16 Aug Magnesium Wall Board Applications In Residential Buildings
Table of Contents
A magnesium wall board is a tough panel. It does not burn easily. It is made from magnesium oxide. You can use it to build strong walls at home. These walls last a long time. People want building materials that help the earth. They also want to keep families safe. More people are buying magnesium wall boards every year.
Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Global market size (2024) | Total magnesium oxide board market size | |
Residential segment share | Largest and fastest-growing | Driven by residential construction and green, fire-resistant homes |
Global market size (2032) | USD 2,372.7 million | Projected value |
U.S. market size (2032) | USD 401.92 million | Projected value for U.S. magnesium oxide board market |
You might pick sustainable materials for these reasons:
They make the air inside better.
They help you save money on energy.
They help keep your home safe.
Key Takeaways
Magnesium wall boards are strong and do not burn easily. They also do not get damaged by water, mold, or rot. This makes them great for safe and long-lasting home walls.
These boards help save energy in your house. They use natural and eco-friendly materials. This helps make the air inside your home healthier.
Magnesium wall boards are simple to put up and are not heavy. They need less care than regular drywall or cement boards. This saves you time and money.
They work well in wet places like bathrooms and kitchens. They also help block noise for quieter and more comfortable rooms.
Using magnesium wall boards can make your home worth more. They give you a safe, strong, and green way to build.
What is Magnesium Wall Board
Composition
A magnesium wall board is made from minerals found in the ground. The main part is magnesium oxide, also called magnesia. This mineral has strong bonds between magnesium and oxygen. These bonds make the board tough and stop it from burning. Makers add magnesium chloride to the mix. Magnesium chloride helps hold the board together and makes it stronger. Both materials come from rocks with lots of magnesium. When you pick a magnesium wall board, you get a product made from natural minerals that help protect your house.
Key Properties
Magnesium wall boards are different from other wall materials. They are strong, light, and can bend without breaking. You can use them in many rooms at home. The board does not get damaged by water, mold, or rot. It stays the same shape even in wet places like bathrooms or basements. You do not need to worry about fire. The board will not burn and helps keep your family safe.
Here is a table that shows how magnesium wall boards compare to other common wall materials:
Property | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards | Drywall | Plywood | Cement Boards | Fiber Cement Boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strength | Strong, good bending | Weaker | Moderate | High, heavy | High, heavy |
Weight (Density) | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavier | Heavier | Heavier |
Flexibility | Good, stable when wet | Poor when wet | Moderate | Low, brittle | Low, brittle |
Moisture Resistance | High | Poor | Low | Good | Good |
Fire Resistance | Superior, non-combustible | Poor | Moderate | Good | Good |
Tip: Try to find boards with certifications like EN 13501-1 (Class A1 Fire Rating) or ASTM E136. These show the board is safe from fire and meets high standards for homes.
A magnesium wall board helps you feel safe. It is strong, keeps you safe, and lasts a long time in every room.
Benefits in Homes
Fire Resistance
Fire ResistanceYou want your home to be safe from fire. Magnesium wall board helps protect your family because it does not burn easily. Builders use it in kitchens, bedrooms, and laundry rooms to slow down the spread of fire. This material has a long history of fire resistance. Ancient buildings like the Pantheon and the Great Wall of China used similar materials and still stand today. In modern tests, magnesium wall boards show strong fire resistance, especially when paired with steel sheathing. You can trust this board to add an extra layer of safety to your home.
Mold and Moisture Resistance
Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements often get wet. Traditional drywall absorbs water and grows mold, which can damage your walls and harm your health. Magnesium wall board resists water and mold. It keeps its shape and strength even in damp places. You do not have to worry about swelling, bending, or rot. This means fewer repairs and a cleaner, healthier home.
Tip: Use magnesium wall board in wet areas to avoid costly repairs and keep your home fresh.
