Magnesium Wall Board vs Drywall Which Is Better for Your Project

03 Jul Magnesium Wall Board vs Drywall Which Is Better for Your Project

If you want strong fire, water, mold, and impact resistance, magnesium wall board is better than drywall. Magnesium wall board has a Class A fire rating. It has flexural strength from 7 to 15 MPa. It also has high moisture resistance. Drywall only has 3 to 5 MPa strength. Drywall can get damaged by water and mold. You might pick drywall because it costs less. But magnesium wall board gives you more safety and lasts longer. Always think about what you need for moisture, fire risk, strength, and money. The quick comparison below can help you choose.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium wall board is better at stopping fire, water, and mold than drywall. This makes it safer and stronger for places that get wet or might catch fire. Drywall costs less and is simpler to put up. It works well in dry rooms or when you need to finish fast and save money. Magnesium wall board stays good for a long time and does not break as much. This can help you save money later, even though it costs more at first. Pick magnesium wall board for bathrooms, kitchens, and busy buildings where you need strong and water-safe walls. Always make sure the magnesium wall board is good quality and get skilled people to put it in for the best results.

Quick Comparison

Key Differences

When you look at magpanel and drywall, you see they work very differently. Magpanel is also called magnesium oxide board. It is a new choice instead of regular sheetrock. Magpanel gives much better fire resistance. It can take high heat for up to three hours. Drywall burns much faster. Water does not hurt magpanel much. Its water absorption rate is only about 0.05-0.07%. Drywall soaks up water and can get mold. This makes magpanel good for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Magpanel is much stronger than drywall. It does not dent or crack easily. If you hit it or get it wet for a day, it stays fine. Drywall cracks and dents more often. You may need to fix drywall a lot, which costs more over time. Magpanel costs more at first, but you save money later because you do not need many repairs.

Magpanel is better for the environment. It uses natural and recyclable materials. It does not release toxins. Drywall has chemical additives and is not as eco-friendly. You can use magpanel for walls, ceilings, floors, and outside. Drywall works best for inside walls and ceilings.

But there are some problems with magnesium oxide board. Not all magpanel is made the same way. Some brands do not last long in wet places. You need to choose good magpanel and keep it dry. Another problem is that magpanel needs skilled workers to install. It is harder to put up than drywall. Also, magpanel is not always easy to find in stores.

Drywall is cheap and easy to install. You can buy it almost anywhere. But drywall does not resist water or mold well. It needs more repairs. These problems make drywall less good for wet places or where you need strong walls.

Tip: Always check the quality of the magpanel you buy. Good magnesium oxide board works best, especially in wet or fire-prone places.

Summary Table

Here is a simple table to help you compare magpanel and drywall:

You can see magpanel has many good points over drywall. But you should think about the problems with magnesium oxide board. It costs more at first, needs special workers, and some brands are not as good. Drywall is still popular because it is cheap and easy to use. But it does not handle water well and needs more repairs. If you want something safe, strong, and green, magpanel is a good pick. If you need something cheap and simple, drywall might be better for you.

Fire Resistance

Magnesium Wall Board Performance

When you want the best fire protection for your project, magnesium wall board stands out. This material offers high resistance against fire because it is non-combustible. You can trust it to keep its strength even when exposed to very high temperatures. Magnesium wall board has a Class A fire rating and a flame spread index below 25. It can withstand temperatures up to 1472°F (800°C) without damage. These fire resistance properties have been proven in tests like ASTM E84 and ASTM E119, which are trusted standards in the building industry.

Here is a quick look at how magnesium wall board performs in fire tests:

You can use magnesium wall board in both interior and exterior walls. In full-scale fire tests, it keeps its structure for up to two hours. Even when exposed to fire, it does not burn or give off toxic smoke. This makes it a safe choice for homes, schools, and commercial buildings.

Note: Always check that your magnesium wall board meets these test standards for the best fire resistance.

Drywall Performance

Drywall also provides some fire resistance, but it works in a different way. The core of drywall contains water, which helps slow down fire by turning into steam. However, drywall can crack and lose its strength if exposed to fire for a long time. It does not have the same high resistance against fire as magnesium wall board.

In fire tests, drywall usually does not last as long as magnesium wall board. It may protect for a short time, but it cannot handle very high temperatures. When fire exposure continues, drywall can break apart and let flames pass through. This means you may need extra layers or special fire-rated drywall for better protection.

If you want basic fire protection for standard rooms, drywall can work. For areas with higher fire risk, you should consider stronger options.

Water & Mold Resistance

Magnesium Oxide Board in Wet Areas

If you need walls for bathrooms or kitchens, magnesium oxide board is a good choice. It does not let much water in. Tests show that strong magnesium oxide board can last for years in wet places. In one test, over 1,000 pieces stayed strong after two years in water. Some types, like those with magnesium oxysulphate cement, do not leak salty water or have the “crying” issue. These boards can last for many years in normal weather.

