The IKEA Skadis and Uppspel are both pegboard systems, but they are built for entirely different needs. The Skadis is a heavy-duty, utilitarian organizer made of steel, offering endless customization for workshops, garages, and craft rooms, while the Uppspel is a sleeker, lighter-weight fiberboard panel designed for aesthetic appeal and light organization in living spaces and modern offices.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right pegboard system from IKEA for your space.
IKEA Skadis Pegboard System
The Skadis system is IKEA’s workhorse for vertical organization. Made from durable steel, its primary focus is on function, modularity, and the ability to hold a wide variety of items securely. It’s incredibly popular in spaces where utility is key, like workshops, craft stations, and kitchens, thanks to its vast ecosystem of compatible accessories.
- What it is: A highly versatile and durable steel pegboard system designed for customizable, heavy-duty storage.
- Key features: Modular panels that can be linked together, a massive range of accessories (hooks, bins, shelves, clips, tool holders), and strong construction.
- Price: Panels start around $12.99 for a 12x16" board. Accessory packs typically range from $2.99 to $9.99.
- Dimensions: Available in several sizes, from smaller 12x16" panels to larger 22x22" and 30x22" options.
- Materials/Construction: The pegboard panel is made of powder-coated steel, making it strong and resistant to bending. Accessories are typically made from steel or durable plastic.
- Style: Functional, industrial, and utilitarian. It has a clean but distinctly practical appearance that works well in modern, Scandinavian, or workshop-style environments.
- Pros: Extremely strong and can hold heavy tools. Huge selection of official accessories provides immense flexibility. Modular design allows you to cover very large wall areas. Durable steel construction ensures a long lifespan.
- Cons: The industrial look may not fit all decor styles. Can become expensive once you purchase multiple panels and accessories. Heavier material requires secure wall mounting into studs.
The Skadis is the best choice for anyone whose main priority is strong, functional, and highly customizable storage for tools, craft supplies, or back-of-house organization.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/skadis-series-37813/
IKEA Uppspel Pegboard System
Part of IKEA’s collaboration with Republic of Gamers (ROG), the Uppspel is a pegboard solution that prioritizes aesthetics. It is designed to blend seamlessly into a modern room, especially for organizing gaming peripherals, office supplies, or decorative items. Its handsome black finish and different accessory mounting system make it a design-forward choice for visible areas.
- What it is: A sleek, minimalist pegboard designed for light-duty organization with a strong emphasis on style.
- Key features: Smooth, clean design with no visible front grid. Accessories are designed for a minimalist look. Often comes in a dark, matte finish that complements modern electronics and furniture.
- Price: Panels cost between $15.99 and $29.99. Accessories are sold separately and range from about $1.99 to $7.99.
- Dimensions: Comes in a standard size of approximately 30"x22".
- Materials/Construction: The panel is made of fiberboard and plastic, making it significantly lighter than the Skadis. Accessories are a mix of plastic and metal.
- Style: Minimalist, sleek, and modern. Its unobtrusive design allows it to integrate into bedroom, office, or living room decor without looking out of place.
- Pros: Aesthetically pleasing design looks less utilitarian than other pegboards. Lightweight and easier to handle during installation. Perfect for organizing things in visible areas where looks matter.
- Cons: Not strong enough for heavy tools or equipment. Made of fiberboard, which is less durable than steel. Has far fewer accessory options compared to the Skadis system.
The Uppspel system is for individuals who want an attractive, easy-to-install organizer for light accessories, decor, or supplies in a visible living space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/uppspel-gaming-accessories-51929/
Skadis vs. Uppspel Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two systems. The IKEA Skadis is made entirely of powder-coated steel. This makes it exceptionally strong, capable of holding hammers, power tools, and cast iron pans without flexing. Its durability ensures it will last for years, even in a demanding environment like a garage.
The Uppspel, on the other hand, is made from a combination of fiberboard and plastic. It is much lighter and designed for aesthetic balance rather than raw strength. While perfectly adequate for holding game controllers, headphones, keys, and desk supplies, it is not suitable for heavy items and could be damaged more easily than its steel counterpart.