Durability
You want walls that last. Magnesium wall board stands up to bumps, moisture, and pests. It does not crack or crumble like drywall. Even after years of use, it keeps its strength and shape. Builders choose it for high-humidity rooms because it does not absorb water. Scientific studies show that it stays strong even after aging tests and changing weather. You get a wall that lasts for decades.
Soundproofing
Noise can travel easily between rooms. Magnesium wall board helps block sound because it is dense and solid. You can use it in bedrooms, living rooms, or shared walls to make your home quieter. Its soundproofing works better than many thicker gypsum boards. You enjoy more privacy and less noise from other rooms.
Eco-Friendliness
You care about the environment. Magnesium wall board uses natural materials and needs less energy to make. It does not release harmful chemicals or VOCs, so your indoor air stays clean. The boards are recyclable and can even help as a soil nutrient after use. Many brands have environmental certifications, showing they meet strict green building standards. By choosing this board, you help reduce waste and support a healthier planet.
Applications of Magnesium Wall Board
Interior Walls and Ceilings
Magnesium wall board works well for walls and ceilings. It is strong and does not burn easily. It lasts longer than regular drywall. You can cut the boards with simple tools. This makes installation fast and easy. The boards fit on wood or steel frames. You can choose what works best for your home.
To install magnesium wall board, use screws and glue. Fill the seams and holes with flexible filler and tape. This helps make the wall smooth. After you prime the wall, you can paint it. You can also plaster or put up wallpaper. The finish looks nice and stays smooth for a long time. These walls do not get moldy or damaged by water. They are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
Tip: Let the boards sit in the room for a few days before you put them up. This helps stop cracks and keeps your walls looking good.
Wet Areas and Tile Backer
Bathrooms and kitchens get wet a lot. Laundry rooms do too. Magnesium wall board is good for these places. It works as a tile backer behind showers and sinks. The board does not swell or rot. It does not grow mold, even if it gets wet every day.
The board stays strong in humid rooms. You do not have to fix damaged walls often. You save money and keep your home healthy. Tiles stick well to the smooth surface. Your tile work lasts longer. The board also helps protect your home from fire.
Common uses for magnesium wall board in wet areas:
Shower walls
Kitchen backsplashes
Laundry room floors
Bathroom ceilings
Exterior Sheathing and Siding
You can use magnesium wall board outside your house. It works as sheathing or siding. The board stands up to rain, snow, and wind. It does not swell or bend. Builders use it for outside walls because it is safe from fire. It passes tough weather tests. The board keeps its shape for months, even in bad weather.
Sheathing Type | Strength | Moisture Resistance | Fire Resistance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OSB Sheathing | Moderate | Poor | Moderate | Moderate |
Plywood Sheathing | Good | Better than OSB | Moderate | Good |
Fiber Cement Board | Strong & Flexible | Excellent | Excellent | Highly Durable |
Very Strong | Excellent | Excellent | Highly Durable | |
Gypsum Sheathing | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
Foam Board Sheathing | Low (structural) | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
Magnesium wall board helps keep your house warm or cool. Its special design helps save energy. You spend less money on heating and cooling. Your home feels comfortable all year.
Note: You can use magnesium wall board for trim, fascia, soffits, and fire-rated assemblies. It works on wood or steel frames. This gives you more choices for your project.
Structural Panels and SIPs
Magnesium wall board is used in strong panels called SIPs. SIPs have insulation in the middle. Magnesium wall board covers both sides. These panels resist fire, water, mold, and bugs better than wood panels.
Tests show SIPs with magnesium wall board are tough. They stand up to wind and flying debris in storms. The panels keep their shape and protect your home. Builders use SIPs for homes that save energy. The panels help keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer.
Benefits of magnesium wall board in SIPs:
Strong and safe structure
High resistance to fire and moisture
Good insulation for energy savings
Suitable for wood or steel framing
Block Quote: “Magnesium wall board SIPs stay strong in extreme weather. They are a smart choice for homes in places with cyclones.
