Top Applications for Magnesium Oxide Board

Applications for Magnesium Oxide Board

Top Applications for Magnesium Oxide Board

You see magnesium oxide board used for walls, ceilings, and floors in homes and offices. Builders pick mgo board because it helps stop fires. It blocks water and lasts longer than wood or gypsum. This material works well in kitchens and bathrooms. It is good for places with strong fire safety rules. Many people like it in new houses and renovations. It is also used in green buildings. People choose magnesium oxide board used for areas where there is a lot of humidity or wildfires.

Key Takeaways

  • Magnesium oxide board stops fire very well. It is a safe pick for walls, ceilings, and floors in homes. It is also good for commercial buildings.

  • This board does not let water in easily. It stops mold and water damage. This makes it great for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet places.

  • Magnesium oxide board is very strong. It does not get ruined by bugs, rot, or bad weather. You do not need to fix it often.

  • Magnesium oxide board is good for the planet. It uses natural things and can be recycled. This helps with green building.

  • Magnesium oxide board can be used in many ways. It is simple to put in place. You can use it for inside walls, ceilings, and outside coverings.

Magnesium Oxide Board Benefits

Fire Resistance in Construction

You want your building safe if there is a fire. Magnesium oxide board used for walls, ceilings, and floors gives strong protection. Lab tests show magnesium oxide board works better than drywall and plywood. It blocks fire, does not burn, and stops smoke from moving. This makes it a great choice for building in 2025. You can see how it compares in the table below:

Property/Material Aspect

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards

Gypsum Board

Cement Board

Plywood

OSB

Fire Resistance

Superior, up to 4 hours

Medium

High

Low

Low

Thermal Stability

Withstands heat up to 1200°C

Lower

Moderate

Low

Low

Combustibility

Noncombustible (Class A rating)

Combustible

Combustible

Highly combustible

Highly combustible

Smoke and Toxicity

No harmful gases or smoke

Emits smoke

Emits smoke

Emits smoke

Emits smoke

Structural Integrity in Fire

Maintains strength and shape

Weaker under high heat

May crack or break

Weakens quickly

Weakens quickly

Bar chart comparing fire resistance duration of magnesium oxide board, drywall, and plywood

You also feel safe because magnesium oxide board used for building meets tough fire safety rules. It usually gives at least one hour of fire protection. You can use it in places that need more safety.

Moisture and Mold Protection

You need materials that do not get ruined by water. Magnesium oxide board used for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet places keeps your building safe from mold. Studies show it handles water better than gypsum drywall. It does not swell, crack, or grow mold when wet. The table below shows how it works:

Material

Moisture Resistance Rating

Performance in Wet Areas

MgO Board

High

Excellent for constant water exposure, does not absorb water.

Cement Board

Moderate

Good for wet areas, often used under tiles in bathrooms.

Gypsum Board

Low

Suitable for light moisture, can weaken with prolonged exposure.

You can trust magnesium oxide board used for wet places to keep your rooms healthy and strong.

Durability and Strength

You want your building to last a long time. Magnesium oxide board used for many jobs is very tough. It does not get ruined by bugs, rot, or bad weather. You do not have to fix it often. Tests show it is strong and does not break easily. This means you get good performance and spend less on repairs.

Eco-Friendly Features

You care about the earth. Magnesium oxide board used for green buildings helps you make less pollution. It is made from natural things and does not let out bad gases. When it is made, it even takes in some carbon dioxide from the air. The carbon released for magnesium oxide board is much less than cement or gypsum boards. Many brands have special certificates for being good for the planet.

MAXTERRA®’s EPD is checked by others and follows ISO 14025 and ISO 21930 rules, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of how it is made.

You can feel good picking magnesium oxide board used for your next job because it can be recycled, is safe, and helps the earth.

Magnesium Oxide Board Used for Interior Construction

Magnesium Oxide Board Used for Interior Construction
Image Source: unsplash

Magnesium oxide board gives you lots of choices for building inside. You can use it for walls, ceilings, floors, doors, furniture, and acoustic panels. These uses help you make spaces that are safe, strong, and last a long time.

Walls and Partitions

You want walls that keep you safe from fire and last many years. Magnesium oxide board works great for fire-rated walls in homes, offices, and stores. You get smooth walls that are easy to paint or finish. The board stops fire and blocks sound, so rooms are safer and quieter. You can build walls fast and change them when needed. In stores, magnesite hollow boards helped workers finish walls 20% faster. These walls are used where safety and flexibility are important.

