I'm looking to finish out the workshop at my new house. It is already insulated, and I am struggling to make a decision on how to go from here. It is constructed with steel posts on 5' centers. The two options I'm considering are:

1)Find 4x10 sheets of plywood (thinking 3/4") and screw directly to steel posts. This seems like it would be the simplest solution and would allow me to hang almost anything I want at any spot. The cost is the major deterrent

2)Frame out walls using 2x4's and finish out with sheetrock. I'm thinking the cost would be less, but I'm haven't calculated the cost of the framing so I'm not sure by how much. Downside is that I'd have to hit studs to hang anything.

Anyone have any advise? Is there a 3rd option I haven't considered?

I would strip to with 1 x 4 s and then use something like this on at least a portion of the wall.

Wall Control

Lowes also has a product like that I think.


For the other walls I would use a smooth sided plywood.

Maybe some horizontal channel between the posts then sheet with 3/4" tongue and groove plywood. That's what I did in my shop and I like the look and the functionality. I'm building cabinets next.

Yes, get 1x4 furring strips and furr out the walls on 18-24" centers (depending on budget). Then cover with plywood or OSB.

I just completed this in my own shop at home. Pretty simple and cost effective.


I wouldn't recommend using 4x10 plywood. The span between vertical backing would be too great and you would get quite a bit of flex and warping.

That came out great.

Very nice