Garage Ceiling Options

Open Ceiling

• Many homeowners choose to go with an open garage ceiling, allowing them to use the exposed rafters as a limited storage area. Lawn care equipment such as rakes and shovels, seasonal decorations and even some bicycles can all be stored in the open rafters of a garage ceiling, keeping them accessible yet organized and out of the way. This is typically the most inexpensive option.

Insulated Ceiling

• Installing insulation in a garage ceiling is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency. Most insulated garage ceilings are covered with drywall (sheetrock) to hold the insulation in place, though sheets of plastic or netting can also be used. Acceptable types of insulation include fiberglass batt, foam board, liquid foam, cellulose fiberglass, plastic film and even cardboard.

Finished Ceiling

• A finished ceiling has some form of insulation and the complete installation of drywall. This includes the application of joint compound to cover nail holes or other blemishes, tape to cover the seams and a surface sanding to smooth the board. Some homeowners even paint their finished ceilings and apply texture such as knockdown, mud swirl, slapbrush or acoustic. An access hole is usually cut into the drywall and covered up with a removable piece of sheetrock, access to the rafters. This space can also be used for limited storage.

Unfinished Ceiling

• An unfinished drywall ceiling is comprised of sheetrock attached to the rafters. Nails, screws and seams between sheets of board are typically left exposed, though large gaps or blemishes are covered with joint compound. Insulation may or may not be present. Like with finished ceilings, unfinished ceilings are usually equipped with a rafter access opening.