaw, router, and circular saw

French Cleat Pros and Cons to Consider

French cleats are incredibly strong and versatile, easily supporting the weight of your heaviest tools while offering almost limitless customization. Their interlocking design creates a secure connection, and you can quickly adjust the position of your tools whenever needed.

However, building a French cleat system takes time. First, you’ll need to rip plywood into strips or bevel the edges of boards using a table saw or circular saw.

Related: How to Make a French Cleat (2 Easy Ways)

Once you’ve mounted the cleats on the wall, you’ll need to build holders for all the tools you want to organize.

I built my French cleat wall using two 4×8 sheets of ¾” plywood. So far, I’ve made seven holders from this material and still have enough left to make more. However, I understand that the cost of plywood can be pricey, which might discourage some DIYers.

Related: How to Make a French Cleat Tool Storage Wall


What’s the Difference Between French Cleats and Pegboards?

Pegboards and French cleats are both excellent ways to organize your workspace:

  • Reconfigurable: Both systems give you the flexibility to rearrange your tools. With a pegboard, you can easily move hooks or add new accessories, while French cleats let you slide tool holders along the wall or reposition them as needed. 
  • Maximize Workspace: Storing your tools on the wall keeps your workbench clear and improves your workflow.

However, there are some differences to consider.

Cost:

Hardboard-style pegboards are usually the most budget-friendly option. Metal pegboards can be pricier, and the cost of plywood for French cleats and custom tool holders can add up.

Time:

Installing a pegboard is typically quicker. French cleats take more time and effort since you’ll need to cut the cleats, mount them, and build custom holders for your tools.

Weight Capacity:

This is where French cleats really shine. They are super strong and can easily support heavy tools and equipment that would likely overload a pegboard.

Aesthetics:

This is entirely subjective, but in my opinion, pegboards can sometimes look a bit cluttered, making small workspaces feel cramped. With their clean lines, French cleats create a more streamlined look, which I find appealing.


Should You Choose French Cleats or Pegboards?

The choice between French cleats and pegboards depends on your specific needs, budget, and the types of tools you’re organizing. 

Pegboards might be the better option if you primarily work with lightweight tools and prefer a quick and easy installation. However, French cleats are the way to go if you need to store heavy equipment or want the ultimate flexibility and customization.

Sometimes, the best solution is a combination of both. You could use French cleats for your larger, heavier tools and a pegboard for smaller hand tools and accessories.

In my workshop, I store many of my tools in cabinets, while my garage features a French cleat wall for less frequently used gear. I don’t use pegboards, and some have found that surprising. I’ve even received reader comments suggesting I must not be a productive woodworker because I don’t use them!

A French cleat system mounted on a wall with an assortment of woodworking tools

However, if you’re easily overstimulated like me, pegboards can sometimes feel visually overwhelming, making small spaces feel cluttered rather than neat and organized. Instead, I prefer the clean lines and the structured look of French cleats.

If I don’t use pegboards to store small hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, you might wonder where I keep them. Since I often need these tools in my shop, garage, backyard, at a friend’s house, or at the Historical Society where I volunteer, I store them in my toolbox. This way, I can easily bring them wherever I’m working.

Related: My Toolbox Essentials: Must-Have Gear For Every DIYer

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for tool organization. The key is to choose the system that best suits your needs, tool collection, and preferences.

Whether you choose pegboards, French cleats, cabinets, or a combination of methods, the goal is to create an organized and efficient workspace you enjoy using.


Final Thoughts

Choosing between pegboards and French cleats boils down to your tool collection, workspace needs, and personal preference. Both systems offer an excellent way to organize your tools and reclaim valuable space. Consider the tools you currently have and what you may add in the future, and select the best solution for your workshop or garage.

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!



Pin This For Later

COMMENTS

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.