Put up a peg rail on a solid brick or block wall

Fit a peg rail firmly and level to your wall in one afternoon, from marking up to final check.

PR-01Plan the job and gather your toolsDecide how high you want the rail and hold it against the wall to check the height suits its use — coat pegs sit higher than a rail for bags or tea towels. Check the rail is the right length for the space and that you have all your tools and fixings before you start. Clear the area below so you have room to work and somewhere to put tools down.

1 each · Peg rail (with pegs)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Tape measure

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Dust sheet

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PR-02Mark a level line and the fixing pointsHold the rail at your chosen height and use a spirit level to draw a level pencil line along the wall. Mark through the rail's screw holes onto the wall, or measure and mark your own fixing points if it has none — space them every 400-500mm for a light rail, closer for a heavy one. Use masking tape over each mark to stop the drill bit skidding on the hard surface.

1 each · Spirit level

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Pencil

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Masking tape

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PR-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones. Use a detector to scan each mark, but still treat the wall as if something is there — detectors can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or otherwise hidden. Find your stopcock now (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, switch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PR-04Drill and plug the fixing holesFit a masonry bit sized to match your wall plug — usually 6mm for a standard rail, 8mm if the rail is heavy or long. Drill each hole to the plug's length plus about 5mm extra, keeping the drill level and square to the wall. Brush or vacuum the dust out of each hole, then push the plug in flush with the surface.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Hammer drill or SDS drill

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

8 each · Wall plugs, 6mm (red)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PR-05Fix the rail to the wallHold the rail up to your level line and drive a screw through the first hole into its plug, but don't fully tighten yet. Check the rail is still level, then fix the rest of the screws. Tighten all the screws firmly — enough that the rail doesn't move when you tug it, but not so hard you crack the plug or the masonry around it.

8 each · Screws, 50mm x 5mm

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PR-06Fit the pegs or hooksScrew each peg or hook into its socket on the rail until it's snug and doesn't wobble. If the pegs are a push-fit rather than threaded, tap them in gently with a mallet or push firmly by hand until seated.

PR-07Test the rail and tidy upHang a coat or bag on each peg and give the rail a firm tug to check it holds without moving. Sweep or vacuum up any masonry dust and pack away your tools. Peel off the masking tape and wipe down the wall around the fixings.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides