Replies

1. 
   Jack_Pine | Jul 31, 2002 04:34pm | #1

   I don't know if it's a cost effective option where you are, but up here you can't beat T&G pine.  It looks great, you can hang things anywhere you want, and up here at least it's cheap.

2. 
   bobpowers | Jul 31, 2002 04:39pm | #2

   Tom,

   I built a new shop a couple of years ago, my second, and have a couple of thoughts.  My first had a lot of pegboard, which I found useful, but I still spent a lot of time building something more substantial to hang things from.  My new one has 5/8" fireproof sheetrock on walls and ceilings.  You are right, it is maintenance free, but when it comes to hanging stuff, you still have the problem of locating studs.  If I were to do it over again, I would make the walls plywood, T-111, or some such so I didn't have to worry about whre I could hang things.

   Regards,

   Bob

1. 
   LarryPile | Jul 31, 2002 05:20pm | #3

   I'd use T&G pine, OSB or some other "wood-like" material that is sturdy...you can hammer in a nail and hang anything anywhere.

   It's expensive but looks nice and, heck, you get what you pay for...

   lp

1. 
   bobpowers | Jul 31, 2002 07:56pm | #4

   Larry,

   I'm with you!  Hadn't thought about the fact that T-111 is full of holes, thin spots, etc.  In addition, there's no reason not to use a combination of gypsum board and paneling, if only I knew where I wanted to hang things.

   Regards,

   Bob

3. 
   BG | Jul 31, 2002 08:17pm | #5

   Tom,

   What a fun problem to have...thanks for asking us to play too!  The T&G is great but it's gotta be a dust collector...and will you poke holes all over it as you decide a better layout is required ?

   How about (going off the deep end here) you run 2-4 strips of wood (like 2x4's) horizontal around the room...and wall board in between the strips.  You could even create a space to accomodate your wiring within the boards.  The boards could be swaped out if they got to messy with holes.

4. 
   sschefer | Jul 31, 2002 09:14pm | #6

   Tom, have you considered 5/8 drywall and pegboard panels fir'd out with 2x2's. You could make several panels up and then hang them on the walls where ever you needed them. If you change your mind, you would just un-screw them and move them. For heavier items, just back up the panel with a 2x4 and use a Bicycle Hook. Do you understand what I'm trying to say? I'm better at doin then writing.
5. 
   TKanzler | Jul 31, 2002 09:40pm | #7

   I'm in the process of building mine in the basement, and I'm using T-111 on 2x4 studs.  It may hold dust, but that's what vacuums are made for.  Plus, I can hang things anywhere I want, within reason, like electric boxes and conduit.  The only real downside, as I see it, is that T-111 is not fireproof.  But then, neither is any other wood wall material.

    

   Be seeing you...

6. 
   Lilshaver | Jul 31, 2002 10:25pm | #8

   Sheetrock (drywall)......it's inexpensive, takes paint well, can be easliy repaired, and it is a firewall. Use the money you save to buy a stud finder and some nice lumber for a piece of furniture.

7. 
   uncommontree | Aug 01, 2002 05:06am | #9

   Tom.

   I used 7/16 OSB on my shop walls. This a good solid surface, it will take a hit well , paints up rather quickly (rough side out) you can hang what ever you want when ever you want. Big heavy stuff will require you to find studs though. My ceiling     well        that another storie all togather. The cost of OSB around here is running about 5.00 to 6,00 a 4x8 sheet. Not to bad really ya think...............Have fun Rick

1. 
   corners | Aug 01, 2002 08:38am | #10

   I used 3/8" OSB on my shop walls. Attached it with screws so I can open up any part of the walls easily to move wires, air pipes etc. It's easy to screw any hangers, tools or cabinets anywhere on the wall and if I put too many holes in any area I can just unscrew the OSB and put up a new piece. I painted it all white to reflect light and keep my shop bright. Works for me!

1. 
   WilliamTaber | Aug 01, 2002 02:53pm | #11

   Ditto to Corners post. Have tried sheetrock and various other materials and for cost & strength (where it's a consideration) the OSB is certainly useful.

8. 
   petersenpete | Aug 01, 2002 04:19pm | #12

   Tom,

   I am finishing up my detached 24 x 27 x 10' ceiling detached workshop.  Just finished drywalling the ceiling.  Now I'm going to some big boxes today to finally decide what I'm going to do for the walls.  It's going to either be 7/16 OSB (still have about 10 sheets left over from the exterior sheathing) or 1/2" plywood.  I was going to drywall, but even with 9 circuits in the shop I'm sure somewhere down the line I'll want to put in another one and unscrewing the panels will come in handy.  With OSB at $4.88 a sheet and plywood about double that I'm not sure what I'll end up buying.  T-111 is about $20 a sheet around here so that's out of the budget's range.  I'd rather put the money towards my new cabinet saw.  Let us know what you decide.

   "He who is not busy being born, is busy dying."  Bob Dylan
1. 
   Adrian | Aug 01, 2002 04:29pm | #13

   Drywall.....clean, no visible joints, and it doesn't have to be finished like a house. Painted white. Can't be bright enough for me, and I don't have much in the way of windows. Finding studs when you want to hang something is no big deal...if it's that heavy, I wouldn't be hanging it off OSB anyway, I'd still be looking for a stud.cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

1. 
   Elcoholic | Aug 01, 2002 07:05pm | #14

   I'm not sure of the strength, but the slat wall panels used extensively in retail stores looks interesting.  It's probably mdf or pb core so heavy stuff will still need to be tied to the studs or blocking.  3 advantages over pegboard are:   a) the hangers are beefier and don't come off with the tool; b) it's basically melamine so it has a fairly durable finish and c) it's available in white for good reflectance.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   petersenpete | Aug 01, 2002 07:21pm | #15

   Well, just got back from Menard's.  I went with 4x8x1/2" 4 ply CDX plywood.  I'm hoping that screwing to the studs at the end of the sheets will have less tendency to tear out than OSB does.  The surface on one side is relatively smooth so it should look ok painted up, then again, who cares? it's MY shop!!!  FYI if was $8.77 a sheet.  Once I get the shop done I'll post some pictures.  I've built it from the ground up with the help of my best friend (he took vacation to help me, now that's a friend) and it's turned out beyond my expectations.  Now I'm ready to get back to woodworking and hang up my toolbelt for awhile."He who is not busy being born, is busy dying."  Bob Dylan

1. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 02, 2002 04:58pm | #16

   well too late, but i was going to suggest metal roofing panels. Not the barn stuff, but the extruded material you'd see on homes businesses.  comes in lots of colors

9. 
   tom_gattiker | Aug 02, 2002 08:11pm | #17

   I agree with jeff and adrian on the virtues of drywall.  Let me add that is it also the best at keeping noise in your shop.  You can mark the locations of your studs as you hang the drywall, using a pencil or what ever, so you can find them easiliy later.

10. 
    BJ | Aug 02, 2002 09:22pm | #18

    Tom,

    I am designing a new shop now and am considering sheetrock for the walls with a cleat mount about 7 feet off the floor along all perimeter walls.  I'll be able to hang cabinets, peg board, jigs, etc., anywhere along the walls without nails.  Things hung from the cleat can be moved anywhere along the wall rather easily.  BJ