What is the best wall board for a garage?

Author: Jermain Goldner  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 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 the inside walls of a garage?

Plywood, MDF, or OSB is the best material for building garage walls because it is both inexpensive and easy to work with. They may be attached to the studs with frame screws and, unlike drywall, don't necessitate any finishing touches.

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 wall covering for a garage?

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.

What type of drywall should I use in my garage?

You should use 5/8'' type X on the walls that separate the garage from the living space. XP is still Type X, but it really wont do you any good on the ceiling unless you plan on putting an open air sauna in your garage.

Best Interior Wall Finishes for a Workshop or Garage

Do I need fire rated drywall in my garage?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 can I use instead of garage interior wall covering?

5 Drywall Alternatives for Your Garage Walls
  • Plywood. Photo: Александр Поташев / Adobe Stock. ...
  • OSB. Photo: Александр Максимкин / Adobe Stock. ...
  • PVC Panels. Photo: bildlove / Adobe Stock. ...
  • Fiber Cement Board. Photo: dinastya / Adobe Stock. ...
  • Metal Panels. Photo: Escaflowne / E+ / Getty Images.

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.

Is OSB cheaper than drywall?

OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing about $32 to $58 per sheet. Because drywall is less durable than OSB, that's often reflected in the price, which is $15 to $23 per sheet.

What is the most expensive part of building a garage?

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.

How thick should an OSB be for garage walls?

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.

Should I use plywood or OSB for walls?

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.

What drywall should I use in my garage?

Use Type X fire-resistant drywall for garages, as well as stairwells and areas near furnaces.

Should I use a vapor barrier in my garage walls?

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.

What thickness drywall 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.

Will drywall crack in an unheated garage?

When it's cold outside, the drywall contracts, and when it's warm outside, the drywall expands. This can cause the drywall to crack along the seams. Another reason is because of the moisture in the air. When the air is moist, it can make the drywall swell and cause it to crack.

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