OSB vs Drywall

[kyles974]

Ok, I know it has been talked about here because I never read much of it becuase I thought I was set on OSB board. (having 2nd thoughts?)

So if someone can direct me to a thread, would appreciate it. I must be doing something wrong because I can not find nothing on OSB in the search??


I wanted to hear what you all thought about pros and cons for drywall/sheetrock and/or OSB Board in the shop?

Thanks

 

[camarotoolman]

A fire resistance, some, none B do want to hang stuff up with a nail c what kind of finish do you like? I like the metal and vinyl ceils that some guys have post lately.

 

[kyles974]

A fire resistance, some, none B do want to hang stuff up with a nail c what kind of finish do you like? I like the metal and vinyl ceils that some guys have post lately.

I too like the metal/vinyl ceilings,

I would think the cost is much higher?(need to look into it)

more interested in the walls

as for the finish, by the time I get done hanging up shelving, cabinets, etc., there most likely be much of the wall showing to really "bug" me.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Drywall is not good choise for the shop, it weak, it would not support alot a weight,
The OSB is a better choise

 

[samert111]

I went with white metal ceiling and OSB on the walls. Drywall can be damaged too easily I figured and the OSB can be replaced easily if necessary. I'm also looking at fire proofing paint additives to use on the OSB.

http://www.hytechsales.com/flameguard.html

 

[TheShrine]

.........

 

[kyles974]

I went with white metal ceiling and OSB on the walls. Drywall can be damaged too easily I figured and the OSB can be replaced easily if necessary. I'm also looking at fire proofing paint additives to use on the OSB.

http://www.hytechsales.com/flameguard.html

ok, I'm done 2nd guessing myself

I hate drywall and my garage is a shop and not a showroom

I've had drywall in the past and hated it, just never had OSB up in past garages

Shrine: yes, Ive seen your shop pics, love it. In fact the images of your shop
stick in my head


"case closed" thanks

 

[CARS]

In order to satisfy fire codes in my shops addition I had to use 5/8" fire rated sheet rock for my paint shop's common wall with the body shop.

Kinda like the common wall on attached garages.

Metal and ply have no fire rating. If that isn't an issue, just use whatever you think looks best.

 

[Norcal]

My shop walls are 5/8" drywall, ceiling is 2X6 T&G pine decking, the storage room that am working on now is getting OSB on the wall, I hate the stench of OSB, but it's getting painted. I prefer the tape & texture on the shop walls but the OSB will be fine.....

 

[psp]

I just put up 7/16 osb in my garage, and painted it white. Looks great and is cheap and easy.

I would put down osb down regardless, before drywall the convenience of being able to hang up something ANYWHERE is worth it.

 

[cowboyjosh]

Its nice ya'll have a choice and can debate OSB vs. drywall. Where i live if the garage is attached to the dwelling the walls must be drywall. Its funny how codes vary from town to town or state to state. Where my brother lives in Ohio OSB is allowed in attached garages, but ABS pipe is banned. In Colorado, no OSB in attached garages, but ABS pipe is everywhere.

 

[Easterlake]

I decided on a 3rd option. 5/8 ", pine siding in my shop. a 4x8 sheet is a little over $20 so the initial expense is a bit much. However no taping, mudding, texturing, painting, or repairing at a later date. Plus I think it is the best looking option. I also have it in my attached garage the bottom 4'. It seemed like I was always repairing dent and holes.

 

[buzz4041]

I to hate drywall but didn't care for the OSB look either so I went with 1/2" plywood finished one side. Did the ceiling in 1/4". Put a few coats of primer and then a few coats of paint. Works for me.

 

[nonhog]

I will have both. Where I weld/grind I have sheetrock. The ceiling beyond that area will get OSB. If flames get beyond 10' I'm screwed anyways.
the bottom 6" up to a foot on one wall so far will be Hardiplank for better protection from moisture (wet cars - Seattle area)

 

[trbomax]

I decided on a 3rd option. 5/8 ", pine siding in my shop. a 4x8 sheet is a little over $20 so the initial expense is a bit much. However no taping, mudding, texturing, painting, or repairing at a later date. Plus I think it is the best looking option. I also have it in my attached garage the bottom 4'. It seemed like I was always repairing dent and holes.

Now that I LIKE!!! I may have to rethink my office space. Whats on the ceiling? Looks like knock down dw.

edit) I used that on the outside of the house,never really thought about inside the shop. How did you finish it?

 

[Rich H.]

I went through the same debate and it was sheetrock for me.

I can put anything over the top of it. If the urge to hang a bunch of things off the walls overcomes me, it's quite easy to put a piece of plywood up and hang stuff off that. I've already done that with my boiler and radiant heat components.

A person might say well that's dumb, why not put plywood up to begin with then?

I thought the same thing, and then I studied the noise mitigation benefits of sheetrock....the .4 r value did not mean much, but it helped. The slight fire resistance did not mean much, but it helped. The lower price did not mean much either, but it helped....and so on.

To be honest I'm not into hanging 1000 tools off the walls. I have tool boxes for that. If that's your bag, then use a wood product or better...slat wall or pegboard and hang away!!

