MGO Board vs Drywall: Which Lasts Longer? [2025 Test Results]

The durability difference between MGO board and drywall stands out clearly in construction projects. MGO boards remain intact even after 100 days underwater. The surface moisture absorption tells a compelling story - drywall soaks up almost 9 times more at 3% while MGO boards absorb just 0.34%. This outstanding water resistance makes MGO boards a top choice for areas prone to moisture.

MGO boards shine in fire safety too. These boards are non-combustible and don't create smoke or spread flames. Standard drywall doesn't match this level of protection against fire, water, or impacts. The cost comparison between MGO boards and drywall needs careful consideration. The original MGO board price runs higher, but their superior strength and durability often pay off. MGO boards boast an impressive bending strength of 18-27 MPa and pack more density at 950-1050 Kg/M³ compared to drywall's 640-800 Kg/M³.

This piece will get into how these materials handle different conditions. You'll learn which option best fits your specific needs. The choice becomes clearer once you understand these differences, whether you're building in humid areas, prioritizing fire safety, or searching for the most lasting solution.

Material Composition and Structure

The basic difference between MGO board vs drywall starts with what they're made of. These materials' composition explains why they perform so differently in various environments.

Core Materials: Magnesium Oxide vs Gypsum

MGO boards are made mostly of magnesium oxide (56-58%), which comes from magnesite, brucite, dolomite, or seawater. This mineral-based material stays stable and resists fire exceptionally well, with a melting point of about 2800°C. The manufacturing process needs temperatures between 700-1400°C, which is much lower than Portland cement's requirement of 1400°C.

Drywall has a core made of gypsum dihydrate (calcium sulfate dihydrate), a soft mineral found in nature. Two layers of heavy paper sandwich this core to give it structural strength. The paper covering makes drywall easy prey for water damage and mold growth, unlike MGO boards' inorganic makeup.

Reinforcements: Fiberglass Mesh vs Paper Facing

The way MGO board and drywall are reinforced sets them apart. Quality MGO boards use fiberglass mesh (4-6% of total makeup) that creates a cloth-like structure inside. This mesh makes them much stronger:

• Impact resistance (4.5 kilojoules compared to drywall's 1 kilojoule)

• Bending strength (18-27 MPa versus drywall's 5.6 MPa)

• Better crack prevention and structural strength

Drywall uses paper facing for support instead. This paper creates a smooth finish but tears more easily than fiberglass. Paper facing breaks down between 200-350°C in fires, but fiberglass stays strong at much higher temperatures.

Additives and Chemical Properties

Both materials contain additives that give them specific properties. MGO boards usually include:

• Perlite (3-4%): Makes it lighter and better insulated

• Wood fiber (5-6%): Reduces weight and makes it easier to work with

• Magnesium sulfate (27-29%): Binds everything together

• Phosphate (0.1-0.3%): Makes it chemically stable

  
  

Magnesium oxide works really well with wood fibers, unlike Portland cement-based products. This compatibility helps create MGO boards' solid structure.

MGO boards cost more than drywall because of these material differences. But their resistance to moisture, fire, and impact might make the higher upfront cost worth it for many uses.

MGO boards release water vapor when heated through magnesium hydroxide breakdown. This gives extra fire protection without toxic fumes. Drywall's gypsum contains about 21% crystalline water that turns to steam during fires. This offers some protection but fails at around 400°C (752°F).

Fire and Moisture Resistance

MGO board's remarkable strength compared to drywall shows up best in extreme conditions. These materials face ground challenges from fire risks to moisture exposure that affect how long they last and how safe they are.

Fire Ratings: ASTM E136 vs Type X Gypsum

MGO boards shine in fire safety tests and can handle temperatures up to 750°C in standardized ASTM E136 tests without burning. The natural makeup prevents combustion, which helps them earn the highest A1 non-combustible classification.

These boards achieve fire ratings up to 4 hours and provide excellent protection during emergencies.

Standard gypsum drywall depends on its 21% crystalline water content as temporary protection. The water changes to steam during fires and slows flame spread for a short time. Lab tests show that gypsum board loses its structure within 20-30 minutes at 400°C and turns to powder. Type X or fire-rated gypsum has improvements but is nowhere near MGO's natural fire resistance.

