The garage is multipurpose; it may house a variety of uses, including storage, a workshop, and even an extra room for your house. Consequently, you must choose the materials for its construction and refurbishment with great care and knowledge.
To assist you in making an informed decision based on your unique requirements and financial situation, we will examine the pros and cons of utilising plywood for garage walls in this post. We invite you to explore the realm of plywood and its appropriateness as garage walls, whether you are seeking practical solutions or preparing to remodel your garage.
Is Plywood Suitable For Garage Walls?
Certainly, plywood works well for garage walls. Plywood’s low cost and long lifespan make it an ideal material for many different purposes. You can get it quickly and set it up in no time. Because of its strength, plywood can support weighty objects without buckling.
Because of its moisture resistance, it will fare better in a garage setting where such conditions are common. Plywood, when applied to the walls of your garage, acts as an additional soundproofing and insulating barrier. You may paint or stain the plywood to improve the appearance and make the walls simpler to clean. Plywood is an excellent material for garage walls due to its durability, affordability, strength, and attractiveness.
Plywood’s Benefits For Garage Walls
If you’re going for a more natural, warm vibe, plywood is a great substitute for drywall because of its many benefits. Wood grain naturally adds warmth, in contrast to the coldness of plasterboard. Now, what exactly are these advantages?
The phrase “panelled walls” is commonly used when discussing plywood walls. In this context, “wood grain” usually means thin, cheap panelling made of wood. Plywood of a finer grade, such as ½” or ¾” cabinet grade, can also be used as a wall covering. This style of wall covering is used in high-end residences and business boardrooms. Compared to the inexpensive wood panelling, it looks far better and has a “richness” that drywall lacks.
Reduced Weight
Compared to an equivalent sheet of drywall, plywood weighs less. Depending on the kind of plywood, a 5/8″ sheet of plywood might weigh anywhere from 1.8 to 2.1 pounds per square foot, whereas drywall weighs 2.75 pounds per square foot.
Simple Installation
Taping and finishing are unnecessary when working with plywood. Most individuals only apply a couple of coats of varnish as a finish. If you select hardwood plywood, the grain patterns will give your project a unique and beautiful look without the need for elaborate painting procedures. Depending on the desired “look,” a wide variety of fasteners can secure plywood to the wall.
Withstand Damage
The drywall is more sturdy than plywood. Even roughhousing or banging drywall against furniture during a move can easily crack it. While it’s true that drywall is easier to fix than plywood, the former is still preferable. Laundry rooms, garages, and other “utilitarian” areas of the house benefit greatly from this.
Plywood’s Adaptability For Storage
Building adaptable storage options is a major perk of using plywood for garage walls. Consider these suggestions:
- Shelving Units: Put up solid wooden shelves to keep boxes, tools, and other stuff.
- Pegboards: For extra storage and organisation options, attach pegboards to your plywood walls.
- Hanging Hooks: To store bicycles, gardening tools, and athletic equipment, fasten hooks to the plywood walls.
Strength Of Structure
Since you’ve attempted to put them on it, you can tell the drywall isn’t strong enough for structural loads like large pictures or mirrors. The drywall won’t support the hanger, so you’ll need to locate a stud to fasten it to. You may safely attach portraits, mirrors, or bookcases on plywood without worrying about the wall or the attachment coming loose.
The Visual Attraction Of Plywood Walls
When applied to walls, plywood has a quite nice appearance, which goes against what most people think. To improve the visual appeal of your plywood garage walls, think about the following options:
- Varnish or Sealant: To seal the plywood and make it seem new, use varnish or sealer.
- Stain or Paint: You may enhance the plywood’s natural beauty or match your garage’s theme by applying a stain or paint in your selected colour.
- Decorative Accents: To add more character to your plywood walls, consider fabric treatments, wallpaper, or ornamental mouldings.
Setting Up For The Installation Of Plywood
It is essential to adequately prepare the space before putting plywood on the walls of your garage. These are the most important things to do:
- Clear the Garage: Take everything off the walls, including any shelves or other attachments.
- Examine and fix: Make sure the current walls are free from mould, water damage, and other issues. As required, clean and fix the surface.
- Measure and Calculate: Get precise wall measurements to determine how much plywood you need.
- Gather the Materials and Tools You’ll Need: Make sure you have a circular saw, drill, glue, screws, and a measuring tape on hand.
Planning The Installation Procedure
The installation of plywood walls requires careful planning to ensure success. Take into account the following details:
- Layout: Decide whether to cover the whole wall or just certain areas. To see the final product in your head, draw a preliminary outline.
- Locations of Studs: Find where the wall studs are located. The locations of the plywood sheets’ secure attachments may be ascertained using this data.
- Orientation of Panels: The plywood panels’ orientation might be horizontal or vertical; choose wisely. Look at how it will look and how easy it will be to put in.
- Electrical Outlets: Measure the wall for any electrical outlets and switches. To provide a smooth fit, cut the plywood with the necessary shapes.
Managing Structural Components
Beams or posts are common structural components of garage walls that must be accommodated. When installing plywood, here’s how to deal with them:
- Planning or Sanding: If any structural element sticks out from the wall, smooth it out with sandpaper or a planer before installing the plywood.
- Custom Trims: To ensure a proper installation, carefully measure and cut out the plywood to fit any structural components.
Keeping Wooden Sheets Secure
If you want your plywood sheets to stay fastened to the walls of your garage, do these things:
- Mark Stud Placements: Find the wall studs with a stud finder and make notes of their locations.
- Drill Holes in advance: To avoid cracking the plywood while screwing it, pre-drill the holes.
- Attach Plywood: Line up the marked stud locations on the plywood before placing it against the wall. Put screws into the pre-drilled holes to fasten the plywood.