 

[Hotrodladycrusr]

Like a couple of others I did both, drywall on two walls and OSB on the wall that has the cabinets and workbench. Everything painted white to brighten the place up.

 

[Falcon67]

Like a couple of others I did both, drywall on two walls and OSB on the wall that has the cabinets and workbench. Everything painted white to brighten the place up.

The "mixed bag" is where I'm going to end up too. I still think 5/8" rock on the ceiling although I may switch that to OSB with fire retardant paint additve. The overhead door wall wil be OSB to strengthen that wall (it's got a big 7x16' hole in it), OSB around the benches where I need cabinets , shelves, etc. The rest likely sheetrock with some tin on the wall around the mill - a mill can really fling stuff. Price is the same here between 7/16 OSB and 1/2 rock. Another point for OSB - caulk the seam, paint, done. I absolutely HATE tape and mud. And it hates me back.

T&G pine ceiling would be a great retro finish, but that's not in the budget.

 

[danroy323]

I too got to think about the different options. Sheetmetal? Too expensive and may reverberate the sound too much (garage is attached so it's important). Fiber cement boards? way too expensive. In the end it was a debate between OSB and drywall.

I'm going with drywall. About the same price as OSB. Way more work (mud) but gives a smoother finish and most importantly better fire protection which my insurance company will be happy to see.

As for hanging tools and shelves on the walls? Most things are fixed at a height between 4 and 8 ft up on the wall. So instead of using 1X3 strapping all along the walls I'll use it only on the bottom 4 feet and top 2 feet. Between 4 and 8 feet I'll lay 5/8 plywood sheets in place of the strapping. This way I can find solid wood anywhere at this height range and still have drywall finish over it.

As for the ceiling I'm tempted in trying the new lighter weight drywall sheets, should be easier to install.

Dan

 

[Easterlake]

Now that I LIKE!!! I may have to rethink my office space. Whats on the ceiling? Looks like knock down dw.

edit) I used that on the outside of the house,never really thought about inside the shop. How did you finish it?

Correct .knock down dw ceiling. No finish at all. With age it changes from a very light color (similar to a new 2x4) to more of the goldish tint that you see in the pic. You can see were the clock is that a poster was there at one time and how the color has changed.

 

[Sureshot]

I too got to think about the different options. Sheetmetal? Too expensive and may reverberate the sound too much (garage is attached so it's important). Fiber cement boards? way too expensive. In the end it was a debate between OSB and drywall.

I'm going with drywall. About the same price as OSB. Way more work (mud) but gives a smoother finish and most importantly better fire protection which my insurance company will be happy to see.

As for hanging tools and shelves on the walls? Most things are fixed at a height between 4 and 8 ft up on the wall. So instead of using 1X3 strapping all along the walls I'll use it only on the bottom 4 feet and top 2 feet. Between 4 and 8 feet I'll lay 5/8 plywood sheets in place of the strapping. This way I can find solid wood anywhere at this height range and still have drywall finish over it.

As for the ceiling I'm tempted in trying the new lighter weight drywall sheets, should be easier to install.

Dan

This is also what I would do but I like benchtops at 3' so I would put the plywood from 3-7'.

 

[jdaallen]

My entire interior is OSB. Ceiling has laminate flooring over OSB and the walls have 1/2" sheetrock over the OSB I wanted to be able to hang anything anywhere and still have a good looking surface.

 

[Kevin54]

I like that!!! Definitely different and will last forever. I think it would also contribute to keeping dust down and spiders from wanting to build in the corners. I have textured ceilings in my garage and hate it.

Your ceiling has to be a first.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A while back in another thread, I tried to list the pros/cons of wallcoverings. I'm not sure where that thread is or how far it was back.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Well, I did some searching and found my post, it seemed like a long time ago, but wasn't .

Steve, my friend you have asked one of the biggest debated items on this site.

Interior wall coverings. You will see a wide array of posts for and against each one. Take each post with heed and follow the building codes in your area (if you have any) especially if you have to get your garage inspected.

Drywall, meets code and fire resistant, labor intensive to hang/finish, looks good when finished yet susceptible to dings and dents. If you live in an area with seasonal temp changes, an unheated/cooled garage drywall joints may crack.

OSB doesn't meet code and will burn. Hangs just like drywall, yet joints don't need finished or may be caulked to look seamless. Resistant to dings and dents, and some people say it's easy to hang "stuff" on. Some people do not like the slight wavy appearance.

Plywood shares many of the qualities of OSB, but generally at a slightly higher cost. Smoother finish than OSB.

Metal siding can be bought in a wide array of colors and various lengths. It's available in corrugated or "squared ribs" ribs like a pole barn.(for a lack of better term) Gives a clean appearance when completed yet can be difficult to find a smooth surface to hang shelving on. It can be dinged and dented but does provide some resistance. An interior covered in metal siding may have a tinny echo and/or no noise absorption.

Those listed above are generally some more of the prevalent choices here on GJ, but not all. Some others have used other materials like Hardi-board or had a metal bldg just spray foamed and left as is.


While I may not be totally correct above, I have tried to provide an unbiased opinion of the most popular choices and pros/cons. Take it for what's it's worth and enjoy your garage. Feel free to post up a thread in the gallery.