How to finish garage wall inside?

I have a detached garage I would like to finish walls inside. It’s unheated and not insulated. Will wall board be ok with plaster or will that crack in the winter? It’s bare 2x4 walls now.

  5 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 15, 2018

    It would be ok. But Why Not do basic insulation? We did and added a ceiling mounted heater, just enough to keep things from freezing, set on 45 degrees. Makes it bearable to work in.

  • Seth Seth on Oct 15, 2018

    Sheetrock and plaster is a lot of work and expense. I assume you want to finish the walls in order to maximize storage capacity and give it a more finished look. Only insulate if you plan on heating it at some point. I would cover the walls with 1/2 inch plywood. It won't rot or be easily damaged like sheetrock and plaster. It is easy to replace if you need to. it's relatively inexpensive. And, the best advantage is you can screw things into it anywhere so you don't have to worry about finding a stud or using special anchors. You can paint it if you want or put up pegboard for storage. I prefer to leave the stud bays empty and use them to store items that fit in between and put up shelving where I need it.

  • Linda Linda on Oct 15, 2018

    I would look at a plastic bead board as an option

  • William William on Oct 15, 2018

    Code and insurance carrier would require drywall. You need some type of fire barrier. Insulater the walls with fiberglass insulation then drywall. If you want heat a radiant garage heater would work. Natural gas is an option if you have it. Check your local codes and homeowners insurer on what they recommend. LP may not be acceptable as it can be explosive with gasoline fumes from cars.

  • Seth Seth on Oct 16, 2018

    William has a point. Depending on the size of your garage and more importantly, the distance from your house (assuming you do not use the garage as living space such as an apartment above garage), any interior finish might be subject to some local code requirements that will vary depending on where you live. Any insulation must be covered in a fire rated material no matter where it's used. I am not familiar with the vinyl panels you mentioned. Are planning on finishing the ceiling as well?