05 Feb MGO Board vs. Plywood: Which is Better for Your Subfloor Needs?
Table of Contents
Are you planning to upgrade your home? Choosing a perfect material that meets your requirements can be daunting but does not cost a fortune. And picking one from a list of subflooring materials is kind of scary, right?
What if the material does not meet the expectations?
MgO boards are the top choice for subflooring because of their exceptional features and benefits. They are resistant to fire and moisture and have high impact strength. But they’re expensive. Plywood is economical, but it can deform when exposed to extreme conditions.
Fret not if you’re confused about choosing subflooring material. This blog post will compare the different features and benefits of MgO boards and plywood so you can make a better decision. Without further ado, let’s get into the topic.
MgO Boards Vs. Plywood: Which One is Better for Subflooring?
Here is a comparison of MgO boards and plywood to understand their characteristics.
| Criteria | MGO Board | Plywood |
| Material Composition | Made from magnesium oxide (MGO), sand, and other additives. | Made from layers of wood veneer glued together. |
| Moisture Resistance | Highly resistant to moisture. Does not swell or wrap. | Swell or warp if exposed to excessive moisture. |
| Durability | Very durable | Durable but less resistant to impact and moisture. |
| Weight | Heavier than plywood. | Lighter and easier to handle. |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent fire resistance (non-combustible). | Limited fire resistance and can catch fire in high temperatures. |
| Ease of Installation | Requires special tools for cutting and installation. | Easier to cut and install with standard tools. |
| Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly due to non-toxic materials. | Not a sustainable option |
| Sound Insulation | Provides better sound insulation properties. | Less effective at sound insulation than MGO. |
| Lifespan | Longer lifespan due to superior resistance to environmental factors. | Shorter lifespan, especially in high moisture areas. |
1. Material Composition
Both of these subflooring materials have different raw materials. MgO boards are made of magnesium and oxygen, whereas plywood boards are made of layers of wood.
Based on their composition, both materials offer different benefits.
2. Moisture Resistance
Floors get wet, so a material that can resist water is the ultimate choice, right? MgO boards are highly water-resistant and do not bend or swell. Wood also has a good ability to absorb moisture, but it swells and deforms after some time. Therefore, the application of MgO boards is restricted to dry areas only.
3. Fire Resistance
When it comes to fire resistance, MgO boards won the battle. MgO boards have high fire resistance and do not melt and deform even if the temperature rises to 800 degrees. They are non-combustible. And we don’t need to discuss whether plywood is a good fire-resistor. Wood catches fire easily; therefore, it is not a safe subflooring option in areas prone to fire.
4. Noise Insulation
Noise insulation is another key property to consider when choosing subflooring material. MgO boards are more noise-resistant than plywood. The noise resistance property of MgO boards makes them a versatile building material.
5. Durability
Durability is also a necessary factor when choosing a subflooring material. MgO boards are highly durable because they resist fire, moisture, and pests. These features keep the structure intact. Plywood, on the other hand, can catch fire easily and welcome termites. Therefore, it’s not an ideal option for subflooring.
6. Weight and Impact Strength
MgO boards are heavy and require extra care, while plywood is easy to handle and can be installed easily. Both materials have good impact strength.
7. Environmental Impact
Magnesium oxide is a sustainable building material. Its raw materials are abundant in nature and do not reduce resources. Wood is a scarce resource, and cutting trees would cause air pollution. Here is a comparison of the environmental impacts of MgO boards and plywood boards.
| Aspect | MgO Boards | Plywood |
| Raw Material Sourcing | Abundant, non-wood minerals | Wood, dependent on forestry |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly, low-emissions | Varies; depends on sustainable forestry practices |
| Carbon Footprint | Moderate during production | Low, but depends on transport and processing |
| Recyclability | Recyclable | Easily recyclable |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic | It may contain formaldehyde or adhesives |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable | Biodegradable |
| Energy Consumption | High during manufacturing | Moderate |
8. Cost
With all these benefits comes a significant cost. MgO boards are expensive compared to plywood. However, they are a cost-effective subflooring material in the long run because you don’t need to replace them more often and have a longer life span.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Subflooring Material
Based on a features comparison, both of these boards have benefits and drawbacks. MgO boards have exceptional properties; however, they are difficult to install and have a high initial cost.
Plywood also has benefits in terms of environmental impact, but cutting down trees and getting wood is one of the biggest drawbacks. Here are the factors you should consider before choosing the subflooring material:
- High load-bearing capacity
- Moisture resistance
- Durability
- Fire resistance
- Sound insulation
- Ease of installation
- Cost
- Eco-friendliness
- Compatibility with flooring
- Lifespan
Now that we know the factors to consider before choosing the subflooring material, let’s explore where to find the best flooring material.
Sulfycor: Your Ultimate Partner For MgO Boards
Sulfycor is the ultimate partner for MgO boards, Based in Guangxi, China.
We are committed to providing high-quality MgO boards worldwide and have over eight years of experience manufacturing multipurpose MgO boards.
We manufacture Chloride-free MgO boards that meet the ISO standards. We consistently use high-end machinery to provide high-quality MgO boards.
Contact us through social media or call us to get immediate assistance 24/7. And what’s more exciting is that we provide door-to-door service.
Final Verdict
You need to know everything about which material to choose for subflooring. Both materials have pros and cons and, therefore, applications. Magnesium oxide boards are highly resistant to fire, water, and noise. They have little to no impact on the environment.
However, they’re costly compared to plywood. Plywood is not highly resistant to extreme conditions, so its applications are limited.
In a nutshell, MgO boards are the top choice for subflooring.