The garage has long ceased to be just a place to park a car overnight. For many, this is a full-fledged workshop, a warehouse for seasonal items, or even a recreation area where you can quietly engage in a hobby. That is why the question of how to line the walls inside the garage becomes one of the first questions when arranging a room. The correct choice of material affects not only aesthetics, but also temperature conditions, fire safety and durability of the entire structure.
The modern market offers many solutions, from budget corrugated sheeting to environmentally friendly wooden lining. Interior decoration must withstand temperature changes, be resistant to mechanical damage and, ideally, not support combustion. In this article we will look at the main types of cladding, their technical characteristics and installation features so that you can choose the best option for your conditions.
Before purchasing materials, it is necessary to assess the condition of the load-bearing walls. If it is brick or concrete, you will need lathing for insulation and leveling. Metal garages require mandatory thermal insulation, otherwise it will be cold in winter and unbearably hot in summer. Microclimate directly depends on the quality of the “pie” of the wall that we will create.
Criteria for choosing sheathing for a garage space
When choosing a material, it is important to be guided not only by price, but also by the functional purpose of the garage. If you plan to actively work with the tool, the coating must be impact-resistant. For those who store moisture-sensitive equipment or products in the garage, it is critical hygroscopicity and the ability to easily clean the walls from dust and dirt.
Fire safety is the second key factor. The garage belongs to the category of premises with an increased fire hazard due to the storage of fuel and lubricants and work with electricity. The use of combustible materials, such as regular foam or untreated wood, requires additional protective measures. The ideal material for a garage has a flammability class of NG (non-flammable) or G1 (low-flammable).
It is also worth considering the climate zone. In the northern regions, thermal insulation properties come to the fore, and in the southern regions, the ability of the material not to deform under the influence of high temperatures. Budget plays an important role, but skimping on quality may lead to the need to redo the renovation after a couple of seasons.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing insulation and sheathing, make sure they are compatible. Some materials upon contact may enter into a chemical reaction or create a “greenhouse effect”, which will lead to rotting of the structure.
Corrugated sheeting and metal panels: strength and practicality
Metal profiled sheeting is one of the most popular answers to the question of how to cover the walls inside the garage. This solution is often chosen by owners of metal “shells” and hangars. The material is characterized by high mechanical strength, resistance to moisture and ease of installation. Galvanized steel with a polymer coating it lasts for decades without losing its appearance.
The main advantage of corrugated sheeting is its non-flammability. It does not support combustion, which is critical for rooms where gasoline and oils are stored. In addition, metal is easy to clean: just rinse the walls with a hose or wipe with a damp cloth. However, this material also has disadvantages that you should know about in advance.
The metal has high thermal conductivity. Without a high-quality layer of insulation in winter, it will be as cold in the garage as outside, and on the inner surface there will be constant formation of condensate. This can lead to corrosion of the car body if ventilation is not provided. It is also worth considering that thin metal does not soundproof a room well.
- 🔨 High impact resistance and resistance to damage.
- 💧 Complete moisture resistance and no rotting.
- 🔥 Fire safety class NG (non-flammable).
- ❄️ Low thermal insulation without an additional layer.
Installation of the profiled sheet is carried out on a metal sheathing. The sheets are attached with self-tapping screws with rubber washers to the bottom of the wave. It is important not to overtighten the fasteners so as not to deform the metal. It is better to treat the joints of the sheets with sealant to prevent moisture from entering.
Wooden lining: classic and environmentally friendly
Wood is a traditional material that creates a cozy atmosphere. Lining made of coniferous (pine, spruce) or deciduous (linden, aspen) perfectly regulates the humidity in the room. It is comfortable to stay in such a garage for a long time, working at a workbench. In addition, wood has low thermal conductivity, retaining heat better than metal.
However, wood requires careful preparation. Without special treatment with antiseptics and fire retardants, it quickly loses its properties. In a garage, where oil and gasoline vapors are possible, the risk of wood paneling catching fire is much higher. Therefore use fire and bioprotective compounds is a mandatory step.
There are several classes of lining. For a garage, there is no point in buying an expensive “Extra” class; class “B” or “C” with knots is quite suitable. The main thing is that the humidity of the board does not exceed 12-14%, otherwise cracks will appear after drying. Installation is carried out on a wooden sheathing in increments of 50-60 cm.
How to properly dry the lining before installation?
The purchased lining must be kept in the room where installation will take place for 2-3 weeks. The boards should be stacked with spacers to allow air circulation. This will allow the material to acclimatize and accept the natural humidity for the given environment, which will minimize deformation after installation.
Caring for wooden walls involves periodic treatment with varnish or oil. This protects the pores of the wood from absorbing dirt and fuels and lubricants. If oil gets on the wall, it must be removed immediately, otherwise it will leave a dark stain that is difficult to remove.
OSB boards and plywood: budget base for the workshop
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and plywood are excellent options for those looking for a balance between price and functionality. These materials are often used as a base for painting or varnishing. The dense structure of OSB-3 (moisture-resistant series) can withstand significant loads, which allows you to attach heavy shelves and tools to the walls without additional mortgages.
Plywood, especially birch plywood, looks more aesthetically pleasing due to its layered pattern. It is stronger than OSB in bending, but is more expensive. Both materials are easy to process: sawing, drilling, milling. For a garage, this is an important parameter, since over time it may be necessary to dismantle part of the casing to access communications.