You will notice these things about magnesium oxide board:

• It hardly soaks up water (0.05–0.07% after 22 weeks)
• It stops mold and mildew from growing
• It keeps its shape and strength in wet rooms
• It lasts a long time

But not every magnesium oxide board is made the same way. Some boards with magnesium chloride can take in water from the air. In very damp places, these boards might leak salty water. This can hurt metal and wood nearby. Denmark stopped using some magnesium oxide board after seeing water drops and mold on the boards and buildings. Always check what kind of magnesium oxide board you buy. Make sure it works for your weather.

Tip: Pick magnesium oxide board with magnesium oxysulphate cement for wet rooms.

Drywall in Wet Areas

Drywall does not work well in wet or damp rooms. When drywall gets wet, it gets weak and can fall apart. Even a little water can make drywall crack, turn colors, or get white salt marks. If you put drywall in a bathroom or basement, you might see mold soon. Mold like Stachybotrys can grow on wet drywall. This can make you sick and harm your house.

Drywall can also hold water if it is next to things that do not let air through. Paint and primer on drywall slow down drying. This keeps the wall wet for longer. Wet wood next to drywall can also make it worse.

Some drywall says it resists water better. These have special coatings or fibers. But they still do not work as well as magnesium oxide board in wet rooms.

If you want fewer repairs and to stay healthy, only use drywall in dry rooms.

Durability & Impact

Magnesium Wall Board Strength

If you want walls that last a long time, magnesium wall board is a great pick. Magpanel is very strong and can handle tough use. Builders test magpanel with strict rules like ASTM D-5628 for impact and freeze/thaw tests for water. These tests show magpanel stays strong for at least 33 years, even in rough UK weather. Magpanel also keeps out mold, fungus, and bugs because it does not feed them.

Here is a table that shows how magnesium wall board does in important strength and durability tests:

You will see magpanel is tougher than other boards. It does not crack or dent easily. You can use magpanel in busy places like schools or stores. If you want walls that stay strong, magpanel is the best choice.

Tip: Magpanel is great for places where walls get hit a lot.

Drywall Strength

Drywall is also strong enough for homes and offices. Some people think drywall is weak, but tests show it is stronger than you think. In shake tests, drywall walls stayed up with only small cracks. After big earthquakes, drywall helped houses keep their shape. Even when a house dropped eight feet, drywall kept windows safe.

Lab tests show drywall has flexural strength of about 2.48 MPa. When drywall gets hit, it bends and cracks, then breaks if hit hard. Some drywall has fibers to make it stronger. Drywall walls help buildings stay stiff and resist shaking. If drywall gets damaged, you can fix it fast and easy.

You can use drywall in most rooms, but it is not as tough as magpanel. For busy places or where walls get hit, magpanel protects better.

Sound Insulation

Magnesium Oxide Board Density

If you want a quiet space, magnesium oxide board can help. This board is thick and has tiny, even holes inside. These features help block sound in homes and offices. A 6mm magnesium oxide board can cut noise by 29 decibels. If you add metal studs and rock wool, it blocks over 42 decibels. You can get magnesium oxide board in many thicknesses, from 15 to 30 mm. These boards are also fireproof and moisture-proof. They do not have formaldehyde, so they are safe and comfortable.

You can use magnesium oxide board in quiet places like libraries or theaters. It works well for both walls and ceilings. For even better sound control, use it with rock wool or other insulation.

Tip: For the best noise control, use magnesium oxide board with extra insulation inside the wall.

Drywall Sound Blocking

Drywall is used a lot, but its sound blocking depends on how you build the wall. Regular drywall on wood studs without insulation has an STC of about 33. If you add fiberglass insulation, the STC goes up to 39. Using steel studs and rock wool with drywall can raise the STC to 40. Some special drywall, like SilentFX QuickCut, can reach an STC of 50 or more. These types use extra layers and special cores to stop more noise.

Here is a table that shows how different drywall walls block sound:

You can make drywall block more sound by adding more layers or using special boards. For most homes, regular drywall with insulation is good for bedrooms and living rooms. For music rooms or theaters, you may want to use advanced drywall systems.

Environmental Impact

Benefits of Magnesium Oxide Boards

Picking magnesium oxide board helps the environment in many ways. Making these boards uses less energy than making cement or drywall. The process also traps carbon dioxide, which lowers pollution. Magnesium oxide board can take in 20–40% of the CO2 made during production. This makes it a greener building choice.

There are more good things about magnesium oxide boards:

• These boards last a long time because they fight fire, mold, and water.
• You do not have to replace them often, so there is less waste.
• When you are done with them, you can recycle or reuse them instead of throwing them away.
• They do not have harmful chemicals, so they help keep indoor air clean.

Magnesium oxide board can help you get green building awards like LEED and BREEAM. You can use it in projects that want high environmental standards. Its natural parts and ability to be recycled make it great for eco-friendly building.

