Finishing Garage Walls: How And Options To Finish Your Garage

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Finishing garage walls can transform a typically overlooked space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing part of your home. What are the best materials for finishing garage walls?

Some options for finishing garage walls include

• OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
• Drywall
• Plywood
• Wood Panels
• Slatwall Panels
• FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Panels)
• Metal Panels
• Wood Panels

This guide will explore various methods and materials to finish your garage, helping you choose the best solution for your needs.

Should You Finish Garage Walls?

In short, you should. Finishing your garage walls is a worthwhile investment, providing more than a polished look. Here’s a couple of reasons:

Insulation: Adding insulation, such as batt insulation or Rockwool Comfortbatt®, significantly improves your home’s energy efficiency. It keeps the garage comfortable, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling. 

Added Property Value: Unfinished garage walls can make the space feel incomplete, while a drywall finish or alternatives to drywall like plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) add a more finished look, making the garage more appealing to potential buyers. 

Storage: Finishing the walls offers many benefits. You can install a Slatwall or pegboard system to maximize storage space and organize your tools and equipment. It also provides the perfect backdrop for cabinetry and shelving.

Moisture Resistance: Unfinished garages can lead to mold and mildew, particularly in areas with high humidity. Materials like drywall and FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Panels) are mold-resistant, helping maintain a healthier environment.

Improve Fire Resistance: Finishings such as drywall or fire-resistant surfaces can improve fire resistance, especially if you use your garage for potentially hazardous activities. This added safety feature ensures your garage is better protected against fire risks.

What Options Do I Have To Finish Garage Walls?

When finishing garage walls, you can transform your space into something more functional and appealing. Here are several options that can suit different needs and budgets:

Drywall

The classic choice for a finished look, drywall is easy to install and provides a smooth surface for painting. It’s also a great option for improving fire resistance, especially in a garage workshop.

You can add insulation behind the drywall to further enhance your garage’s comfort and energy efficiency. If your garage has high humidity levels, consider using mold-resistant drywall.

Plywood

Plywood is a strong option if you’re looking for durability and a rustic aesthetic. It can be installed directly onto wall studs, making it a favorite for DIY garage projects. Plywood can support cabinetry and shelving, making it practical for those needing extra storage space.

Wood Panels

For a more traditional or warm feel, wood panels can be used to finish garage walls. They come in various styles and can be stained or painted to match your aesthetic preferences.

Wood panels can also enhance the insulation properties of your garage, especially when paired with stone wool insulation like Rockwool Comfortbatt®.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

This is a more affordable alternative to plywood that offers good structural support. It’s particularly useful if you’re planning a garage renovation on a budget. OSB can be painted or left in its natural state and sturdy enough to hold heavy items.

Slatwall Panels

For those looking to maximize storage and organization, Slatwall panels are a versatile choice. They are easy to install and hold accessories, such as hooks and shelves. This system is ideal for keeping tools, sports equipment, and other items off the garage floor.

FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Panels)

FRP panels are resistant to mold and mildew, making them a good choice for damp environments. They are also easy to clean, a significant advantage in a garage where dirt and grime can accumulate.

Metal Panels

Metal panels are an excellent choice if you want a sleek, industrial look. They are durable and can be installed directly onto the studs. Metal panels are often used in high-end garages and workshops and can add a modern touch to your space.

Is Drywall A Good Finishing For Garage Walls?

Drywall is an excellent choice for finishing garage walls, offering a range of benefits that make it a popular option among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

Fire Resistance: Drywall provides an added layer of fire protection, especially in a garage where flammable materials might be stored. Using 5/8-inch fire-rated drywall can significantly enhance your garage’s safety.

Energy Efficiency: When combined with proper insulation, like batt insulation, drywall helps improve your home’s energy efficiency. It contributes to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your garage, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. 

Versatility and Aesthetics: Drywall offers a smooth surface that can be painted in any color, providing your garage a clean and finished look. This makes it ideal for creating a cohesive appearance, whether using the space as a garage workshop or a storage area. 

Easy to Install: Installing drywall in a garage is relatively straightforward for DIYers. Taping and mudding the seams may take some practice, but the end result is a polished wall that enhances the overall look of the space.

Cost-Effectiveness: Drywall is one of the more affordable options for garage wall coverings. It offers a good balance of cost, durability, and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Choosing drywall for your garage walls offers many benefits, from safety and energy savings to ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.

Which Type Of Drywall Is Best For Garage Walls?

When talking about the best drywall for garage walls, it helps to first understand the types of drywall available:

Regular Drywall: This standard type is commonly used in interior walls and ceilings. It’s made from gypsum plaster sandwiched between thick sheets of paper. 

While it’s economical, regular drywall isn’t resistant to moisture or mold, making it less ideal for garages, especially in areas with high humidity.

Mold-Resistant Drywall: Also known as green board, this drywall is designed to resist mold and mildew. It’s coated with a moisture-resistant paper face, making it a better choice for damp areas like garages. 

However, it’s not completely waterproof and may still be susceptible to high moisture levels.

Moisture-Resistant Drywall: Often referred to as blue board or purple board, this type is specifically designed to withstand moisture, making it suitable for garages prone to damp conditions. 

It’s often used with a skim coat of plaster for a smooth finish. This drywall is particularly useful in preventing mold growth.

Fire-Resistant Drywall: This type includes fiberglass within its core to improve fire resistance. It is ideal for garages, especially if you store flammable materials or use the space for woodworking. 

It offers an extra layer of safety, ensuring the garage walls can withstand higher temperatures for longer periods.

Soundproof Drywall: This specialized drywall includes layers of gypsum and other materials to reduce sound transmission. It’s perfect for garages used as workshops or studios where noise reduction is desired.

