A garage should be a comfortable and functional space, and that starts with the basic structure of the garage. Your garage walls should be able to stand up to garage conditions and support the various shelves, hooks, racks and other appliances that help make a garage more functional. And while drywall is a common choice for residential walls, including garage walls, it’s not necessarily the best choice. Take a look at some of the non-drywall garage wall options that may be right for your home garage.
Wood
Wood sheathing has several advantages over other types of wall finish options. It’s easy enough for you to do yourself if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects. All that you have to do is screw plywood or oriented strand board panels to the wall frame, then use caulk to seal any spaces between the panels. This makes it one of the more affordable wall finish choices.
Wood is also easily customizable. You can leave it natural, or you can paint it or stain it to achieve the look that you want for your garage. It’s simple to fasten shelves or other additions directly to the wooden walls with screws or nails.
Fiberglass Reinforced Panels
If you want a very low-maintenance garage wall option, you may like fiberglass reinforced panels. Though these are usually designed to go over wood sheathing or drywall, installing them will make caring for your garage interior easier. They are resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and various pests. They’re also scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Fiberglass reinforced panels come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can easily choose a look that complements the rest of your garage décor. Because the panels are strong yet flexible, they can support a wide range of wall accessories that increase functionality.
Metal Panels
As with wood sheathing, corrugated sheet metal or metal roofing panels can often be screwed directly into the wall framing, which makes this option a good choice for DIY enthusiasts or homeowners on a budget. You can also find metal panels that are specifically designed for garage use.
Metal panels are fire resistant and hold up well even under rough conditions. You have fewer color and style options than you would have with wood or fiberglass, but metal panels will give your garage a polished, sleek, and modern look. Shiny metal also enhances the existing light in the room, which means that your garage workspace will have greater visibility.
These options are easily accessible, so there’s no reason to resign yourself to drywall garage walls if you don’t want to. For more garage design and renovation ideas, take a moment to schedule your free design consultation.
