
How to Replace Drywall and Insulation in a Garage
- Removing the Old Drywall and Insulation. The fact that the garage drywall is unfinished can be an advantage when you want to remove it, especially if it's attached with screws.
- Preparing for Replacement. ...
- Installing New Insulation. ...
- Hanging New Drywall. ...
How do you hang drywall in a garage?
Contractors will have all the equipment necessary to do the job and they will just need to get drywall sheets and the actual materials to hang the drywall in your garage. After you have removed the wall covering and located the studs, you’ll need to install screws to hang the drywall.
How much does it cost to install drywall in a garage?
Installing drywall in a garage usually costs about $0.50 per square foot for materials alone, with an average cost hovering around $300-$400. With tools, you can expect to add a few more hundred dollars to that total.
How do you repair rotted drywall on a garage ceiling?
How to Repair a Drywall Garage Ceiling. Using the stud finder, locate the joists to either side of the rotted drywall. If the rot abuts up to a joist, find the next farthest one. Mark the center of the joist in two places. With the straight edge, make a line connecting the two marks made on each respective joist.
How do you finish a garage?
There are multiple ways to finish a garage. I’ve covered the considerations of drywall compared to OSB previously for finishing a garage and I’m currently installing shiplap in my own garage. But for many drywall is the ultimate solution to a finished look.

How much does it cost to replace drywall in a garage?
Similarly, installing drywall in a garage may range from $1,200 to $5,100 for a one-car garage, depending on size. Contractors often use thicker or fire-resistant panels for this space, which cost up to 50% more than the average.
Can you drywall garage yourself?
If you're going to drywall a garage by yourself the first thing that you'll need to do is buy your materials. You'll need drywall, of course. Drywall comes in sheets and it's a good idea to get extra sheets in case you measure wrong, a piece of drywall is damaged, or an accident happens.
What is the cheapest way to cover walls in garage?
Shiplap is actually the perfect choice for garage walls. It's durable, inexpensive, and easy to install. What is this? Unlike drywall, the solid wood makes it perfect for securing anything, anywhere with hooks or nails.
What is the best drywall to use in a garage?
Fire resistant drywall is made with glass fibers in an extra-thick design. This makes them ideal for use in utility rooms, garages and areas near a furnace or wood stove. Prevents the spread and speed of fire. Generates less smoke than traditional drywall.
Is it worth it to drywall garage?
Drywall is a great building matter that is highly resistant to fire so it is a great addition to garages. Garages often have power tools in them, flammable materials, and also people who work on cars with products that could catch fire. Installing drywall would be a good idea to keep it a safe area.
Can I drywall my garage without insulation?
You can drywall a garage without insulation. The drywall does not need insulation. However, your garage will be better off with insulation. Drywall is not an alternative to garage insulation.
What is the best material for garage walls?
The best material for finishing garage walls is usually considered to be drywall. It increases the fire resistance of walls and is easy to install.
What can be used instead of drywall?
Drywall AlternativesWood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. ... Veneer Plaster. ... Lath & Plaster. ... Plywood and Sheet Wood. ... Texture Wall Panels. ... Brick & Masonry. ... Exposed Concrete Block. ... Cement Board.More items...•
Should I use drywall or plywood in my garage?
Drywall has a thick compound which offers superior fire resistance in comparison to plywood. Drywall consists of gypsum and crystallized water. Due to the addition of crystallized water, it's highly resistant to fire and hence is the go-to option in garage walls in terms of safety.
How thick should my garage drywall be?
In detached garages it's standard to use ½ inch drywall panels on the walls and ⅝ inch panels on the ceiling. For attached garages, the usual regulations are slightly different. You'll need to use ⅝ inch or type X fire rated sheetrock on the wall that connects the garage to the house.
Do I need vapor barrier in unheated garage?
The majority seem to agree that insulated, unheated garages, should be allowed to breathe. If the garage is heated, you will need a vapor barrier, otherwise you will get frost and mold.
What is the difference between drywall and Sheetrock?
