DIY Pegboard for Hanging Files – A Pretty Space-Saver

Looking for an alternative to a big bulky and sometimes ugly file cabinet?

I love finding different ways to store items that do not take up much-needed space.

A lot of times I try to take advantage of vertical space and this time was no exception.

As I continue putting my home office together, I knew I was going to need something to hold my files.

That’s when I came up with this DIY pegboard for hanging files display.

Now, if I need to file something or search for a file, I don’t have to pull out a long drawer (which, by the way, is something else to think about when adding a file cabinet to your office layout.)

So, if you would like a space-saving way to store your files, then this DIY is the perfect solution.

Let’s get started on how to make this cute file organizer for you.

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Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Pegboard for Hanging Files

Creating This DIY Pegboard for Hanging Files

Measuring and Cutting the Frame Pieces

The first thing you will want to do is figure out how tall and wide you want your frame.

Use the pegboard to help you with these dimensions so that your pegboard holes are centered within the frame when you are finished.

You will also need some pegboard overlap so you can attach the pegboard to the back of the frame.

The frame for this DIY is 53″ tall and 23.5″ wide.

With these dimensions, we did not have to cut the pegboard piece.

Once you have the size you want, go ahead and cut your frame pieces out of the 1″ x 4″ wood pieces.

For the corners, you will want to miter them at a 45-degree angle.

Creating the Frame Design

Next, lay down the frame so you can pencil in your design.

You only need to apply the design to two adjacent pieces. I drew lines to give my frame a mirror look.

Next, using a jig saw slowly cut on the lines you made.

After you have finished cutting out your designs, place each piece of wood on top of the opposite frame piece and use it to trace identical lines.

Then cut out those pieces as well.

Assembling the Frame

Place the newly cut frame pieces together and use both wood glue and staples (on the backside) to assemble them securely.

Then add bar clamps for 24 hours giving the glue time to completely dry.

Time to Paint

The next day, remove the bar clamps from the frame and start sanding the front and edges until smooth.

Then lay out your frame and paint or spray paint in your favorite color.

We used this color spray paint on it.

While that is drying, go ahead and paint your pegboard also if you did not purchase the pre-painted version or you just want it in another color.

Wait another 24 hours until both are fully dried.

Adding the Pegboard and Installing Hardware

First, lay your frame face down on a tarp to prevent any scratches in the paint. 

Using a staple gun, go ahead and attach the pegboard to the frame.

Remember to make sure that the pegboard holes are centered or else your hanging files will sit uncentered.

Next, add the framing hardware onto the top portion of the pegboard. Make sure they are placed at exact distances from the top of the frame so that it hangs straight.

Then, using the screws and washers, install 6 spacers, 3 per side, along the backside of the pegboard.

The spacers are used to keep the frame from laying on the wall.

Without the spacers, you will not be able to add pegboard hooks.

We placed these spacers into the overlapping pegboard holes.

For each spacer, we stacked six washers.

This measured out to a 1/2″ length.

Then we screwed the spacers into the frame.

Hanging Your Pegboard Display

Next, you will want to install two drywall anchors in the wall.

Lay a level on the screws to ensure they are straight.

Then, slide the frame until the framing hangers come in contact with the drywall anchors.

And that’s it.

Now you can start adding your pegboard hooks, hanging files, and then files.

I think you’ll agree that this looks a lot prettier than some industrial-looking file cabinet.

Here is my DIY pegboard hanging file holder today.

It can hold 4 stacks of hanging files if I just move the hooks around but three stacks were enough.

And if you are wondering how many hanging files and file folders each set of hooks can hold, well this will depend on how many files you have and how thick your files are.

I am able to fit 7 – 10 hanging files per hook with files holding approximately 20-30 sheets of paper.

So what do you think of this DIY pegboard for hanging files?

If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you asap.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly organizing challenges. Enter your name and email address below and you’ll receive a new challenge every week.

Looking for more ways to organize with pegboard? Check out my Nerf Wall DIY for organizing your kids’ Nerf guns and ammo.

DIY Pegboard for Hanging Files – Organize and Store Files and Paperwork With Minimal Floor Space