The choice between magnesium oxide board vs drywall extends way beyond the reach and influence of price alone. MgO boards are a great way to get fire protection with an A1 non-combustible rating. Traditional gypsum boards are nowhere near a match for this level of protection. Our tests reveal similar performance gaps in moisture resistance. MgO boards show just 0.34% surface moisture absorption, while gypsum boards reach nearly 3%. The unique composition of MgO boards makes

Water damage threatens 98% of U.S. basements, making subfloor material selection one of your most important construction decisions. Poor subflooring choices become obvious through warping, mold growth, and repairs that can get pricey. The best subfloor material needs more than just strength—it needs moisture resistance in vulnerable areas. Your bathroom's subfloor materials need extra attention, especially when you have constant moisture exposure. Standard plywood and OSB rem

Your entire construction project's success depends on choosing the right subfloor materials. I've watched floors succeed and fail over the years, and this fact stands out clearly. Plywood has dominated the subflooring landscape since the 1950s, and with good reason too. Concrete slabs present compelling alternatives that match specific needs - they typically run 4-6 inches thick with strength ratings of 3,500-5,500 psi. Plywood might cost more than OSB, but it proves tougher

Magnesium oxide boards are becoming a revolutionary force in construction, with experts projecting their market value to reach $2.15 billion by 2025. These mineral-based panels are a superior choice thanks to their exceptional fire resistance, moisture tolerance, and structural strength compared to traditional building materials. MGO boards stand out from standard options by maintaining their shape and performance in humid environments. The boards pass strict tests like ASTM

Your home's exterior wall sheathing acts as crucial armor that provides structural integrity and creates a protective barrier against environmental elements. A properly installed sheathing strengthens the entire wall system and offers a secure nailing base for siding while protecting against outside forces. The right wall sheathing can substantially affect your building's durability and performance. Both structural and non-structural sheathing options serve different purposes

Gypsum board alternatives are becoming more popular, and with good reason too. Gypsum board—also known as wallboard, plasterboard, and sheetrock—has been the standard building material for years, but its limitations are now clear to see. The traditional gypsum boards don't deal very well with humid environments, even though they're cheap and easy to install. These boards soak up water when exposed to moisture, which causes swelling and mold growth. On top of that, they break

You might be surprised to learn that gypsum plaster, the core material in fire-resistant drywall, has protected structures for over 7,000 years. Many homeowners still struggle to grasp how drywall fire resistance works and its significance. My conversations with them reveal frequent misconceptions about fire ratings. Fire-rated sheetrock doesn't make walls fireproof - it resists fire for specific time periods measured in hours. Most Type X drywall comes with a one-hour fire r

Bored with plain old drywall? Your walls can get a fresh look that saves money and prevents headaches during your next renovation project. I've found that there was more to drywall alternatives than meets the eye. These options add character and functionality to your space. The choices are plenty when you need cheap alternatives or want something visually appealing. Plywood sheets give you a warm, textured look with beautiful grain patterns that enhance your space's character

A single layer of plasterboard can boost fire resistance by 170%. Fire resistance ratings are vital to protect lives and property during emergencies. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) determines how long wall panels can block fire and heat. Tall buildings need wall panels with a two-hour fire resistance rating to meet safety standards. Fire rated walls have different categories. Class A walls provide the highest protection level, which makes them perfect f

Want to save big on your next project? A cement board alternative might be your answer. The cement board market keeps growing. Projections show it reaching $8.6 billion in 2025, up from $8.15 billion in 2024. The environmental toll tells a different story - cement production makes up about 7-8% of global CO2 emissions. The good news? You'll find backer board alternatives that cost less and help the environment. MgO cement board stands out as a prime example. These magnesium o

The cement backer board market will grow from $8.15 billion in 2024 to $8.6 billion in 2025, with a steady 5.5% yearly growth. These numbers reflect how cement boards have properties that regular building materials just can't match. Portland cement combined with glass-fiber mesh surfaces creates sheets that resist water and maintain structural integrity. Cementitious boards combine cement and cellulose fibers to create a robust backing for tile installations. These boards wor

MgO fireproof wall sheeting stands strong against temperatures above 1,000°C without structural damage. Builders and contractors worldwide choose MgO boards more often because their remarkable fire resistance puts safety first in construction projects. These boards differ from standard materials as they won't ignite or burn under extreme heat. The panels create minimal smoke and zero toxic fumes during fires. This cuts down health risks in emergencies. Research proves that bu

Decorative wall panels serve as a critical safety feature in modern homes, beyond their esthetic appeal. Residential fires cause nearly 2,890 fatalities and 10,400 injuries, resulting in $11.2 billion in property damage. This makes fire-resistant interior finishes an essential choice for homeowners. Style and safety work together perfectly in modern design. Our research reveals the most innovative fire-resistant decorative wall panels that blend protection with stunning desig

Magnesium Sulfate Board maintains its color even when exposed to temperatures above 750°C (1,382°F) for more than 30 minutes. Builders constantly search for materials that are a great way to get superior performance without compromising safety or sustainability. Magnesium sulfate boards excel as an exceptional solution, with an A1 non-combustible classification under the EN13501-1 standard. This classification confirms they don't contribute to fire spread. These innovative bo

Moisture causes about 85% of basement floor problems and costs the flooring industry over $1 billion each year. The subfloor material you choose can make or break your project. This foundation layer determines how well your basement handles humidity, water exposure, and daily wear. OSB and plywood have served as popular choices for decades. However, MgO boards have emerged as the top basement subfloor material among homeowners in 2025. We needed waterproof basement flooring

Your construction project's success depends heavily on wall sheathing choices. Building durable structures starts with picking the right material - it creates the foundation for lasting results. Structural exterior wall sheathing connects framing studs and creates walls that resist twisting and bending. Different materials show unique performance characteristics in real-world conditions. Traditional plywood stands out for strength and versatility, while OSB has captured about

Moisture tests show magnesium oxide board absorbs just 0.34% water while gypsum drywall soaks up 3%. This most important difference explains why builders now prefer MgO boards in areas where moisture could be an issue in homes and buildings. MgO board beats traditional drywall hands down when it comes to water exposure. The board's structure stays intact without warping, swelling, or breaking down. This makes it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where humidity ru

A shocking 98% of U.S. basements face water damage risks. This statistic emphasizes the significance of proper subfloor selection to protect your home's structural integrity and extend its life. Your flooring can suffer serious damage from high humidity levels alone. Moisture-resistant subfloor panels become vital in many cases. The subfloor's foundation distributes weight, maintains stability, and manages moisture for your finished floors. Basement areas with 80-90% humidity

Magnesium wall boards score a perfect zero on the flame spread index. This makes them one of today's most fire-resistant building materials. These innovative boards provide superior fire safety in construction projects because flames cannot spread across their surface. Standard tests measure fire resistance in building materials. High-quality MgO wall boards excel in these tests with a perfect 0/0 score on the ASTM E84/UL 723 Flame Spread and Smoke Developed Index. This sco

Need a cement board alternative that won't empty your wallet? You're not the only one. Many homeowners like us are looking for budget-friendly options that maintain quality, especially since fiber cement boards can cost a steep $7-$18 per square foot. The price tag isn't the only reason to look elsewhere. The cement industry's impact on our environment is significant - it generates about 7-8% of global CO2 emissions. The good news? Several hardie board alternatives exist that