MgO Wallboard vs Gypsum Wallboard Which is the Better Choice

17 Apr MgO Wallboard vs Gypsum Wallboard Which is the Better Choice

Comparing Key Features of Wallboards

Explore the differences between MgO and Gypsum Wallboard.

When picking between Magnesium Oxide Wallboard and Gypsum Wallboard, both have perks. Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is great at stopping fire, handling heat up to 1200°F. It also resists water well, soaking up only 0.34% moisture. Gypsum Wallboard is lighter, simpler to put up, and cheaper. This makes it a favorite for regular indoor use. Choose based on what your project needs, like strength, price, or eco-friendliness.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is great for fire safety. It can handle heat up to 1200°F without burning.

• In wet places, Magnesium Oxide Wallboard absorbs only 0.34% water. This stops mold and mildew from growing.

• Gypsum Wallboard costs less, about $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. It works well for projects with small budgets.

• Think about the future: Magnesium Oxide Wallboard lasts longer. It needs less fixing, which can save money later.

• Pick what you need: Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is strong and safe. Gypsum Wallboard is cheaper and faster to install.

Fire Resistance

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Non-combustible properties

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is great at resisting fire. It is an A1 non-combustible material, meaning it won’t help fires spread. This makes it a smart pick for places needing fire safety. It doesn’t burn or release harmful fumes when heated. This keeps people safer during emergencies.

Performance in high-temperature environments

This wallboard can handle heat up to 1200°F without breaking. Tests like EN 13501-1 and ASTM E136 prove its strong fire resistance. It’s often used in walls and ceilings to stop fire from spreading. Studies show it works well even in very hot conditions. This makes it a good choice for fire-risk areas.

Gypsum Wallboard

Fire-resistant additives

Gypsum Wallboard also slows down fire because of special additives. These additives give extra time during a fire emergency. Tests like ASTM E 119 check how well it resists fire. This ensures it meets safety rules and building codes.

Limitations in extreme fire conditions

Gypsum Wallboard works fine in normal fire situations. But it struggles in very intense fires. Its strength depends on how it’s built and the environment. Unlike Magnesium Oxide Wallboard, it may weaken in long-lasting high heat. This makes it less ideal for places with big fire risks.

Moisture Resistance

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Mold and mildew resistance

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard stops mold and mildew from growing. Its inorganic makeup blocks microorganisms, even in wet places. This makes it great for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It doesn’t soak up water, so it stays strong over time.

• Research shows it absorbs only 0.34% moisture, making it very water-resistant.

• It can stay underwater for 100 days without breaking down.

This helps keep indoor spaces healthier by lowering mold risks.

Suitability for wet environments

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard works well in humid or wet areas. It doesn’t swell, bend, or break, even in tough conditions. This makes it perfect for laundry rooms or pool spaces. Its ability to handle water for a long time makes it better than other wallboards.

Gypsum Wallboard

Moisture-resistant variants

Gypsum Wallboard has special moisture-resistant types called “green boards.” These are treated to work better in damp spots. They are fine for places with light moisture, like home bathrooms. But they absorb about 3% moisture, much more than Magnesium Oxide Wallboard.

Vulnerability to prolonged exposure

Even with moisture-resistant options, Gypsum Wallboard doesn’t handle water well for long. It can swell, fall apart, or weaken when too wet. This makes it a poor choice for places with constant moisture. It also grows mold more easily than Magnesium Oxide Wallboard, leading to costly fixes later.

Durability

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Strong against impacts

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is tough and lasts a long time. It handles wear and tear in busy places like schools or hospitals. Its dense build makes it hard to dent or crack. This keeps walls looking good and working well for years.

Works well in tough conditions

This wallboard stays strong even in wet or humid spots. It doesn’t soak up water, so it won’t weaken over time. Mold and mildew can’t grow on it because it’s inorganic. Whether in damp areas or heavy-use spaces, it stays reliable. It’s a great choice for homes and businesses needing durable walls.

• Key features include:

  • Doesn’t absorb water, so it’s stable in wet areas.

  • Stops mold and mildew, keeping indoor air healthier.

  • Stronger against impacts than regular gypsum drywall.

Gypsum Wallboard

Easily damaged

Gypsum Wallboard is light and simple to install but damages easily. Small bumps or hits can leave dents or cracks on it. This makes it less ideal for places with lots of activity. Over time, these damages may need fixing, adding extra work.

Needs more care

To keep Gypsum Wallboard in good shape, you’ll need upkeep. Cracks and dents often need repairs, and moisture can weaken it. In damp areas, it might grow mold, needing cleaning or replacing. While it’s cheaper at first, the cost of fixing it adds up later.

Cost

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Higher upfront costs

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard costs more at first. It usually costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. This is higher than Gypsum Wallboard’s price. The extra cost comes from its strong fire and water resistance.

Even though it costs more upfront, it lasts longer. It doesn’t need much fixing, making it a smart choice for long-term use.

Long-term value

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard saves money over time. It doesn’t break easily or need repairs often. It resists fire, water, and damage, staying strong in tough places.

If you want something that lasts, this wallboard is worth the higher price.

Gypsum Wallboard

Lower initial costs

Gypsum Wallboard is cheaper to buy. It costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. This makes it a good choice for people on a budget. It works well for regular home projects.

Affordability for large-scale projects

For big projects, Gypsum Wallboard’s low price helps save money. But it doesn’t last as long and needs more care. Over time, fixing it can cost more. For short-term use, it’s still a good and affordable option.

Environmental Impact

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Eco-friendly production

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is made in an earth-friendly way. It uses natural magnesium oxide from seawater and salt pools. These materials are easy to find and can be replaced. Unlike wood products, it doesn’t cause deforestation. Making it uses less energy and creates fewer carbon emissions than other materials.