Tip: Pick magnesium oxide board for inside walls if you need strong fire protection and easy setup.

Application Type

Description

Interior Walls

Strong and fire-safe walls in homes, offices, and stores.

Partition Walls

Stops fire and sound, makes safe areas, and lets you change layouts quickly.

You get strong walls that resist water, so they stay solid even in tough places.

Ceilings

You need ceilings that look nice and protect you from fire. Magnesium oxide board is lighter than cement board, so it is easy to put up. You see it in malls, theaters, and classrooms. The board fights fire and mold, so your ceiling stays safe and clean. It also blocks noise, with a sound value of 30 dB. You save energy because the board does not let heat pass through easily. Your ceiling stays strong and quiet.

  • Magnesium oxide board is simple to use for ceilings.

  • You get fire and moisture protection.

  • The board helps keep loud places quieter.

Floors and Subflooring

You want floors that hold heavy things and stand up to lots of walking. Magnesium oxide board gives you strong and tough floors. You can use it under tiles or wood. The board fights water, fire, and mold, so floors last longer. In wet places, you get protection from water and mildew. For subfloors, a 3/4-inch MagPanel gives extra support and stops bending.

  • Magnesium oxide board is tougher than plywood or drywall.

  • You get floors that resist water in humid places.

  • The board keeps out mold and water damage.

Doors and Furniture

You need doors and furniture that are safe and strong. Magnesium oxide board is used inside fire-rated doors, giving heat protection for up to two hours. You get light panels for cabinets and shelves. The board has a smooth surface you can paint or finish. You see it in projects where fire safety matters.

Application Area

Mgo Board Benefit

Safety Impact

Fire Doors

Light, strong, fireproof

Protects doorways

Furniture Panels

Strong, easy to paint

Safe and lasts long

You get strong and fire-safe doors and furniture for inside spaces.

Acoustic Panels

You want rooms that are quiet with less noise. Magnesium oxide board works well for sound panels. The thick board blocks sound better than gypsum board. You get panels that last long and resist water. The board is fireproof and made from earth-friendly materials. You can use it in offices, schools, and theaters.

Attribute

MgO Board

Gypsum Board

Sound Insulation

Great because it is thick

Not as good at blocking sound

Durability

Resists water and mold

Can be hurt by water

Fire Resistance

Fireproof

Can be damaged by heat

Eco-Friendliness

Made from green materials

Needs lots of mining

You get strong, fire-safe, and water-resistant sound panels. These uses help you make spaces that are safe, quiet, and comfy.

Exterior and Specialized Construction Uses

Exterior and Specialized Construction Uses
Image Source: pexels

Magnesium oxide board is used outside because it is tough. It stops fire, blocks water, and lasts a long time. Builders use it for cladding where safety matters most. You can use it in many outside and special building jobs.

Exterior Walls and Sheathing

You want walls outside that keep out fire, wind, and water. Magnesium oxide board works for wall cladding and sheathing. It stands up to strong winds and hard hits. The board does not rot or get bugs. Your walls stay strong for years. You can use it for fascia, soffit, trim, and lap siding. Many buildings in hurricane areas use magnesium oxide board. It keeps the building safe in storms.

Here is a table that shows how magnesium oxide board works in different weather:

Performance Feature

Description

Structural Support

Makes outside walls and cladding strong.

Moisture Control

Blocks water, air, and vapor, good for all weather.

Fire Resistance

Gives fire protection for outside jobs.

Thermal Insulation

Comes in many thicknesses for hot and cold places.

Vapor Permeability

Lets walls dry if water gets inside.

Chemical Bonding

Paint and coatings stick well, so it lasts longer.

You can use magnesium oxide board for wall cladding in DIY jobs, fixes, and fast builds. The board gives you safety and quality every time.

Bathrooms and Wet Areas

You need stuff that does not get ruined by water in bathrooms. Magnesium oxide board does not soak up water. You can use it behind tiles, in basements, and kitchens. The board does not swell, rot, or change shape, even when wet. It works better than cement board, which may need extra waterproofing.

Here is a table that compares magnesium oxide board and cement board:

Material

Moisture Resistance

Additional Notes

Magnesium Oxide Board

Very good at stopping water; does not swell or rot

Stops mold and mildew because it is alkaline

Cement Board

Blocks water but can soak some up over time

May need more waterproofing in some places

Magnesium oxide board is lighter and easier to put in than cement board. It gives better fire safety and is good for the planet. You can trust it for wet places.

