Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
It is common for garages to serve as a home for vehicles and a workspace or storage space. In addition to being functional, garage walls add to its appeal. Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are commonly used sheathing materials for garage walls. It would help if you determined what type is most appropriate for your garage according to its intended use.
Plywood is a versatile and durable material that can be used for a variety of applications, including garage walls. When used as a wall covering, plywood provides a cost-effective and easy-to-install option that can help to protect the interior of a garage from damage caused by moisture, weather, and other external factors. Plywood can be used to create a smooth and even surface that can be painted or finished to match the look and feel of the garage.
It can also be used to create custom storage solutions, such as shelving and pegboards, which can help to maximize the available space in the garage. Whether you’re looking to create a functional workspace or simply improve the overall appearance of your garage, plywood is a great option that offers both practicality and style.
Plywood for Garage Walls
Plywood is a constructed wood panel made from thin veneer sheets. Because of its strength and durability, plywood is used in many construction and furniture applications.
The plywood garage walls are constructed from plywood panels; they are a popular choice for garage walls because they are durable and affordable. The plywood garage walls can be covered with drywall or other finishes for a finished appearance.
Uses of Plywood for Garage Walls
If a consistent appearance on the wall is not an issue, plywood garage walls are fine. Like OSB, plywood can also be used as sheathing to install a structure or be left exposed to the elements. To create finished walls, you can attach drywall to plywood, and plywood can also be used to attach tools and racks with nails. In contrast to OSB, plywood has a higher likelihood of splintering. A painted wall will have an uneven surface texture, creating knots as a result of the plies’ interlocking.
What is an OSB for a garage wall?
The abbreviation of OSB is Oriented Strand Board. It is a wood panel used in place of plywood because it is less expensive and has more excellent uniformity and stiffness. As a result, OSB boards have a smoother finish than plywood.
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The “oriented” part of their name refers to how the final board looks. Each layer has its strands. A long strand runs along the exterior surface while a short strand runs along the center of the panel at a right angle to the long edge. There are boards with square edges and tongue-and-groove edges in thicknesses ranging from 19/32 inches to 1 1/8 inches. There is a standard panel size of 4 by 8 feet.
The uses of OSB for Garage walls
For garage walls, OSB is an effective sheathing material. It can be used to nail or staple insulation to garage walls as a base. The OSB can be left uncovered for utilitarian bare-wall construction, or it can be painted or primed. As a result of OSB’s ability to take nails, you can hang a variety of items in garages, such as racks, storage systems, carpentry, auto care, and landscaping tools.
Difference between OSB and Plywood
The walls for your garage can be constructed from either OSB or plywood if you don’t want much in the way of cosmetics. The finish of OSB will be smoother and more consistent, so painted OSB walls will look smoother than painted plywood walls. Generally speaking, plywood is a better choice than OSB for garages that retain moisture and humidity. However, OSB is a cheaper option if your garage is underground and prone to re-absorbing moisture.
Pros of plywood for garage walls
A plywood garage wall offers many advantages that make it the preferred choice of homeowners. It is easy to install plywood garage walls since they are strong, durable, and moisture resistant. A plywood garage wall provides excellent fire resistance because it burns efficiently.
Cons of plywood for garage walls
The installation of plywood garage walls can be challenging for someone without any construction experience. It is possible that they may need to be replaced after a certain period of time if they have been damaged by moisture.
Despite being made from manufactured wood, plywood garage walls do not possess the same aesthetic appeal as actual wood paneling. Some customers have also experienced difficulties attaching wiring and lighting to these walls because there are no grooves on drywall panels.
For garage walls, what plywood thickness is recommended?
If directly affixed to the studs, choose plywood 1/2 inch thick to be safe. Reduce the thickness of the plywood to 1/4 or 3/8 inches if local building codes demand that you install a layer of 5/8 inches wide drywall directly to the studs before adding it.
Why is the plywood for the garage wall essential?
Explicit edges
Plywood edges, in addition to being made of multiple layers of thin sheets, are not as smooth as their faces are. To get smooth finishes on all sides, it must be concealed somehow. The most common process is edge banding, which is a thin strip of wood rolled up and covered in heat-activated adhesive. Afterwards, sand the exposed sections once the wood filler has dried to achieve a smooth finish.
In addition to glue and nails, nails can also be used to attach hardwood strips to the edge of the board. However, this method is the most durable. In spite of the visible seam, this method will produce a more durable finish.
A fragile situation
The following tips will help you avoid tearing the plywood layers when cutting.
- Make sure your blades have a high teeth density.
- Put a piece of painter’s tape over your cut line
- Make sure the blade enters from the correct side
- Before you sitting, score the cut line with a knife
- Place a scrap board or foam insulation on the bottom to provide support
- Another option would be to use a track saw with a splinter guard.
Reliability
After absorbing moisture, plywood quickly dries, despite its water resistance. Due to the different rates at which layers expand and contract, plywood can delaminate after repeated moisture infusions and dryings. Plywood is water-resistant, but after absorbing moisture, it quickly dries. Infusions and dryings of moisture repeatedly can penetrate plywood’s adhesive, weakening it with different expansions and contractions.
Final thoughts
As a result, plywood for garage walls is an excellent choice if you want a strong, durable, and moisture-resistant wall. Installing them is relatively easy, and they can be painted or decorated however you prefer. They can also be fitted with shelves so your possessions can be stored. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them in pristine condition.
