When choosing the best material for garage walls, several important factors to remember include durability, moisture resistance, and ease of installation. While drywall is often the go-to option for garages, it may only sometimes be the most suitable due to its low resistance to moisture and susceptibility to damage.
Over time, moisture can cause mould growth, and the impact of regular use may leave visible marks and dents. Fortunately, many alternatives are available that improve the durability and appearance of your garage walls. Let’s explore these options and determine which material best suits your garage.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Choosing the best material for garage walls depends on factors like durability, moisture resistance, and ease of installation. While drywall is commonly used, it could be better for garages exposed to moisture or frequent use, as it can be prone to damage. Plywood and OSB are durable and offer good support, while fiberboard provides a lightweight, smooth surface.
Pegboard is a practical choice for easy tool organisation, while metal panels offer fireproofing and a sleek finish. Vinyl panels and FRP are moisture-resistant and easy to clean in humid conditions. Slatwall provides customisable storage, while cement board is highly resistant to moisture and perfect for garages looking for a stone or brick finish.
1. Plywood And OSB
Why Plywood And OSB Are Good Options?
Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) are popular garage wall materials. These materials are particularly durable and support hanging tools and other items. Whether you’re attaching shelves or need strong backing for equipment, plywood and OSB are great options.
- Plywood is often used in construction for house sheathing and roof building. It’s known for its ability to absorb impact and remain intact over long periods of use.
- OSB is composed of laminated wood shavings and offers superior stability to solid wood, as it does not warp as easily.
Recommended Thickness
When installing plywood in a garage, the thickness should be a minimum of 3/8 inch, especially if the material is used as a wall covering with studs spaced at 16 inches. Following the International Residential Code ensures that your wall sheathing will be properly supported.
Benefits Of Plywood And OSB
- Durability: Both plywood and OSB can withstand regular wear and tear, making them ideal for garages with frequent use.
- Ease of Finishing: A coat of paint can give plywood or OSB a neat finish, allowing them to blend seamlessly into your garage’s overall aesthetic.
- Noise Absorption: These materials help reduce noise, providing a quieter space.
2. Fiberboard
Fiberboard is another practical option for garage walls. This material is made from compressed wood fibres and comes in various densities. A common choice for garage applications is hardboard, which is typically 1/4 inch thick.
Advantages Of Fiberboard
- Lightweight: Fiberboard is easy to handle due to its lightweight nature, making it a simple installation material.
- Smooth Surface: Its smooth surface can be left as-is or used as a base for painting or other decorative finishes.
Fiberboard is an affordable material that provides a clean look while remaining functional and durable.
3. Pegboard
Pegboards are convenient and highly functional ways to organise tools and equipment in your garage. They are ideal for those who want to maximise their storage space and clear the garage floor.
Key Features Of Pegboard
- Organised Storage: Pegboard comes with pre-drilled holes, usually 1/4 inch in diameter, that allow for the easy installation of hooks and shelves.
- Versatile Installation: Depending on your needs, the pegboard can be attached directly to drywall or installed as a standalone wall.
Using a pegboard is one of the easiest ways to maintain a tidy and organised garage. It offers quick access to frequently used tools.
4. Metal Panels
For those looking for a more durable and modern finish, metal panels are an excellent choice for garage walls. Although they may be more expensive than other materials, corrugated sheet metal provides superior durability and a sleek appearance.
Why Metal Panels Work Well?
- Fire Resistance: One of the biggest advantages of metal panels is their fireproof nature, adding an extra layer of safety to your garage.
- Modern Look: The shiny exterior of metal panels brightens the space, giving your garage a more polished and contemporary look.
- Easy to Install: Metal panels can be easily attached to wall studs or installed over drywall using anchor strips.
Metal panels might be the best for your garage walls if you want a long-lasting, low-maintenance option.
