09 Dec What Is The Cost of MgO Boards Compared To Regular Gypsum Boards?
Table of Contents
- 1 Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards
- 2 What Are Gypsum Wallboards?
- 3 Key Features of Gypsum Wallboards
- 4 What Is The Cost of MgO Boards Compared to Regular Gypsum Boards
- 5 Factors That Affect the Cost of Wallboards
- 6 Comparing Initial Costs: MgO Boards vs Gypsum Wallboards
- 7 Installation Costs and Complexity
- 8 Maintenance and Longevity: Long-Term Value
- 9 Sulfycor: One-Stop Shop For MgO Boards
- 10 Final Verdict
- 11
Choosing the wallboard for your home or workspace can be tedious. You may need to visit markets, discuss multiple vendors, etc. However, cost remains one of the most crucial factors needing attention.
MgO boards have a high upfront cost compared to Gypsum boards. And you might be eager to hear the answer to the question that comes to you: Are the benefits of MgO worth the higher price tag?
MgO boards are versatile building materials with all the features a building material should have. From high fire resistance to pest resistance and structural strength, MgO boards are an all-in-one solution for indoor and outdoor environments.
However, all these features come with a high initial cost. This blog will compare the cost of MgO boards to regular Gypsum boards and discuss the features and benefits both offer to justify the price. So, without any delay, let’s get into the topic.
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards
Magnesium oxide boards are made of magnesium, oxygen, binding material, and additives. They stand out among other building materials because of their versatility and strength.
What makes them more appealing is their low carbon footprint. MgO boards are made of cleaner, 100% natural material. The production and manufacturing process also does not release air pollution. After usage, the material no longer remains a burden on the environment. You can recycle it and use it for other purposes.
Enough for the initial overview of MgO boards, let’s head to the key features of these all-in-one boards in detail:
- Resistance to Fire: One particularly well-known characteristic of MgO boards is their heat resistance. These boards are non-flammable and remain intact when exposed to high temperatures.
- Resistance to Moisture: Another benefit of the MgO board is its resilience to moisture. MgO makes exterior facades, baths, and kitchens resistant to water damage. The structure’s ability to withstand moisture helps to sustain it.
Additionally, MgO boards are not a favorite location for mold and mildew, so they enhance indoor air quality. MgO boards improve structural specification and appearance and are appropriate for moist environments. Therefore, they are favored in damp environments.
- Durability: The boards have high impact strength. MgO boards do not break, crack, or deteriorate easily.
- Noise Resistance: Their exceptional noise insulation ability is another feature that keeps the MgO boards on top.
- Sustainable Materials: MgO boards, made from natural minerals, offer increased environmental benefits when used in buildings. They are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
Pros and Cons of MgO Boards
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly durable and long-lasting | More expensive upfront compared to gypsum boards |
| Excellent fire, water, mold, and pest resistance | Heavier, making installation more labor-intensive |
| Eco-friendly and recyclable | Limited availability in some regions |
| Non-toxic and improves indoor air quality | |
| Low maintenance cost over time | |
| Suitable for a wide range of applications (interior/exterior) |
What Are Gypsum Wallboards?
Gypsum wallboards are made of paper or fiberglass. Gypsum is an undisputable building material due to its lightweight, easy installation, and low cost. However, its vast environmental impact makes it a secondary option. Here are the key features of Gypsum boards:
Key Features of Gypsum Wallboards
Here are the key features of Gypsum Wallboard:
- Fire resistance: Gypsum boards are resistant to fire. However, their fire rating is lower than that of MgO boards. Still, they are good choices for residential and commercial buildings.
- Moisture resistance: Gypsum boards can withstand a considerable amount of water. They do not swell or break down. However, the boards easily break because they are a favorite place for mold and termites to live.
- Ease of Installation: Gypsum boards require little to no effort to install. They are lightweight and easy to cut.
- Soundproofing: Gypsum boards are suitable for partition walls because they have reasonable soundproofing qualities.
Pros and Cons of Gypsum Boards
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable and widely available | Susceptible to water damage and mold |
| Lightweight and easy to install | Shorter lifespan compared to MgO boards |
| Commonly used, making it easy to find contractors | Less durable – prone to cracks and dents |
| Fire-resistant (but can break down in high heat) | Not eco-friendly – limited recyclability, contributes to landfill waste |
| Suitable for standard interior applications |
Read out the detailed guide on the difference between MgO boards and Gypsum boards.