Tip: Pick magnesium oxide board for bathroom walls if you want strong water and mold protection.

Soffits and Facades

You want soffits and facades that look nice and last in any weather. Magnesium oxide board is not made from wood, so it does not soak up water. The board stays strong and keeps its shape in wet or dry weather. It stops mold and mildew, so your building stays healthy. The board is better than gypsum and OSB in wet places.

Here is a table that shows why magnesium oxide board is good for soffits and facades:

Advantage

Description

Moisture Protection

Does not soak up water, stays strong in wet weather.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Stops mold, works better than gypsum and OSB.

Durability

Stays tough in wet and dry weather, so cladding lasts longer.

You can use magnesium oxide board for soffits and facades to get strong cladding and easy care.

Fireplace Surrounds

You need safe walls around fireplaces. Magnesium oxide board stops fire and does not burn. The board can take heat up to 1200°C for four hours. It keeps its shape and does not make bad smoke or gases in a fire. The board is easy to cut and put in. You can make custom fireplace walls that follow safety rules.

Note: Magnesium oxide board is a great pick for fireplace walls because it is safe and works well.

Tunnels and Infrastructure

You want materials that protect tunnels from fire and water. Magnesium oxide board does not burn and stays strong in high heat. The board lowers fire risks in tunnels. It stops mold and keeps water out better than other boards. The board does not make toxic gases, so people are safer in emergencies.

Here is a table that shows why magnesium oxide board is good for tunnels and big projects:

Evidence Description

Key Points

Fire Resistance

Handles heat up to 1200°C for four hours, stays strong.

Non-combustibility

Does not burn, lowers fire danger.

Structural Integrity

Stays strong in high heat, makes things safer.

Mold and Moisture Resistance

Stops mold, keeps water out better than other boards.

Safety in Evacuations

Does not make bad gases or smoke, keeps people safer.

You see magnesium oxide board used for tunnels, bridges, and other big jobs where fire safety and strength matter most.

Callout: Magnesium oxide board gives you strong cladding for outside walls, wet places, soffits, facades, fireplaces, and big projects. You get fire safety, water protection, and long-lasting use for every job.

Sector Uses in Construction

Fire Resistant Sheathing Protect BuildingsCommercial Buildings

Magnesium oxide board is used in many commercial buildings. Builders pick it because it stops fires and is strong. Walls and ceilings made with it help keep people safe. The board does not get ruined by water, so it works in humid places. It is easy to install, so you save time. The table below shows why magnesium oxide board is good for commercial projects:

Benefit/Feature

Description

Fire Resistance

Stops fire and keeps buildings safe.

Moisture and Mold Resistance

Protects against water and mold.

Durability

Lasts longer than other materials.

Ease of Installation

Saves time and labor costs.

Environmental Safety

Made from eco-friendly materials.

Application in Various Settings

Used in schools, hospitals, and modular construction.

You get better results and spend less money on your building.

Educational Facilities

Schools need to be safe and healthy. Magnesium oxide board helps stop fires and water damage in classrooms. Walls and ceilings made with it are strong and do not break. The board is light, so workers put it up fast. The table below shows how magnesium oxide board helps schools:

Application Type

Benefits

Classrooms

Fire resistance, mold and mildew resistance

Meeting Rooms

Durability and easy installation

Libraries

Lightweight and easy to move

Ceilings

Reduces construction time

Gyms

Works well in high-traffic areas

Students stay safe and buildings last longer.

Healthcare Environments

Hospitals need to be clean and safe. Magnesium oxide board helps keep walls dry and stops germs. It protects against mold, mildew, and dust mites. The board does not crack, so germs cannot hide. It is strong and does not get scratched in busy places.

  • Stops mold and mildew by letting water vapor out.

  • Keeps humidity low, so mold does not grow.

  • Safe for people who are sensitive.

  • Strong and does not crack, so walls stay clean.

  • Does not get dents or scratches in busy areas.

Patients and staff stay safer and healthier.

Public Infrastructure

Magnesium oxide board is used in modular homes and public buildings. It gives walls that resist fire and water. You can build faster and spend less on moving parts. The board meets building rules and keeps people safe. The table below shows how it works:

Application

Benefits

Outcome

SIPs in modular housing

High fire resistance, moisture and mold resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation

Faster assembly, reliable shipping, better safety

Exterior wall sheathing

Fire-resistant, UV and heat-resistant, lightweight

Durable solutions that meet codes

  • More safety from fire

  • Faster building with quick assembly

  • Meets rules in many places

Public spaces are strong and safe.

