19 Jan MgO Boards: A Complete Guide 2025
Table of Contents
- 1 What is MgO Boards: An Overview
- 2 Properties of MgO Boards
- 3 Applications of MgO Boards
- 3.1 1. Drywall Substitute
- 3.2 2. Cladding and Siding
- 3.3 3. Roofing and Subflooring
- 3.4 4. Decorative Elements
- 3.5 5. Temporary Structures
- 3.6 6. Prefabricated Building Panels
- 3.7 7. Renovation Material
- 3.8 Industrial and Commercial Use
- 3.9 Residential Building
- 3.10 Educational Institutions
- 3.11 Offices, Hospitals, and Workspaces
- 4 Magnesium Oxide Boards Vs. Traditional Building Material
- 5 What Makes MgO Boards A Top Priority For Construction
- 6 Why Use MgO Boards in Your Project?
- 7 Sulfycor: The Ultimate Choice to Get High-quality MgO Boards
- 8 Wrap Up
Are you struggling to find a construction material that is simple and easy to use? But it has all the required features to build a perfect home. And yes, it must have a minimum impact on the environment. It gets overwhelming, isn’t it?
Magnesium oxide boards have all the features required for sustainable construction materials. The material is resistant to extreme heat, moisture, and noise. It does not allow pests and moulds and has high strength and structural integrity.
Not only this, but magnesium oxide boards are the leading green building material. From resource acquisition to end-of-life, they have little impact on the environment. This blog post will explain magnesium oxide boards in detail. It will cover everything from their properties to their drawbacks. It will also include comparisons with other building materials. So, let’s get into the topic.
What is MgO Boards: An Overview
MgO boards are the latest high-tech materials for construction. These are made of magnesium oxide, a natural material. It is known for its unique strength and ecological friendliness. They perform same as other conventional materials, like drywall, plywood, and fiber cement boards.
| Feature | MgO Boards | Gypsum boards | OSB | Plywood | Cement |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Moisture Resistance | High | Low | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Durability | Very durable | Moderate | Strong but prone to damage | Moderate | Very durable |
| Eco-Friendliness | Eco-friendly | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Ease of Installation | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Hard |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
Here are the top reasons that make MgO boards unique:
Safety First
MgO boards are well-known for their fire-resistant insulation properties. They are all non-combustible. This gives them high fire resistance. As a result, they appear good for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
They are safe and do not cause pollution in any way.
Sustainability Matters
As an eco-friendly construction module, MgO boards do not contain toxic chemicals. Compared to their counterparts, they are free from formaldehyde and silica. These boards are recyclable, which qualifies them as green building materials.
Using the Magnesium oxide board is a step forward in reducing ecological footprints. It also helps meet the demands of sustainable construction.
Multi-Functional Properties
MgO boards offer excellent resistance to moisture, noise insulation, and durability. They are impervious to wrinkling, swelling, and damage caused by moisture. This makes them highly suitable for areas that experience high dampness or humidity.
In addition, soundproofing contributes to increased acoustic comfort. This is especially beneficial when used in offices and houses.
Properties of MgO Boards
You might be wondering what makes MgO boards exceptional. Well, there are different properties that add to its performance. These are:
1. Fire Resistance
One of the properties of MgO boards that make it the best is its fire resistance. MgO boards have high fire resistance. The material does not catch fire easily. Not only this, Magnesium oxide boards also does not melt even if the temperature goes up to 1200 degrees. On top of that, MgO boards does not release hamrful gases and fumes when burned.
This property ensures the safety of residents as they can get enough time to leave the building in an emergency.
MgO boards are non-combustible, making them appropriate for use as fire-rating materials. They are ideal for fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. Moisture and Mold Resistance
MgO boards are highly moisture resistant. Unlike conventional materials, they do not curl, swell, or rot in underwater conditions. Therefore, MgO boards are ideal to use in places like:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Basement
This is why MgO boards are perfect for use in coastal areas.
