Durable Interiors for Sheds and Garages: Design Inspiration and Material Tips

Steel production is booming. It reached 6.9 million metric tons in March 2024, a 6.5% increase from the previous month. Everybody is loving steel, especially the DIYers! It’s why we list it as our top interior shed material, but it’s not the only option!

The interior of your shed or garage needs to look just as good and be just as reliable as the exterior. We have some great suggestions on how to make sure this is the case.

Steel Siding Is a Clear Winner

Plywood most certainly has its place, but if you’re after something that can handle wear and tear, quality steel siding should be on your radar. Safety is a big reason why we mention this. If you are using tools that might spark a flame, steel siding offers solid fire resistance. It’s an extra layer of safety that avoids starting an accidental fire while getting some work done.

If your shed or garage isn’t exactly sealed tight against moisture, plywood can see problems like mold, rot, and warping. Steel however, doesn’t care about a bit of moisture. You can rest easy knowing your walls won’t soak up water like a sponge.

Plus, if you have lots of gear moving around, you’ll need walls that can take a beating. Steel might get a dent here and there, but it’ll stay durable and functional for years, making it a solid long-term investment.

Drywall and OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Drywall is a go-to for a lot of people who want a smooth, clean finish. It’s easy to paint, so you can get as creative as you want with colors or even wallpaper, and it also offers good fire resistance (once again, safer than plywood). The downside? You’ll need to make sure your shed or garage is properly sealed with a vapor barrier, or drywall could end up soaking up moisture and turning into a soggy mess.

OSB is made from layers of chipped wood offering a slightly rough, flaked appearance. OSB is durable can handle a lot of wear, and is often used under flooring or for wall sheathing, all at a lower cost.

A Rustic Look with Beadboard and Shiplap

Beadboard is a great shed-building material option as it brings that cozy, old-school look with its vertical grooves and raised beads, plus it’s tough. Made from fibre cement, it’s designed to resist twisting, decaying, and even those pesky wood-eating insects. It’s a bit more expensive than traditional wood, but you’re getting something that’s safer, longer-lasting, and requires way less upkeep.

Shiplap is another stylish option, popular for both interiors and exteriors. It has distinctive cut-out grooves that make installation easier, and the smooth, planed surface means you can slap on a coat of paint without needing to sand it down first.

However, if you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to avoid shiplap as it has a tendency to warp and rot over time when exposed to too much moisture. For drier climates, however, shiplap gives a sleek look with minimal effort.

A Cost-Effective Shed or Garage Interior

MDF and pallets offer flexibility, with the former giving you a polished, room-like feel and the latter adding that cool, rustic, upcycled charm. MDF, or Medium-Density Fibreboard creates a smooth surface without a lot of fuss. It’s easy to work with, making it ideal for DIY projects, and its edges cut cleanly for detailed designs or a more finished look.

You can paint or treat MDF to fit any style you’re going for, but be aware if your shed or garage is prone to dampness. MDF soaks up moisture, which can lead to swelling or damage. This being said, a good wood preserver or stain can help protect it from moisture.

Pallets are a budget-friendly option that also gives your space a unique, rustic look. Just make sure you’re using pallets that are safe for indoor use. You can confirm this by looking for the IPPC marking, which guarantees the wood is free from insects or disease.

Heat-treated or kiln-dried pallets are the safest options and aren’t harmful to your health. Avoid pallets with markings like MB or CP, as these are often treated with chemicals.

Need a Little More Space for The Perfect Shed?

Move somewhere with a little more space, thanks to A House in the Hills, the site that helps you enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. Our unique community of hillside homes lets you live comfortably in a natural landscape, with spaces that invite the beauty of the outdoors into your home.

You’ll also have a lot more room to build the shed or garage you’ve always wanted! Learn more and become a member of the A House in the Hills community today.