As a homeowner, you may find yourself contemplating various improvements and renovations to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your property. One area that often receives careful consideration is the garage.
Traditionally used solely for parking vehicles and storing tools, garages are now being transformed into versatile spaces that serve a multitude of purposes.
Drywall, also known as plasterboard or sheetrock, is a common construction material used to finish interior walls and ceilings.
By installing drywall in your garage, you can achieve a more polished and insulated space that offers several advantages beyond the traditional unfinished garage look.
However, before embarking on this project, evaluating your needs, budget, and the potential implications of drywalling your garage is crucial.
Should You Drywall The Garage Or the Detached Garage?
Certainly, drywalling the garage is something you can do if you are interested. Gypsum is treated to form drywall used in home construction for walls and ceilings.
Building modern homes often use this material, which can also be used to turn the garage into a room to entertain.
Why Drywall A Garage?
Drywall your garage to give it the cleanest look possible. Using drywall and insulation lets you keep your garage dry and comfortable all year. If you finish your garage with drywall, your home will also be worth more.
While it is possible to hang drywall, state building codes may vary. Ensure you follow the local guidelines to ensure your project is safe and compliant.
It is a great idea to drywall the garage to improve the room and make it seem more significant.
1. Protects From Fire
It is an excellent material for garage walls because it is highly fire-resistant.
Garages tend to have power tools, flammable materials, and people who work on cars with products that could catch fire.
A good idea is to install drywall to ensure the area is safe.
2. Make An Old Garage Look New
Often, people drywall their garages by choosing not to replace them because they are old. Creating a new look and hiding cosmetic problems in the area gives it a fresh appearance.
3. Resell Value Of The Home
The drywall is heavy, so you need someone to help you carry it. You have to install it yourself, but after you do, it looks great!
In the detached garage, many buyers like to have drywall installed so they can use it for different activities without spending time doing it!
The sale price may not increase the value, but for a buyer, it could be the deciding factor between your home and a comparable alternative.
4. Visibility and Lighting
In the garage, white drywall maximizes lighting and reflects well, making it an attractive feature.
5. Making The Room Comfortable
Keep your garage cool and comfortable with the help of drywall. Heat can be trapped inside drywall with the help of insulation. Keep in mind, however, that moisture issues must be considered.
My garage has had a lot of condensation problems. The presence of moisture on walls can cause structural damage, so you should be aware of this if it is an issue in the area you live in.
Your garage may need a dehumidifier if it is prone to moisture and condensation.
Your walls need to be adequately insulated to prevent pipes from freezing in the winter, which could save thousands of dollars in repair costs. Alternatively, using this, you can keep the cold air from the A/C in a hot climate.
6. Helps With Noise
Do you have a lot of noise from the garage, such as people watching a live football game on TV, playing foosball, or being in your child’s rock band? There will be less noise heard, thanks to the drywall.
7. Finishing Off The Room
A finished garage can look more refined and finished with drywall depending on what you plan to use it for.
Many find a garage with OSB-lined walls or unfinished walls less inviting, but this depends on personal preference.
With drywall, you can create a light canvas that can reflect light better and be painted and primed to personalize it further.
What Should I Know Before I Hang Drywall?
If you’re contemplating hanging drywall, ask yourself these questions:
Are You Going To Use Insulation?
Insulation is essential to keeping your garage comfortable since it retains heat and cold. Insulation is necessary to provide a function to the wall (for the most part).
The temperature could be manageable in a reasonably temperate climate with a steady tolerable temperature. Taking this into consideration is essential if you live in an area with very high or low temperatures.
Adding drywall to your garage is a great idea, but consider this before doing so.
What Are The Building Codes For Your Area?
It is always important to consult your local guidelines, regardless of where you live.
Building codes for residential homes often include regulations regarding walls that separate garages from houses. It will be necessary to use a thicker drywall sheet on this wall to make it fire-resistant.