Since the boards are moisture-resistant, they do not allow mold, pests, or mildew to grow. All of these features help maintain structural integrity.
3. Non-Flammable and Safe Material
MgO boards are made from naturally occurring minerals, making them fireproof. This property ensures safety in fire-prone areas. Unlike gypsum boards, which readily catch fire, MgO boards are said to be stable and do not spread fire.
Because of this, they are not only suitable but also particularly significant in major safety applications. This includes fire-rated partitions and ceilings. Further, they are non-toxic so they can be used safely in homes and offices.
4. Durability and Strength
Magnesium oxide boards are highly strong and durable, with a high impact strength of more than 5KJ/m2. Therefore, the material can withstand cracks, impacts, and everyday wear and tear, ensuring they last even in the most challenging environments. So you don’t have to replace the boards every now and then.
This is why MgO boards are ideal for flooring, roofing, or walls. They provide solid support and integrity without compromising performance.
You can safely use MgO boards in heavy traffic areas like commercial buildings, educational institutions, or public buildings.
5. Thermal Insulation
MgO boards are known for their thermal insulation. These boards help maintain the indoor climate without heating or cooling equipment. So, should we call them energy-efficient materials? Certainly YES because they reduce the cost of heating and cooling of interiors.
MgO boards become precious components in sustainable buildings, which are designed to meet global energy efficiency standards. They can also be used for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
6. Soundproofing
Another key feature of magnesium oxide board is their noise resistance. Want to cutthe noise of your neighbours without going above and beyond? Or do you live in urban areas where traffic noise is a problem? Consider MgO boards as they are the denser material. These boards cancel all the noise, making quiet environments in homes, offices, theatres, and recording studios.
MgO boards increase privacy and comfort by decreasing sound transfer between rooms. Because they are noise-resistant, they are very important in multitenant buildings.
7. Eco-Friendly Building Material
MgO boards stand out among the crowd because of their eco-friendly nature. These boards are made of abundant green material. Not only this, but MgO boards also have a cleaner manufacturing process. There is little to no heat and fumes. And there is no harmful chemical used during processing.
And what makes them outstanding is that these boards are completely recyclable. Therefore, magnesium oxide board promote the concept of circular economy.
8. Cost-Effectiveness
MgO boards may seem costly at first compared to traditional materials. However, the benefits they offer far outweigh the initial investment. They do not require much maintenance and are very durable and energy-saving. Therefore, it acts as an investment with a payback to be made in the long run.
Their durability and efficiency decreased the need for replacement demand. It makes them cost-effective for various construction projects.
9. Compatibility with Other Materials
MgO boards are compatible with various construction materials, including steel, wood, and concrete. This versatility makes them easy to integrate. They fit smoothly into existing building systems and construction techniques.
Builders can use MgO boards alongside other materials. They do not need to worry about incompatibility or performance issues.
Applications of MgO Boards
Magnesium Oxide board is one of the most versatile buildings. From roofing to cladding and subflooring, you can use it everywhere. It offers strength, durability, fire resistance, and sustainability. All of these qualities lead to its versatile applications. Here are the applications of MgO boards:
| Category | Applications |
| Construction | Wall panels, partitions, ceilings, flooring substrate |
| Fireproofing | Fire-resistant barriers, structural insulation for steel frames and beams |
| Moisture Resistance | Bathrooms, kitchens, basements |
| Acoustic Applications | Soundproofing, acoustic panels for theaters and studios |
| Exterior Applications | Cladding, soffits, eaves |
| Eco-Friendly Uses | Green building projects, energy-efficient designs |
| Specialized Uses | Interior lining for shipping containers, modular buildings, and high-humidity areas |
| Other Uses | Furniture backing, outdoor signage, agricultural buildings |
1. Drywall Substitute
MgO boards are an excellent replacement for conventional building materials. They are superior in terms of:
- Fire resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Impact strength
Hence, they are suitable for indoor walls and partitions in residential places. These boards are perfect for areas that have high humidity since they are mold- and mildew-resistant.
