What is mgo board?

Complete Guide to Magnesium Oxide Board

MgO board (magnesium oxide board) is a fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and durable building material widely used for walls, ceilings, subflooring, and fire-rated assemblies. Explore its types, specifications, applications, advantages, and installation methods in this complete guide.

MgO Board Quick Facts

Full Name

Magnesium Oxide Board

Fire Rating

A1 Non-Combustible

Thickness

3 – 40 mm

Standard Size

1220 × 2440 mm (4×8 ft)

Density

650 – 1400 kg/m³

Main Uses

Wall, Ceiling, Flooring, etc.

1. What is MgO Board?

MgO board, also known as magnesium oxide board, is typically manufactured as a white, rigid rectangular panel designed to block or slow the spread of flames in residential and commercial buildings.

As an essential component of passive fire protection systems, it is widely used for walls, ceilings, fire doors, subfloors, and other fire-rated building applications, where it acts as a reliable barrier against fire, helping protect both structures and occupants.

It is an ideal alternative to traditional gypsum board, cement board, and plywood in many applications.

White rectangular magnesium oxide board (MGO board) placed on a neutral background

2. MgSO4 Board vs MgCl2 Board

Magnesium oxide board are mainly divided into two types based on their chemical composition: magnesium sulfate board (MgSO4 board) and magnesium chloride board (MgCl2 board).

MgSO4 Board

  • Main composition: MgSO4 + MgO
  • Corrosion-free
  • Best for High-humidity areas & metal-framed constructions

MgCl2 Board

  • Main composition: MgCl2 + MgO
  • Require soaking process to reduce corrosion risk
  • Cost-effective, suitable for standard interior applications

3. Where Can We Use MgO Board?

4. MgO Board Size & Specification

Magnesium oxide board are available in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, densities, surface finishes, edge profiles, and colors to meet different construction requirements. Whether for walls, ceilings, flooring, fire doors, or prefabricated buildings, custom specifications are also available upon request.

Standard Size

1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft)

Thickness

3 – 40 mm

Density

650 – 1400 kg/m³

Surface

Smooth / Sanded / PVC

Edge

Square / Bevel /
T & G

Color

White / Gray / Black / Custom

4.1 Size

The most common MgO board sizes are 1220×2440 mm (4×8 ft) and 1200×2400 mm, while boards up to 1200×3000 mm (4×10 ft) are also available for large-scale projects.

Common options include:

  • 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft)
  • 1200 × 3000 mm (4 × 10 ft)
  • Custom sizes available
Technical diagram of a standard magnesium oxide board showing dimensions of 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft), the most widely used size for residential and commercial construction applications.

4.2 Thickness

Magnesium oxide boards are manufactured in different thicknesses to suit various applications.

Walls

8/10/12 mm

Subflooring

18/20 mm

Ceiling

5/6 mm

Fire Door

38/48 mm

Tunnel

Up to 40 mm

Walls

8/10/12 mm

Subflooring

18/20 mm

Ceiling

5/6 mm

Fire Door

38/48 mm

Tunnel

Up to 40 mm

4.3 Density

Different applications require different board densities to balance strength, weight, and performance.

ApplicationWall PanelsFlooring PanelsDoor Core Panels
Density (kg/m³)900–10001200–1400240–350

4.4 Surface

Multiple surface treatments are available to satisfy different installation and decorative requirements.

Standard smooth surface of a magnesium oxide board, providing an even finish for painting, coating, and decorative applications.

Smooth

Mesh

Sanded magnesium oxide board surface with a smoother finish, providing improved adhesion for laminating, coating, and decorative applications.

Sanded

PVC Laminated

Standard smooth surface of a magnesium oxide board, providing an even finish for painting, coating, and decorative applications.

Smooth

Mesh

Sanded magnesium oxide board surface with a smoother finish, providing improved adhesion for laminating, coating, and decorative applications.

Sanded

PVC Laminated

4.5 Edge

Different edge profiles are available for easier installation and improved joint performance.

