What is the best sheeting for garage walls?

Author: Claire Buckridge  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 30, 2025

PVC Panels They're lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them a popular choice for garage walls: Durability and Longevity: Once installed, drywall can easily be damaged, forcing you to fill in holes or cracks over time.

What is the best material to put on garage walls?

Unlike traditional drywall, PVC wall and ceiling panels are non-porous and 100% waterproof. They never absorb water, making them resistant to mold and mildew. This makes them particularly suitable for use in garages, which can occasionally experience high humidity levels from spills or moisture.

What is the best sheathing for garage walls?

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).

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.

What is the best panel for a garage wall?

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.

Best Interior Wall Finishes for a Workshop or Garage

What is the best finish for garage walls?

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.

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.

Do I need a vapor barrier in my garage walls?

The majority seem to agree that insulated, unheated garages, should be allowed to breathe. If the garage is heated, you will need a vapor barrier, otherwise you will get frost and mold.

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.

Can I use plywood instead of drywall in my garage?

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.

What thickness of plywood for garage walls?

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.

What is the cheapest way to line a garage?

Shiplap is actually the perfect choice for garage walls. It's durable, inexpensive, and easy to install. What is this? Unlike drywall, the solid wood makes it perfect for securing anything, anywhere, with hooks or nails.

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 is the cheapest option for garage walls?

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.

Should you Sheetrock your garage?

Drywalling a garage is a smart decision if you want to protect your garage from fires, moisture damage, and exterior noise. Most garages have flammable supplies that could result in serious damage in the off chance of an accident. Drywall is fire resistant, helping to prevent fires from spreading.

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.

What is the best material for garage walls?

Strength and Durability: Both plywood and OSB are relatively durable materials that can withstand the rigors of a garage environment. They are less prone to dents and damage from impacts compared to drywall, making them a resilient choice for walls that may be subject to bumps from tools or equipment.

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.

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.

Is R13 good for garage walls?

Generally, insulation with an R-value between R-13 and R-21 is recommended. Adding insulation to exterior walls (including garage walls attached to living spaces) can help increase R-value and create a more powerful thermal boundary for your home. If you're insulating your garage ceiling, you'll need a higher R-value.

What is the best way to finish garage walls?

Get the garage one step closer to having a more finished look by hanging drywall. In addition to covering up a garage's unattractive construction features and things like electrical wiring and a central vac system's piping, here are three more reasons to install drywall in a garage: drywall is cost-effective.

Do garage walls need 5 8 drywall?

Walls between the residence and the attached garage, or ceilings between the garage and an attic space, must have at least 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board on the garage side. If a habitable room is above the garage, the ceiling must be at least 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board on the garage side.

What is the best insulation for garage walls?

Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of insulation used for garages. Fiberglass insulation is likely the material you picture when you think insulation — that's right, the fluffy pink stuff. This is because fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation for homes, garages and most other types of buildings.

What thickness sheetrock for garage walls?

⅝” Drywall – Drywall of this thickness will usually be made in a fire resistant form since it is mostly used on ceilings and in garages.

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