On Oct 14, 6:00*am, jamesgangnc wrote:
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.

jg-

Depends on what level of performance & look you'd be satisfied
with......

I would suggest 1/2 or 7/16 osb over the studs and a "finish" of 1/2"
drywall (walls) and 5/8 drywall alone on the ceiling.

If your garage is 25' x 25' you're looking at less than $200 worth of
extra sheet goods (osb). If you're DIY'ing, the layer of osb will
make the installation of the drywall even easier.

How tall are the walls? Perimeter stem wall?

Unless oyu're in earhquake country or a high wind area, I'd suggest
the osb be installed horizontal (unblocked) to increase "over the
studs" bending strength and reduce time & cost. Drywall can go
either way (your perference) but place the sheets to avoid "joints
over joints". With staggered joints the drywall will "block" the osb
& vice versa......stronger wall & less chance of a drywall seam
problem.

If oyu want to go "lowest" cost...just osb on the walls but osb paints
up kinda messy.

cheers
Bob