Comparing Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board with Drywall and Plywood in 2025

09 Jul Comparing Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board with Drywall and Plywood in 2025

You want the best building material for 2025. Magnesium oxide sheathing board is a better choice for most buildings. New trends show mgo board is best for fire safety, water protection, and lasting strength. Builders pick mgo because it stops mold, water harm, and bad weather. Tougher fire rules and green laws make more people use mgo board. Cost is important, but mgo gives value that lasts. Many people now say mgo board is the best. It is safer, stronger, and better for the planet than drywall and plywood.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium oxide board gives the best safety from water, mold, and fire. This helps buildings stay safe and last longer.
• Mgo board stays strong and does not break down after many years. It can handle wet places and high heat better than drywall and plywood.
• Picking mgo board can lower repair bills and insurance costs. This is because it does not get damaged easily and lasts a long time.
• Mgo board is good for the environment. It uses less energy to make and holds carbon, which helps the Earth.
• Mgo board costs more at first, but it is safer and lasts longer. This makes it a better deal than drywall and plywood in the long run.

Material Overview

Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board

Magnesium oxide sheathing board is special in new buildings. It is non-toxic and keeps indoor air safe. This board does not burn, so it is great for fire safety. Mold, mildew, and rot do not grow on it. It can handle water and freezing weather better than most boards. You can use it inside or outside your building. It is simple to put up and you can paint or cover it. Builders like it because it lasts a long time and stays strong in bad weather. Studies show it stays stable for many years, especially with magnesium oxysulphate cement. Using this board helps the planet because it can be recycled and takes less energy to make.

Tip: Magnesium oxide boards last longer and are safer from fire than old types.

Drywall

Drywall is used a lot for walls and ceilings. It is easy to cut and put up, which saves time. There are different kinds, like ones that stop water, fire, or noise. You can pick the drywall that fits your needs best. Most drywall is between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch thick. The price changes based on the type and finish you want. Drywall gives a smooth wall for paint or wallpaper. It helps block sound and gives some fire safety. Many builders use drywall because it is cheap and works well inside. New tools make putting up drywall faster and easier. Drywall gives a good mix of price, use, and looks.

Plywood

Plywood is strong and can be used in many ways. You can use it for floors, walls, roofs, and furniture. Plywood is made by gluing thin wood layers together. This makes it strong and hard to break. You can cut and shape plywood without trouble. Plywood is good for the environment. It stores carbon from trees and uses mostly wood that grows back. Making plywood uses less fossil fuel energy because it uses woody biomass. Almost all the wood goes into the finished plywood, so there is little waste. Plywood can be thinner than plastic panels but still be strong. You can count on plywood to last and support your building. Builders like plywood because it is strong, not too expensive, and good for the earth.

• Plywood uses over 90% renewable wood leftovers.
• It has a negative carbon footprint because it keeps carbon inside.
• Plywood panels are strong and do not bend easily.

Moisture Resistance

Magnesium Oxide Boards

You want a building material that stands up to water, mildew, and mold. Mgo board gives you the best moisture resistance. When you use magnesium oxide boards, you get almost no water absorption. These boards absorb only 0.34% moisture, which means water cannot get inside easily. You do not have to worry about swelling, warping, or delamination. Even after 25 cycles of soaking and drying, mgo board keeps nearly all its strength. You can trust it to stay strong and stable for many years.

Mgo board also gives you top mold and mildew resistance. In lab tests, these boards show no mold growth at all. You can use them in bathrooms, basements, or any place with high humidity. The surface stays clean and safe. Mgo board does not let mildew or fungi grow, so your walls and ceilings stay healthy.

Here is a table that shows how mgo board compares to other materials:

Note: Mgo board keeps its shape and strength even after years of water exposure. You get peace of mind with its moisture-resistant properties.

Drywall

Drywall is common in homes and offices, but it does not handle water well. When drywall gets wet, it absorbs water quickly. This leads to swelling, crumbling, and loss of strength. You may see stains, soft spots, or even holes. Drywall often needs replacement after water damage.

Mold and mildew grow fast on wet drywall. If you use drywall in bathrooms or basements, you risk mold problems. Even moisture-resistant drywall types cannot match the water and mold resistance of mgo board. Over time, drywall loses up to half its strength after repeated wetting and drying. You need to check drywall often for signs of mildew or damage.