3D illustration of a square edge magnesium oxide (MgO) board profile for wall, ceiling and flooring applications.

Square

Bevel

3D illustration of a tongue and groove (T&G) magnesium oxide (MgO) board featuring an interlocking edge profile for flooring and wall systems.

T&G

3D illustration of a square edge magnesium oxide (MgO) board profile for wall, ceiling and flooring applications.

Square

Bevel

3D illustration of a tongue and groove (T&G) magnesium oxide (MgO) board featuring an interlocking edge profile for flooring and wall systems.

T&G

4.6 Color

White is the standard color of MgO board. Other colors can be produced by adding pigments during manufacturing.

White magnesium oxide (MgO) board with a natural matte surface and subtle mineral texture.

White

Gray magnesium oxide (MgO) board featuring a smooth matte finish and light mineral texture.

Grey

Black

Custom color options for magnesium oxide (MgO) boards displayed as a fan of color samples.

Custom

White magnesium oxide (MgO) board with a natural matte surface and subtle mineral texture.

White

Gray magnesium oxide (MgO) board featuring a smooth matte finish and light mineral texture.

Grey

Black

Custom color options for magnesium oxide (MgO) boards displayed as a fan of color samples.

Custom

5. MgO Board Advantages

Magnesium oxide board combines fire safety, durability, moisture resistance, and environmental performance in a single high-performance building panel. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, it delivers reliable protection, longer service life, and easier installation.

A1 non-combustible magnesium oxide board demonstrating superior fire resistance with a fireproof MgO panel against a flame background.

Fire resistant

Moisture resistant

Lightweight

Non-toxic

Easy installation

Durable

Fire resistant

Moisture resistant

Lightweight

Non-toxic

Easy installation

Durable

6. MgO Board VS Drywall VS Cement Board

While drywall and cement board are both widely used in modern construction, they serve different purposes. The following overview highlights how magnesium oxide board compares with each material. For a more detailed analysis, explore our dedicated comparison guides below.

FeatureMgO BoardDrywallCement Board
Fire Resistance✅ Excellent⚪ Moderate✅ Excellent
Moisture Resistance✅ Excellent⚠️ Poor✅ Excellent
Strength & Durability✅ High⚠️ Low⚪ Prone to Cracking
Installation✅ Easy✅ Easy⚠️ Difficult
Weight✅ Light✅ Light⚠️ Heavy
Price⚪ Medium✅ Low⚪ Medium

6.1 MgO Board vs Drywall

Magnesium oxide board offers significant advantages over drywall in fire resistance, moisture protection, durability, and long-term performance. While drywall remains a cost-effective option for standard interior partitions, magnesium oxide board is better suited for projects that require higher safety standards and improved durability.

→ Read the full comparison: MgO Board vs Drywall

6.2 MgO Board vs Cement Board

Both magnesium oxide board and cement board provide excellent fire and moisture resistance. However, magnesium oxide board is generally lighter, easier to cut and install, and less prone to edge chipping, making it a more practical choice for many residential and commercial applications.

→ Read the full comparison: MgO Board vs Cement Board

6.3 Which One Should You Choose?

Drywall is ideal for budget-conscious interior applications, while cement board performs well in demanding wet environments. If your project requires a balanced combination of fire safety, moisture resistance, durability, and easy installation, magnesium oxide board provides the most versatile solution.

7. What is MgO Board Made Of?

The main raw materials of magnesium oxide board include:

  • Magnesium oxide
  • Magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate
  • Perlite
  • Wood sawdust
  • Fiberglass mesh
  • Non-woven fabric
  • Water
Main raw materials of MgO board: magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate crystals, perlite granules, wood sawdust, fiberglass mesh, and non-woven fabric.

8. MgO Board Production Process

The production process of magnesium oxide board typically includes the following steps:

  • Material Preparation & Mixing
  • Board Forming
  • Curing Phase
  • Demolding
  • Drying
  • Cutting & Packaging

9. How to Install MgO Board?

Installing magnesium oxide board is simple and similar to installing gypsum board or fiber cement board. The boards can be cut with standard tools and fastened using corrosion-resistant screws or nails.

