Looking for some help, I have a garage with the walls and ceiling finished with 7/16 OSB. I like the functionality of OSB but not the darker appearance. Instead of painting it or tearing it out, thinking of covering the OSB with 5/8 drywall. Anyone have any thoughts if this would be worthwhile or potential problems? Thanks in advance!
Drywall over OSB for wall covering
- Thread starter RISTAU65
- Start date
Jim greengo
Well-known member
Is the electrical already done?
wssix99
Well-known member
This would be wise and is just fine. The drywall will give you normal fire protection, whereas the OSB is currently giving you kindling.
Plywood under drywall is done all the time for cabinets. Its very functional and versatile.
Plywood under drywall is done all the time for cabinets. Its very functional and versatile.
Steve W.
Well-known member
I painted my OSB, have not regretted my choice. 
.
.
gizardlizard
Well-known member
Not sure why you want or need 5/8” though. Generally, that’s for ceilings.
And fire walls.
billconner
Well-known member
I think I'd use 1/2" ultra light if I was doing it myself. And I'd look into adhesive instead of screws, but not sure.
I see no reason for 5/8. Even codes only require only 1/2" on walls common to living space.
I see no reason for 5/8. Even codes only require only 1/2" on walls common to living space.
I'm not sure if this is issue or not but I'd be looking into if it will affect moisture retention in any way. OSB and unpainted drywall will both let vapor escape structure. Painted drywall (Or OSB) will trap vapor (at least Latex). There are many other factors such as whether a vapor barrier was installed under OSB, what is on exterior and whether the interior space is heated or cooled among others but I'd look into it. May need to add a small gap with furring strips etc but I'm not sure.
I just demoed a bathroom in old unheated cabin yesterday that had drywall installed directly over OSB (or particle board?). The OSB was in very bad shape and crumbling apart. Obviously caused by many years of too much moisture. Not sure how old it was or if drywall had anything to do with it.
ETA I'd probably look into using mold resistant drywall as well if space is not conditioned.
I just demoed a bathroom in old unheated cabin yesterday that had drywall installed directly over OSB (or particle board?). The OSB was in very bad shape and crumbling apart. Obviously caused by many years of too much moisture. Not sure how old it was or if drywall had anything to do with it.
ETA I'd probably look into using mold resistant drywall as well if space is not conditioned.
Install Mud rings aka extension rings
I don't care for OSB, but I would be very tempted to just paint it, unless you have fire concerns, then the dry wall makes sense.
Yes, all electrical is done.
billconner
Well-known member
I just checked my local Lowe's. 5/8 is $15.88, 1/2" is $15.98, 3/8" is $16.98. Go figure.
Of course not shipping it to Alaska.
5/8" is $25 here, 3/8 is $19I just checked my local Lowe's. 5/8 is $15.88, 1/2" is $15.98, 3/8" is $16.98. Go figure.
Of course not shipping it to Alaska.
tncatadjuster
Well-known member
I have installed 1/4” over osb with good results. Glue and a few screws, really looked nice when finished.
BillK
Well-known member
If all you are looking for is appearance and you dont want to paint it how about some inexpensive plain wall paneling ? Thats what my attached garage is finished with and it is fine. Easy to put up and wipes clean if need be. Plus its only about 1/8" thick so you wont have to worry about messing with the electrical. Something like this:
Its available in many different colors.
Not sure what to say about the ceiling. I think I would roll on a few coats of semi gloss white paint and call it a day.
1/8 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. Canyon Yew Wall Panel 980-200 - The Home Depot
The 1/8 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. Canyon Yew Random Grooved Wall Panel provides an elegant look to any room in your home. The wood pattern provides a rustic warmth and richness and the random groove adds to the panels charm. The panel format allows for quick, efficient installation for your project.
www.homedepot.com
Its available in many different colors.
Not sure what to say about the ceiling. I think I would roll on a few coats of semi gloss white paint and call it a day.
I'm not exactly sure of the process, but when my Dad had his garage built, they used OSB on the walls, had it spray textured like drywall, and then painted an off-white color. It turned out well. Unless you are really looking at it, you'd never know it wasn't drywall.
CraigStu
Well-known member
I used an almost white version of what BillK posted for a wall when I closed off a corner of the basement for somewhat secure storage. I built the wall of 5/8 osb subflooring. I needed just 3 sheets and thought about how much primer and paint would be needed to make it look nice, as well as how much extra I'd buy to be sure I didn't run out. 2 full sheets and one sheet w/ a cutout for the door I used fast tack construction adhesive and am pretty sure I had it done more quickly than I could have painted it.
Boogerman
Well-known member
I'd do the drywall. You'll have the best of both materials; strength and ability to hang things with screws/nails into the OSB, and the clean, easily repaired smoother/brighter drywall finish with fire resistance. My preference in the garage is a heavy but smooth orange peel on the drywall, followed by PVA primer and two coats of high quality semi-gloss paint. The orange peel seems to help protect against it getting dinged up as much, and is relatively easy to patch and match if you have to cut out and replace a piece. Good high quality paint keeps it all clean and bright.
tncatadjuster
Well-known member
Art galleries have used this method for years so Mona Lisa won’t hit the floor.
if all you're looking for is lighter walls, why not just paint the OSB.
you will have to paint the drywall , and you have the cost plus the time to install, tapes, etc etc.
you will have to paint the drywall , and you have the cost plus the time to install, tapes, etc etc.
ScaldedDog
Well-known member
We built a garage in 2008 that had drywall over OSB. I had the drywallers put a layer of caulk on the OSB before hanging the drywall and the result was a very quiet space. I could do anything in there and it couldn't be heard outside. We were at 5400ft, so moisture issues weren't a concern.
Mark
Mark
tncatadjuster
Well-known member
That sounds (no pun) brilliant, any drawbacks besides cost?
I would lean towards painting it, I think flat white OSB doesn't look so great, but a light gray or neutral color looks much better, the texture or OSB look is greatly diminished.
Putting drywall over it seems like a lot of money and effort for not much return in my opinion, but if you really want it, go for it.
Putting drywall over it seems like a lot of money and effort for not much return in my opinion, but if you really want it, go for it.
ScaldedDog
Well-known member
None. I suppose studs were harder to find, but I don't remember it ever being an issue. Between the OSB/caulk/drywall interior walls and the 2x6 construction with stucco-above-brick on the exterior, it was really quiet and cheap to heat. Our place now has a metal barn (Morton building) with metal walls inside and out. Given a choice I'd do drywall over OSB every time.
Mark
MadScientist3019
Active member
Going drywall over OSB is the best of all things. Never worrying about where to hang anything, good fire and sound protection, you actually get an air barrier at the drywall if mudded and painted and any finish you want. I will say if you really didn't want the expense of the drywall you could skim coat the OSB with mud and do it that way but drywall is a lot less labor. I think the noise and little bit of insulation value from it along with the fire protection and air barrier are all positives. I wish i would have done this in my 40x60 shop but when i was doing the walls OSB was so expensive because of "supply" issues and would have cost me around 1500-2k more on my install.
nadogail
Well-known member
IMHO, 5/8” Drywall over OSB would be great. You will get the Fire Retardant properties of the Drywall and the Structural Strength of the OSB.