What is the cheapest material to use for garage walls?

Author: Wayne Bauch  |  Last update: Saturday, July 12, 2025

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 cheapest option for garage walls?

Drywall is the cheapest and maybe easiest to repair. Plywood is probably the most versatile in a garage. Other materials like FRP, cementious, or steel panel products will not be versatile, but look good. You can also vary where each material is placed based on storage/use, or do just a wainscot.

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.

How do you finish a garage wall cheaply?

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.

Is it cheaper to use drywall or paneling?

Custom paneling is typically more expensive upfront compared to drywall. The cost of materials, especially if you choose high-quality wood or intricate designs, can be significant. Additionally, installation may require specialized skills and labor, further driving up the overall cost.

CHEAP Shop Wall Covering

What is the least expensive wall material?

What Is the Cheapest Material to Build a Wall With? While prices of materials will vary depending on where you're building, the least expensive types of siding for exterior walls tend to be vinyl and composite. Vinyl is synthetic, low-maintenance, and comes in all different types to match aesthetic desires.

What is the cheapest alternative to drywall?

Plywood. Plywood is a great option for unfinished walls, as it's easy to install and doesn't require finishing like drywall. Seriously—you just screw it to the studs and you're done.

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 cheapest way to clad a garage?

There are two materials that are most used to install garage cladding in the UK – uPVC and Timber. Both options are affordable, lasts for decades and require very little maintenance.

Should a garage be Sheetrocked?

Drywalling a garage is a smart decision if you want to protect your garage from fires, moisture damage, and exterior noise.

What is the cheapest sheeting for garage walls?

Metal panels, plywood, OSB, and backer boards are inexpensive options for garage wall finishing. You have two options for finishing materials for your garage wall; your choice should be based on your budget. Every option comes with its own set of pros and cons.

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.

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 affordable garage?

What Garage Building Solution Is Most Budget-friendly? Building in the pole style is one of the easiest and most economical ways to construct a garage. These are frequently called pole barns or post-frame buildings, and many people think they're better than conventional stick-built garages.

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.

How to cheaply finish garage walls?

Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood and OSB are often more affordable than other wall materials like fiber cement board or metal panels, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their garage walls without breaking the bank.

Do you need planning permission to clad a garage?

The reason you do not need planning permission to add external cladding to your property is that cladding falls under your 'Permitted Development Rights' which have been granted by Parliament.

What is the cheapest way to enclose a garage?

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.

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.

Can I use OSB for interior garage walls?

Oriented Strand Board (or OSB) and PVC panels are two popular products available today for garage interior walls and ceilings.

What kind of wall goes between garage and house?

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.

Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?

Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall? Drywall is generally cheaper than shiplapping walls, with an average cost of around $1.50 - $2 per sq foot. However, shiplapped walls bring a unique aesthetic to rooms that drywall can't match. For this reason, many homeowners find that the higher price point is justified.

What is a wahoo wall?

Wahoo Walls are made of non-organic materials that are unharmed by water and do not support the growth of mold. Made of JetBoard brand Magnesium Oxide adhered to an Integrity EPS by Atlas R-13 panel that is rated R-15/16 when used continuously without studs. These durable solid walls are fast and easy to install.

Can you use paneling in a garage?

The walls of your garage can be covered in wood panelling in a variety of styles.

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