Plywood

Plywood gives you better moisture resistance than drywall, but it still has limits. When plywood gets wet, it can warp, cup, or even fail structurally. Plywood absorbs more water than mgo board, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. You may notice the surface getting soft or layers coming apart after long exposure to water.

Plywood loses about 9% of its bending strength after many wet and dry cycles. It does not keep its shape as well as mgo board. You can use plywood in places with some moisture, but you need to protect it from standing water. Mold resistance is better than drywall, but not as good as mgo board.

Tip: For the best water resistance and long-lasting protection against mildew, choose mgo board over plywood or drywall.

• Mgo board leads in moisture resistance.
• Plywood comes next, but it still needs care.
• Drywall ranks lowest for water and mold resistance.

Fire Resistance

Magnesium Oxide Board

You want the best protection against fire in your building. Mgo board gives you the highest level of fire resistance. This material does not burn, even at very high temperatures. You can trust mgo board to block fire for up to four hours at temperatures as high as 800ºC (1472ºF). In real-world tests, mgo board keeps its strength after 30 minutes at over 750ºC. The surface does not even change color.

Mgo board has a flame spread rating of 0/0 in ASTM E84 and UL 723 tests. This means flames do not move across the board, and it does not make harmful smoke. You get a non-combustible material that keeps your building safe. Mgo board meets strict fire safety regulations for schools, hospitals, and other places where safety matters most.

Note: Mgo board gives you peace of mind because it does not burn or spread smoke. This makes it a top choice for fire-rated assemblies and fire-rated walls.

Here is a table that shows how mgo board compares to other materials:

You can see that mgo board outperforms both drywall and plywood in every fire test. It blocks fire, does not burn, and does not let smoke spread. These fire-resistant properties make mgo board the safest choice for your building.

Drywall

Drywall gives you some fire resistance, but it cannot match mgo board. Most drywall lasts about 30 minutes in a fire before it starts to fail. The surface can crack, and the inside can break down. Flames spread faster on drywall than on mgo board. You may see smoke and burning edges if a fire starts.

Drywall is combustible, so it does not stop fire as well as mgo board. You can use special fire-rated drywall for better protection, but it still does not reach the level of mgo board. In a real fire, drywall produces more smoke, which can make it harder to escape safely.

Tip: For better fire resistance, use mgo board instead of drywall, especially in places where fire safety is important.

Plywood

Plywood gives you the lowest fire resistance of the three materials. This board burns quickly and loses strength fast in high heat. Flames move across plywood easily, and the board can catch fire in just a few minutes. Plywood is highly combustible and does not meet strict fire safety standards on its own.

You may need to add extra fireproofing if you use plywood in your building. Even with extra layers, plywood cannot match the fire-resistant properties of mgo board. In a fire, plywood produces a lot of smoke and burns hot, which can make the fire spread faster.

Here is a quick list of fire resistance properties for each material:

• Mgo board: Non-combustible, blocks fire for up to 4 hours, no flame spread, little smoke.
• Drywall: Burns after about 30 minutes, some flame spread, more smoke.
• Plywood: Burns easily, high flame spread, lots of smoke.

Safety benefits: Mgo board keeps you safer by blocking fire and smoke. Drywall and plywood do not give you the same level of protection.

Mgo board stands out for its fire resistance properties. You get a material that meets fire safety regulations and keeps your building safe. When you choose mgo board, you choose the best safety benefits for your project.

Durability and Strength

MGO Board

If you pick mgo board, your building will be strong for a long time. Mgo board keeps its shape and strength, even after many years. It does not get dents or cracks easily. Your walls and ceilings stay tough, even in busy places. Water does not make mgo board bend or break. Mold, mildew, and bugs do not cause problems. Mgo board lasts longer than other boards. It can hold heavy things and needs fewer repairs. In fire tests, mgo board stays strong longer than drywall or plywood. It works well in hot, cold, wet, or dry weather. You can trust mgo board to be strong in any place.

Tip: Mgo board is light and simple to put up, but it is still very strong for new buildings.

Drywall

Drywall looks smooth, but it is not as strong as mgo board. It can get dents or cracks if you hit it. Over time, drywall gets weak, especially if it is damp. Water makes drywall soft and easy to break. Mold and mildew can grow on drywall and make it last less time. You may need to fix or change drywall after leaks or bumps. Drywall is not as tough as mgo board. It works best in dry rooms where people do not bump into it much.

