If you have ever thought about incorporating open shelving into your kitchen and desire more than simple minimalist floating shelves, shaker peg rail shelves could be an ideal choice for you.
What’s a Shaker Peg Rail?
A shaker peg rail is essentially a wooden plank with wooden pegs spaced every few inches. Typically, the pegs are placed at a distance of 6 inches apart. In the past, these peg rails were commonly used in older homes as the primary method of hanging and storing items. They would often span the entire length of a wall. We have come across these shaker style peg rails frequently in old kitchens. Interestingly, even in elaborate Victorian homes, you can still find them in the much simpler kitchens, which were primarily used by the staff. Introducing these peg rails into our kitchen gave it a sense of connection to the more traditional appearance.
How to Build Peg Rail Shelves
One board made of finger-jointed pine wood that measures 1 inch by 8 inches and has been primed.
The text “1 x 12 Primed Pine Finger-Joint Board” can be rephrased as “A finger-joint board made of primed pine measuring 1 inch by 12 inches.”
The concept of wood brackets.
Wooden pegs.
Building the Shelves
Begin by cutting your 1 x 8 Board to the desired length, which will serve as the backing for the pegs. Proceed to securely attach it to your wall, ensuring that it is fastened to studs or any other stable structure.
For ours, we face mounted it to the wall with a combination of finish nails, construction adhesive, and deck screws. We knew we were doing open shelving during construction so we built our wall with 3/4″ plywood directly behind the drywall to ensure the shelves would have plenty of support.
Afterwards, attach the shelf brackets onto the 1×8 board. Ensure that the top of the brackets is aligned with the top of the board. To secure the brackets, we employed a combination of finish nails, construction adhesive, and hanging anchors.
Next, trim your 1×12 board to the desired length before attaching it on top of the 1×8 board and brackets. To secure it, utilize a combination of finishing nails, deck screws, and construction adhesive throughout the entire shelf’s length.
While the construction adhesive dries, we increased the weight on the shelf by placing dumbbells on top of the shelf supports overnight to ensure a secure connection with the backing and brackets.
Finishing and Adding the Pegs
By now, you probably have a good number of nail holes. We examined the shelves and used wood filler to fill in the nail holes. After it dried, we used medium and fine sandpaper to sand it down and achieve a smooth surface.
To determine the optimal distance for the pegs, some mathematical calculations will be necessary. As we had brackets positioned at regular intervals, we avoided aligning the pegs directly against them. By measuring the space between each bracket, we were able to determine the maximum number of pegs that could be accommodated within that distance. In our case, the pegs were placed at intervals of 4 inches. If you intend to hang larger items, it is advisable to choose a greater distance between the pegs than what we used.
After obtaining the peg distance, use a pencil and measuring tape to indicate the placements of all the pegs. Although it may be a bit tedious, it is crucial to avoid the disappointment of realizing they are significantly misplaced after completing the task.
After that, the process is straightforward – drill a hole for each peg and screw them in. While traditional pegs are made entirely of wood, we strongly advise using the screw-in pegs we have provided a link to. Once they are inserted, they are indistinguishable and offer remarkable durability.
Painting is the final step, and using a pre-primed fingerboard can simplify the process slightly.
Tips for Styling a Peg Rail Shelf
In addition to providing architectural embellishments to plain open shelves, shaker peg rail shelves also offer additional styling possibilities. By incorporating pegs, ordinary items can be transformed into miniature works of art.
Here are some of the ways I enjoy styling peg rails:
- Coffee Mug and Tea Cups
- Hanging Plants
- Cute Dish Towels
- Ornaments at Christmas
- Measuring Cups
- Strainers and Colanders
- Small baskets for a little storage
5 Benefits of Wood Home Decor
Are you thinking about upgrading your decor for the new decade? If you’re unsure about the direction to go with your home interior, think about investing in wooden furniture and decor pieces. Wood decor can be a chic and versatile option for your home, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of time planning your theme.
Solid wood furniture maintains its appearance, developing a beautiful patina over time, and if any damage occurs, it can be effortlessly fixed, restoring the furniture to its initial state. In terms of environmental aspects, solid wood furniture is significantly more environmentally friendly.
Let’s examine the five advantages of wooden home decor, which range from durability and versatility to affordability and eco-friendliness, highlighting the numerous benefits it offers.
1. Wood furniture is durable.
Destroying wood furniture is difficult due to its hardness. A scale known as the Janka hardness test exists to assess the hardness of wood. Brazilian walnut and Brazilian teak are among the hardest wood species according to this scale. Both of these woods are widely utilized in furniture and flooring and are suitable for households with busy families, children, and pets.
2. Furniture made from wood is well-crafted.
When it comes to wooden furniture, those made with solid wood materials typically come at a higher cost compared to options made from particleboard, MDF, plywood, or heavily reliant on veneers, indicating their superior quality.
Despite being more expensive, wood décor is worth the extra cost due to its durability and longevity. Wood furniture is skillfully crafted, durable, and can withstand the test of time. When you invest in wooden furnishings, you are acquiring a high-quality addition to your home.
3. Wood décor is easily stylish.
Are you not aware of current trends? Trends may change rapidly, but wooden furniture and decor items tend to remain stylish for a long time. Regardless of trends, wooden furniture can be handed down from one generation to another.
No matter if it’s a set of wooden coasters with a rustic charm, a clock made from a log slice, or a contemporary wooden alarm clock, there is no need to over-analyze any of these items. They possess an everlasting appeal, elegance, and can effortlessly blend with any existing interior design. You can even give them a unique designation: Vintage.
4. Wood is sustainable.
Wood is considered a highly abundant and renewable energy source, which means that it will not be exhausted in the near future. Additionally, it acts as a carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide, earning the reputation of being a “carbon store”. As a result, utilizing one meter of wood in building construction eliminates one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The benefits of wood home decor that are environmentally friendly include:
- Renewable, Recyclable, Natural. Timber is one of the few natural, renewable building materials
- Carbon Positive
- Low Energy Production
- Health and Wellbeing
- Fire Performance
- Natural Insulation
5. Wood décor is versatile.
Wooden decor not only adds to the pleasing appearance but also serves practical purposes. For example, a retro coffee grinder can be a delightful addition to your kitchen or dining room decor while also functioning to grind your coffee beans. Alternatively, if you prefer wine, a heart-shaped wine rack can enhance the charm of your wine bar as a decorative item.
Wooden decor can enhance the appeal of any home, regardless of its style or theme. Whether you’re aiming for a modern or rustic look, incorporating lighter woods and organic shapes will highlight the natural qualities. Conversely, if you lean towards a modern aesthetic, darker woods and stained wooden furniture align better with your preferred style.
Wood furniture is both durable and affordable, making it a great choice whether you prefer clean lines or organic shapes. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and versatile.
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