Comparison with Traditional Materials
Drywall
DrywallYou may know drywall as the most common wall material in homes. It is cheap and easy to install. However, drywall does not handle water well. If your bathroom or kitchen gets wet, drywall can swell, crack, and grow mold. This can lead to costly repairs and health problems. Drywall also needs more maintenance over time, especially in busy or damp areas. While drywall is less expensive at first, it often costs more in the long run because you need to fix or replace it more often.
Feature | Magnesium Oxide Board | Traditional Gypsum Board |
|---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | $0.50 to $1.00 per sq ft | |
Durability | High | Moderate |
Excellent | Good | |
Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
Maintenance Needs | Minimal | High |
Long-term Cost Savings | Yes | No |
Note: Magnesium oxide boards cost more at first but save money over time because they last longer and need fewer repairs.
Cement Board
Cement boards are strong and resist water better than drywall. You often see them behind tiles in showers or kitchens. However, cement boards are heavy and hard to cut. You need special tools and more time to install them. Cement boards can handle fire, but magnesium oxide boards do even better. Magnesium oxide boards are lighter, easier to cut, and faster to install. They also resist fire for up to four hours, while cement boards last about two hours in fire tests.
Aspect | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards | Cement Boards |
|---|---|---|
Weight | Heavy, hard to move | |
Ease of Cutting | Need special tools | |
Fire Resistance | Up to 4 hours, A1 rating | Up to 2 hours, may need extra fireproofing |
Installation | Quick and simple | Slow and labor-intensive |
Plywood and OSB
Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are wood-based panels. You might use them for floors, walls, or roofs. These materials are strong, but they do not like water. When plywood or OSB gets wet, it can swell, warp, or even rot. This means you need to seal and protect them, which adds to your work and cost. Magnesium oxide boards stay strong and flat, even after getting wet. They do not warp or grow mold. They also resist bugs and fire better than wood panels.
Material | Maintenance Requirements | Expected Lifespan Factors |
|---|---|---|
Magnesium Oxide | Long lifespan, even in wet or busy areas | |
Plywood | Needs sealing and care to avoid damage | Moderate lifespan; can split or delaminate if wet |
OSB | High maintenance; needs coatings | Shorter lifespan in moist places; can swell or rot |
Installation and Maintenance
You will find magnesium oxide boards easy to install. You can cut them with simple tools and attach them with screws or nails. The boards are light, so you can move them without much effort. You treat the joints with compound and tape, just like drywall. Cement boards are heavier and need special tools, which makes them harder to work with. Plywood and OSB need sealing and careful handling to avoid damage. Over time, magnesium oxide boards need less care. They do not swell, warp, or grow mold, so you spend less time and money on repairs.
Tip: If you want a wall that lasts and needs little care, magnesium oxide boards are a smart choice for your home.
If you pick magnesium wall board for your house, you get many good things:
It does not burn easily, so your family stays safe.
It stops water and mold, which is great for bathrooms and kitchens.
It uses earth-friendly materials, so your home is healthier.
It is strong and blocks noise, making your home nicer and worth more.
You can put it up easily and do not need to fix it much, so you save time and money.
Always ask a building expert before you begin your project. Use the right steps to install and care for your walls to get the best results.
FAQ
What tools do you need to cut magnesium wall board?
You can cut magnesium wall board with a utility knife or a saw. Use a straight edge for clean lines. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses for protection.
Can you paint or tile over magnesium wall board?
Yes, you can paint or tile over magnesium wall board. Apply primer before painting. For tiles, use thin-set mortar. The surface holds paint and tiles well.
Is magnesium wall board safe for people with allergies?
Magnesium wall board does not release harmful chemicals or dust. It resists mold and mildew. You get cleaner air in your home, which helps people with allergies.
How long does magnesium wall board last in a home?
Magnesium wall board lasts for decades. It does not rot, warp, or break down easily. You get strong walls that stay in good shape for many years.
Does magnesium wall board cost more than drywall?
You pay more for magnesium wall board at first. Over time, you save money because it needs fewer repairs and lasts longer. Many homeowners find it a smart investment.