Anyone who has ever done any building or remodeling is familiar with drywall. This gypsum-based wallboard surged in popularity during World War II, and since then, it has occupied the number-one spot for interior wall coverings in North America. However, it may soon have to share that spot with a rival. Magnesium oxide board, also known as MgO board, has most of the qualities that made drywall popular, and it’s a more eco-friendly — if more expensive — alternative.

MgO is durable, sustainable, and looks great. And, unlike drywall, it’s kind on the environment. That said, it’s not a perfect drywall substitute. One drawback is its weight. Although you can use the same installation techniques you do for drywall, MgO board is heavier, which adds to the difficulty of the job. The extra weight, though, provides the added advantage of superior soundproofing, so this turns out to be a quality with pluses as well as minuses.

MgO board doesn’t have the same long history of use as drywall, which makes it difficult to evaluate its performance over time. This is especially important in humid climates, because depending on the manufacturing method, it can attract moisture and transfer it to other parts of the wall.