I'm building a garage with some living space above it. I'd like to
insulate and cover the walls in the garage area as well. But I'd
rather use something besides wallboard since it is so easily damaged.
(See the funny but true earlier posting defintion of a table saw as a
device for shooting lumber into the wall.) Are there any good
alternatives beside 1/4" paneling? That won't break the bank.


*Usually the drywall is required in a garage for fire resistance. When
there is living space above the requirements are more stringent. You could
increase the thickness of the wallboard for durability or install any number
of surfaces on top of the drywall. Plywood, OSB or perforated masonite
(Pegboard) are sometimes used.