Before installation, ensure the framing or substrate is clean, dry, and level. Secure the boards according to the recommended fastener spacing, treat the joints with compatible materials, and finish the surface as required.

For detailed installation instructions, please refer to:

Step-by-step MgO board installation guide showing surface preparation, board cutting, positioning, screw fastening, joint treatment, and final finishing for interior wall applications.

10. MgO Board Packaging Options

The packaging of magnesium oxide boards typically involves stacking the boards on wooden pallets, securing them with packing straps, and wrapping them with stretch film or plastic bags that can be customized with logos. Upon request, additional edge and side protection can also be provided.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about magnesium oxide board. Browse our frequently asked questions covering product performance, applications, installation, certifications, pricing, and more.

MgO board is known by several different names depending on the country, industry, or manufacturer. Common alternative names include:

  • Magnesium oxide board
  • Magnesium oxide panel
  • MgO panel
  • Magnesium board
  • Magnesium panel
  • Mag board
  • Mag panel
  • MgO sheet
  • Magnesium oxide sheet

No. Magnesium oxide board is highly moisture-resistant, but it is not completely waterproof.

→ Learn more about its water resistance

Not recommended. Standard magnesium oxide boards are designed for interior use and should not be directly exposed to sunlight, rain, or wind. For exterior applications, protective cladding, coatings, or weatherproof systems are required to maintain durability.

→ Learn more about its exterior applications

Yes. Magnesium oxide boards are suitable for high-humidity environments like bathrooms and kitchens due to their excellent moisture and mold resistance. Proper installation and sealing at joints are recommended to ensure long-term performance.

→ Learn more about its applications in bathroom and kitchen

Magnesium oxide board is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for residential and commercial applications. It contains no harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or asbestos.

→ See our safety test reports

The weight of magnesium oxide boards depends on thickness, size, and density. Typically:

  • Wall panels: density ranges from 900–1000 kg/m³
  • Flooring panels: density ranges from 1200–1400 kg/m³

For reference, the table below uses 950 kg/m³ for wall panels and 1250 kg/m³ for floor panels to calculate approximate weights for common 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft) sizes:

Board TypeSize (mm)Thickness (mm)Approx. Weight (kg)
Wall Panel1220 × 2440616.9
Wall Panel1220 × 2440822.6
Wall Panel1220 × 24401028.2
Wall Panel1220 × 24401233.9
Floor Panel1220 × 24401866.9
Floor Panel1220 × 24402074.4

→ Learn more about the board weight

The price of magnesium oxide board varies depending on thickness, size, density, and order quantity. For accurate pricing, it’s best to request a quotation from a manufacturer or distributor.

Magnesium oxide boards can be purchased directly from manufacturers like Suparna or through authorized distributors and building material suppliers. It’s recommended to buy from reputable sources to ensure quality and consistency.

→ Learn more about where to buy the board

The commonly used HS code for magnesium oxide boards is 68080000.

→ Learn more about its HS code and import guide

The loading quantity is not fixed, as each manufacturer has their own loading method. Here, we are only providing Suparna’s loading quantity as a reference. Please note that this quantity is based on the standard magnesium oxide wallboard with a density of 1000kg/m³.

Sizes (mm)Panel Quantity (20GP)Panel Quantity (40GP)
1220 × 2440 × 61100 (8 pallets)1440 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 8820 (8 pallets)1080 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 10660 (8 pallets)900 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 12540 (8 pallets)720 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 15428 (8 pallets)588 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 18360 (8 pallets)480 (12 pallets)
1220 × 2440 × 20320 (8 pallets)432 (12 pallets)

→ Learn more about the board loading

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Premium white magnesium oxide (MgO) boards displayed in a clean architectural studio setting, showcasing smooth surfaces, durable edges, and modern fire-resistant building materials.