This wallboard has no harmful chemicals or VOCs. This keeps the air inside buildings cleaner and safer. Its strength against fire, water, and pests means it lasts longer. You won’t need to replace it often, saving resources.

Recyclable and green

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard can be recycled completely. This helps cut down on building waste. Its long life means fewer resources are used over time. Even after years, it can be recycled instead of thrown away. This makes it a great pick for eco-friendly projects.

Gypsum Wallboard

High-energy production

Making Gypsum Wallboard uses a lot of energy. The process heats gypsum to very high temperatures, using much power. This creates more CO₂ emissions. It also needs a lot of water and sometimes chemicals, which can harm nature.

Hard to dispose of

Getting rid of Gypsum Wallboard can be tricky. It’s not easy to recycle, so most of it ends up in landfills. This adds to environmental problems. Since it doesn’t last as long as Magnesium Oxide Wallboard, it needs replacing more often. This increases waste and uses more resources.

Ease of Installation

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Heavier material

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is thicker and weighs more than Gypsum Wallboard. This makes it harder to move and install, especially for big pieces. The extra weight means you need more effort to transport and set it up. Professionals may need extra help or tools to handle it properly.

Specialized tools and training

You need special tools and skills to install Magnesium Oxide Wallboard. Its tough surface needs diamond-tipped blades for cutting. Workers must wear gloves, masks, and safety glasses for protection. The table below shows some tools and challenges with this material:

To install it correctly, trained workers are often necessary. This increases the cost and makes it harder to use Magnesium Oxide Wallboard.

Gypsum Wallboard

Lightweight and easy to handle

Gypsum Wallboard is lighter, so it’s easier to carry and place. Its light weight makes installation simple, even for beginners. You can cut it with regular tools like utility knives. This means you don’t need special equipment, making it great for quick projects.

Availability of expertise

Gypsum Wallboard is common in construction, so finding skilled workers is easy. Most builders know how to install it quickly. This saves time and lowers labor costs. Its simplicity also lets you finish small projects without hiring professionals.

Tip: If you want a material that’s simple to install and doesn’t need special tools, Gypsum Wallboard is a great choice.

Applications

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

High-moisture areas

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard works great in wet or humid places. It’s perfect for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens because it resists water. Unlike other materials, it doesn’t soak up water, so it won’t swell or bend. This also stops mold and mildew from growing, keeping spaces healthier.

• Key Performance Highlights:

  • Tested for freeze/thaw cycles for 36 months, proving durability.

  • Mold and fungus can’t grow on it, confirmed by ASTM G-21 tests.

  • Made from natural materials, safe for eco-friendly projects.

If you need a strong wallboard for damp areas, this is a great pick.

Fire-prone environments

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is excellent for places with high fire risks. It doesn’t burn and stays strong even in extreme heat. Tests like EN 13501-1 and ASTM E136 show it can handle temperatures up to 1200°F.

This wallboard is a smart choice for schools, hospitals, and buildings needing top fire safety.

Gypsum Wallboard

Residential construction

Gypsum Wallboard is a favorite for homes because it’s cheap and easy to use. It’s great for walls and ceilings in houses. Its light weight makes it simple to carry and install, even for DIY projects or big housing jobs.

• Advantages for Home Use:

  • Affordable for people on a budget.

  • Comes in many sizes and thicknesses.

  • Works with regular tools, saving money on labor.

If you’re building or fixing up a house, Gypsum Wallboard is a practical and low-cost option.

Interior design versatility

Gypsum Wallboard is great for making stylish interiors. Its smooth surface is easy to paint, cover with wallpaper, or texture. Designers use it to create cool features like arches, niches, and fancy ceilings.

• Why Designers Prefer It:

  • Simple to shape for creative designs.

  • Lightweight, so it’s easy to install.

  • Works with many finishes to look great.

For projects focused on looks and creativity, Gypsum Wallboard is a flexible and stylish choice.

Picking between Magnesium Oxide Wallboard and Gypsum Wallboard depends on what you need. Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is stronger, resists fire, and handles water better. It’s also made in a way that’s kinder to the planet. On the other hand, Gypsum Wallboard costs less and works well for tight budgets.

• Cost: Gypsum Wallboard is cheaper, great for big or low-cost projects.

• Durability: Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is tougher and lasts longer.

• Environmental Impact: Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is greener, while Gypsum Wallboard creates more pollution.

Think about what matters most for your project to decide.

FAQ

1. Which wallboard works best in fire-risk areas?

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is the best for fire-risk spots. It doesn’t burn and handles heat up to 1200°F. Gypsum Wallboard can resist fire but weakens in very high heat. This makes it less ideal for places with big fire dangers.

2. Can I use Magnesium Oxide Wallboard in a bathroom?

Yes, Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is great for bathrooms. It blocks water, mold, and mildew, staying strong in wet areas. Gypsum Wallboard, even the moisture-resistant kind, doesn’t last as well in damp places.

3. Which wallboard is better for the environment?

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is better for the planet. It’s made from natural stuff and creates less pollution. It can also be recycled. Gypsum Wallboard takes more energy to make and is harder to recycle.

4. Is Gypsum Wallboard easier to put up than Magnesium Oxide Wallboard?

Yes, Gypsum Wallboard is simpler to install. It’s light and needs only basic tools. Magnesium Oxide Wallboard is heavier and needs special tools, so experts may be required. This makes it cost more to install.

5. Which wallboard saves more money for big projects?

Gypsum Wallboard costs less upfront, so it’s cheaper for big jobs. But Magnesium Oxide Wallboard lasts longer and needs fewer repairs, saving money over time.