I'm planning to install plywood on the walls of my detached garage, which has 16" spaced studs. My goal is to easily drill into the panels for hanging tools and other items. I'm debating between plywood and drywall since drywall may offer better fire and moisture resistance. I found a few options at Home Depot:
* OSB 7/16" sheathing panel for $15
* 15/32" sheathing plywood for $25
* 5/8" drywall for about $20
I like the idea of plywood because it gives flexibility for tool placement, but painting it for moisture protection seems costly. Also, is there a risk of fire with wood panels, considering it's just a detached garage? Would drywall be a safer option?
3 Answers
I went with treated wood siding designed for outdoor use in my garage and I'm really happy with it. It looks great, requires no painting, and has held up well. Here's the link if you wanna check it out! [LP SmartSide Panel](https://www.homedepot.com/p/LP-SmartSide-LP-SmartSide-Cedar-Texture-8-in-OC-Panel-Engineered-Treated-Wood-Siding-8-in-Application-as-3-8-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-27874/100055901). Just might be a bit pricier for you though.
I have plywood in my garage, and honestly, I find it holds up just fine! Lots of people think plywood is weak, but I've had no issues with mine. Just be aware of your local prices; it's a little steep at $36 for 5/8" here, but it’s worth it for the utility. You may even want to check out 15/32" plywood; people have had success with that over drywall too!
Totally agree about using plywood first! Consider layering it: putting down 15/32" plywood followed by half-inch drywall can give you the best of both worlds. For moisture issues, you could also look for moisture-resistant products like TrussCore, especially if you're in a damp area. It’ll offer protection without getting too complicated!
Yeah, I live near the coast too, so I totally get it. Just keep an eye on any runoff, and you should be good!
Sounds interesting! Can you share a pic of how it looks in your garage?