Does code require drywall in garage?

Author: Wilfrid Erdman IV  |  Last update: Monday, May 19, 2025

When habitable space is built over the garage, the ceiling of the garage must be protected with 5/8-in. type X gypsum board. Any walls or posts supporting that habitable space must also be protected, but only with 1/2-in. gypsum.

Does a garage have to be drywalled?

Protects From Fire

Drywall is a great building matter that is highly resistant to fire so it is a great addition to garages. Garages often have power tools in them, flammable materials, and also people who work on cars with products that could catch fire. Installing drywall would be a good idea to keep it a safe area.

Should I put drywall in my garage?

Attached garages should almost always be covered with drywall or plaster for the fire rating alone. By Code and by common sense, you dont want a fuel or car fire to engulf your house in minutes, that drywall will often times save your house from major damage.

Can I use plywood instead of drywall in my garage?

Yes, you can use finished plywood instead of drywall for interior walls, and there are several considerations to keep in mind: Advantages of Using Plywood: Durability: Plywood is generally more durable than drywall and can withstand impacts better.

How to finish a garage without drywall?

Some of them are as follows.
  1. Cladding Made Of Wood. The quickest and cheapest ways to build garage walls are plywood, MDF, or OSB. ...
  2. Roofing Sheets. ...
  3. Concrete Tile. ...
  4. Pegboard. ...
  5. Painting. ...
  6. Robust Wooden Cladding. ...
  7. Stylish Metal Panels. ...
  8. Simple Plastic That Requires Little Upkeep.

Why Don't Builders Finish Garage Walls?

What can I use instead of drywall for garage cheap?

Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood and OSB are often more affordable than other wall materials like fiber cement board or metal panels, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their garage walls without breaking the bank.

Can you insulate a garage without drywall?

Fiberglass Insulation

The rolls can be made with or without paper, which can give the final product a more finished look if you don't plan to install drywall. The paper also helps prevent interior heat from escaping and water passing through the insulation.

Can you use OSB instead of drywall in a garage?

OSB is a quite tough material compared to sheetrock. It is the best option in building structures like garages because of its resistance to damage.

Do you need vapor barrier when drywalling a garage?

Step 3: Follow with a vapor barrier

In the garage, like other spaces in the home, condensation results from moisture in the air. Excess condensation and humidity levels in your garage can damage your garage's foundation and cause tools, vehicles, and cabinets to rust faster.

What kind of drywall do I need for an attached garage?

Use Type X fire-resistant drywall for garages, as well as stairwells and areas near furnaces. While not totally impervious to fire, Type X drywall is designed to provide enhanced resistance to fire compared to basic fire-resistant drywall. Type X drywall tends to be thicker than other types.

Do I need a permit to drywall my garage?

You'll likely need a permit since this project may require soil grading to avoid drainage issues. Repairing your floor may be more cost-efficient than replacing it if grading is necessary. No permit may be required to hang drywall on exposed wooden wall studs in your garage.

Will drywall crack in an unheated garage?

When it's cold outside, the drywall contracts, and when it's warm outside, the drywall expands. This can cause the drywall to crack along the seams. Another reason is because of the moisture in the air. When the air is moist, it can make the drywall swell and cause it to crack.

How much does it cost to drywall a 20x20 garage?

The average cost to drywall a garage is $800 to $5,000, depending on the size and the finish level. Garage drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.

Why is there plywood behind drywall in garage?

Because of its moisture resistance, it will fare better in a garage setting where such conditions are common. Plywood, when applied to the walls of your garage, acts as an additional soundproofing and insulating barrier. You may paint or stain the plywood to improve the appearance and make the walls simpler to clean.

Should drywall touch the floor in garage?

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor.

Is it worth Drywalling a garage?

Drywall helps regulate temperature, improve soundproofing, and make the garage easier to clean and maintain. It can also add value to your property, which is especially important if you're considering selling your home in the future.

Do you have to finish drywall in garage?

Finishing garage walls can help transform the area into a functional and appealing space. Whether your client wishes to turn their garage into a workshop, home gym or an extra living area, properly finishing the drywall is essential.

What happens if you don't use a vapor barrier?

“For minor projects, the absence of a vapor barrier leads to water intrusion, leading to an unstable foundation or a cracked slab.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers.

Can you leave insulation exposed in a garage?

Exposed insulation can cause a variety of problems that can significantly impact your health and comfort. The level of risk depends on the type of exposure, the duration of the exposure and the location of the exposed insulation in your home. Exposed insulation in basements, attics and garages is the most common.

Does garage drywall need to be mold resistant?

Additionally, garages often double as storage areas for items that might absorb moisture, further exacerbating the problem. Choosing mold-resistant drywall for your garage can mitigate these risks, creating a safer storage environment for your belongings and a healthier overall home.

Can I use plywood instead of drywall in my garage ceiling?

Yes, plywood can be used in a heated garage.

Does OSB meet fire code?

Fire-resistant construction is used to preserve the structural integrity of a building in the event of a fire and help prevent the collapse of key load-bearing elements. Using LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated OSB Sheathing can offer a cost-effective means of meeting fire-related structural code requirements.

How to finish garage walls without drywall?

Two other garage wall covering alternatives to drywall are fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP) and wallboard panels. Keep in mind that these products are used only for covering and finishing walls and aren't designed to accommodate hanging storage systems.

Should I insulate my unheated attached garage?

If you're simply storing your car in the garage, which is the intended purpose, you don't need insulation. However, if you plan to use your garage like an extension of your home, as many homeowners do, adding insulation can definitely be a worthwhile upgrade.

What is the best insulation for a 2x4 garage wall?

Use R-13 or R-15 kraft-faced fiberglass or mineral wool insulation rolls for 2x4 stud walls. Wall assemblies, especially those in older homes, are built with two-by-four (2x4) studs. The wall thickness will be 3-1/2 inches, not 4 inches. The width of modern 2x4s is 3-1/2 inches.

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