Garage walls can be simply and affordably finished with wood sheathings, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Metal Panels
Metal panels offer several advantages over drywall for garage walls: Durability and Strength: Metal panels are highly durable and resistant to dents, scratches, and corrosion.
Well the cheapest would be to paint. Paint the walls and floor (consult the paint professional at the store to get the right paint). If you feel confident paint a wall graphic (google ideas for basement wall graphics). Put down cheap area rugs. In July/August they will have them for back to college.
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.
If you are thinking of covering your shop or garage walls, there are many options. The 3 cheapest options are drywall, metal siding and OSB. Depending on you application, any one of these may be fine for your shop. For me, OSB was the best choice. OSB is cheap, mouse resistant, flat, and able to be screwed to.
Plywood, MDF, or OSB is the best material for building garage walls because it is both inexpensive and easy to work with.
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.
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.
A semi-gloss finish is ideal for garage walls as it reflects light and is easy to clean. Thorough wall preparation, including cleaning and priming, is essential for a smooth and long-lasting paint job. Applying at least two coats of paint ensures even coverage and durability, particularly in high-traffic areas.
OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing about $32 to $58 per sheet. Because drywall is less durable than OSB, that's often reflected in the price, which is $15 to $23 per sheet.
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.
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.
Additionally, 1/2-inch plywood is easier to handle and install, making it a convenient choice for DIY projects. If the garage will be used to store heavier items or if the walls need to bear a significant amount of weight, then 3/4-inch plywood should be chosen.
Plywood is very rigid and stiff. The layers of veneers offer tensile strength to the plywood, making it stiff. Gypsum board are made with lightweight materials. These materials make it easier to bend and fold than plywood.
Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath. Faux-brick paneling can be an easy DIY, saving you the costs of installation.
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.
Plywood or OSB board: Wood walls make a durable option for garages: They can take a beating from teenagers carelessly backing out the family car and are strong enough to hang tools and equipment without worrying so much about studs. They also help absorb sound.
While drywall remains a widely used fire protection material, DC315 fire-retardant paint offers several advantages, particularly when applied over spray foam insulation. Its cost-effectiveness, seamless application, lighter weight, and superior performance in irregular spaces make it a better alternative to drywall.