Should Garage Walls Be Textured?

Adding textures to garage walls can be that simple upgrade that adds beauty, increased property value, and is a fun DIY project. However, do garage walls need to be textured? We researched different treatments for garage walls, how to do it, and the pros and cons. Read on to learn more about how people choose to transform the look and feel of a garage, working space, or not.

Go bold and opt for a wall treatment for your garage by rolling on some texture with paint. Not only will a layer of texture hide flaws and potentially increase your home's value, but it will also make your garage look more finished. Depending on your personal style and the type of walls in your garage, choose a complementary texture you'll love for years to come.

It might not make sense to texture the garage walls if it serves as a makeshift storage space or for working on project cars. However, there are some benefits to having textured walls that might pique your interest.

A clean garage in a house with white walls and gray floor, Should Garage Walls Be Textured?

Garage Wall Treatments

Most buyers looking for a home won't jump for a deal property unless a garage is included. Think beyond using a garage to hide away clutter or park the car. Many property owners are transforming their garages and giving them a finished look for aesthetics and increasing a home's value. Consider treating the walls to a modern or timeless textured paint job. A finished garage can be turned into a guest room, an extra bedroom, an at-home getaway, or a space for a micro business. 

There are a few materials that homeowners rely on when they need sturdy garage walls. Check out the following and evaluate a garage before investing in a wall treatment. You might need more paint than you think.

  • Drywall - a common option but low resistance to moisture, black mold, and shows visible damage from impact.
  • Fibreboard - hardboard is best, and this material is lightweight, easy to staple, and has a smooth workable surface.
  • Metal Sheets - corrugated or flat sheet metal that is reflective, can be attached to drywall, and flame-resistant.
  • Pegboard - a perforated board that works by itself as a wall or can be attached to drywall.
  • Plywood - inexpensive, durable, looks polished after being painted, and is good for hanging up tools.
  • Vinyl - good material for humid locations because of moisture resistance and resilience.

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Interior of a clean garage in a house

Some homeowners choose to forego painting their garage walls to cut down on cost, or they think a garage is a dirty place. Painting garage walls can be beneficial. The paint you choose can improve and reflect lighting, make a space feel more finished, and can help with keeping the garage clean. Typically, if a garage's walls are not painted, it's drywall and has a sufficient finished look. Consider giving a garage a nice wall treatment to hide stains, dirt and create an inviting atmosphere.

When selecting paint for garage walls, look for interior enamel or interior latex paint to achieve professional results. If the job seems too big to handle, hire a certified professional.

Texture Types

An empty garage with door and windows, Should Garage Walls Be Textured

Most garage walls are drywall, so you will likely need to pick up some drywall compound to combine with your choice of paint. Additionally, you may need to grab some paint rollers, a hopper gun, a drywall trowel, an air compressor, a primer, and some drop cloth. Check out the following popular textures for walls.

  • Sand Swirl
  • Knockdown
  • Slap Brush
  • Slap Brush Knockdown
  • Orange Peel
  • Popcorn
  • Comb

Each of these textures can be achieved using a few tools, some elbow grease, and patience. When in doubt, ask for help to get the project done. Some creative liberties may need to be taken if you have wood, metal, or vinyl walls. If you want to opt for a smooth satin finish, simply slap on a few coats of interior paint and keep texture to a minimum.

Check out this air hopper spray gun on Amazon.

Check out this quality air compressor on Amazon.

Is It Worth It?

Empty single garage in home

Texturing your walls involves a modest time commitment, materials, and skill. Depending on the type of texture chosen, the price will fluctuate. Prepare to invest an average of $1.67 for every square foot of drywall. Hire a professional and pay an average of $501 for 7.2 hours of labor. DIY and spend up to 13.5 hours to complete the project but spend $125.

What Is The Point Of Textured Walls?

An empty garage with door and windows.

On the surface, textured walls can increase light's reflectiveness in a room and hides imperfections. The choice of a wall texture makes it easier to keep surfaces clean or attract dirt or dust in ridges depending on the style. The popcorn texture is popular in commercial and residential properties for painting ceilings, as it has sound dampening qualities. The knockdown texture has a rustic vibe and has versatile aesthetic value.  Orange peel is a texture that looks like a slight splatter, but it is easy to clean and fits modern and traditional homes.

How Do You Texture Drywall?

 Empty bright garage for a car with electric gates, and heating equipment and a separate entrance to the house.

Need to texture drywall? First, prep the area by cleaning up, removing items, and placing a drop cloth on the floor. Next, gather your tools. You can add a simple texture to drywall using a paint roller or achieve more elegant styles using an air compressor and hopper spray gun. Before you get started, make sure to patch any holes or significant damage so you have an easier surface to work on. 

Next, add a coat of primer or a layer of flat white interior paint. Thin out some drywall compound with a ratio of 4 to 1 using water. The solution should be as thin as your average latex paint when it is ready to use. You will need to apply the thinned-out drywall compound twice. The second layer should be put on before the first layer is fully dry. If you wish, you can use textured paint instead to get the same effect. Use a brush or roller to achieve neat effects, like slight peaks on the wall. Touch up missed spots with a brush as needed.

Check out this notched trowel on Amazon.

Check out this pro paint roller set on Amazon.

What Is The Best Material For Garage Walls?

Large garage with plenty of work space

Many homeowners trust using plywood or fibreboard for garage walls for its versatility and durability. Wood absorbs noises, is easy to hang tools up on attached hooks or nails, and can be doctored up with paint in a flash. Other materials used for garage walls include drywall, pegboard, and metal panels.

Does Finishing A Garage Add Value?

If you are curious if finishing a garage will add value, it depends on the buyer. Some may be turned off by how a garage is treated, while others will appreciate the former homeowner's efforts and pay a pretty penny. The good news is there is an 80% return for investing in a garage by transforming it into a versatile finished room. So, overall finishing a garage is worth it and can bolster a property's value.

In Closing

Interior of a clean garage in a house with white walls and gray floor, Should Garage Walls Be Textured?

Adding a bit of texture to your garage walls not only adds aesthetic value but may increase home value as well. Unless you use your garage as a working space, textures create visual interest, hide flaws, and make an area feel more polished. Try your hand at upgrading exposed brick, cinder block, concrete, or bland drywall with a fun texture treatment with confidence.

Before you go, don't miss out on the following articles of interest.

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One comment

  1. I have textured walls in my garage. Builder put them in throughout house. Garage turned out being a mess. Cobwebs everywhere and since it has a high ceiling they cannot be reached without very tall ladder. The walls are rough so they will not come off with a broom easily. Will have to try carting shop vac around if it will reach. It looks horrible.

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