When it comes to building a garage wall, many things are taken into consideration. That includes the type of wood to use, either drywall or plywood.
This all depends on your specific needs, budgets, and preferences. Drywall and plywood are both good, popular, and considered choices when making garage walls, as each of these materials has its advantages, disadvantages, and considerations.
This article will help guide you in making the best choices when it comes to choosing either drywall or plywood for garage walls. To understand more about the characteristics of each of these woods, let’s consider each of them.
What’s Drywall wood?
Another name for drywall wood is gypsum board. It is a building material used to create interior walls and ceilings. Drywall wood is made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper.
Drywall wood is an all-round, flexible, and affordable material that is very easy to install.
Features And Characteristics of Drywall Wood
1. Affordability
Drywall is a common material for garage walls and it’s less expensive than plywood. It’s low in cost, requires minimal effort, and is easy to install.
You might consider going for drywall wood when building a garage wall if you’ve got a low budget. It is typically more budget-friendly than plywood, making it an economical choice for garage walls.
2. Fire-resistance
Drywall is also more fire-resistant than plywood, even though it is not as durable as plywood. It’s also more vulnerable to damage from moisture and impact.
Drywall has fire-resistant properties and features, which can be very important when it comes to safety for a garage wall, and is an easy choice for building materials.
3. Lightweight/Easy Installation
Drywall wood is a relatively lightweight material and very easy to install and handle. If damaged, it can be easily repaired and replaced without much stress.
4. Soundproofing/Sound Insulation
Drywall wood has some soundproofing qualities and properties, which can help reduce noise levels in a room. It can also offer a degree of sound insulation. This may be very useful if the owner plans to use the garage for a workshop, events, or other ceremonies and activities.
5. Smooth Finish/Moisture Resistance
Drywall wood offers you a smooth and paintable surface, giving your garage a neat and satisfying look. Drywall wood for a garage also comes with moisture-resistant options, which are best for damp environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
There are many other ways that drywall wood can be used for garage walls, even to build garage interior walls in homes and businesses.
- Drywall wood can be used to create ceilings.
- Drywall wood can be used to create firewalls, which are walls that are designed to slow the spread of fire.
- Drywall wood can be used to create soundproof walls and ceilings in a home. This can help reduce noise levels in a room.
- Drywall wood can be used to repair damaged walls and ceilings.
Having these, drywall wood is a common and affordable building material with a variety of uses. It is a good choice for homeowners, events, and businesses alike.
Now, let’s talk about plywood for a garage wall.
What’s Plywood?
Plywood is a multipurpose engineered and crafted wood product made from thin layers of veneer called “piles”, which are glued together with a resin adhesive.
These veneers are well arranged so that the grain of each layer is perpendicular to the grain of the layer below, which gives plywood its strength and stability. It is commonly used in construction, woodworking, the building of garage walls, and for other applications.
The main characteristics to consider about plywood when building a garage wall
1. Strength
When it comes to building a garage wall, plywood is a very strong material, as it can withstand the impacts of wear and tear better.
It is also resistant to splitting and warping. It’s structurally stronger and can withstand heavy items when properly installed.
2. Durability
Plywood is a durable material that can withstand moisture and impact. It is also resistant to pests and rot. It’s a good choice to make a garage wall.
Plywood is sturdy, hardy, and long-lasting. Its metal panels are long-lasting and simple to maintain, making them a great choice for garage walls.
3. Versatility
Plywood, as a multipurpose material, can be used for a variety of things, including subflooring, sheathing, roofing, and siding. It can also be used for furniture, cabinetry, and other interior projects.
4. Affordability
Plywood as a quality material, is relatively more expensive and not easy to install. It’s a building material that comes with a variety of uses.
5. Moisture Resistance
You might consider using plywood for a garage wall, as it’s moisture-resistant. This can be beneficial to a business owner if your garage is prone to dampness and rain.
6. Customization
Another good feature of using plywood for a garage wall is that it will provide a surface to which you can attach items directly, making it suitable for hanging tools, shelves, and other accessories.
7. Rustic Aesthetic
If you are an individual who loves rustic interiors and views and an industrial look in your garage, plywood can be your best choice, as it can offer you this appearance for your garage.
Plywood can also be used for subflooring, sheathing, roofing, siding, furniture, cabinetry, and other interior projects. It can also be used for a variety of other interior projects, such as shelves, bookcases, and entertainment centers.
It is worth noting that plywood is a good choice for both interior and exterior applications as it is multipurpose, affordable, strong, and durable.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Drywall Or Plywood For Garage Walls
There are a few more things to consider when choosing between drywall or plywood for garage walls:
- Climate: If you live in a humid climate or you want to build your garage wall in such an environment, plywood would be a better choice than drywall because it is more resistant to moisture.
- Usage: If you use or intend to use your garage for storage, for working on vehicles, or for adding heavy items, plywood can be a better choice than drywall because it is more durable and impact-resistant.
- Budget: For budgeting, drywall can be your go-to if your budget is low, as it is less expensive than plywood and can be a good choice if you are on a tight budget.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that these two woods can be used to build garage walls. Understanding the features of these two woods in consideration of building a garage wall will help you make a good choice.
This choice between drywall or plywood for garage walls majorly depends on your individual specific goals, needs, preferences, usage, durability, budgets, and environment.
Having said all this, if you are still confused about which material is best for your garage walls, it is advisable to consult with a professional contractor who can assess your needs and help you choose the best material for your garage wall within your budget.