Install
Install drywall on walls and ceilings, framed and fastened correctly for an unheated space.
Every garage installation covers the same ground
Protect
Fire-rated Type X drywall where code requires it.
Finish
Finish and prep for paint, matched to how the garage will actually be used.
Why garages usually need fire-rated drywall
Where Type X Is Required
Any wall or ceiling separating a garage from living space is a common spot where Type X fire-rated drywall is required, since a garage is where gasoline, propane, and other flammable materials tend to get stored, and building code wants extra time built into that shared wall before a fire could spread into the house. Type X is a thicker board with glass fibers in the core, and it's a straightforward, inexpensive way to meet that requirement, the cost difference over standard drywall is minor compared to what it's protecting against.
Not every wall in a garage needs Type X, a detached garage with no shared wall to living space typically has more flexibility, but the ceiling under a room above an attached garage almost always does. This is exactly the kind of detail worth confirming before drywall goes up, not after an inspector flags it.
Garage drywall FAQs
Do I need fire-rated drywall in a detached garage?
Generally, a detached garage with no shared wall to living space has more flexibility than an attached garage. We can confirm the specific requirement for your situation before installation starts.
What about the ceiling if there's a room above my attached garage?
That ceiling almost always requires Type X fire-rated drywall, since it's the separation between the garage and living space above it. This is one of the most commonly required fire-rated assemblies in residential garages.
Is garage drywall installation different from a normal room?
The framing and fastening approach accounts for the fact that garages are typically unheated and unconditioned, which affects material behavior differently than a climate-controlled room. Fire-rating requirements on shared walls are also specific to garages.
Can I finish my garage drywall myself after you install it?
Yes, though we recommend having the taping and finishing done professionally even if you plan to paint it yourself, since improperly finished seams are difficult to correct later without redoing the work.