Sheetrock is a brand of drywall, though because of its popularity, the term has come to be used interchangeably with drywall. Sheetrock is also used as a replacement for lath and plaster in the construction of interior ceilings and walls, though some Sheetrock is weatherproofed for exterior ceilings.
Does drywall in garage need to be fire rated?
A: First, fire-rated systems are only required if the garage shares a wall or a ceiling with the home. If you are doing repairs in the garage you should replace with like materials, but remember it is the wall system that is fire rated not the product itself.
Can I drywall my garage ceiling?
Drywall is the easiest and most economical covering for your garage ceiling. Use 5/8-in. -thick drywall if your trusses or rafters are spaced 24 in.
Do garage walls have to be Drywalled?
Drywall is a very popular sheathing material but do garage walls have to be drywalled? The truth is that garage walls do not always have to be drywalled. Alternative sheathing materials can be used in a detached garage. Even for an attached garage, the 2018 IRC code requires the use of “gypsum board or equivalent”.
How much does it cost to install drywall and insulation in a garage?
How much does it cost to insulate & drywall a garage? For insulation, expect to pay about $350 for two 10′ x 20′ walls (around $0.88 per square foot). Drywall was less expensive, but more time consuming. If you're doing it yourself, expect to pay around $275 for the materials and tools (around $0.68 per square foot).
The First Step
If you’re going to drywall a garage by yourself the first thing that you’ll need to do is buy your materials. You’ll need drywall, of course. Drywall comes in sheets and it’s a good idea to get extra sheets in case you measure wrong, a piece of drywall is damaged, or an accident happens.
Common Drywalling Mistakes
If you’re going to drywall the garage yourself you should definitely have a friend help you. By working together you may be able to avoid these common DIY drywall mistakes:
Get Extra Space with a New Garage
Nowadays, garage space is the ultimate investment that homeowners make in order to make room for their second or third car. Homeowners are desperate for more space in their garage and sometimes drywalling a garage on your own is not enough.
How to Paint Drywall Garage Interiors?
Now that you have installed the near perfect drywall in your garage, you are ready to apply the finishing touches.
How Do You Drywall Like a Professional?
The finish on the drywall in your garage, especially with painting, will only be as good as the drywalling results. Here are a few tips that will surely help you drywall like a pro!
What Should You Check Before Drywall?
A great way to ensure that you get a finished garage of your dreams is to take a few moments (or days) to visualize your dream garage in your head.
How to make a 90 degree line for drywall?
Use the T-square to start a 90-degree line. Use your tape measure to mark the distance to the corner and draw the line with a straight edge. It’s easiest if you use two sides of the replacement drywall as two sides of your patch piece. That way you’ll only need to make two cuts. Score the lines with the utility knife.
Why is my garage ceiling leaking?
A common problem that can befall a drywall garage ceiling is the buildup of mold caused by accumulated moisture. This most often occurs either due to a leak from the outside or washing machine use coupled with poor ventilation.
How to get mud off of a screw head?
Run the knife over the tape to both adhere to it and squeeze out the excess mud. Let it dry. Cover up any screw head with a quick coating of the compound and smooth it out too. Apply one more coat of mud over the tape to conceal it and to make the joints a little smoother.
Can you repair drywall?
You can repair the drywall, but if you don’t attend to the source of the moisture, the same thing will happen again. Moisture accumulation issues because of a washing machine can be trickier and usually require the installation of a vent or fan. That, however, is a separate consideration.
Do you need to finish joints in garage ceiling?
There is no need to fully finish the joints in the garage ceiling. Two coats of compound will do just fine.
How much does it cost to drywall a garage?
Installing drywall in a garage usually costs about $0.50 per square foot for materials alone, with an average cost hovering around $300-$400. With tools, you can expect to add a few more hundred dollars to that total.
Why do you need to drywall your garage?
Drywall your garage for the cleanest finished look. Drywall, in combination with insulation, can help to keep your garage climate-controlled all year long. Finishing your garage with drywall can also add value to your home.
What Are the Benefits of Having Drywall in Your Garage?