The best drywall for a garage is usually fire-resistant drywall. Here’s a couple of reasons why:

Safety: Fire-resistant drywall provides enhanced fire protection, which is crucial in garages where flammable materials are often stored. This drywall can help contain fires, giving more time for safe evacuation and reducing potential damage.

Durability: Type X drywall is more durable than regular drywall, making it better suited to withstand the bumps and knocks common in garage spaces. This is especially important if you use your garage for DIY projects or as a workshop.

Versatility: While fire-resistant drywall is excellent for safety, it also offers good acoustic properties, making it a versatile choice for various garage uses, from workshops to storage areas. 

It’s compatible with different insulation types, such as fiberglass or Rockwool Comfortbatt®, enhancing your garage’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.

Drywall Thicknesses

• Drywall comes in four different thicknesses: ¼”, ⅜,” ½,” and ⅝.”
• ½” is the most standard size and is probably what 90% of your home’s walls are constructed with.
• ⅜” is also standard size, but ½” has taken over as the accepted industry standard. ⅜” is more commonly used for repair purposes.
• The thicker ⅝” drywall is the standard for ceilings. You don’t want to use ½” or ⅜” for ceilings, as over time, it will sag downwards in between rafters. 
• ⅝” is the standard thickness for fire-resistant or fire-code drywall, commonly found in garages.
• ¼” drywall is relatively uncommon and can be used for repairs or for curved areas, where you can double up two sheets to make a standard ½” sheet.
• As far as lengths, the standard sheet size is 4′ x 8′. This is what will be most commonly used for the residential home construction or remodeling purposes. 

Smaller sheets are also available for patches or repair purposes, and larger sheets (4′ x 12′) are typically available as well at most big box hardware and home improvement stores. 

Use as big sheets as possible because all the seams need to be taped and mudded. So the fewer seams, the better. 

Drywall Size

• Regular ½” thick drywall is available in 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, 4′ x 10′, and 4′ x 12′ sheets.
• Regular ¼”, ⅜”, and ⅝” is also commonly available in 8′, 9′, 10′, and 12′ sheets.
• Mold-resistant drywall and moisture-resistant cement board are generally available in ½” and ⅝” thicknesses, 8′, 10′, and 12′ sheets.
• Fire-resistant drywall is only available in ⅝” thickness, in 8′, 9′, 10′, and 12′ lengths.

Drywall is heavy to lift and hold in place to have a buddy to help you install the sheets. A standard ½” 4′ x 8′ sheet weighs in at just over 50 lbs.

How To Install Drywall In A Garage Wall?

Installing fire-resistant drywall in a garage wall is a smart choice, especially if you use the space for a workshop or store flammable materials. Here’s a guide to help you through the process, ensuring safety and a polished look.

Preparation and Planning

Start by measuring your garage walls to determine the amount of drywall needed. As you measure, remember that fire-resistant drywall is usually thicker than regular drywall, often 5/8-inch.

The thicker drywall provides better fire resistance. Before installing, check local building codes, as they may dictate specific requirements for garage walls.

Insulate Before You Begin

Insulate the garage walls before installing the drywall for added energy efficiency. Batt insulation can help maintain a comfortable temperature and add an extra layer of fire resistance.

Make sure the insulation fits snugly between the wall studs without compressing, as this can reduce its R-value or insulating effectiveness.

Cutting and Placing the Drywall

Cut the drywall sheets to fit your wall dimensions. Remember, cutting drywall slightly larger and trimming it down is easier than patching gaps. Use a utility knife to score the drywall, then snap it along the scoreline.

For garage walls, it’s often best to install the drywall horizontally. This reduces the number of seams and adds structural strength.

Securing the Drywall

With the drywall cut, start securing it to the wall studs. Use drywall screws, placing them approximately 16 inches apart along each stud. This ensures the drywall is firmly attached and helps prevent sagging.

Be cautious not to overdrive the screws, as this can break the paper surface of the drywall, weakening the hold.

Taping and Mudding

Once the drywall is up, the next step is taping and mudding the seams. Use drywall tape to cover the seams between sheets, then apply a layer of joint compound, or mud, over the tape. Feather the edges to blend the compound into the drywall.

This process may require two or three coats, with sanding between each coat for a smooth finish. Mudding is crucial not just for aesthetics but also for enhancing the wall’s fire resistance.

How To Install Drywall A to Z | DIY Tutorial From Home Renovision DIY

Finishing Touches

After the mudding is complete and smooth, you can finish the walls with paint or other wall coverings. Consider moisture-resistant paint if your garage experiences high humidity.

You might install slatwall panels or pegboards over the drywall to organize tools and other items for added functionality.

Considerations for DIYers

Installing fire-resistant drywall in a garage is a manageable project for most DIYers, but it requires attention to detail. Ensure all gaps and seams are well-sealed to maximize the fire-resistant properties.

This project provides a safer environment and enhances your garage’s overall utility and appearance, making it a worthwhile investment.

Following these steps, you can effectively finish your garage walls with fire-resistant drywall, adding safety and value to your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Drywall to the Garage?

If you want the job done by professionals, Here is up-to-date info at Homeadvisor.com and Homeguide.com

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/drywall-installation-hanging/

https://homeguide.com/costs/drywall-installation-cost

https://homeguide.com/costs/sheetrock-drywall-prices

Finishing Garage Walls: Drywall Is Easy And Affordable

Finishing your garage walls is a worthwhile investment that enhances functionality and aesthetics. You can transform the space into a more usable and organized area by choosing the right materials, such as drywall, Slatwall, or FRP panels.

Whether you’re planning a DIY garage makeover or hiring professionals, consider factors like insulation, moisture resistance, and fire safety. With the right approach, you can create a garage that looks great and adds value and utility to your home.