DIY Tent Pegs from Scrap Wood: A Simple Guide

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Camping trips are enhanced by being well-prepared, and one often-overlooked element is sturdy tent pegs. Commercial pegs can be expensive, and their disposal contributes to environmental waste. Why not create your own durable and eco-friendly tent pegs using readily available scrap wood? This simple guide will show you how to transform leftover lumber, branches, or even reclaimed wood into reliable tent pegs perfect for your next outdoor adventure. You'll discover how easy it is to craft practical and personalized equipment, saving money and reducing your environmental impact.

This project requires minimal tools and skill, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts alike. From selecting the right type of wood to shaping and finishing your pegs, we'll guide you through every step of the process. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and build those sturdy, homemade tent pegs!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Scrap 2x4s
  • Table saw
  • Crosscut blade
  • Ripping blade
  • Miter gauge
  • Square
  • Tape measure
  • Scroll saw
  • Disk sander
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Dust collection system
Safety Guidelines
  • Always ensure the wood is dry and free from splinters before use. Sanding is highly recommended to prevent injuries.
  • Use appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips during cutting and sanding.
  • Check the strength and stability of your homemade pegs before using them in your tent. Ensure they are long and strong enough to hold your tent securely in the ground, especially in windy conditions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wood

    • Cut six pieces of scrap 2x4 to 12 inches in length.
    • Replace the crosscut blade with a ripping blade, set at 90 degrees. Trim one edge of each 2x4 piece to create a flat surface.
    • Set the fence to cut 1-inch thick pieces. Rip each 2x4 into three 1-inch thick pieces. Then, re-cut each piece so the curved edge is pointing towards the fence, making them square.
    Set the fence to cut 1-inch thick pieces. Rip each 2x4 into three 1-inch thick pieces. Then, re-cut each piece so the curved edge is pointing towards the fence, making them square.Set the fence to cut 1-inch thick pieces. Rip each 2x4 into three 1-inch thick pieces. Then, re-cut each piece so the curved edge is pointing towards the fence, making them square.
    Prepare the Wood

  2. Create the Rope Notch

    • On one end of one piece, measure down 2 inches and mark a line. Using a square, draw a line across the 2-inch mark.
    • At the table saw, set the crosscut blade at a 45-degree angle and a height of 1/2 inch. Position the 2-inch mark to line up with the first tooth of the blade.
    • Cut a 45-degree notch at the marked 2-inch line. This will hold the tent rope. Adjust the stop to make the slot wide enough for your rope; it should be snug but not too tight.
    Cut a 45-degree notch at the marked 2-inch line. This will hold the tent rope. Adjust the stop to make the slot wide enough for your rope; it should be snug but not too tight.Cut a 45-degree notch at the marked 2-inch line. This will hold the tent rope. Adjust the stop to make the slot wide enough for your rope; it should be snug but not too tight.Cut a 45-degree notch at the marked 2-inch line. This will hold the tent rope. Adjust the stop to make the slot wide enough for your rope; it should be snug but not too tight.
    Create the Rope Notch

  3. Create the Taper Template

    • On a scrap piece, measure 8 inches from one end. Mark a line. Measure 3/8 inch from each side at the bottom end and connect the points to the 8-inch mark to create a tapered shape.
    Create a taper template: On a scrap piece, measure 8 inches from one end. Mark a line. Measure 3/8 inch from each side at the bottom end and connect the points to the 8-inch mark to create a tapered shape.
    Create the Taper Template

  4. Cut the Tapers

    • Use the template to mark the taper on two opposite sides of each peg, ensuring the notch is at the top.
    • Use a bandsaw to cut the taper using a compound cutting method (cut one side's profile, tape back together, rotate, then cut the other side).
    Use a bandsaw to cut the taper using a compound cutting method (cut one side's profile, tape back together, rotate, then cut the other side).Use a bandsaw to cut the taper using a compound cutting method (cut one side's profile, tape back together, rotate, then cut the other side).
    Cut the Tapers

  5. Finish the Pegs

    • Clean up the tapers using a disk sander.
    Clean up the tapers using a disk sander.
    Finish the Pegs

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Tarp & Tent Staking: Secure Your Shelter in Any Condition

Tips

  • Wear appropriate safety gear (safety glasses, dust mask, and hearing protection).
  • Use a dust collection system when sanding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unsuitable wood

Reason: Softwoods like pine are prone to splitting and breaking under tension, especially in damp conditions. Hardwoods are far superior.
Solution: Choose a hardwood like oak, ash, or hickory for greater durability.

2. Poorly sharpened point

Reason: A dull point makes driving the peg into the ground incredibly difficult and increases the chance of bending or breaking the peg.
Solution: Sharpen the point to a fine taper using a knife or sandpaper for easier insertion.

FAQs

What type of wood is best for making DIY tent pegs?
Hardwoods like oak or hickory are ideal for durability and strength, but any sturdy scrap wood that's relatively straight-grained and free from knots will work. Avoid softwoods like pine, as they're more prone to breaking.
While store-bought tent stakes are readily available, sometimes you need a quick, affordable solution. This guide shows you how to craft your own tent pegs from scrap wood. Of course, the best type of stake depends on the terrain. If you're tackling sandy beaches, you might find our guide on essential beach anchoring solutions helpful – check out our recommendations for superior sand stakes before you get started. This DIY project is perfect for supplementing your existing collection or creating stakes for less demanding surfaces.