Cheap and Easy Garage Ceiling Options

[cls89]

Currently finishing the inside of my garage. The walls are just about done. I’m doing the install by myself. Looking for ceiling material. Something affordable and easy to cut and handle (not heavy). What are some good options? 1/4 Plywood, OSB, PVC, other ideas?
Thanks

 

[ed_v]

Ribbed Metal Siding. Comes in 3ft wide pieces and is sold by the foot. Right now my local supplier quoted me $2.60/linear ft. It is lightweight and not too difficult to install.

Ed

 

[loganb]

+1 to metal ceiling, often called metal liner panel...very similar to metal roofing but generally thinner gauge and with a paint that offers lower UV and weather resistance

 

[cls89]

That sounds like it would be a good choice. Can you send me a link at 2.60 / linear foot. Everything I see on menards website ends up being close to $5 / linear ft

 

[FMB4]

Is your garage attached to your residence?

 

[cls89]

No its a detached garage

 

[ddurrett896]

Try McElroy metal

 

[John in OH]

Another vote for the white metal liner panels!!! I've used these in two different garage builds and totally love them! Easy (relatively) to install, no joints to finish, no sanding, no painting ... install and done!! Bright and easy to clean!

Some have thought the metal panels make the shop too noisy ... but I've never felt that was the case at all.

One suggestion regarding finish ... use a satin or semi-gloss white finish, NOT gloss! I used a semi-gloss finish in one garage and a gloss in the second. The gloss is too bright and reflective so soften it down by using panels with a less shiny finish.

Check out my garage build thread for pics of the semi-gloss ceiling panels.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Check your code in your area. The idea is some fire rating usually.

 

[MushCreek]

I don't know where you're located, but you need to do a search for metal roof suppliers. The people that actually make the stuff. They will be a lot cheaper than the big box stores. Right now, steel prices are high, though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

That sounds like it would be a good choice. Can you send me a link at 2.60 / linear foot. Everything I see on menards website ends up being close to $5 / linear ft

I'm guessing when lumber came down in prices, the ribbed metal spiked in pricing.

I'd check with any local metal building distributors or post frame dealers.

Adding an actual general location to your profile would help your fellow members recommend that may be fairly local to you rather than using "US."

 

[PWilks]

Drywall

 

[MushCreek]

Drywall is the cheapest, but with the most amount of work. White painted metal goes up with a few screws, it's light, and once it's up, you're done. Or, if you like the industrial look, you can use Galvalume, which is a bit cheaper than painted metal.

 

[cls89]

I don't know where you're located, but you need to do a search for metal roof suppliers. The people that actually make the stuff. They will be a lot cheaper than the big box stores. Right now, steel prices are high, though.

I’m in the metro Detroit area. Any recommended suppliers would be appreciated.

 

[ddurrett896]

I’m in the metro Detroit area. Any recommended suppliers would be appreciated.

McElroy metal has a place 1.5 hrs from Detroit.

 

[428PI]

And perhaps some insulated foam panels up before the metal ceiling?

 

[ed_v]

That sounds like it would be a good choice. Can you send me a link at 2.60 / linear foot. Everything I see on menards website ends up being close to $5 / linear ft

Sorry, that price is from a local dealer here in Kentucky. I think they get it out of Indiana.

Ed

 

[NUTTSGT]

And perhaps some insulated foam panels up before the metal ceiling?

I did this in the addition. After fiberglass in the trusses, I didn't plan on doing metal right away. So I screwed up foil faced polyiso.

Low and behold, Menards rebates started to show up. Just remember to pay attention when driving screws with foam underneath.

 

[Viper98912]

Drywall is your cheapest option. To put it up, you'd probably need to buy/rent a drywall lift (harbor freight has a cheap one that works just fine). Whether you decide to mud/finish it is up to you, which is where the hard work comes in.

 

[Jazz1]

Drywall, does not get any cheaper and is fire retardent. If its too heavy cut the sheets…I used 14’ sheets but with a drywall lift for the day was easy.

 

[EndlessHydro]

I used that Radiant bubble wrap stuff... been great so far

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Drywall. It's only a lot of work if you want it to look nice...mesh tape and one coat of durabond on the seams is quick and easy. Why bother sanding. Coating the screws heads takes like 1 second. Roll on the cheapest PVA primer and matt white paint you can find.