Drywall is Dead. Long Live Mag Board.

Drywall is literally everywhere. But that doesn’t mean it should be.

Let’s start with the facts: gypsum drywall is prone to moisture damage, weak under pressure, and often held together with adhesives that off-gas VOCs. It’s a material born for speed, which makes it very scalable for mass production home builders and commercial construction, which is great! If you are one of those companies… not so much for the humans living and working inside of the chemical ridden structures that invite mold to throw a never ending party. 

What Is Magnesium Oxide Board?

Magnesium oxide board (MgO board) is made from magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and perlite a naturally occurring volcanic glass. The result? A breathable, durable, non-toxic board that can outperform traditional drywall on almost every metric.

Why We Use It:

• Mold and Mildew Resistance: Unlike drywall, mag board doesn’t hold moisture, making it an ideal defense against hidden mold (aka the silent destroyer of health and resale value).
• Fire Resistance: Mag board can withstand temperatures over 2,000°F. That’s not a typo.
• Structural Strength: It’s 20-30% stronger than gypsum, making it suitable for walls, ceilings, and even some flooring underlayment.
• Non-Toxic: No formaldehyde, no VOCs, no synthetic binders. Just mineral-based purity.

How It Performs in Texas:

Central Texas homes are constantly susceptible to humidity swings and seasonal rains (shout out to the Houston peeps idk how y’all do it). Standard drywall can wick moisture through capillary action, leading to hidden mold growth behind walls. Magnesium board doesn’t absorb water, doesn’t swell, and doesn’t feed mold spores. Hallelujah!

Design Considerations:
Mag board finishes beautifully. It can be painted, skim-coated with lime plaster, or left raw for a modern, mineral aesthetic. It pairs perfectly with our favorite natural materials like sheep's wool insulation, reclaimed timber framing, adobe, and limewash paints to create structures that feel grounded and perform like you’re walking through a La Jolla art gallery. 

Caveats and Notes:
Mag board is heavier than drywall, and more expensive. But the cost savings in mold remediation, repairs, and health outcomes? Worth every penny.

So why is drywall still the default? Follow the money. Builders like what’s cheap and fast. Enso likes what’s durable, intelligent, and designed for the long haul, and our clients align with this. Will I ever shut up about the fact that wellness SHOULD be woven into your walls? Probably not. So I proclaim to my astute lads and lasses: Drywall is dead. Long live mag board.

If you want to explore solutions, even with the smallest start (perhaps a powder room) reach out to our team and let’s explore your options!