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What Is The Cost of MgO Boards Compared to Regular Gypsum Boards
Based on each board’s features and benefits, their pricing varies. Here is the cost comparison of MgO boards and regular Gypsum boards:
| Feature | MgO Boards | Regular Gypsum Boards |
| Average Cost per Square Foot | $1.50 – $2.50 | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Durability | High (fire, water, mold resistant) | Moderate (can be damaged by water/mold) |
| Installation Cost | Slightly higher due to specialized handling | Lower due to common usage |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years | 10-15 years |
| Environmental Impact | More eco-friendly, recyclable | Contains chemicals, less recyclable |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent (non-combustible) | Good, but can break down in high heat |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Applications | High-performance construction (e.g., exterior walls, commercial buildings) | Standard residential and commercial walls |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Wallboards
Multiple factors impact the cost of MgO boards compared to regular Gypsum boards throughout their lifecycle. To understand, let’s first break down the cost of these boards throughout their lifecycle.
| Cost Category | MgO Boards | Regular Gypsum Boards |
| Initial Cost | $1.50 – $2.50 per square foot | $0.50 – $1.00 per square foot |
| Manufacturing Cost | Higher due to more complex processing and eco-friendly materials | Lower due to widespread production and cheaper materials |
| Maintenance Cost | Low – resistant to fire, water, mold, and pests, requiring minimal repairs | Moderate – susceptible to water damage, mold, and more frequent repairs |
| End-of-Life Cost | Low – recyclable and eco-friendly disposal | Higher – less recyclable can lead to more landfill waste and additional disposal fees |
| Total Lifespan | 20-30 years | 10-15 years |
1. Production Expenses
Magnesium oxide is less common than gypsum boards and requires more work and energy to convert into building boards. Because its production requires more advanced methods, MgO boards are more expensive.
Gypsum Wallboards: Gypsum is more widely available and produced in a less complicated and costly manner. The mass manufacture of gypsum wallboards, particularly in regions where gypsum is abundant, keeps prices low.
2. Material Availability
The regional availability of MgO boards may differ because the material is not widely popular. This might increase the prices in locations where MgO is not generated locally. MgO boards are quite a new building material and are not readily available.
On the other hand, Gypsum boards are famous worldwide. Therefore, its price is low.
3. Environmental Impact and Sustainability
MgO Boards are natural materials and have a cleaner production process. MgO boards are an environmentally friendly option because:
- They are recyclable
- Require less energy in production
- Low emissions
- No hazardous chemical
All these factors lead to a high cost compared to Gypsum wallboards.
Gypsum is also naturally present in nature. But it takes a lot of energy to extract and process it. Furthermore, Gypsum boards can’t be recycled, resulting in landfills. This leads to low initial costs but high end-of-life costs.
Comparing Initial Costs: MgO Boards vs Gypsum Wallboards
The initial purchase price of MgO boards is usually higher than that of gypsum wallboards. But this is just a portion of the total cost.
Cost per square foot
MgO boards come in different sizes and thicknesses. Depending on these two factors, the average cost of MgO boards is between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. In contrast, gypsum wallboards are significantly less expensive, ranging from $0.40 to $1.20 per square foot.
This difference in cost, particularly for larger rooms, can substantially impact the project’s overall budget.
Total Material Cost
MgO boards are substantially more expensive upfront. But as we’ll discuss in the upcoming parts, there are more aspects to consider than just the buying price.
Installation Costs and Complexity
Another area where MgO boards and gypsum wallboards can differ in cost is during installation.
Installation Ease
MgO Boards are heavier than Gypsum boards, making them difficult to handle during installation. Moreover, they require more labor, time, and instruments for cutting and installation.
On the other hand, Gypsum Wallboards are lightweight, simple to cut, and quite easy to install. The ease of installation decreases personnel costs and overall project time.
Labor Expenses
Labor costs for installing MgO boards are slightly higher than those for Gypsum boards because handling them is more difficult. While Gypsum boards are easy to install, they require less manpower.
Maintenance and Longevity: Long-Term Value
That’s all for the upfront cost. Another “hidden cost “cost involves cleaning up, end-of-life, and maintenance costs. MgO boards have a higher initial cost but require deficient maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution over time.
