The Customizable Tool Organization System That's Sturdier Than Pegboards And Slatwalls

Even if you're not all that handy, there are tools every homeowner should have. From hammers to electric drills, they can save you a lot of frustration and money down the line. However, if you can't find equipment and exact bits when you need them, then buying these expensive tools isn't very useful. If you want something that will hold gadgets, both big and small, and is reliable, you need to invest in a French cleat organization system. You could go with a more traditional pegboard or slatwall, but because of their materials and design, they aren't usually the most durable when it comes to heavy items and may fail you in time.

First, make sure you understand the differences. Pegboards are flat and often made from plastic or hardboard, though you can sometimes find metal ones. They come with brackets to hold them off the wall and have lots of holes to add hanging hooks. Slatwalls are generally made from MDF, though also available in metal or plastic. They consist of boards with small horizontal grooves between them that allow you to install hooks and brackets for attachments. On the surface, French cleats look similar to slatwalls, consisting of horizontal grooves. However, these have beveled edges (a 45-degree angle) on the inside. They allow you to hang anything up, as long as you attach a mounting cleat to the back of it.

All these organization systems have a time and place, but when you're looking for sturdiness, French cleats easily come out on top. Pegboard is the lowest on this list. It is only able to hold lightweight tools and attachments. Additionally, with the wooden ones, even if you take care of them, the holes wear out and grow larger over time, meaning your hooks don't stay in place. You may also find they have been ruined by humidity, as the moisture can warp and damage the board.

A slatwall is an upgraded option. It handles weight better than pegboards, and you don't have to worry so much about parts coming loose. Depending on the material you use to build one, you may be able to hang up tools like ladders. However, finding the hardware for hanging items isn't always easy, and you sometimes have to look at retailer-specific equipment.

French cleats are a further upgrade from slatwalls. As long as your anchors are sturdy and your wall can handle the load, they have the strength to support all your big tools and even cabinets. This includes heavy table equipment and must-buy power tools. You can use specialized boxes, crates, shelves, and holders to ensure everything is nice and secure. Already, this makes French cleats a winner. However, stability isn't the only benefit this organizational feature has going for it. 

Because they aren't always easy to find pre-built, you may need to make the French cleat system yourself. Thankfully, this also means that you can adjust it to best suit your needs, including the shelves and hangers that will fit all your equipment. Another perk of French cleats is their versatility. Once you learn how to make one to organize your tools, you can easily create a few more boards. They're incredibly handy and can store items in your kitchen and you can even attach planter boxes to a fence with French cleats to maximize outdoor space. Once you learn how to do it, it's easy enough to replicate and adjust so it can fit any need.

Like with all options, though, there are some drawbacks. Before you jump into this project, you should stop and really think about whether it's the best choice for you. For one, you need all the tools, including a saw that can make 45-degree angle cuts. You also have to consider the cost of the wood, as the price can get out of control fast, depending on how much you need. Plus, because of the way they stick out and how you hang shelves, it may take a lot of space in narrower areas. Still, if these aren't a problem, and you don't mind spending more to get an organization system that works for you, a French cleat can certainly be the way to go.