Is it worth Drywalling a garage?

Author: Celine Kohler  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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.

Is it worth putting drywall in a 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.

Is renovating a garage worth it?

In summary, renovating your garage with both low-cost and high-impact upgrades can add considerable value to your home. Whether you're replacing the garage door, adding storage, or converting the space into a livable area, these improvements can make your home more attractive and functional.

How much should it cost to drywall a garage?

The average cost to drywall a garage is about $1,100, but often ranges between $360 and $1,700, depending on the amount of drywall you need and other factors. Adding drywall to your garage can also do more than boost the look of your space.

Will drywall mold in a garage?

Comments Section Drywall and concrete are both extremely porous. Any water left on your garage floor can seep into the concrete and up through the drywall. If it can't dry quickly, mold can grow behind your walls and create problems down the road.

Why Don't Builders Finish Garage Walls?

Should I use drywall or plywood in my garage?

Plywood is a combustible material, which raises concerns about fire safety in garages. Unlike drywall, which is inherently fire-resistant, plywood can contribute to the spread of fire.

Can drywall be used in an unheated garage?

Yes. The biggest thing to worry about is moisture, not heat. If there are large swings in temperature, moisture could form inside your walls and form mold or rot.

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.

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.

Is it worth it to finish a garage?

We live in the now, so not everyone puts a high priority on the long-term investment benefits of a home improvement project. It's worth knowing, however, that a finished garage adds value to your home. Finished, organized garages with lots of room for storage are highly valued by homebuyers.

Do garages increase property value?

A garage can add between 5% to 20% to a home's value, depending on factors such as location, design and the existing housing market. This increase can be especially significant in suburban areas where parking space is a premium.

Is it legal to convert a garage into a room?

Since California has passed the new ADU laws this year, usable rooms like garage conversions can be used as a source of passive income. Even if you're only planning on converting the garage to an additional bedroom or home office, permits will be needed for residential construction.

Why are most garages unfinished?

Cost savings: Unfinished garages are generally less expensive compared to finished ones, providing cost savings during the construction or renovation process.

What are the disadvantages of drywall?

Drywall cons:
  • Installation process is more complicated. ...
  • Creates a mess during the installation.
  • Drywall weights, so you'll need a partner to help you with the installation.
  • Drywall is not as flexible as plaster so it can be difficult to bend it to achieve the desired result.
  • Lower durability than plaster.

Should drywall touch the floor in garage?

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

Is it a good idea to drywall garage?

Installing drywall in the garage, and insulation, will help make the garage energy efficient and help it maintain a comfortable temperature.

What is replacing drywall?

14 Best Drywall Alternatives for Your Walls
  • Real Wood. When it comes to walls, nothing beats the real deal! ...
  • Textured Wall Panels. Get ready to amp up your walls with the ultimate game-changer of interior design: 3D wall panels! ...
  • Cork Wall. ...
  • Plywood. ...
  • Stone Veneer. ...
  • Faux Brick Panels. ...
  • Rammed Earth Panels. ...
  • Exposed Concrete.

What does it cost to drywall a garage?

If you're tackling a single-car garage, you can expect the total cost to land somewhere between $360 and $840. For a two-car garage, the cost rises to $660 to $1,540. And if you have a larger three-car garage, you could be looking at $930 to $2,170 to drywall the entire space. Keep in mind that these are just averages.

Does drywall in a garage need to be fire rated?

A: First, fire-rated systems are only required if the garage shares a wall or a ceiling with the home. If you are doing repairs in the garage you should replace with like materials, but remember it is the wall system that is fire rated not the product itself.

Can I turn my garage into a room?

Converting a garage into liveable space will always require Building Regulations approval, so your local council needs to be informed. This involves submitting a building notice or full plans application to the building control department of your local planning authority.

Do you need planning permission to put a toilet and shower in a garage?

If you're converting a non-residential space, like a loft or garage, into a bathroom, planning permission might be required. This is because you're changing the use of the space, which could impact the overall property.

Do you need a 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.

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.

What happens to drywall mud if it freezes?

Never Let Your Mud Freeze

If worse comes to worst and your ready-mixed bucket of mud does freeze, you'll need to thaw it out, slowly but surely, at room temperature — don't force it. When the compound comes back up to room temp, give it a rigorous remix, without adding water, before using it.

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