Water Absorption: 0.34% vs 3%

The way these materials handle moisture differs greatly. MGO boards soak up just 0.34% surface moisture, while gypsum boards absorb nearly 3% under similar conditions. This huge gap explains why magnesium oxide wall board stays strong even after long moisture exposure. Quality MGO boards can stay underwater for up to 100 days without breaking down.

MGO boards keep almost 100% of their flexural strength after 25 cycles of soaking and drying. They work great in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other damp spaces where standard drywall would fail quickly. This superior moisture resistance affects the mgo board price vs drywall cost equation a lot when you think about long-term value.

Mold and Mildew Resistance in Humid Conditions

MGO board's inorganic makeup naturally fights off biological threats. These panels earned a perfect 0/0/0 rating in the ASTM G21 antifungal test. They resist:

• Mold and mildew colonization

• Fungal growth even in persistently humid conditions

• Biological deterioration that typically affects organic materials

  
  

Standard drywall creates an ideal environment for mold growth because of its paper facing and organic parts. MGO board provides an unfriendly surface for microbial growth. This feature removes common health concerns from mold exposure in buildings.

Standard drywall can start growing mold soon after getting wet. MGO boards perform much better, which matters in the mgo board vs drywall cost comparison, especially in damp areas or places with high humidity.

Durability and Strength Over Time

Physical endurance tests show MGO boards are much stronger than traditional drywall. This strength difference becomes crucial for long-term durability in everyday use.

Impact Strength: 4.5 KJ vs 1 KJ

MGO boards pack impressive impact resistance, reaching 4.5 kilojoules or higher. Their strength comes from fiberglass mesh reinforcement that creates a cloth-like internal structure and spreads force throughout the material. Standard drywall only reaches 1 kilojoule of impact resistance. This makes drywall much more likely to get dents, cracks, and holes from everyday bumps and accidents.

Bending Strength: 27 MPa vs 5.6 MPa

Bending strength numbers tell an even more dramatic story. MGO boards reach strength ratings of 18-27 MPa, which is five times stronger than gypsum's 5.6 MPa. This big difference shows why MGO boards stay strong under stress, making them perfect for projects needing lasting durability.

Performance in High-Traffic Areas

MGO boards' strength makes them the best choice for busy spaces. Schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings benefit from their toughness. Drywall needs frequent repairs and replacement from impacts. MGO boards keep looking good and stay strong even in areas with constant activity. The higher price of MGO boards pays off through reduced maintenance and replacement costs in busy areas.

Resistance to Cracking and Warping

MGO boards keep their shape and size well as time passes. Their structure prevents common drywall problems like nail pops, corner damage, and seam issues. These boards stay strong for years and resist the dents and cracks that often show up in drywall installations.

Magnesium oxide's crystalline structure creates a dense material that handles punctures and dents well, even in tough conditions. MGO boards stay strong after getting wet, while drywall tends to warp, crack, and fall apart with moisture. The lower maintenance costs of MGO boards in busy areas make up for their higher initial price compared to drywall.

Installation and Cost Comparison

Your choice between MGO board and drywall depends on more than just performance specs. Installation practicality and costs are vital factors that will affect your project's success.

Ease of Handling: Weight and Tools Required

MGO boards weigh more than drywall, which means you'll need extra muscle during installation. Their density makes them stronger but harder to transport. You'll need specialized tools to cut MGO boards properly. Circular saws with thin carbide blades give you the cleanest cuts through these dense materials. Thicker boards need a plunge saw with a diamond blade for precision. The thinner MGO boards (8mm or less) can be scored and snapped.

Drywall is much easier to work with because it's lighter and more manageable. Basic hand tools do the job - utility knives, T-squares for marking cuts, and standard drywall screws. This makes drywall a great choice for DIY projects.

Labor Requirements: DIY vs Professional

Professional installation costs vary between these materials. MGO board installation by skilled workers costs between USD 3.00 and USD 8.00 per square foot. MGO boards let you work right after installation, while drywall needs up to seven days for joint compound to set.

