What material to use on garage walls?

Author: Jameson Swift  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Plywood and OSB offer several benefits that make them suitable options for garage walls: Strength and Durability: Both plywood and OSB are relatively durable materials that can withstand the rigors of a garage environment.

What is the best material to use for 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 cheapest way to cover walls in a garage?

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.

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 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.

Best Interior Wall Finishes for a Workshop or Garage

What is the best sheeting for garage walls?

Metal panels are long-lasting and simple to maintain, making them a great choice for garages. However, they can make noise when they're hit and be more expensive than other choices. PVC panels are a desirable choice for garage walls due to their low maintenance requirements.

Should garage walls be flat or satin?

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.

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.

Is plywood or OSB better for garage walls?

Plywood offers advantages over plasterboard, including durability and moisture resistance. OSB provides a cost-effective alternative to plywood for garage walls. OSB is suitable for sheathing garage walls and offers practicality for hanging items. OSB has a smoother surface compared to plywood after painting.

What kind of drywall do I need for an attached 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 wall finish for a garage?

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.

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.

What size plywood for garage wall?

For general use, 1/2-inch plywood is usually sufficient. It is sturdy enough to handle the normal wear and tear of a garage environment.

Is acrylic or latex better for garage walls?

When your garage has bare concrete or brick walls, painting them with an acrylic-based paint could be the best way to go. These paints have a higher polymer count than latex paints, meaning they are more expensive but durable.

What is the best surface for a garage?

If you're looking for a surface that can handle heavy-duty use and make a bold statement, epoxy is the way to go. Some of the benefits of epoxy garage floors are that they protect your garage floor and enhance its aesthetics, providing a modern and polished look.

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.

Why do builders use OSB instead of plywood?

OSB can be manufactured into panels that are larger than plywood. OSB is more uniform, so there are fewer soft spots, such as those that can occur in plywood. OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood.

Can you use OSB instead of drywall in 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 is the best material to put on garage walls?

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.

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 a vapor barrier when insulating 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 finish is best for garage walls?

Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss finishes provide a slight shine and are highly durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like garage walls. Gloss: Gloss finishes offer a high sheen and maximum durability, but they can highlight imperfections in the wall surface.

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.

What is the best color for garage walls?

Neutral colors like grey, beige, or tan will be easier to clean and maintain than a white shade and give you more design flexibility, too. To make the garage feel more relaxing, soothing tones such as blue, green, and grey can be used as one of your primary colors.

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