I'm on break next week and want to spruce up my garage, which has a mix of plywood and sheetrock. We moved from a home with a nicely finished garage to one that's more utilitarian, with the ceiling and two walls sheetrocked and the other two walls covered in plywood. The plywood is full of random brackets from the previous owner, which I plan to remove. I'm considering whether I should just paint the plywood white to brighten the space or if it would be better to cover it with sheetrock for a cleaner look. I've got some decisions to make and would love to hear from others who have faced something similar!
3 Answers
I say keep the plywood! It's super functional and painting it can really freshen it up without a huge commitment. I’ve seen places where over time, the painted plywood ended up looking pretty great, plus you'll save time and money.
Considering replacing the drywall could add some insulation, making the garage a more comfortable space. Might be worth it if you’re looking to use the garage more throughout the year!
I’ve painted over nails before and honestly, I've never regretted it. Just make sure you prep the surface well, and it can end up looking clean and bright!

But don’t forget, if you replace it with sheetrock, you can add insulation and make the garage more energy-efficient!