Table of Contents

I. Overview: MgO Board Advantages

When choosing the right building material for interior or exterior walls, fire resistance, water resistance, durability, ease of installation, and environmental safety are all critical factors. Among the most widely used boards on the market are Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board, Calcium Silicate Board, and Gypsum Board. But how do they truly compare? What’s mgo board advantage?

In this article, we will break down their performance across key criteria — including fire rating, water tolerance, physical strength, finishing compatibility, ease of construction, and environmental impact — to help you determine which board best fits your project requirements.

Items

 MgO Board Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board

Fire Resistance

 A1 A1 B

Water Resistance

 Excellent Excellent Bad

Physical Properties

 Excellent Excellent Normal
Facing Material Compatibility Excellent Excellent

Bad
Construction Convenience Excellent Normal

Normal
Environmental Protection No toxic substances Asbestos contained

/
Cost Normal cost High cost

Low cost

II. MgO Board Advantage: Fire Resistance

MgO Board Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
Grade A1 Grade A1 Grade B

The MgO board and the calcium silicate board are both incombustible materials, while the gypsum board begins to carbonize at 200°C.

III. MgO Board Advantage: Water Resistance

MgO Board

 Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
Can be dried after soaking for 100 days, with little change in physical properties Can be dried after soaking for 30 days, with little change in physical properties Decompose with water and the strength decreases

The waterproof performance of MgO board and the calcium silicate board is basically the same. The gypsum and the kraft paper are not waterproof.

IV. MgO Board Advantage: Physical Properties

 MgO Board Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
Density 0.9—1.3 g/cm2 1.3—1.5 g/cm2 1.2—1.3 g/cm2

The glass fiber in MgO board is cloth-like, which has low density and high strength, so it is light and strong. Calcium silicate board has short fibers, which means it is strong only with high density.

Impact Strength

 ≥4.5KJ ≥3.5KJ

≤1KJ

The glass fiber in MgO board is cloth-like, which has more advantages in bending and impact resistance. The alkalic calcium silicate board will corrode the glass fiber and we can only use asbestos and pulp short fibers.

Bending Strength

 ≥20MPa ≥14MPa

≤9MPa

Thermal Conductivity

 0.64W/m2(W/m2·k) 0.53W/m2(W/m2·k)

0.61W/m2(W/m2·k)

 All three kinds of boards are inorganic, and there is no significant difference in terms of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion.
Thermal Expansion 2.6×10-7MM/C(MM/K) 7.5×10-7MM/C(MM/K)

6×10-7MM/C(MM/K)

V. MgO Board Advantage: Facing Material Compatibility

MgO Board

 Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
Able to paste paper, cloth, PVC, veneer, aluminum board, tile and other decorative materials Able to paste paper, PVC, veneer, aluminum board, tile and other decorative materials Cannot be painted, tiled and affixed directly

Gypsum board has kraft paper, and it is not fireproof or waterproof. The high-grade MgO board has high strength and good flatness and is suitable for deep processing.

VI. MgO Board Advantage: Construction Convenience

MgO Board

 Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
Pneumatic nails and screws can be used. Wallpaper cutter or saw blade can be used for cutting. Pneumatic nails cannot be used. Only saw blade can be used for cutting. Only screws can be used instead of pneumatic nails. Wallpaper cutter or saw blade can be used for cutting.

Calcium silicate board has high density and brittleness, which make it easy to collapse and only tapping screws can be used. The MgO board is strong and wear-resistant. Gun nails, iron nail and screws can be used.

VII. MgO Board Advantage: Environmental Protection

MgO Board

 Calcium Silicate Board Gypsum Board Details
No toxic substances Asbestos-containing There is pulverization and no toxic substances

Calcium silicate board fibers contain asbestos, waste paper fibers, and pulp fibers. Asbestos boards are not environmentally friendly and have low prices. Pulp fiber board is environmentally friendly and the price is pretty high.

VIII. Conclusion

From fire and water resistance to environmental safety and ease of installation, Magnesium Oxide Board consistently outperforms both Calcium Silicate Board and Gypsum Board in multiple categories. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective, durable, and versatile material for residential or commercial construction, MgO board proves to be a smart, future-proof choice.

👉 Need help choosing the right MgO board for your application? Contact us now to get professional advice, samples, and a competitive quote.