Alternatives to drywall?

[nosualc]

TBNers,

I have a 50x40 out-building (garage, barn, shed, workshop, etc.) that was built using standard stick frame construction, with 2x6 studs. The side walls are 12' high with vaulted trusses. The inside peak of the trusses is approximately 16'. Currently, the building is finished externally, with open studs internally. I plan to insulate and heat this building, and to "finish" it.

I've done enough drywall to know that I don't want to hang, tape and especially sand this myself. Also, drywall isn't terribly durable, and once it's on, the walls are inaccessible.

What are the alternatives to drywall? Things I need to consider (in order) are durability, appearance, access, and cost. I know there are lots of TBNers who've been down the same path. Thanks in advance for any advice!

-nosualc

ps - Strictly speaking, this is not tractor related, other than this is where I park my JD3320. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[bczoom]

I've seen subflooring (1/4" luann) used. Worked OK on the walls (if you're not planning on hanging tools off it) but after a few years, it started bowing on the ceiling from the weight of the insulation.

I used 1/2" OSB and secured with drywall screws. It meets your durability and access requirements but even painted, it's not the prettiest.

 

[slowrev]

If cost was not a big issue I would put concrete panels up with screws. Hardi Panels ? not sure of the name. Fire proof, welder sparkle proof, fairly tough and paintable. Maybe 3/8 plywood beadboard on the ceiling.
Drywall is the cheapest way to go in materials.
Ben

 

[Farmwithjunk]

My shop (48'X96") is divided into a few areas for particular uses. The welding area (welding, grinding, sand-blasting) is walled with corregated metal simular (but not the same) as the exterior of the building. (One wall, and interior divider, is concrete block. It serves as a back-drop to the sand-blaster/grinder) My general repair area is drywall. (cheapest per sq. ft.) Tool storage area/workbench area is 3/4" plywood for ease of mounting shelves, hangers, rack, and bins. Office area is white oak paneling. Finally, the paint area is 1/2" plywood, covered with epoxy paint. (washable)

I installed a drop ceiling over the paint area, tool storage/workbench area, and of course, the office. (That's all under a storage loft anyway) I used "food grade" washable ceiling tile. (essentially gypsum board with a vinyl facing, again, for washability) That allowed me to use relatively inexpensive 2'X4' lay-in lighting in those areas.

I do a good bit of painting in the winter time. I wanted a shop that was durable, yet washable and clean.

 

[nasdaqsam]

How about the same panels used for applications like a milking parlor. They are plastic or fiberglass and can be screwed to the walls so easy to remove if need be. There light weight and look pretty good once installed. Being they are white it helps with the lighting also. They can take a beating and continual washing with out effecting them. I can't remember the name of them but they shouldn't be hard to find.

 

[woodlot]

Before screwing up concrete board or anything other than drywall check with the truss manuf. to see what types of material are ok. I'd think anything lighter than drywall would be ok, anything heavier MIGHT have unforseen ramifications.

For the walls textured fiberglass panels give kind of a commerical look. White pegboard when trimmed-out properly can look real sharp. Also, I once saw a cabin that had OSB (without the lines showing) with multi layers of poly, it actually looked really good.

 

[PineRidge]

We finished the ceiling in drywall and the walls with OSB on our pole barn. The nice thing about OSB is that you can remove it should the need arise to run a new wire or something similar and then reattach the panel (use screws instead of nails to attach the panels).

Then we use nails to hang tools, shovels, and the like so it works well for that application too.

 

[fishman]

I used OSB instead of wallboard in a utility room I built in my oversize garage. After a couple coats of satin white it actually looks just fine, lots of texture. The advantage to me was the ability to mount shelves or hang things wherever I wanted.

 

[Soundguy]

I built a garage next to my horse barn. the garage is stick frame, and has vinyl siding., open frame onthe inside.

I ran my own electric and phone in the walls, and then insulated it with batting, and then hung pegboard over most of it.. and tyvek facing over the rest. the pegboard was great for tool hanging.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[RalphVa]

About the most practical wall board material is peg board. The little barn at the house I owned in Baton Rouge had its walls done in this material. So, this is what I used for the walls in my carriage house I built here. I just used some short, self-tapping screws with big heads to put it up. Easy to take down if you have to get behind it. Also, it's great for putting pegboard fittings all over for hanging things.

It comes in 4x8 sheets just like regular plywood or wall board. Think there are 2 different weights of it.

Ralph