DIY projects work better with drywall. Its light weight and simple installation process make it perfect for homeowners. MGO boards need more expertise because they're heavier and have specific fastening requirements.

mgo board vs drywall cost: Initial and Long-Term

The price gap is quite noticeable. MGO boards cost USD 1.50 to USD 3.50 per square foot. Regular drywall costs much less at USD 0.30 to USD 0.70 per square foot.

Long-term costs favor MGO boards. Building costs make up just 10-20% of lifetime expenses. Maintenance and operations take up the remaining 80-90%. MGO boards need minimal upkeep, which can offset their higher upfront cost through fewer repairs and replacements.

mgo board price vs drywall: Regional Price Variations

Buying MGO boards in bulk might get you discounts of 10-15%, but local availability affects pricing. Labor costs also change by region. Professional drywall installation will cost between USD 2.21 and USD 2.62 per square foot (including materials) in 2025.

MGO boards might cost more upfront, but their durability and low maintenance needs often make them worth the investment. This is especially true in areas with moisture problems or heavy traffic.

Environmental and Health Impact

The construction industry now thinks about sustainability more than ever to evaluate MGO board and drywall options.

Recyclability and Waste Generation

MGO boards serve as fully recyclable materials that builders can repurpose in multiple ways. These boards can be ground up and mixed into soil as nutritional additives. Drywall adds much to construction and demolition waste - about 15%. MGO boards create zero pollution in landfills due to their "nutritional waste" properties. The situation differs with gypsum boards that release harmful hydrogen sulfide gas and damage nearby ecosystems in landfills.

Indoor Air Quality: VOCs and Toxins

ASTM D5116-10 testing standards confirm that MGO boards contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The boards' manufacturing process excludes harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, asbestos, toxic binders, crystalline silica, and heavy metals. These boards create healthier spaces inside buildings, especially when you have people with respiratory conditions. Standard drywall products might contain biocides and heavy metals that could affect the air quality indoors.

Carbon Footprint of Manufacturing

MGO board production releases about 340 kg of CO2 per ton, which is substantially lower than drywall's 740 kg. The boards need temperatures between 600°C-1300°C during manufacturing, while drywall requires higher temperatures at 1400°C. MGO boards naturally absorb 20-40% of their carbon dioxide emissions through passive carbonation within 15 years after installation.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

The test results comparing MGO board vs drywall show that MGO boards are clearly the better choice when it comes to lasting longer. Without doubt, MGO boards can stay submerged in water for 100 days, while drywall quickly falls apart when it gets wet. This amazing water resistance makes MGO boards worth thinking over for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

MGO boards show clear advantages in several performance areas. They have an impact strength of 4.5 kilojoules compared to drywall's mere 1 kilojoule. Their bending strength reaches 18-27 MPa, way above drywall's 5.6 MPa. MGO boards also protect better against fire by withstanding temperatures up to 750°C, while standard drywall fails around 400°C.

Cost remains the biggest issue for many projects. MGO boards cost $1.50-$3.50 per square foot while drywall runs $0.30-$0.70. This price difference often shrinks when you look at total lifecycle costs. Building materials make up just 10-20% of lifetime expenses, with maintenance and operations taking up 80-90%. The durability benefits of MGO boards often justify their higher upfront cost over time.

Some applications make the choice obvious. Schools and hospitals benefit greatly from MGO's better impact resistance and lower maintenance needs. Spaces with moisture issues just need MGO's excellent water resistance and perfect mold resistance rating.

All the same, drywall works better for some projects. It weighs less, handles easier, and installs more simply - especially when you have DIY work and budget-focused projects in controlled environments. Standard residential interior walls in dry spaces still work well with traditional drywall.

MGO boards' environmental benefits make them even more attractive. They create less carbon during manufacturing (340kg CO2 per ton vs drywall's 740kg), can be fully recycled, and don't release harmful VOCs. These features line up perfectly with today's sustainability goals.

MGO boards perform better in durability, fire safety, moisture resistance, and environmental impact. The higher original cost might put off some projects, but MGO boards ended up giving better value in many cases, especially where you need extra protection against environmental challenges.

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