Despite their high strength and durability, MgO panels are designed for simplicity and speed during installation. Installers familiar with traditional wood or gypsum panels will find the process intuitive – cutting, fastening, and finishing with standard tools and techniques.
Light But Durable
- No hazardous materials are used in the panel composition, so only basic PPE is required – safety glasses, a dust mask (not a respirator), and long sleeves.
- While cement-based, the panels are comparable in weight to wood or gypsum panels.
- They cut cleanly using a standard circular saw – unlike traditional cement boards, which are often brittle and can crack under moderate pressure.
Installer Friendly
Despite their cementitious makeup, MgO panels are easy to handle and can be installed using standard tools and methods. For first-time installers, they can be treated much like wood-based panels – no learning curve or special equipment is required.
- Cut cleanly with common tools (e.g., circular saws)
- Can be cut via score and snap with minimal breakage
- Only standard PPE required: dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves
Fastening Made Simple
Whether you’re framing exterior walls, laying subfloors, or covering ceilings, MgO panels can be:
- Combined with many standard construction adhesives to secure in place, such as over joists and at tongue-and-groove edges.
- Screwed or nailed directly to wood or metal framing – no special fasteners, clips, or anchors needed.
- Installed with a standard drill or screwdriver, with excellent alignment thanks to the panels’ rigidity and lack of sag or bowing.
Interior & Exterior Ready
For interior applications, treat MgO panels just like drywall:
- Tape and finish joints using standard compound and tape.
- Surfaces can be primed and painted once cleaned.
- For wet areas like bathrooms or basements, seal seams with a waterproofing barrier and/or membrane for added moisture protection.
For exterior walls:
- Panels accept a wide variety of cladding systems including paint, plaster, stucco, EIFS, tile, stone, and brick.
- Must be used with a manufacturer-approved water-resistive barrier (WRB).
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