Drywall is the cheapest and maybe easiest to repair. Plywood is probably the most versatile in a garage. Other materials like FRP, cementious, or steel panel products will not be versatile, but look good. You can also vary where each material is placed based on storage/use, or do just a wainscot.
Drywall is a common material for garage walls due to its low cost and minimal effort required to install it. Plywood is another low-priced choice that is both sturdy and long-lasting. Metal panels are long-lasting and simple to maintain, making them a great choice for garages.
Though there are many types of finishes for interior walls, satin tends to do better for garage walls as it holds up to scuffs and, at the same time, conceals stains on the walls. But if you want your garage to be brighter and have more natural light, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are best.
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.
But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice. Installation is super easy, especially if you have a licensed contractor by your side to help you with all the nuances of the process. Because it is a lighter material than others, Plywood requires fewer screws which means less work.
The best paint for garage walls is usually water-based interior paint with low VOCs, like the Sherwin-Williams brand, which provides durability and minimal odor.
PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage. Drywall contributes to landfill waste, decomposing into a pungent-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas. On the other hand, PVC panels are eco-friendly, have a low carbon footprint and can be recycled several times.
The structure of plywood is stronger than drywall, making it suitable for utility areas like laundry rooms and garages. To improve the visual appeal of plywood walls, you can use varnish or sealer, stain or paint, or decorative accents.
Satin: Satin finishes offer a subtle sheen that is easy to clean and resistant to moisture and stains. Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss finishes provide a slight shine and are highly durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like garage walls.
There's also the option of putting durable sheathing like shiplap or wood on the bottom half of the garage walls, then drywall on top. That way, the areas susceptible to the most wear and tear are protected. You can also use sheets of metal on the bottom half to add an antique look to your garage.
The cheapest way to insulate an unfinished garage is with fiberglass batts or rolls for $0.80 to $2.60 per square foot installed. The batts and rolls fit between wall studs and ceiling joists, making them the most DIY-friendly choice.
Do You Need To Prime Garage Walls Before Painting? Normal paints are not made for drywall, which is a porous material. Therefore, if your garage walls are unpainted, you will need good surface drywall or PVA primer (polyvinyl acetate). A PVA primer seals the pores in sheetrock and creates an even coat.
The amount of paint needed can vary based on the size of your garage and the type of paint, but typically, a 2-car garage could require around 5-6 gallons for two coats of paint.
For a long-lasting look, acrylic latex and epoxy paints are the most common choices when it comes to selecting concrete paints. Acrylic latex paint is a water-based product that mixes and spreads easily, and is designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading.
Plywood or OSB
Plywood and OSB offer several benefits that make them suitable options for garage walls: Strength and Durability: Both plywood and OSB are relatively durable materials that can withstand the rigors of a garage environment.
Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall? Drywall is generally cheaper than shiplapping walls, with an average cost of around $1.50 - $2 per sq foot. However, shiplapped walls bring a unique aesthetic to rooms that drywall can't match. For this reason, many homeowners find that the higher price point is justified.
Wahoo Walls are made of non-organic materials that are unharmed by water and do not support the growth of mold. Made of JetBoard brand Magnesium Oxide adhered to an Integrity EPS by Atlas R-13 panel that is rated R-15/16 when used continuously without studs. These durable solid walls are fast and easy to install.
The sheen needed for garage walls is also important to note. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are the best choices as they'll provide a cleanable surface and just enough reflection to camouflage inevitable imperfections like dents, screwheads, and uneven texture.
When you increase the value of your property, your property taxes can be expected to go up at the same time. So, doing something like building a new detached garage on your property is going to elevate the value of that property, and you will be faced with a bigger property tax bill as a result.
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.