2. Cladding and Siding
MgO boards are also used as cladding and siding materials. In the exterior environment, their noncombustible nature ensures safety. Such conditions do not affect their durability. Besides this, MgO boards are durable as well as aesthetic material. They enhance the look of your space and does not affected by rain, UV, and frost.
3. Roofing and Subflooring
Where else do MgO boards can be used? The Magnesium oxide boards have applications as roofing and subflooring material. When used as subflooring material, MgO boards provide a strong base against fire, moisture, and impact. In the presence of magnesium oxide boards, don’t worry about molds and fungus.
You can use MgO sheets as base sheets in roofing as well.
4. Decorative Elements
MgO boards serve well in interior designs. Their smooth surfaces can easily be painted, offering great potential for finishes. They can be employed in feature walls, decorative panels, and custom architectural elements.
Designers highly appreciate Magnesium oxide boards’ versatility. They enable the creation of amazing and unique aesthetics without sacrificing durability. In residential interiors, MgO boards offer the perfect integration of both form and function.
5. Temporary Structures
Due to their lightweight nature, magnesium oxide boards are suited for temporary structures. They are ideal for use in event booths, pop-up stores, and exhibition spaces.
These boards offer strength when necessary and are highly portable. It makes them a go-to solution for quick assembling.
6. Prefabricated Building Panels
MgO boards are used as prefabricated building panels. They are lightweight and durable, so they can be transported easily. Their core properties, such as fire and moisture resistance, ensure safety. They also guarantee that even prefabricated structures meet durability standards.
7. Renovation Material
MgO boards are perfect for renovation projects. You can cut and shape them to match existing structures. Besides this, they can amp up the space without breaking your bank. Simply finished boards can give your space a neat look and help you achieve high safety standards.
Based on these applications, here are the areas where you can use MgO boards:
Industrial and Commercial Use
MgO wallboards are widely used in industrial and commercial settings. These boards offer:
- Durability
- Chemical resistance
- Impact strength
- Resistance to extreme conditions
- Soundproofing properties
All these properties make MgO boards stand out as the safest material for partitions and protective panels in industrial settings.
MgO boards also have benefits in offices, theatres, and conference rooms. They provide aesthetic advantages in retail spaces. Their soundproofing abilities help create quieter, more productive environments. Meanwhile, their smooth surface can be finished to meet various design requirements.
Residential Building
MgO boards are the top choice for residential buildings. Here is why these boards are preferred in homes and apartments:
- High fire-resistance
- Waterproof material
- No toxic fumes
- Soundproof material
- Durable
All of these features make them ideal for walls, ceilings, and floors in homes. They resist mold and pests, ensuring a safe and long-lasting environment for your family.
Educational Institutions
Safety and durability are essential in schools and universities. Moreover, educational institutions require a peaceful environment. MgO boards provide excellent fire and impact resistance while reducing noise. These features create a secure and peaceful learning space for students.
Offices, Hospitals, and Workspaces
MgO boards are clean, non-toxic, and easy to maintain. Therefore, these boards are perfect to use in high-traffic areas. Their excellent properties ensure safety and hygiene, essential for hospitals and busy workplaces.