5. Vinyl Panels
Vinyl panels are a great option for garages frequently exposed to moisture. Whether you live in a humid climate or regularly wash your car inside your garage, vinyl offers a moisture-resistant solution.
Advantages Of Vinyl Panels
- Waterproof: Unlike other materials, vinyl panels don’t absorb water, making them resistant to warping or mould growth.
- Easy to Maintain: These panels are easy to clean and ideal for garages that may experience spills, dirt, or grease.
Vinyl panels are usually installed using screws to secure them to wall studs, ensuring a secure and reliable fit.
6. Slatwall Panels
Slatwall panels offer a highly customisable and versatile solution for garage walls. Made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF), they resemble vinyl siding, providing durability and storage flexibility.
What Makes Slatwall A Great Choice?
- Customisable Storage: The interlocking slats allow various hooks and shelves to be installed, creating ample storage options.
- Multiple Mounting Options: Slatwall can be installed on drywall, masonry, or studs, making it a versatile choice for any garage layout.
Slatwall panels are perfect for anyone looking to maximise storage space in their garage while keeping the walls neat and organised.
7. Plastic Panels (FRP)
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance and long-lasting wall covering. They are resistant to moisture, mildew, and mould, making them a great option for garages exposed to the elements.
Key Benefits Of FRP Panels
- Durability: FRP panels are tough and can withstand water, grease, and dirt exposure without deteriorating.
- Easy Cleaning: Plastic panels are simple to clean and require little maintenance, making them a practical choice for busy garages.
FRP panels are typically installed over an existing surface like drywall or wood sheathing but can also be fastened directly to the studs in some cases.
8. Cement Board Panels
Cement board panels are another excellent option for an extra-durable wall covering. They provide a solid surface that can be used as a tile or stone veneer base.
Why Do Cement Board Panels Work Well?
- Moisture Resistance: Cement board panels are highly moisture-resistant, making them perfect for garages prone to damp conditions.
- Aesthetic Flexibility: With stone veneer over cement board, you can create the look of natural stone or exposed brick, giving your garage a stylish finish.
Cement board panels are a great option for homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance material that adds visual appeal to the garage.
Conclusion
The options are abundant when choosing the best material for your garage walls. From the durability of plywood and OSB to the moisture resistance of vinyl and FRP panels, there is a material suited for every type of garage. If you prioritise storage, pegboard and slatwall offer fantastic options for organising tools and equipment. For a more modern aesthetic, metallic panels provide a sleek finish, while cement board offers strength and the ability to create a natural stone look.
The right material depends on your garage’s needs, whether high moisture resistance, fireproofing, or storage solutions. Choosing the right wall covering will protect your garage and enhance its functionality and appearance.
FAQs About Garage
What Can I Use For Garage Walls?
Plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and oriented strand board (OSB) are inexpensive solutions for garage walls. They can be attached over studs quickly with framing screws, and unlike drywall, wood doesn’t require any taping, mud, or sanding.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Finish A Garage Wall?
Shiplap is the perfect choice for garage walls. It’s durable, inexpensive, and easy to install. What is this? Solid wood is perfect for securing anything, anywhere, with hooks or nails, unlike drywall.
How Thick Should A Garage Wall Be?
A garage wall can be as thin as 4.5 inches if it is an interior wall, but exterior walls should be at least 6.5 inches thick. The more weight a garage needs to support, the denser a garage wall must be. How a wall is finished on its interior and exterior and adding siding will alter the dimensions.
Should You Drywall Your Garage?
Drywall is a great building material that is highly resistant to fire, so it is a great addition to garages. Garages often have power tools, flammable materials, and people who work on cars with products that could catch fire. Installing drywall would be a good idea to keep it in a safe area.
Is OSB Good For Garage Walls?
OSB is an effective sheathing material for garage walls. It’s strong and durable and can be used as a base for nailing or stapling insulation to garage walls. OSB can be left uncovered for utilitarian bare-wall constructions and primed and painted.
