Many homeowners wonder if they should finish their garage walls with drywall. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to drywall a garage. Drywall can provide a more finished look, help control dust and temperature, reduce noise, and make the space more comfortable to use. However, it also comes with added costs for materials and labor and requires careful preparation and maintenance. This article will examine the key factors to weigh when determining if drywall is right for your garage.
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Pros of Drywalling a Garage
Here are some of the potential benefits of installing drywall in your garage:
Aesthetics
Drywall gives a garage a cleaner, more finished appearance compared to exposed stud walls. The seamless surface looks neater and more polished. For garages that function as hang-out spaces, gypsum board creates a more inviting environment.
Dust Control
Drywall encapsulates the open stud cavities, helping keep dust and debris from building up inside the walls. This also helps control dust floating around in the garage interior. The smooth surface of drywall doesn’t trap as much dust as rough studs and insulation.
Temperature Control
Drywall provides additional insulation value over just wall studs and exterior sheathing. This can help moderate interior garage temperatures, keeping the space warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Even a single layer of 1/2″ drywall adds an R-value around 0.45.
Noise Reduction
The gypsum core of drywall helps absorb and dampen noise. This can make the garage space quieter by reducing the transfer of exterior noise from the outside as well as sounds from power tools and equipment inside the garage.
Fire Resistance
Drywall is made of non-combustible gypsum and provides a protective fire barrier over wood studs. This adds an extra layer of fire protection compared to exposed framing.
Comfort
The enclosed finish of drywall looks and feels more comfortable than being surrounded by bare building materials. It creates a cleaner environment without exposed insulation, wires, or drafts. The drywall surface is also easier to decorate with shelving, paint, wallpaper, etc.
Cons of Drywalling a Garage
Here are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind with drywalling a garage:
Cost
Professionally installing drywall can add substantial cost in both materials and labor depending on the size of the garage. DIY installation cuts down on labor fees but still requires purchasing the drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, screws, and tools.
Moisture Vulnerability
Drywall can be prone to damage from moisture exposure, especially compared to more water-resistant exterior sheathing. Condensation, flooding, or leaks can cause drywall to swell, warp, or grow mold.
Denting and Damage
The paper facings and gypsum core of drywall can dent and ding more easily than wood or plywood sheathing. Impacts from bikes, tools, or moving objects make dents that require patching.
Time Requirement
Installing and finishing drywall is a process that requires significant time commitment. Hanging the drywall sheets is just the first step before adding joint compound for smooth seams, sanding, priming, and painting.
Difficult Repairs
Fixing damages or holes in drywall involves more than just replacing a plywood sheet. Patching drywall requires matching textures and paint finish. Large damaged sections may need complete replacement.
Garage Environment
The typical garage exposes drywall to increased moisture, pests, impacts, and contaminants that can quickly weather and degrade finishes. Drywall requires careful maintenance in a garage setting.
Preparing Garage for Drywall
Proper preparation is key to effectively and successfully drywalling a garage:
Structural Framing
Inspect that wall studs, ceiling joists, and framing are structurally sound, plumb, and square before installing drywall. Repair any issues with framing first.
Vapor Barrier
Install vapor barrier such as Kraft faced insulation or polyethylene sheeting facing interior. This protects drywall from moisture penetration.
Electrical Wiring
Ensure all electrical wiring is run and installed per code. Install any boxes, conduit, and outlets as needed.
Insulation
Insulate exterior walls and ceilings to specification to control temperature exchange. This also provides backing support for drywall attachment.
Blocking
Install additional blocking around windows, doors, cabinets, and fixtures to securely fasten drywall.
Surface Prep
Clean any dust, oils, or debris from framing studs and surfaces for optimal drywall adhesion. Wipe any dirt or grime with a clean, damp rag.
Environment Control
Use fans, dehumidifiers, or heaters to control humidity and bring garage environment to normal living conditions before drywalling.
Choosing the Right Drywall for a Garage
Picking the proper drywall product for a garage installation is critical:
Paper vs. Paperless
Paperless drywall products such as DensArmor Plus are ideal for garages. The fiberglass facing resists moisture damage better than paper-faced drywall.
Greenboard Drywall
Greenboard has a water-resistant gypsum core and chemically treated paper ideal for humid garages. It has better moisture resistance than regular drywall.
Mold Resistant Drywall
MR drywall contains additives to inhibit mold growth. This added protection minimizes the risk of mold if moisture intrusion occurs.
Impact Resistant Drywall
Impact resistant or Type X drywall has extra strength to withstand dents and dings from impacts. The fortified core stays intact better than standard drywall.
Thickness
Use 5/8″ thick drywall minimum for increased durability and fire rating. 1/2″ drywall works for walls above 8′ tall. Use 1/2″ for ceilings or non-impact areas.
Drywall Installation Tips for Garages
Proper installation techniques are vital for quality drywall results:
Cut Accurately
Measure stud spacing carefully and cut drywall sheets with a utility knife for tight seams. Use a T-square for neat cuts at corners and around doors and windows.
Fasten Securely
Use coarse thread drywall screws, not nails, to prevent loosening. Screw sheets into studs every 12 inches along framing for rigid attachment. Stagger seams between sheets.
Gap Around Edges
Leave 1/4″ gap between drywall sheets and surrounding walls, ceilings, and floors. This prevents moisture wicking and allows room for expansion.
Stagger Seams
Offset drywall seams between adjacent sheets so they do not line up. This provides more strength and prevents cracking along edges.
Seal Joints
Apply joint compound and fiberglass drywall tape to seams and screw indentations. Feather out compound several inches wide for smoother finish. Let compound fully dry between coats.
Prime and Paint
Use quality drywall primer designed for garages before painting. Apply two coats of garage-specific paint for maximum durability and appearance.
Maintenance Tips for Drywall in Garages
It’s important to properly maintain drywall in garages to maximize its lifespan:
Control Moisture
Minimize water exposure from leaks, flooding, and condensation. Repair plumbing, grading, and ventilation issues promptly. Dehumidify air during humid seasons.
Clean and Repair Cracks
Fix cracks in seams or damage from dents and impacts as soon as possible. Use filler compound and repaint. This prevents further deterioration.
Avoid Chemical Damage
Protect drywall from gasoline, oils, solvents, and corrosives. Clean up spills quickly. Avoid hanging or storing chemicals on drywall.
Insulate Pipes
Insulate any pipes or ducts that run along garage drywall. Prevent condensation dripping and moisture damage.
Monitor Annually
Inspect walls and ceilings each year for signs of damage, dampness, or mold. Address any issues before they worsen.
Repaint as Needed
Touch up paint nicks and scratches. Repaint entire walls every 2-3 years for renewed appearance and protection.
Conclusion
Drywalling a garage takes time and investment but offers aesthetic and functional benefits. The key is preparing the framing, selecting the right drywall type, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance. For garages used as living space, drywall creates a clean, finished look. For utility garages, it controls dust and temperature. Weigh your needs, garage use, and budget to decide if drywalling your garage is worthwhile. With the right approach, drywall can be a durable, high-performing garage wall system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved aesthetics | Higher cost |
| Controls dust and debris | Prone to moisture damage |
| Adds insulation value | Vulnerable to dents and impacts |
| Reduces noise | Time consuming to install |
| More fire resistant | Difficult repairs |
| Cleaner, more comfortable environment | Not ideal for harsh garage conditions |