Magnesium Oxide Boards Vs. Traditional Building Material
You might wonder what makes Magnesium oxide boards so popular in the construction industry. Well, it’s the features and benefits that it offers to builders. Here is the comparison of MgO boards with conventional building materials:
| Feature/Property | MgO Boards | Plywood | Gypsum Boards | Cement Boards | OSB (Oriented Strand Board) |
| Fire Resistance | Highly fire-resistant (non-combustible) | Low fire resistance (combustible) | Fire-resistant, but can degrade under fire | Fire-resistant, but lower than MgO | Low fire resistance (combustible) |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent, mold-proof, and waterproof | Poor, swells and deteriorates in moisture | Moderate, can absorb moisture and sag | Good, resists moisture well | Poor, swells and deforms in moisture |
| Durability | High, resistant to impacts and abrasion | Moderate, prone to warping and cracking | Low, brittle, and prone to damage | High, durable but brittle under stress | Moderate, prone to splitting or chipping |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, non-toxic, recyclable | Moderate, depends on wood sourcing | Low, energy-intensive production | Low, high carbon footprint | Moderate, depends on wood sourcing |
| Ease of Installation | Lightweight, easy to cut and install | Lightweight, requires woodworking tools | Lightweight, easy to cut, but fragile | Heavy, requires specialized tools | Lightweight, requires woodworking tools |
| Sound Insulation | Good acoustic properties | Moderate sound insulation | Moderate sound insulation | High, good sound insulation | Moderate sound insulation |
| Thermal Insulation | Good, contributes to energy efficiency | Poor, needs additional insulation layers | Moderate thermal properties | Moderate thermal properties | Poor, needs additional insulation layers |
| Cost | Moderate, affordable in the long term | Low to moderate, depending on quality | Low, widely available, and cheap | Moderate to high, depending on thickness | Low to moderate, depending on grade |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Lifespan | Long-lasting, resist environmental damage | Shorter lifespan, prone to rot | Moderate lifespan, prone to wear | Long-lasting in dry conditions | Moderate lifespan, prone to moisture damage |
| Applications | Versatile: walls, ceilings, flooring | Walls, furniture, and cabinetry | Walls, ceilings | Wet areas, exterior walls | Sheathing, subflooring, and roofing |
What Makes MgO Boards A Top Priority For Construction
MgO boards have exceptional properties that make them a top priority for construction. From resistance against fire to eco-friendliness, there is so much MgO boards offer. Here is what makes MgO boards stand out among the crowd of construction materials:
| Feature | Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Fire Resistance | Non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures. | Enhances safety by reducing fire risks in buildings. |
| Moisture Resistance | Highly resistant to water damage and mold growth. | Ideal for wet and humid environments, ensuring long-lasting durability. |
| Strength and Durability | High impact resistance and long-lasting performance. | Reduces maintenance costs and enhances structural integrity. |
| Eco-Friendly | Made from sustainable materials with low environmental impact. | Supports green building practices and reduces carbon footprint. |
| Versatility | Suitable for walls, ceilings, floors, and exterior cladding. | Simplifies construction processes and offers diverse application options. |
| Thermal Insulation | Provides excellent thermal resistance and energy efficiency. | Reduces heating and cooling costs for buildings. |
| Soundproofing | High sound absorption properties. | Ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices and residential areas. |
| Ease of Installation | Lightweight and easy to cut, drill, or shape. | Speeds up construction time and reduces labor costs. |
| Pest Resistance | Impervious to termites and other pests. | Ensures longevity in pest-prone areas. |
| Cost-Effective | Competitive pricing combined with long-term durability. | Provides excellent value for money for both builders and property owners. |
The MgO board offers amazing benefits, so it is becoming a favorite in construction.
Firstly, they are highly resistant to fire. magnesium oxide boards can withstand high temperatures without catching fire, making them a safe option. Moreover, MgO boards are perfectly moisture-resistant and don’t let mold and mildew grow. That’s why they are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any other place that has a chance to get wet.
Another feature of MgO boards is their durability and strength. In addition, they are impact-resistant and take a lot of impact without breaking. These boards last for years without needing much maintenance. Yes, they’re eco-friendly!
| Sustainability Aspect | Details | Environmental Benefit |
| Eco-Friendly Composition | Made from natural materials like magnesium oxide and recycled components. | Reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources. |
| Low Carbon Footprint | Requires less energy to manufacture compared to traditional materials like cement or drywall. | Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions during production. |
| Recyclability | It can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle into other construction products. | Reduces waste in landfills and promotes a circular economy. |
| Non-Toxic | Free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or asbestos. | Improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks for occupants. |
| Durability and Longevity | Resistant to water, fire, pests, and impact, leading to a longer lifecycle. | Reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving resources. |
| Energy Efficiency | Offers excellent thermal insulation and reduces heat transfer. | Lower energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings. |
| Mold and Mildew Resistance | Inhibits the growth of mold and mildew without requiring chemical treatments. | Prevents the use of toxic fungicides and chemicals. |
| Supports Green Building | Qualifies for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits. | Encourages sustainable construction practices and certifications. |
| Lightweight Design | Easier to transport and handle compared to heavier materials. | Reduces fuel consumption and emissions during transportation. |
| Water Efficiency | Does not require water-intensive treatments during production or installation. | Conserves water resources throughout its lifecycle. |
MgO boards are super versatile because they are used in walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors.