The main nuance is environmental friendliness. Cheap boards may contain large amounts of formaldehyde resins. When heated (for example, in a hot garage in the summer), they can release harmful substances. Therefore, for interior decoration it is worth choosing slabs with an emission class E0 or E1.
The slabs are installed on a sheathing (wooden or metal). Be sure to leave a temperature gap of 3-5 mm between the sheets so that the material does not “wave” when expanding. The joints can be covered with decorative strips or simply filled with elastic putty.
☑️ Preparation for installation of slab sheathing
Plastic panels and siding: hygiene and simplicity
PVC panels and vinyl siding are the choice for those who value cleanliness and minimal time spent on cleaning. Plastic is absolutely inert to water, detergents and chemicals. If you often get your hands dirty with oil or work with paints, you can simply wash these walls with a sponge.
However, plastic has a serious disadvantage in the context of a garage - brittleness at low temperatures and flammability. When hit by a heavy object, the panel will easily rub or break through. In addition, when PVC burns, it emits toxic smoke. The use of such materials is justified only in heated garages or as a decorative layer on top of a solid base.
There are special types of panels for technical rooms, reinforced with an additional layer. They are stronger than their household counterparts. Installation is carried out using glue (if the walls are smooth) or on lathing. It is important to use special starting and finishing profiles for a neat appearance.
The table below shows a comparison of the main characteristics of the materials considered:
| Material | Fire safety | Moisture resistance | Difficulty of installation | Average price (RUB/m²)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated sheet | High (NG) | High | Low | 400-800 |
| Lining | Low (G4) | Average | Average | 600-1200 |
| OSB-3 | Low (G4) | Average | Low | 300-500 |
| PVC Panels | Average (G2-G3) | High | Low | 200-600 |
*Prices are indicative for the material, excluding the cost of insulation, sheathing and labor.
To increase the fire safety of wooden or OSB sheathing, after installation, coat the walls with special fire-retardant paint. It forms a foaming layer when heated, blocking the access of oxygen to the wood.
Installation technology: lathing and insulation
Regardless of the material chosen, high-quality wall cladding inside the garage is impossible without proper installation of the sheathing. It performs two functions: it levels the surface and creates space for laying insulation. For metal profiled sheets and panels it is better to use metal profile, for wood and slabs - wooden beams.
The sheathing pitch depends on the material. For lining and panels it is 50-60 cm, for profiled sheets - 60-100 cm (depending on the rigidity of the sheet). It is important to strictly maintain the verticality of the racks using a building level or laser level. Any distortions will be noticeable after completion of the work.
Insulation is laid between the sheathing posts. The best choice for a garage is mineral wool or stone wool. They are non-flammable and have excellent soundproofing properties. Styrofoam is cheaper, but it is flammable and can become a haven for rodents.
After laying the insulation, it is imperative to install a layer of vapor barrier. The film is attached with the rough side to the insulation, and the smooth side - inside the room. This will prevent the cotton from getting wet from condensation. The joints of the film are glued with special tape to create a sealed contour.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use foil penofol as the only layer of vapor barrier under combustible sheathing without a gap. If heated, it may cause a fire.
Finishing and coating protection
Once the walls are sheathed, the work does not end. Wooden surfaces must be coated with varnish, oil or paint. This will not only improve the appearance, but also create a protective film. For the garage, it is better to choose wear-resistant compounds based on alkyd or polyurethane.
Metal elements, if they do not have a polymer coating (for example, cut edges of corrugated sheets), must be painted over. This will prevent rust from running down the wall and staining everything around it. It is also advisable to treat the fastening points of the self-tapping screws with anticorrosive.
OSB and plywood are often simply primed and painted. You can use texture paints that will hide the structure of the chips, or, conversely, emphasize it with a transparent varnish. Light paint colors will help visually expand the space and make the garage brighter, which is important for work.
High-quality finishing increases the service life of the skin by 2-3 times and simplifies the maintenance of the room. Do not neglect protective compounds.
In conclusion, the choice of material depends on your priorities. Do you need maximum strength and fire safety? Choose a professional sheet. Are environmental friendliness and warmth important? Your choice is lining. Are you looking for a cheap and practical solution for your workshop? Stop at OSB. In any case, compliance with installation technology will ensure the durability of the repair.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to line a garage with plasterboard?
It is not recommended to use regular drywall due to its low moisture resistance and strength. However, green moisture-resistant gypsum plasterboard (GKLV) can be used if it is planned to lay tiles on top of it or apply a durable protective coating. In its pure form, it will quickly become unusable from mechanical stress.
Is a vapor barrier necessary if the garage is not heated?
Yes, I need it. Even in an unheated garage, temperature changes occur, leading to the formation of condensation. The vapor barrier will protect the insulation from moisture, which will inevitably come from the soil and air, preserving its thermal insulation properties.
What is the best way to attach shelves to paneled walls?
When installing the sheathing, plan in advance places for heavy shelves and install additional horizontal jumpers (mortgages) there. You cannot attach heavy loads directly to the sheathing (lining or corrugated sheets) - it will not support the weight. Use long screws that go through the sheathing directly into the load-bearing wall or reinforced sheathing timber.
How to treat wooden paneling to remove the smell of gasoline?
Wood absorbs odors well. To get rid of them, you need to wash the walls with a soda solution or special cleaners, let them dry and cover them with several layers of varnish or paint, creating an impenetrable film. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to replace the top layer of wood (sanding).