1960s retro wall unit

Classic pegboard and MDF combine to create this cool 1960s retro-look wall unit.

Resene art with Mark Rayner - Project 13

Difficulty level: Challenging

You will need:

1 length of 50mm x 50mm timber measuring approx 1200mm and 2 lengths measuring approx 350mm
1 sheet of 2400 x 1200mm thinline MDF
1 x piece of pegboard approx 570mm x 800mm
2 x pieces of pegboard approx 570mm x 420mm,
5 lengths of pre-cut 18mm MDF shelving measuring 400mm x 2400mm

Also required: 20mm panel pins, 40mm brass screws, circular saw, drill, filler, hammer, paintbrushes, pencil, PVA glue, Resene Enamacryl tinted Resene Aqua, Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Alabaster, Resene Sureseal pigmented sealer, Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat, screwdriver, sliding door handles (optional), upper and lower PVC fittings for sliding doors, small paint roller and tray, set square, tape measure.

To get the look: Mark painted the background wall with Resene Zylone Sheen tinted to Resene Alabaster.

Other ideas: Experiment with other colours such as Resene Tangerine and Resene Cioccolato to create a retro 1970s look.

Step one
Measure and cut three of the MDF shelves equally in half (approx 1200mm). Cut the 50mm x 50mm timber to the measurements listed above.

Step two
Create the top shelf and sides of the unit by attaching two of the 2400mm lengths of MDF to one of the 1200mm lengths, using 40mm brass screws and PVA. Drill pilot holes first and counter sink for a neater finish.

Step three
Attach the three 50mm x 50mm lengths of timber (using 40mm brass screws and PVA) to the bottom of the side panels to form the base as shown. (Note that the unit is being constructed face down).

Step four
Attach the three centre shelves and cut two dividing pieces from the remaining MDF, positioning 400mm from either side edge, as shown. Measure and cut the pegboard to fit the upper and lower shelves – see approx measurements above.

Step five
Attach the thinline MDF to the back of the unit using panel pins and PVA. Allow the glue to dry overnight before standing the unit upright. Fit the sliding door runners into the top and bottom of the right hand shelf, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the pegboard doors slide freely and adjust if necessary.

Step six
Prime all MDF parts of the unit with one coat of Resene Quick Dry. Allow to dry.

Step seven
Prime the pegboard with one coat of Resene Sureseal. Allow to dry, before applying two topcoats of Resene Enamacryl tinted to Resene Aqua.

Step eight
Apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Alabaster to the rest of the unit. Once dry, fit the lower pegboard backing panel into position (using MDF offcuts fixed with PVA and panel pins) and slide the pegboard doors into position. Fit handles if required.