Cover wall with plywood

ACR_SCOUT

I would like to cover a 10' section of my garage wall from the ceiling to the floor with 3/4" plywood. This would make it easier to mount things to the wall.

Is it acceptable to cover a garage wall with wood? I am just thinking about fires. Or, can someone suggest something different.

If you do agree, how do I ensure the joints stay flush?

Thank you.

jklingel

I'd suggest you ask a local official for your codes on that. I see no reason to not do what you plan; if wood cabinets are OK then a sheet of ply should be. But, that is just a guess; see an official. Could you live w/ the plywood covered w/ sheet rock and perhaps cut a tad undersize so the sheet rock would cover it and you could mud the edges? If you will be welding or have open flames, I'd sure sheet rock over the ply, code or not.

ACR_SCOUT

The garage is already sheetrocked. No welding here. I mainly use the garage for woodworking, tinkering and of course storage.

jklingel

I assumed that, but your concern for naked wood is perhaps a "cover it and sleep better" deal. Therefor, I suggested sheet rocking over the ply. Either way, if it is not against code, I'd leave the ply naked and go.

joecaption

Why not just use 1/4 peg board or slat board.
?

hand drive

plywood should be fine, make sure to nail/screw the plywood over top the drywall into the wall studs and make the seam breaks at the stud as well so the seams stay flush.Also, consider putting a coat of poly or paint on the ply to finish it out.

hammerlane

If you want to cover your gargae wall from ceiling to floor with ritz crackers, its your garage.

Why don't you check with the higher-authority: your wife???

ACR_SCOUT

That's funny. Her statement was "it's just a garage, why would you want to do that". Hehe.

hammerlane

They just don't know.

ACR_SCOUT

I don't think peg board will be strong enough. I am not sure I know what slat board is.

The point of the exercise is hanging garden tools and making a rack to hold the small refrigerator, as well as a pull point for the drop light and air hose.

If I have plywood up, presuming it is appropriately affixed to the studs I could just put all my requirements where I want.

Don't get me wrong, there will be peg board above the work bench

woodworkbykirk

as long as you have 5/8 drywall thats taped behind the plywood your fine.. just be sure to use 2 1/2" screws with gromets to fasten it to the studs so it holds

ACR_SCOUT

Ah, gromets. I hadn't thought of that. I was going to use deck screws. Hmmm. Something else to think about.

woodworkbykirk

theres no difference in exterior to interior screws other than the deck ones are coatd.. the gromets will help with holding power or use washer head screws which basically do the same thing as gromets

ACR_SCOUT

I understand. I was thinking the threads per inch on the deck screws would hold better than plain ole drywall screws.

I could always use ring shank nails, but then I would hate myself later if I ever needed to take it down

woodworkbykirk

oh.. definitely dont use drywall screws.. drywall screws are for one thing hanging drywall not for hanging things off of drywall. they dont have any shear strength you have to use wood screws