What is the best material for inside garage walls?

Author: Ottis Wisoky PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

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.

What is the best material for interior garage walls?

Several Wall Choices
  • Drywall. The low cost and minimal effort required to install it make drywall a common material for garage walls. ...
  • Plywood. Plywood is another low-priced choice that is both sturdy and long-lasting. ...
  • Metal Panels. ...
  • PVC Panels. ...
  • Slatwall Systems. ...
  • Veneer Of Brick Or Stone. ...
  • Insulated Panels. ...
  • Fiber Cement Boards.

What is the best lining for a garage wall?

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.

Should I use drywall or plywood in my garage?

Plywood more durable than drywall. Depending on how you use your garage, bumps and taps on drywall could leave dings that plywood could possibly withstand.

What is the cheapest way to finish inside of a garage?

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.

Best Interior Wall Finishes for a Workshop or Garage

What is the best inexpensive garage wall?

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.

What is the new replacement for drywall?

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.

What is the best board for garage walls?

Over the years many homeowners have opted to line their garage walls and ceilings with oriented strand board, or OSB, as it's more popularly known. OSB is a strong, versatile, and inexpensive wood product that gets the job done.

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.

Does sheetrock insulate better than paneling?

Drywall has superior insulating qualities than wood paneling, which can improve your home's energy efficiency. Saving money on heating and cooling can increase the long-term worth of your house.

What finish for interior garage walls?

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.

What is the best drywall for inside a 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.

What is the cheapest interior wall material?

But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice.

What is the best sheathing for garage walls?

Garage walls can be unsightly and the sheathing options are limited. The two most obvious options are drywall and plywood. Plywood, a versatile and widely used material, often emerges as a strong contender.

Is there a waterproof alternative to drywall?

Discover Trusscore PVC wall panels – the perfect waterproof drywall alternative for your garage, basement, car wash, or any wet environment. 🌧️ 100% Water-Resistant Prevents mold and mildew damage.

Is plywood cheaper than sheetrock?

Drywall costs $15 for a 4-by-8 sheet, compared to $20 to $50 for a plywood sheet of the same size, making it more cost-effective. For both materials, you'll also have to account for other costs, like tape, joint compound, and paint for drywall and paint or stain for plywood.

When not to use vapor barrier?

Don't: Put Vapor Barriers on the Bottom of the Floor Joist in the Crawl Space. Because vapor barriers are good at retaining moisture, putting plastic sheeting on the joists can cause moisture to build up under the floor.

Do I need moisture resistant drywall in garage?

The dampness is threatening to cause damage to the ceiling and walls. Since drywall isn't waterproof, you'll need to come up with an alternative. It is better to change the existing wall covering because it is difficult to stop condensation inside garage interiors. You should install vinyl garage wall coverings.

Is Tyvek a vapor barrier?

Is DuPont Tyvek® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont Tyvek® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

What is the best material for the inside walls of a garage?

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.

What should I line my garage walls with?

Lining Out A Concrete Garage

Ply board is a good option as it is sturdy and repels moisture well. Depending on what you want to use the building for, you may wish to use plasterboard then plaster the inside of the building. The lining material can simply be screwed or nailed to the timber battens.

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.

What type of drywall is used in garages?

Fire-resistant drywall is made with glass fibers in an extra-thick design. This makes them ideal for use in utility rooms, garages and areas near a furnace or wood stove.

What is the new trend instead of shiplap?

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.

Is there a better alternative to drywall?

Cement board is a great alternative to drywall if you're working in an area where moisture can be a problem in the future. That's because it holds up well against mold, rot, and mildew. Installing cement boards is a straightforward process.

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