How To Make A Shaker Peg Rail

By Robert Robillard on How To

Making a Shaker Peg Coat Rack

Everyone seems to appreciate the quality and simplistic utilitarian style of Shaker craftsmanship.  It’s super easy to make your own Shaker style coat rack with maple pegs.

Here’s how:

What you will need:

  1.  A board [e.g. 1×4] of the length you need
  2. Enough pegs to fill your needs.  A bag of four maple pegs cost $3.oo
  3. Wood plugs if you wish to hide your mounting screws.
  4. Glue
  5. ¼” bead bit for a router – in order to make an  authentic looking shaker peg rail
  6. A drill bit sized to your peg diameter.  I recommend using a Forstner bit for is consistent and quality hole.

How to make a Shaker Peg Rail:

  1.  Size your board to fit your needs.   I find a 1×4 boar at 3-1/2” works well and looks great without ripping it on a table saw.
  2. Locate the center of your board and mark the center.
  3. Determine your peg spacing.  Six inches works well.
  4. Lay out your hole spacing left and right out from the center mark.  To start measure 3” left and 3” right.  Mark those locations, then measure 6” off each mark till you get to the end of your board.
  5. Drill your holes at your marks.  Make sure to mark your drill bit with tape or a marker so you know how to drill to the correct depth.  If you drill all the way through that’s ok too.
  6. Sand all mill marks and pencil marks off your board.
  7. If you would like an authentic looking Shaker Peg Rail, use a router to add a ¼” bead to both long edges of each board.
  8. Apply a little glue to the peg end and insert it into your bored holes.  Use a hammer and a scrap block of wood to tap the pegs flush to the board.
  9. Wipe excess glue off and let dry.

10. Mount your rail to wall studs with 2-1/2” screws.

11. Nicer finish options are to pre-drill, countersink and plug your screw holes.  Wood plugs can be purchased at the same location as the Maple plugs.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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