MGO Board vs. Cement Board: Key Differences at a Glance

Core Advantage

Lightweight & High-Strength, Flexible, Fire & Moisture Resistant, Eco-friendly

Excellent Durability, Fireproof, Cost-Effective

Weight

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lightweight. Lower density, easier to handle, cut, and install, reducing structural load.

⭐⭐ Heavy. High density, leading to higher transport/installation costs and greater structural demands.

Strength / Flexibility

⭐⭐⭐⭐ High flexural strength, good flexibility. Less prone to brittle fracture, with better impact resistance.

⭐⭐⭐ High compressive strength, but brittle. Low flexural strength, can crack easily, and lacks flexibility.

Moisture Resistance

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent. High-quality MGO boards (based on Magnesium sulfate) offer strong moisture resistance and minimal warping.

⭐⭐⭐ Moderate. Prolonged exposure to water or high humidity can lead to warping or reduced strength.

Fire Performance

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class A Non-Combustible. Excellent fire resistance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class A Non-Combustible. Excellent fire resistance.

Eco-Friendliness

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Higher. Primary raw materials are magnesium-based, requiring less energy to produce.

⭐⭐ Lower. Cement production is carbon-intensive and high in energy consumption.

Workability

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to work with. Easy to cut, smooth surface, ideal for coatings or veneers.

⭐⭐ Difficult to work with. Hard to cut, creates significant dust, and wears down tools quickly.

Key Considerations

Quality varies. Low-quality boards (MGCl₂-based) can suffer from moisture absorption/efflorescence, corroding metal fixtures.

Prone to cracking, heavy weight. Inconvenient to install and transport, requires skilled installation.