Note: Magnesium oxide board can even help soil when used in landfills, showing it is gentle on the environment.

Drywall Sustainability

Drywall has some earth-friendly features, especially if it uses recycled gypsum. Many drywall products now have recycled parts, which means less trash in landfills. Some drywall meets green building rules like LEED, Green Globes, and WELL. These awards are for using safe materials and local sources.

You can buy drywall with low VOCs, which makes indoor air better. Some drywall comes from factories that use less energy and water. But drywall still has problems. It often has chemical additives, and it is hard to get rid of if it goes to landfills. There are plant-based drywall choices, but they are not as common as regular drywall or magnesium oxide board.

If you want to help the planet, pick drywall with recycled parts and green awards. This helps you make a better choice for the earth.

Installation & Cost

Installing Magnesium Wall Board

When you install magnesium wall board, you need to plan carefully. This board is strong and light, but it can be harder to cut than drywall. You should use carbide-tipped tools for the best results. Many builders say that you need skilled workers for a smooth finish. The board creates less dust than drywall, which helps keep your work area clean. You can screw or nail the panels to wood or metal studs. Some people find that the boards are easy to handle because they weigh about 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per square foot for a 12mm thickness. If you want the best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Tip: Always store magnesium wall board in a dry place before you install it. This helps prevent any moisture problems.

Installing Drywall

You will notice the ease of installation when you work with drywall. Many people choose drywall because it is simple to cut and shape. You can use a utility knife to score and snap the panels. Most builders and homeowners like drywall for its easy installation and wide availability. You can hang drywall on wood or metal studs with screws or nails. Taping and finishing the seams is a common step. Many stores sell drywall, so you can find it almost anywhere. This makes it a top choice for quick projects.

Drywall is popular because you do not need special skills or tools for most jobs.

Cost Comparison

Magnesium wall board costs more than drywall at first. The higher price comes from the complex manufacturing process and the use of high-quality magnesium oxide. You may pay more for skilled labor, too. However, magnesium wall board lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. Its resistance to fire, water, and mold can save you money over time. Many people find that the long-term value makes up for the higher upfront cost.

Drywall remains the most affordable option for many projects. Its low price and ease of installation help it keep a strong market share. You can finish most rooms quickly and at a lower cost with drywall. If you want to save money now and finish your project fast, drywall is a good choice. If you want long-term savings and better protection, magnesium wall board may be worth the investment.

Best Uses

Residential Projects

You want your house to be safe and dry. Magnesium oxide board is good for places with fire, water, or mold problems. You can put it in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms. These rooms get wet a lot, so you need walls that do not soak up water or let mold grow. If you live near the ocean or where storms happen, this board helps your house stay strong against wind and salty air.

Some wall panels use magnesium oxide board to build fast and keep fires out. These panels help you finish building quickly and save money. They also stop too much moisture. But there are some problems. The board costs more at first, and you need workers who know how to put it in. If you want something easy and cheap, drywall might work, but it does not last long in wet or busy rooms.

Tip: Use magnesium oxide board in rooms that get wet or could catch fire for better results over time.

Commercial & Specialty Uses

You see magnesium oxide board in many schools and big buildings. Builders use it for stairs, elevator shafts, and places with strict fire rules. In schools, this board makes things safer and helps with green building plans. It is also used in theaters and music rooms because it blocks sound well.

Here is a table that shows how these materials are used in different projects:

There are some problems in big buildings. Magnesium oxide board can be hard to find in some places, and not all brands last long in wet areas. You also need skilled workers to install it right. Still, the good things are more important, especially when you want safety, strong walls, and green building features.

You should choose magnesium wall board if you want top fire, water, and mold resistance. This board also gives you strong, long-lasting walls. Drywall works best when you need a budget-friendly and easy-to-install option.

• Magnesium wall board: Best for safety, wet areas, and durability

• Drywall: Best for low cost and quick projects

If you feel unsure about your choice, talk to a building professional. They can help you pick the right material for your project.

FAQ

What is the main difference between magnesium wall board and drywall?

You get better fire, water, and mold resistance with magnesium wall board. Drywall costs less and is easier to install. Magnesium wall board lasts longer in tough conditions.

Can you paint or tile over magnesium wall board?

Yes, you can paint or tile over magnesium wall board. Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Use primers or adhesives recommended by the manufacturer for best results.

Is magnesium wall board safe for people with allergies?

Magnesium wall board does not contain formaldehyde or toxic chemicals. It resists mold and mildew. You can use it in homes where people have allergies or asthma.

Does magnesium wall board work outside?

You can use magnesium wall board outside if you pick the right type. Some boards handle rain and sun well. Always check the product label for exterior use.

How do you cut magnesium wall board?

You should use a carbide-tipped saw or scoring knife. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in dust. Magnesium wall board is harder than drywall, so take your time for a clean cut.