But for many drywall is the ultimate solution to a finished look.
Why do you need insulation in a garage?
Insulation plays an integral role in heat and cold retention; you need to keep your garage comfortable. Without insulation, the wall only plays a cosmetic function (for the most part at least). This could be manageable if you live in a reasonably temperate climate with a steady tolerable temperature.
Why is it important to keep your walls insulated?
Ensuring your walls are insulated can prevent pipes from freezing in the winter, saving you thousands of dollars in possible repairs. If you are in a hot climate, this will also keep the cold air from the A/C in.
Can drywall keep a garage warm?
Making the room comfortable. Drywall can be a fantastic way to help keep your garage climate-controlled. In combination with insulation, drywall can keep the heat trapped in. However, it’s important that you consider moisture issues. I have faced a lot of issues with condensation in my garage. Moisture on the walls can lead to structural damage so ...
Can you finish a garage with drywall?
But for many drywall is the ultimate solution to a finished look. When you finish the interior walls of your garage it can also help to increase comfort. This is especially true when insulating exterior walls prior to drywalling.
How to cut gypsum panel?
To cut the new panel, place a straight edge against your line and score it with a utility knife. With the scrap edge hanging over a flat surface just beyond your score, quickly snap the piece downward to break the gypsum. Flip over your panel and cut the backing paper to remove the excess. Do this for all sides to be cut.
How to detect irregularities in a wall?
Use a flashlight shined along the wall’s surface to detect irregularities.
What size knife do I use to remove gypsum?
Joint and taping knives (I prefer a 6 inch and a 12 inch for most jobs) Sand paper (120 to 150-grit or drywall paper is best) Rag or sponge. Saw for removing damaged gypsum (this can be as basic as a “jab saw” or a power tool such as an oscillating multi-tool)
What to do if your cut is close to a stud?
If your cut is close to a stud or nailer, but does not expose it, consider cutting a little further so you have a good surface to fasten the new panel to.
Do it yourself drywall?
Do It Yourself : How to Repair / Replace a Section of Drywall. As a homeowner, it can sometimes be helpful to know how to repair drywall yourself. The primary reasons for this could be damage incurred while moving furniture, replacement of a window or door, cutting current drywall for a new light fixture, etc. ...
What type of board is used for garage walls?
Plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and oriented strand board (OSB) are expedient and low-cost solutions for garage walls. They can be attached over studs quickly with framing screws and, unlike drywall, wood doesn’t require any taping, mud, or sanding.
What are garages used for?
Garages today are required to perform multiple roles. They’re used to store vehicles, of course, but they’re also used as storage rooms, workshops, and, in some cases, home gyms and offices. These roles aren’t always suited to drywall’s strengths and weaknesses
What is the most common building material used in garages?
Drywall is by far the most common garage wall and ceiling building material used today, but there are many alternatives that deliver better performance and unique styling. We run down some of the available options and detail their strengths and weaknesses.
What is a trusscore slat wall?
Trusscore SlatWall blends seamlessly with Wall&CeilingBoard panels and becomes a solution to hang hooks, shelves and baskets that quickly snap into place, helping you achieve a storage solution for tools and equipment, and , ultimately, a clean, organized garage space — just in time to get ready for the winter months ahead.
What is a trusscore wall board?
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is an ideal drywall replacement that’s durable, easy to install, and easy to clean. The wall and ceiling panels are perfect for many different residential, commercial, and agriculture applications.
Is drywall required for fire?
Drywall also has well-recognized fire performance qualities, slowing the spread of heat and flame. Fire codes in many jurisdictions require drywall to be present on walls that adjoin a garage to a house, and if there are living quarters above the garage, this code applies to ceilings, too. In some cases, drywall is required for fire code reasons even for a detached garage located within three feet of a home.
Can you use wood sheathing to cover mold?
Wood sheathing isn’t the best solution if you’re looking for a more finished result and wood panels will swell and discolor if they get wet. Plus, if these panels remain wet, they’ll continuously support mold and mildew growth.