How to Make a DIY Shaker Peg Rail with Shelf

By Ed

September 7, 2023

19

This flexible do-it-yourself activity can be completed in an afternoon and can be adjusted and modified according to the size, style, and materials available to you. Below are the resources we utilized and the steps we followed to accomplish it.

TOOLS + SUPPLIES USED

Wood or MDF, cut to preferred length and width
Shaker Pegs (here’s a screw-in alternative)
Drill and appropriate bits
Jigsaw (optional)
1 1/2″ wood screws (we prefer Power Pro for the cleanest drive)
Wood Glue
Clamps
Rubber mallet
Sanding block
Spackle + putty knife
Tape measure + pencil

1| CUT + FASTEN TOP AND BACK

To start the process, you need to ascertain the appropriate size for your installation area and trim your boards accordingly. For the playroom, we concluded that a width of 26″ would be suitable for the gap between the arched opening and the chimney. We chose to have a broader top (shelf) compared to the peg rail (front-facing). As a point of reference, our top measures 5″, whereas the peg rail board is 3 1/2″.

The great thing about this project is its ability to adapt to any size space. After determining the appropriate size, we secured the boards together using clamps and attached them with screws using a drill. Remember to always make pilot holes, especially when working with MDF.

2| TRACE, CUT + FASTEN ROUNDED SHELF SUPPORTS

Fun Fact: Although this step is entirely unnecessary, it undeniably added a delightful touch! Subsequently, after joining the back and top together, we thoroughly searched the kitchen for a circular dish that would serve as the ideal form for our side supports.

We traced the 1/4 round profile on a small dinner plate and used a fine finish blade on our jigsaw to cut it out. We didn’t aim for perfection at this stage, but we sanded the cut later and came pretty close!

Afterward, we attached the quarter round supports to the top and back by using the same 1 1/2″ screws as before. Did you observe the angled clamp holding the support securely while we drilled? Clamps are beneficial for immobilizing items during fastening, so we suggest utilizing them whenever feasible. They act like an additional pair of hands! These particular clamps have been in our possession for nearly ten years.

3| MEASURE + INSTALL PEGS

The specific measurements for this step depend on the chosen pegs and the width of the peg rail. Our six pegs were placed slightly less than 4 inches apart, with approximately 2 inches between the outer pegs and the rounded shelf supports. To ensure a tight fit, we used a 3/8 inch drill bit for the pegs.

To ensure the pegs are securely attached, we first applied a small amount of wood glue and then used a rubber mallet to tap them in, as they do not screw into place but instead rely on a tenon.

4| SPACKLE, SAND + PAINT

If you have constructed your peg rail using wood with a beautiful grain and wish to stain and polyurethane it, feel free to do so. In the case that you have used MDF to build it, you have the option of spray painting or brush painting it. The choice is entirely yours. This particular project allows for customization. We have chosen the same taupe color that was used for the custom base on our recently modified IKEA dresser. This color coordinates well with the chimney in the room, which has multiple tones, and complements the overall atmosphere of the room.

To install the peg rail, we utilized the keyhole hangers included in this assortment of hanging hardware. However, feel free to select what aligns well with your requirements and preferred construction approach.

Accessories such as hats, capes, wings, and all magical things will be held by the peg rail.

5 Benefits of Wood Home Decor

Are you contemplating a decor upgrade for the upcoming decade? If you’re unsure about the direction to choose for your home interior, one option to consider is investing in wooden furniture and decor pieces. This is particularly suitable if you prefer not to spend a significant amount of time planning your theme, as wood decor offers an elegant and adaptable choice for your home.

Solid wood furniture maintains its visual appeal over time, acquiring a charming patina as it ages. In case of any damages, it can be effortlessly repaired, ensuring that the furniture is restored to its initial condition. From an environmental standpoint, solid wood furniture is notably more sustainable.

There are numerous benefits of wooden home decor, including durability, versatility, cost efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Let’s consider five advantages of wood decor.

1. Wood furniture is durable.

It is hard to destroy wood furniture. In fact, there’s a whole scale dedicated to ranking wood based on its hardness. This scale is called the Janka hardness test, and two of the hardest wood species are brazilian walnut and brazilian teak. These are both commonly used in furniture and flooring, and both are perfect for busy families, children, and pets.

2. Furniture made from wood is well-crafted.

Furniture made from solid wood construction materials, which are of high quality, typically come with a higher price compared to ones that are made from particleboard, MDF, plywood, or incorporate numerous veneers.

Wood décor may be more expensive, but it is definitely worth the extra cost. Wood furniture is durable, strong, and will last for many years. By buying wood furniture, you are enhancing the quality of your home.

3. Wood décor is easily stylish.

Do you fail to understand current trends? Trends have a tendency to change rapidly, whereas wooden furniture and decor items usually remain in fashion for a long time. Wood furniture can be inherited and kept for generations, regardless of trends.

No matter if it’s a set of wooden coasters, a clock made from a log slice, or a contemporary wooden alarm clock, there is no need to overanalyze any of these items. They have a timeless and stylish quality, and they can effortlessly blend with any existing decor. In fact, you can even refer to them with a unique label: vintage.

4. Wood is sustainable.

Wood is considered a highly abundant and renewable source of energy, which implies that it is not expected to be depleted in the near future. Additionally, it has the capability to absorb carbon dioxide and is recognized as a carbon storage medium. Consequently, every meter of wood utilized in construction facilitates the removal of one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The advantages of using wood home decor for environmental conservation are as follows:

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.

Wood decor serves both a functional and visually appealing purpose. An example of this is a retro coffee grinder that not only enhances the decor of your kitchen or dining room as a neatly placed item on a tabletop but also doubles as a coffee grinder. Similarly, if you prefer wine, a heart-shaped wine rack can be a delightful addition to your wine bar, providing decorative charm.

Wooden decor can be a delightful addition to any kind of style or theme you desire for your home, whether it is modern or rustic. Lighter woods and organic shapes are great for creating a rustic ambiance and highlighting the natural qualities. Conversely, if you prefer a modern aesthetic, darker woods and stained wood furniture are more suitable for your taste.

Wood furniture offers both clean lines and organic shapes. It is not only durable and affordable but also environmentally friendly and versatile.