This building material is lightweight and easy to handle. You can cut, drill, or shape them without much effort. They save time and also labor costs. Also, MgO boards are resistant to pests like termites, which helps keep buildings strong for the long haul.
Sounds great, isn’t it?
With all these benefits, MgO boards have become a top priority for so many construction projects! Here are the pros and cons of using MgO boards as building material:
Pros of MgO Boards
Here are the benefits of using MgO boards – green building material:
- Fire-resistant and non-combustible.
- Moisture-resistant and mold-proof.
- Strong, durable, and impact-resistant.
- Eco-friendly and recyclable.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Pest-resistant (e.g., termites).
- Provides thermal and sound insulation.
- Non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
- Versatile for walls, floors, ceilings, and cladding.
- Low maintenance and long-lasting.
Cons of MgO Boards
However, there are certain drawbacks to using MgO boards. These are as follows:
- Higher initial cost compared to some materials.
- Limited availability in certain regions.
- Requires specialized screws and tools for installation.
- It can be brittle if mishandled.
- Not as widely recognized as traditional building materials.
Why Use MgO Boards in Your Project?
Here are the reasons you should know if you’re thinking why you should use MgO boards:
Easy Installation
One of the main advantages of MgO boards is their design versatility. They are lightweight easily cut, drilled, or machined. It allows for smooth installation in a variety of applications.
Long-Lasting Properties
MgO boards are meant to last. They do not rot, infest, or do not give way to extreme weather conditions. Therefore, such boards are structurally very strong and involve less maintenance.
Versatile Applications
MgO boards are available for almost all construction needs. Some of those are roofing, cladding, subflooring, or fire-rated assemblies.
Ideal for Sustainable and Safe Building
The global community has shifted towards eco-friendly building materials. It has made MgO boards more relevant than ever before. Their manufacturing process takes less resource consumption. It has a low carbon footprint and negligible wastage compared to conventional building materials.
So, if you have MgO boards installed, you are contributing to a greener planet. Meanwhile, you are enjoying the benefits of an excellent material for construction.
The Commitment of Sulfycor
At Sulfycor, we are committed to delivering building materials that promise a bright future. MgO boards fulfill this vision in terms of sustainable, safe, and durable solutions.
They are widely known because of their exceptional properties and wide utility. You can effectively implement them in your next project.
Sulfycor: The Ultimate Choice to Get High-quality MgO Boards
Now that we know what MgO boards are, it’s important to know where you can get one. Sulfycor is an industry-leading MgO board manufacturer. Based in Guangxi, China, Sulfycor has clients in over 20 countries. Sulfycor has been successfully dealing with clients for more than 8 years, and here is what it offers:
- Chloride-free MgO boards
- Variety of MgO boards like Magnesium sulfate boards etc.
- High-quality magnesium oxide boards that meet ISO quality and safety standards
- Customized boards in different shapes and sizes
- Different types of boards depending on the applications
- 24/7 availability over calls and social media
- Door-to-door service
Contact us to discuss your project. We will ensure you receive a top-notch product on your doorstep.
Wrap Up
Here, we come to the end of our discussion of magnesium oxide boards. These boards stand out as sustainable construction materials. Mag boards have applications in both indoor and outdoor environments. This is because of their unmatchable properties. Not only do these boards have physical strength, but they also have top-quality performance features. However, Magnesium boards come with a high initial cost. Head to Sulfycor to get your building project done.