Is It Challenging To Drywall A Garage?
There’s no doubt that home improvement projects can be challenging and complex. Wallboard installations seem like a huge task.
A handful of tools and some basic knowledge of construction might be sufficient to complete the job yourself.
Take an accurate assessment of your abilities before beginning a DIY project of this magnitude. In any case, a complete novice can reasonably perform drywall installations with the proper instruction.
If budgetary concerns motivate you to do it yourself, you might have no choice.
I Have Drywall Up In My Garage; What Now?
If you have already installed the drywall, you can use a stud finder to find the wall studs. To hang items safely, you’ll need these wall studs (spaced 16-24 inches apart).
A hollow drywall will fall and cannot be used to hang items. If you do not have a stud finder, you can find the studs by knocking on the wall.
Weight To Hang On The Walls
The wall can support weights up to various amounts. In what capacity can drywall hold weight? 100 pounds or more!
To hang your prized NFL jerseys, you would need to screw into a stud and attach an anchor to support up to 20 pounds.
In contrast, if you would like to hang a shelf with football helmets on it, you can use screws that are #4 or larger to hang up to 100 pounds. It depends on what you are hanging and which screws or anchors you need.
Plywood Is Another Choice
In some cases, plywood is more appropriate than other materials. Tools and equipment can be stored safely in this type of cabinet because it is more robust and durable.
Furthermore, it is easier to hang than drywall because it is less weighty. As a final advantage, you won’t have to search for studs like you would with drywall. Some prefer the plywood look, while others prefer the drywall look.
However, plywood is not fire-rated, and an attached garage should always be protected with fire-resistant materials.
Starting With An Unfinished Garage
Get the garage ready by ensuring it has the following items:
- In some cases, drywall may not be possible due to the lack of wall studs. It will be necessary to add the blocks, so you have the support you need.
- Nail blocking will be necessary if you plan to hang lights and bicycle hooks.
- Adding an opening to the drywall so you can access the attic ladder and hatch is recommended if you have an attic hatch.
- Is a skylight on the way or a window AC unit on the way? To do this, you must cut out a drywall hole.
Adding or Moving Wires in the Garage
You should consult a professional if you intend to add wires and electricity. Keeping yourself safe should be a top priority.
Moving Wires
You will probably have to move wires if you need to move wires. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, speak with a professional.
Ventilate the Garage
The air in your garage needs to flow freely and remain cool at all times. A sufficient number of roof and attic vents is crucial.
A total of 1 square foot (144 square inches) of vent opening should be available for every 300 square feet of attic space.
Add Insulation
The next step is blowing in insulation after the drywall is completed. It can be purchased at a local hardware store, and a professional can assist if you need help.
Weather Strip Doors and Windows
Ensure that the garage’s windows and doors are not leaking. The weather-stripping you install can help you save money on your air conditioning and heating bills.
It is important to weather-strip the garage door so that heat will not escape and air won’t escape. It is the time to put up the drywall.
You may need to rent a drywall lift so that you can put the drywall on the wall and the ceiling. Making your job easier will be a significant benefit.
Is it Expensive to Hang Drywall in Your Garage?
It can be challenging to come up with a realistic estimate of what you may have to pay overall for any project.
Depending on the project, you might need more materials than you thought or specific tools you don’t have. In addition, there is the matter of time to consider. As important as the price is, how long will it take to complete the project?
To figure out the cost of drywalling your garage, you need to know how many square feet you have. In a garage, installing drywall costs about $0.50 per square foot for materials alone, costing an average of $300-400.
This will cost you a few hundred dollars more with tools. If you hire a contractor, your cost is likely to double.
Final Words
You can use drywall to transform your garage and make it seem more like an extension of your home. There are many advantages to installing drywall in your home. Installing it can be accomplished with some tools and some know-how.
You can hang drywall, but the building code may vary from state to state. You should always follow local guidelines to ensure your project is safe and up-to-code.
