Protecting lower garage walls?

[AZhitman]

Hi all - Sorry, this isn't really "flooring" related, but it's close.

Drywall is going in this week in my 68x42 shop, and I'm trying to think of a way to protect the lower 2' or so of the wall from **** banging into it (AND so that I can wash the floor once a year without worrying about getting the drywall wet).

Plan is to avoid using baseboard (so that things sit flush against the wall).

I'd also like it to look nice, without breaking the bank.

Any ideas?

 

[Yosho]

Rubber cove was my choice. It's thinner than traditional wooden baseboard. You can get it in a number of colors and is easy to trim to fit and fairly easy to install too.

I just installed some recently in post #12 here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259254

 

[Zeke]

FRP.
https://www.google.com/search?q=fib...uIGYCQ&ved=0CAUQ_AUoAA&biw=1680&bih=917&dpr=1

 

[xtremek]

I'm going to use reclaimed barn siding coated with a fire retardant. Depends on how much you want to spend. I have to be CHEAP.

 

[Thumper68]

I kniw you said you wanted to cover only 2 feet but in my shop I covered the bottom 8 feet with melamine coated hard board, gave the walls the protection I wanted with the added benefit of being able to make notes on the walls with a dry erase marker.

 

[dewalt378g]

Maybe try vinyl flashing like DuraFlash. Type in vinyl flashing into Amazon and you'll see all kinds. Comes in many widths. A little more durable than aluminum. Can mechanical fasten or use compatible adhesive. Just caulk the joint at the floor to seal it off from the drywall.

 

[k1106]

I had thought about putting wolmanized decking along the bottom. I'm doing my garage as well but haven't gotten this far yet.

 

[AZhitman]

The DuraFlash looks like a good option...

What about Formica? I was thinking maybe 18" strips of laminate sheeting would make a nice base... durable, inexpensive. I've got to do over 150LF, so I'm trying to keep the cost down.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

The DuraFlash looks like a good option...

What about Formica? I was thinking maybe 18" strips of laminate sheeting would make a nice base... durable, inexpensive. I've got to do over 150LF, so I'm trying to keep the cost down.

Aww what the heck, you saved enough by using the drywall, use some 2ft X .125 polished SS, it'll look great...

 

[AZhitman]

LOVE that idea. Now I'm gonna have to price it out.... dammit.

 

[AZhitman]

...aaaaaand, nope.

 

[rsanter]

How about the textured plastic sheets like used in commercial kitchens and such.
They are 4x8 so rip them in half and glue them on

Bob

 

[retfr8flyr]

How about some aluminum diamond plate?http://www.metalsdepot.com/catalog_cart_view.php?msg=

Easy to install, maintain and would look great. I have a piece of this to protect the wall where all my yard tools hang.

 

[dewalt378g]

How about the textured plastic sheets like used in commercial kitchens and such.
They are 4x8 so rip them in half and glue them on

Bob

That's a good idea. Can get that stuff at the big box stores too I believe. May be less prone to warping with temperature compared to the Duraflash.

 

[BIG-BRO]

I've been using the textured plastic sheets in bathrooms and even some stairways at my rental properties and have been very happy with it. I was impressed with all the edge "moldings" they sell to go with it. J-channel to cover cut edges, inside and outside corner fittings, etc. Specific adhesive and notched trowel to apply. I think it would be good lower wall covering.

 

[AZhitman]

That's a good call, too... I'll look for it in a color other than white / ivory.

 

[TigerGA]

I've been using the textured plastic sheets in bathrooms and even some stairways at my rental properties and have been very happy with it. I was impressed with all the edge "moldings" they sell to go with it. J-channel to cover cut edges, inside and outside corner fittings, etc. Specific adhesive and notched trowel to apply. I think it would be good lower wall covering.

A buddy used this to cover the walls in a motorcycle trailer. Looked good and worked great. This is probably your best, least costly option.

 

[Whirnot]

As Zeke posted above, it's callled FRP. Fibre reinfirced plastic. Holds up well. A less expensive option is called polywall, used to be available at Loews. Not sure if it is now or not.