Plywood

Plywood is strong and can be used in many ways, but it is not as tough as mgo board. You can use plywood for floors, walls, or roofs, but water can make it bend or swell. Plywood gets weak in wet places and can get mold or bugs. Over time, the layers of plywood can come apart. This makes it weaker and not last as long. Plywood does not stop dents as well as mgo board. If you drop something heavy, it can get damaged. For jobs that need strong and lasting boards, mgo board is the best pick.

Environmental Impact

Magnesium Oxide Boards

If you pick mgo board, you help the earth. Mgo board is made from safe, natural stuff. It does not have harmful chemicals or VOCs. Making mgo board uses less energy than other boards. Mgo board also traps carbon dioxide when it dries. This lowers its carbon footprint. You can recycle mgo board or use it again in gardens or for insulation. Mgo board does not use wood, so it does not cause deforestation. You get a strong and safe board that is good for the planet.

Note: Mgo board has much lower carbon emissions—about 340 kg per ton. This is less than cement or other boards. Picking mgo board helps cut down on pollution.

Drywall

Drywall is used a lot, but it is not as green as mgo board. Making drywall takes more energy and makes more carbon emissions. Drywall has chemical additives that can hurt air quality inside. If drywall gets wet or moldy, you often have to throw it away. Most drywall ends up in landfills. Some drywall can be recycled, but it is hard if it is dirty or broken. Drywall does not last as long as mgo board, so you may need to replace it sooner.

Plywood

Plywood is made from wood, so it can grow back, but you must think about forests. Making plywood can mean cutting down trees if the wood is not managed well. Plywood can be recycled and will break down, but glue and treatments can make this harder. Plywood has a medium carbon footprint, depending on how the wood is grown and made. If plywood gets wet, it can fall apart and let out chemicals from glue. You should check if your plywood comes from a forest that is managed right.

Here is a table to help you see how each material affects the environment:

Tip: If you want a building that is safe for people and the earth, mgo board is the best pick. It lasts long, has low emissions, and is easy to recycle.

Cost and Value

Upfront Costs

When you look at building materials, you want to know the price first. The mgo board costs more than drywall or plywood. You pay two to four times more for mgo board than for drywall. Plywood is cheaper than mgo board but sometimes costs more than drywall. You also need skilled workers and special tools to install mgo board. This makes the labor cost higher. Drywall is the cheapest to buy and install. Plywood sits in the middle for both price and labor.

Here is a simple cost comparison:

Note: You pay more for mgo board at the start, but you get better quality and safety.

Long-Term Value

You want your building to last. The mgo board gives you high value over time. It resists water, fire, mold, and pests. You do not need to replace it often. Mgo board can lower your insurance costs because it does not burn. You save money on repairs and replacements. Drywall and plywood need more repairs. They can get mold, rot, or break down. Mgo board keeps its strength for many years. You get up to 89% return on investment with good mgo board installation. Drywall gives you a lower return because it does not last as long.

Maintenance

You want to spend less time and money fixing your walls. Mgo board needs little care. It does not crack, swell, or get mold. You do not have to worry about pests. Drywall and plywood need more repairs. Water can damage drywall fast. Plywood can get bugs or mold. You pay more for repairs with drywall and plywood. Mgo board saves you money because it stays strong and clean. You also help the planet because mgo board is safe, recyclable, and has low emissions.

Tip: Choose mgo board if you want less work and more savings over time.

Installation

MGO Board

You will notice that mgo board stands out for its ease of installation. Mgo board is 20% to 30% lighter than other cement-based boards, so you can move and lift it with less effort. When you install mgo board, you need to prepare the area well. Clean and dry the site before you start. If you see mold or mildew, fix these problems first. Use a moisture meter to check the humidity. Make sure the surface is level for the best results.

Cutting mgo board is simple if you use sharp utility knives or carbide-tipped saw blades. These tools help you get clean cuts and reduce chipping. You can also use routers for detailed work. Always wear a mask when cutting mgo board because dust can be a problem. To keep your installation strong, seal all joints and edges with moisture-resistant caulk or tape.

You can attach mgo board quickly with nail guns or self-countersinking screws. This saves time and makes the process smoother. Many builders like the ease of installation that mgo board offers. You can finish projects faster and with fewer mistakes.