Style & Aesthetics
Styling is where the Uppspel shines. With its sleek black finish and accessories that integrate cleanly, it's designed to complement modern decor. It looks intentional and styled, making it a great option for an office, gaming setup, or entryway wall organizer. It enhances the visual appeal of a space.
The Skadis is defined by its function. The classic pegboard appearance, available in white and wood-effect, is utilitarian. It looks like it belongs in a workspace and communicates organization and efficiency. While it fits well in a Scandinavian or modern-industrial context, it rarely blends into the background of a living room or bedroom.
Accessories & Customization
The Skadis system is the clear winner here. IKEA offers an enormous range of official accessories, including shelves, containers of all sizes, clips, hooks, elastic cords, tool holders, and even a letter holder. This vast selection allows for nearly infinite customization to perfectly fit your organizing needs.
The Uppspel has a much smaller, curated selection of accessories, including specific holders for controllers and headsets, small straps, and shelves. While these are thoughtfully designed to match the system's aesthetic, the overall variety is minimal. This limits its use cases compared to the more versatile Skadis.
Price & Value
On the surface, both systems seem comparably priced, with panels falling in the $15-$30 range. However, the true cost and value depend on your needs. For a simple setup, the price difference is negligible. But if you need to outfit a large wall with dozens of accessories for heavy-duty storage, the investment in a Skadis system provides better value due to its strength and longevity.
For someone who just needs a small, attractive panel for a few light items, the Uppspel offers excellent aesthetic value for its price. You are paying for the design and stylistic integration just as much as the organization.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA pegboards are excellent options, but they serve two very different customers and scenarios.
Choose the Skadis if:
- You need to store heavy or bulky items like tools, kitchen supplies, or extensive craft materials.
- Functionality and the ability to endlessly reconfigure your setup are your main priorities.
- You are building out storage in a garage, workshop, laundry room, or kitchen.
- You want access to the largest possible ecosystem of hooks, shelves, and containers.
Choose the Uppspel if:
- Aesthetics are paramount, and you want an organizer that blends into your home decor.
- You need to organize light items like gaming gear, office supplies, keys, or decorative objects.
- The pegboard will be placed in a visible area like a living room, bedroom, or modern office.
- You prefer a sleek, minimalist look and don't need a wide variety of accessory options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Skadis and Uppspel?
The core difference is material and purpose. Skadis is a durable, heavy-duty steel system built for functional organization in workspaces. Uppspel is a stylish, lightweight fiberboard system designed for aesthetic appeal and light storage in living areas.
Can you use Skadis accessories on an Uppspel pegboard?
No, the two systems are not compatible. The holes and mounting mechanisms for the accessories are different, so Skadis accessories will not fit on an Uppspel board, and vice versa. You must use the designated accessories for each system.
Which IKEA pegboard is stronger?
The Skadis is significantly stronger. Its steel construction allows it to hold heavy tools and equipment without bending or risking damage to the board.
Which one is better for a gaming setup?
This depends on your needs. The Uppspel was specifically designed with gamers in mind and offers a sleek aesthetic that complements typical gaming gear. However, for a user with extensive hardware, cables, and tools, the Skadis offers more robust and versatile storage options.
Is one easier to install?
The Uppspel is lighter, which can make it easier for one person to handle and mount on the wall. Both systems use similar hardware and instructions, but the lighter weight of the Uppspel gives it a slight edge in ease of installation.
How much weight can the Skadis hold?
While IKEA doesn’t provide specific weight limits per hole, the steel Skadis system is designed for heavy-duty use. It’s well-suited for holding hand tools, small power tools, kitchenware, and other weighty items, provided it is mounted securely into wall studs.
Can you paint the Uppspel pegboard?
Yes, because the Uppspel is made of fiberboard, its surface is generally receptive to paint. Homeowners often spray paint it to match their specific wall color for an even more integrated, "built-in" look.
Are the matching accessories for each system expensive?
No, the accessories for both systems are very affordable, in line with typical IKEA pricing. Most individual accessory packs range from just $2 to $10, making it easy to build out your system without a huge investment.
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