MgO Boards have high impact strength and do not deform easily. The material is resistant to fire, moisture, and pests, so they require few repairs. Gypsum wallboards are not resistant to extreme weather, so they bend and crack easily. Gypsum wallboards require regular maintenance and replacements.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability is a critical feature that causes variation in the cost of boards. Here is the cost comparison based on the environmental impact of MgO boards and Gypsum boards:
| Category | MgO Boards | Regular Gypsum Boards |
| Raw Materials | Made from magnesium oxide, natural minerals, eco-friendly | Made from gypsum, a naturally occurring mineral that often includes chemical additives |
| Energy Use in Manufacturing | Moderate – more energy-efficient than gypsum production | High–gypsum production is energy-intensive due to calcination (heating process) |
| Carbon Emissions | Lower – emits less CO₂ during production | Higher – gypsum board manufacturing emits more CO₂ |
| Recyclability | Highly recyclable – can be reused in construction or as fertilizer | Limited recyclability – ends up mostly in landfills |
| End-of-Life Impact | Low – breaks down naturally, minimal waste | High – non-recyclable, contributes significantly to landfill waste |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic, contains no harmful chemicals | May contain additives like formaldehyde, affecting indoor air quality |
| Sustainability | More sustainable – longer lifespan, eco-friendly materials, recyclable | Less sustainable – shorter lifespan, uses more resources, higher disposal impact |
| Water Usage in Production | Lower – requires less water during production | Higher–significant water is used in gypsum board production |
| Overall Environmental Impact | Lower – better for eco-conscious projects | Higher – greater impact due to energy use and landfill waste |
MgO Boards
Let’s break down the environmental cost.
MgO boards are made of natural and non-toxic materials, so material extraction is low-cost.
Then, regarding production and manufacturing, MgO boards are made of non-toxic material, so no hazardous fumes are released into the air. Moreover, the boards require less energy to manufacture.
Lastly, MgO boards are recyclable and can be used for multiple purposes rather than ending up in landfills, reducing their cleanup cost.
Learn if MgO boards are sustainable building materials.
Gypsum Wallboards
Gypsum is also a naturally occurring material, but the extraction cost is comparatively high. It takes A LOT of energy and resources for extraction and manufacturing.
After its end-of-life, the material adds to the cost because it can’t be recycled easily.
Fire and Moisture Resistance: Cost-Saving Factors
Multiple other factors add to the cost of using a particular building material.
MgO Boards are naturally resistant to fire and extreme weather conditions. Besides this, the material has an exception in resistance against water. MgO boards are non-flammable. Therefore, you don’t have to add an extra layer to serve the purpose.
However, Gypsum wallboards are not fire-resistant and swell when exposed to water. You might need to add an extra layer on the walls and floor to prevent the material from deforming.
Noise Resistance
MgO boards are good noise insulators. The boards have good noise-absorbing ability, perfect for areas needing more peace and a relaxed environment. Nevertheless, you must add material to cancel noise when using regular Gypsum boards.
Moisture and Mold Resistance
MgO Boards are a great option for damp spaces like bathrooms and basements. The material does not swell and deform and does not allow mold or mildew to grow there, reducing the chances of damage.
Gypsum Wallboards deform when exposed to water. They also allow pests and mold to grow, compromising indoor air quality. The boards also affect the structural integrity, raising the overall cost.
Sulfycor: One-Stop Shop For MgO Boards
Are you planning to buy MgO boards for your next building project? Sulfycor offers a range of chloride-free MgO boards in different shapes and sizes. Based in Guangxi, China, we have clients worldwide. At Sulfycor, we ensure that every product meets the ISO standards and all safety criteria. That’s why we have satisfied clients in more than 20 countries.
We provide chloride-free MgO boards in customized shapes and sizes. Simply discuss your project details via phone or contact us through social media. The experts will ensure that every requirement is fulfilled and that the product is delivered to your doorstep.
Final Verdict
Here, we discuss the cost of MgO boards compared to regular Gypsum boards. Both boards have exceptional features that make them good competitors in the construction industry.
Regular Gypsum boards have a lower initial cost than Magnesium Oxide boards. However, the cost comparison throughout the lifecycle showed that MgO boards are cost-effective.
Get the best MgO boards from Sulfycor and forget all your worries.