Tip: Use project management software to plan your crew and schedule. This helps you finish mgo board jobs on time.

Drywall

Drywall is known for its ease of installation. You can cut drywall with a utility knife and snap it along the score. It is light and easy to carry. You can hang drywall on walls or ceilings with screws or nails. Many people use drywall because it is fast to install and does not need special tools.

However, drywall does not handle water well. If it gets wet, it can swell or crumble. You may need to replace drywall more often in damp areas. Drywall is also hard to recycle after use. Even though drywall is easy to put up, you must be careful in places with high moisture.

Plywood

Plywood is lighter than mgo board and easy to handle. You can cut plywood with saws or power tools. Many builders like plywood because it is simple to shape and fit. You can use nails, screws, or glue to attach plywood to frames. This makes plywood a flexible choice for many projects.

However, plywood does not offer the same fire or moisture resistance as mgo board or drywall. If you use plywood in wet areas, it can warp or grow mold. Plywood is best for dry spaces where you need strength and quick installation. You will find that plywood is easy to work with, but you may need extra steps to protect it from water or fire.

Note: Plywood gives you speed and flexibility, but mgo board and drywall give you better safety in tough conditions.

Applications

Residential

You want your home to stay safe and strong for years. Mgo board gives you the best protection in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. These areas often get wet, but mgo board resists water and mold. Homeowners who switched from drywall to mgo board in damp rooms saw no mold for over three years. You can use mgo board for walls, ceilings, and even exterior siding. It keeps its structural integrity, so your house stands up to storms and daily wear. Drywall works well in dry rooms, but it cannot match the durability of mgo board. Plywood is strong, but it can warp or grow mold if it gets wet. Mgo board keeps your home healthy and lowers repair costs.

Commercial

In offices, stores, and apartment buildings, you need materials that last. Mgo board gives you high durability and keeps its structural integrity, even in busy places. Commercial buildings often face leaks or plumbing problems. When you use mgo board, you avoid costly repairs from water damage. One office building replaced damaged drywall with mgo board and passed air quality tests with ease. Tenants noticed cleaner air and fewer maintenance issues. Drywall and plywood need more repairs and do not last as long in high-traffic areas. Mgo board also helps you meet fire and safety codes, making it a smart choice for commercial spaces.

Specialty Uses

Some places need extra strength and resistance. Schools, hospitals, and gyms use mgo board for its durability and health benefits. A school district used mgo board in classrooms to stop mold problems. Students and staff had fewer health complaints after the upgrade. Mgo board works well in high-impact areas, like gym walls or locker rooms. You can also use mgo board for exterior cladding, soffits, and structural panels. It keeps its structural integrity in all weather. Unlike plywood, mgo board does not release harmful chemicals. You get better insulation and less condensation, which means less mold. For specialty projects, mgo board gives you the best mix of safety, durability, and long-term value.

Tip: Choose mgo board for any space where you need high durability, water resistance, and strong structural integrity.

Magnesium oxide boards are best for fire safety, water, and strength. Tests prove these boards stay strong in hard situations. You need to pick the material that works for your project and budget. Think about safety and how long it will last. For the best choice, ask a building expert before you buy.

• Tests show magnesium oxide boards are strong and last long.
• Studies say they are better for the environment.
• Research shows you save more money over time.

FAQ

What makes magnesium oxide board better for wet areas?

You get top moisture protection with magnesium oxide board. It does not swell, warp, or grow mold. Bathrooms, basements, and kitchens stay dry and healthy when you use this board.

Can you paint or finish magnesium oxide board like drywall?

Yes, you can paint, tile, or cover magnesium oxide board just like drywall. The surface holds paint well. You get a smooth, clean look for any room.

Is magnesium oxide board safe for people with allergies?

Magnesium oxide board does not release harmful chemicals or dust. You help keep indoor air clean and safe for people with allergies or asthma.

How does the cost of magnesium oxide board compare to drywall?

Magnesium oxide board costs more at first. You save money over time because it lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. You get better value for your investment.

Can you use plywood instead of magnesium oxide board for exterior walls?

You can use plywood, but it does not resist water or fire as well as magnesium oxide board. For exterior walls, magnesium oxide board gives you better protection and lasts longer.