Drywall is a common choice for garage walls because it provides a clean and finished appearance. However, there may be better choices if your garage is prone to moisture or you plan to hang heavy items frequently. In such cases, moisture-resistant drywall or other materials like plywood might be a better option.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Typically, the cheapest type of garage conversion will just involve blocking up the garage doors and finishing out the walls, floors, and ceiling with insulation, drywall, carpet, or other flooring material.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People commonly misuse the word firewall to refer to the wall between the garage and the house. The wall between the house and garage is actually called a fire separation wall, not a firewall. A firewall is a fire-resistance-rated wall. It extends from foundation to or through the roof.
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.
White or Off-White
"Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore's White Dove are two great off-white colors to consider, but beyond the actual color, remember that garage walls will get dinged or scuffed, so consider the paint finish as well. My personal preference for garages is eggshell or satin."
The amount of paint needed can vary based on the size of your garage and the type of paint, but typically, a 2-car garage could require around 5-6 gallons for two coats of paint.
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.
Insulating an unheated garage alone may not necessarily cause mildew, but the risk of mildew increases if there isn't proper ventilation. Insulation can trap moisture in the garage, especially in humid climates, creating a perfect environment for mildew growth.
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.
The quickest and cheapest ways to build garage walls are plywood, MDF, or OSB.
The sheen needed for garage walls is also important to note. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are the best choices as they'll provide a cleanable surface and just enough reflection to camouflage inevitable imperfections like dents, screwheads, and uneven texture.
Plywood is a popular choice for many construction projects, but its durability, low cost, and simple assembly make it a popular choice for garage walls. Its strength and longevity are improved by its construction from thin sheets or wood veneer stacked with alternating grain orientation.
The most expensive part of building a garage is typically the labor and materials. Skilled labor, including tasks such as framing, roofing, and installing electrical systems, can significantly drive up costs.
Garage Conversion Cost by Square Foot
The typical two-car garage is around 440 square feet and will cost around $17,600 to fully finish. However, costs will vary depending on the actual length and width of the garage.
Yes! In fact, converting your garage into an ADU is one of the only ways to LEGALLY turn it into a long-term living space. In California, Washington, Portland, Austin, Denver, Boulder, and other places across the United States converting an existing permitted structure, like a garage, has never been easier.