Diy Vs. Expert Installation
Your abilities, availability, and price will determine whether you should use a professional or construct plywood walls independently. Take into account the following details:
- Proficiency Level: Think about how confident you are working on building sites and how good you are with equipment and measures.
- Time Limitations: If you are short on time, a DIY installation may take longer than expected. The task can be finished more quickly by experts.
- Budget: While doing the installation yourself could save money on labour, hiring a professional guarantees skill and a professional finish.
Advice & Techniques For A Smooth Installation
A good plywood wall installation may be achieved by following these extra tips and tricks:
- Wear the appropriate safety gear: For your protection, always use protective gear when working with plywood, including goggles, gloves, and a dust mask.
- Strong Plywood Connections: Use construction glue along the seams to reinforce and secure the plywood sheets together.
- Use Corner Guards: To prevent damage to the edges and corners of plywood walls, use mouldings or corner guards.
- Think about Insulation: Insulate the space between the studs of your garage before you connect the plywood panels to make it more energy efficient.
The Significance Of Plywood Thickness
The practicality and longevity of plywood are greatly affected by its thickness. The typical thickness of plywood used for garage walls is 1/2 inch or 12mm. This thickness offers sufficient stability, strength, and stiffness for hanging objects. Plywood half an inch thick is the safest option when attached directly to the studs.
Note: The quantity of plies impacts plywood strength. One way to differentiate various kinds of plywood is by looking at the plies count. There must be at least three plies in any plywood. If the quantity is odd, like 5 or 7, more than three plies can be included in plywood.
Plywood Vs Other Garage Wall Materials
Plasterboard And Plywood
Plasterboard is common. However, there are certain benefits to using plywood for garage walls instead. Why don’t we compare the two?
- Durability: Compared to plasterboard, plywood has a higher impact resistance and is less likely to shatter or dent.
- Resistance to Moisture: You may avoid mould and water damage using plywood instead of plasterboard, which isn’t as good at absorbing moisture.
- Flexibility in Installation: Hanging heavy things, shelving, and storage systems are just a few of the many uses for plywood.
- Visual Appeal: Compared to plasterboard’s cold, clinical look, plywood, with the right treatments, can create a warm, inviting space.
Comparison Of Osb And Plywood Garage Applications
What Is Osb?
One great use for OSB is as sheathing for garage walls. OSB can be primed and painted or left exposed for bare-wall practicality. One great thing about using OSB in garages is that you can drive nails into it to hang things like racks, storage systems, vehicle maintenance, carpentry, and gardening tools.
Comparison
OSB or plywood can do the trick if you’re not concerned with the garage’s looks and need walls. Compared to plywood, OSB boards have a more consistent and smooth surface. Compared to plywood, OSB will seem smoother after painting. Due to its moisture-resistant qualities, plywood may be preferable over OSB in areas with high humidity. Having a garage that is below ground could make you more susceptible to water seepage. Compared to plywood, OSB is more affordable.
Drywall Vs Plywood
You should have completed the garage interior when you constructed the new house. The only thing missing from the attic was any wall covering or storage space, save for the stairs. Since you were supposed to work diligently to finish it, it doesn’t sound like a bomb went off in the garage. The stairs to the attic, which will eventually lead to your workshop, were installed last fall.
If you want to insulate and wrap the garage walls with 1/2 inch SYP underlayment, you can accomplish it before winter. The underlayment would look good in the garage because of its flat surface, so I went with it. Although it has certain benefits, plywood is more expensive than drywall.
Wooden Garage Walls: Pros And Cons
Like any other building material, Plywood garage walls have advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide that plywood is the way to go for your garage, think about the following:
Pros:
- Both economical and efficient
- Robust and not easily warped
- Easily installed, even for DIYers
- Gives storage alternatives structural support.
- Adaptable and multipurpose
Cons:
- It must be well sealed to avoid moisture damage
- Needs further finishes to give it a pleasing appearance
- It may have flaws or discernible grain patterns
- Not as good as plasterboard for keeping noise at bay
Upkeep And Cleaning Of Plywood Walls
The longevity of plywood garage walls may be increased with proper upkeep and cleaning. Adhere to these guidelines:
- Frequent Dusting: Dust and other particles may be removed from the plywood surface using a soft cloth or duster.
- Gentle Cleaning Agents: For more stubborn stains, carefully clean the plywood with a light soap and water solution.
- Please avoid abrasives: Avoid using scrub brushes or aggressive cleansers, as they could harm the finish of the plywood.
- Regular Inspection: Look for indications of damage, mould, or dampness. Take quick action to resolve any problems to stop things from getting worse.
Enhancing Finishes On Plywood Walls
Applying different treatments to plywood walls can improve their look and endurance.
- Stains: Select a stain colour that highlights the plywood’s natural grain while enhancing the beauty of your garage.
- Sealants: To keep the plywood’s natural appearance while shielding it from wear, stains, and moisture, apply a sealer or clear finish.
- Paints: Paint may create a solid colour finish that complements your chosen theme or gives the area a splash of colour.
- Finished with Textures: Investigate textured finishes, such as imitation stone or brick, for a distinctive and eye-catching impact.
In conclusion, plywood is a durable, affordable, and attractive option for garage walls. It is moisture-resistant, easy to install, and offers added soundproofing and insulation. Plywood’s natural look and strength make it ideal for storage solutions and utility areas.
For installation, careful planning is key, including measuring, marking stud placements, and smoothing out structural components. Plywood can be sealed, stained, painted, or decorated for improved aesthetics. While it requires some maintenance to prevent moisture damage, plywood is a versatile and cost-effective choice for garage walls.
Regular cleaning and inspection will extend its lifespan, and enhancing finishes can further improve both its appearance and durability.