Recreational Spaces

Gyms and sports centers need to be safe. Magnesium oxide board makes buildings strong and protects from fire. The board does not get ruined by water, so it stops damage. You spend less fixing things because the board lasts long. The table below shows the benefits:

Property

Benefit in Recreational Spaces

Structural Strength

Keeps areas safe and stable

Fire Resistance

Reduces fire hazards

Moisture Resistance

Prevents damage and keeps facilities strong

Low Maintenance

Cuts upkeep costs and ensures durability

You make gyms and sports centers safe and strong for everyone.

Material Comparison and Installation

Installation Guide for MgO Board

Magnesium Oxide Board vs. Gypsum Board

You need to choose the best material for your job. Magnesium oxide board and gypsum board are not the same. Magnesium oxide board protects well from fire. It does not burn or change shape in heat. Gypsum board can get weak if it gets wet or hot. Look at the table below to see the differences:

Material

Fire Resistance Characteristics

Magnesium Oxide

Non-combustible, does not ignite or support flame, maintains structural integrity under prolonged exposure to fire.

Gypsum Board

Can lose integrity when exposed to moisture or sustained heat, releases water vapor under high heat conditions.

You want a material that can handle water. Magnesium oxide board does not get ruined in wet places. Gypsum board can break and get weak when wet. Magnesium oxide board works better in bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Magnesium oxide board: Handles water well, stays strong in humidity.

  • Gypsum board: Gets weak and can break when it gets wet.

Magnesium oxide board is easy to put in. You can use it in many places without extra steps. Gypsum board needs more care and extra help in wet rooms.

  1. Magnesium oxide board: Simple to install, works in many jobs.

  2. Gypsum board: Needs careful work and extra support in wet spots.

MgO panels like EXACOR® are strong and fire-safe. You can use them under floors in apartments and stores. They are easy to install and may not need extra sound mats, which you often need with gypsum concrete.

Magnesium Oxide Board vs. Cement Board

You might want to know how magnesium oxide board compares to cement board. Magnesium oxide board costs more at first. Cement board is cheaper to buy. Magnesium oxide board lasts longer and needs less fixing, so you save money later.

  • First Cost: MgO boards cost more than cement boards.

  • Total Cost: MgO boards save money because they last and need less fixing.

  • MgO board: Costs more at first but saves money over time.

  • Cement board: Cheaper at first but may need more repairs.

MgO boards cost more than cement boards when you buy them. They last longer and need less fixing, so you save money later. You do not have to replace them as much.

Installation Tips and Cost Analysis

You want to install your boards without trouble. Magnesium oxide board is easy to cut and shape. You can use regular tools. You attach it with screws or nails. You do not need special tools. You can paint, tile, or wallpaper the surface.

Tip: Always read the instructions from the maker. Use the right screws or nails for your job.

You pay more for magnesium oxide board at first. You save money later because it lasts and needs fewer repairs. You get good fire safety, water protection, and easy setup for every project.

You see why magnesium oxide board stands out for construction in 2025. You get strong fire resistance for walls, floors, and ceilings. The board protects your building from fire and water. You use it in homes, schools, and offices. You save money because it lasts longer.

Choose magnesium oxide board for your next project if you want better fire resistance and durability.

FAQ

What makes magnesium oxide board better than drywall?

You get stronger fire protection with magnesium oxide board. It resists water and mold. Drywall can break down in wet areas. Magnesium oxide board lasts longer and keeps your building safer.

Can you use magnesium oxide board outside?

You can use magnesium oxide board for exterior walls, soffits, and facades. It stands up to rain, wind, and heat. The board does not rot or attract bugs. You get durable protection for outdoor projects.

Is magnesium oxide board safe for bathrooms?

You can trust magnesium oxide board in bathrooms. It does not absorb water or grow mold. The board keeps walls strong and healthy in wet spaces.

Tip: Use magnesium oxide board behind tiles for extra moisture protection.

How do you install magnesium oxide board?

You cut magnesium oxide board with regular tools. You attach it using screws or nails. The board is easy to paint, tile, or finish. You save time on installation.

Step

Tool Needed

Cutting

Utility knife

Fastening

Screws or nails

Finishing

Paint or tile

Is magnesium oxide board eco-friendly?

You help the planet when you choose magnesium oxide board. It uses natural materials and does not release harmful gases. Many brands offer recycled options. You support green building with this choice.