Making the right garage wall and ceiling choice OSB is a strong, versatile, and inexpensive wood product that gets the job done. It's readily available, it's proven (OSB has been around since the mid-1960s) and it's straightforward to install.
OSB is more forgiving and easier to finish than drywall. Once installed just a little caulk over screw heads and on the seams and you can soak it down with a couple of coats of primer/sealer and paint whatever color you want. Without looking close it's hard to tell the difference.
Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are both excellent choices, with OSB being less expensive. You can bump things into a wooden wall without fear of punching holes. And things can be hung with screws pretty much anywhere without having to locate studs (though studs are nice for heavy objects, such as cabinetry).
Use in Walls
The recommended minimum thickness of OSB panels for timber-frame walls is 12mm when the cells in the supporting frame measure up to 62.5cm on a side, and 15mm for frame members spaced up to 83.3cm apart.
Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are both excellent choices, with OSB being less expensive. You can bump things into a wooden wall without fear of punching holes. And things can be hung with screws pretty much anywhere without having to locate studs (though studs are nice for heavy objects, such as cabinetry).
If cost is the only category that matters, then OSB on garage walls wins out over PVC panels, and does by a wide margin.
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.
On an episode of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, someone said that installing structural sheathing horizontally on walls is superior to vertical installation, but APA (the Engineered Wood Association) maintains both installations are equal provided the panels are attached to framing or blocking.
OSB panels can be installed over concrete slab floors in both commercial and residential settings. Sleepers can be applied to the concrete slab over rigid foam insulation and the OSB panels can then be installed directly onto the surface.
Cladding Made Of Wood
The quickest and cheapest ways to build garage walls are plywood, MDF, or OSB. They are easily installed over studs with frame screws and, in contrast to drywall, don't need to be taped, mudded, or sanded.
For garage walls, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a cost-effective and useful choice because of its quick setup, insulation, and simple installation. Because OSB is constructed of wood strands linked together with resin, it is an affordable yet durable solution for garage walls because of its insulating properties.
Plywood actually gets saturated much faster than osb, but it is not prone to edge swelling and it dries out much more quickly. On the plus side, osb is a more consistent product. It is truly an engineered material. You never have a soft spot in the panel because 2 knot holes overlap.
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.
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.
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, so using OSB instead of materials with higher levels of formaldehyde can contribute to a safer indoor environment.
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.
Disadvantages of OSB
Not moisture proof - OSB should be kept dry and does not perform well with prolonged wetting. It can swell, warp and lose strength if left unprotected. Weaker across the width - OSB has less stiffness across the panel compared to plywood. Additional bracing may be needed for some applications.
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.
Ideally we'd have no vapor barrier in summer; but short of that we should at least have one that allows as much drying to the interior as possible without sacrificing its winter performance. So the closer your vapour barrier is to 60NG, the better.
Facing the board smooth side out will maximize its ability to keep moisture out of the structure.
OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.
Drywall is a common, budget-friendly option for garage walls despite its durability concerns. Metal panels, plywood, OSB, and backer boards offer cost-effective alternatives for garage wall finishing. Organising a cluttered garage enhances safety, efficiency, and time management.
The primary function of a vapor barrier is moisture control. 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.
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber cement board offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for garage walls: Durability: Fiber cement board is highly durable and resistant to damage from impacts, making it well-suited for the rough environment of a garage.