Magply vs Plasterboard vs Cement Board: Which Should You Choose?
If you are choosing between Magply vs plasterboard, or wondering whether a cement board would do the job instead, the honest answer is that each one wins in a different place. This guide compares the three on what they are made of, what they cost on our website and where each one makes sense, so you can pick the right board for the room or the frame.
Magply vs plasterboard vs cement board at a glance
Prices below are our live prices per 2400 × 1200mm sheet (2.88m²), excluding VAT, on 28 October 2026.
| Board | Thickness | Per sheet (ex VAT) | Per m² (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyproc WallBoard tapered edge plasterboard | 12.5mm | £10.87 | £3.77 |
| Fire resistant plasterboard | 12.5mm | £13.49 | £4.68 |
| Fire resistant plasterboard | 15mm | £15.99 | £5.55 |
| CemGold CP board | 12.5mm | £33.74 | £11.72 |
| Versaroc MPA1 | 12mm | £33.33 | £11.57 |
| Magply | 9mm | £37.50 | £13.02 |
| Magply | 12mm | £39.99 | £13.89 |
| Magply | 18mm | £66.24 | £23.00 |
Plasterboard costs far less per square metre. That gap is the first thing to weigh up: if a standard board meets the requirement, you will not get anything back from paying more.
Plasterboard: the default for dry rooms
Plasterboard has a gypsum core with paper faces. It is quick to fit, familiar to every plasterer and decorator, and the right choice for most walls and ceilings in dry, heated rooms. The paper face is sensitive to long-term wetting, which is why moisture resistant versions exist (see our moisture resistant vs vapour plasterboard guide). Fire resistant plasterboard is still plasterboard: its fire performance comes from using it in a tested system, with the right number of layers, joints and fixings. Our fire rated insulation and fire-resistant drylining guide covers that, and the board sizes are in our plasterboard sizes guide. Costing a plasterboard job? Try our plasterboard and fixings calculator.
Magply: a mineral board for fire and framing systems
Magply is a magnesium-based board. Magply's brochure lists it as Euroclass A1 (non-combustible), and Magply promotes it for fire mitigation sheathing on timber and steel frames, as well as dry lining. It is denser than plasterboard: the 9mm sheet weighs 28.5kg and the 18mm sheet 56kg according to the brochure. Magply also says the board offers moisture protection and mould resistance. Choose it where a specification calls for a non-combustible board, or where you want a mineral board rather than gypsum. Our guide to what Magply board is has the detail.
Cement boards: CemGold and Versaroc
Cement-based boards such as the CemGold CP board and the Versaroc MPA1 are used as a base for tiling in wet areas, because they do not rely on a paper face. The manufacturer datasheets for these two are not published on our product pages, so we do not quote performance figures for them here. Contact us and we will send you any technical information we hold. For wet rooms, the board is only half the job: you also need the waterproofing and adhesive system recommended by the board and tile makers.
Which board for which job?
| Job | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Ordinary walls and ceilings in dry, heated rooms | Standard plasterboard |
| Kitchens, utility rooms and damp-prone rooms | Moisture resistant plasterboard may be enough |
| A wall or ceiling that must resist fire for a set time | A tested system from the board maker, which may use fire resistant plasterboard or a non-combustible board |
| Timber or steel frame sheathing that needs a non-combustible board | Magply, if it suits your designer’s specification |
| Tiling in a shower or wet room | A tile backer or cement board with a waterproofing system |
| Rough, impact-prone walls | Check the datasheets for impact resistance |
Things to check before choosing a magnesium board
Not all magnesium oxide boards are the same. An RICS journal article from 2021 explained that some poorly made boards had contained chloride salts that attract moisture and can corrode fixings, and reported that some warranty and insurance providers had stopped accepting MgO boards on schemes they cover. Magply says its process keeps chloride content to 0.01% and recommends stainless steel fixings. If your project has a warranty, structural warranty or insurer, ask them whether the board and the build-up are acceptable before you buy. Position can change, so ask for their current policy.
How many sheets do I need?
Each sheet covers 2.88m². Divide your wall or ceiling area by 2.88 and round up, then allow some extra for cuts and offcuts. Many people add about 10%, but that is a rule of thumb and your layout may need more. Our Magply thickness guide has a worked example.
Frequently asked questions
Is Magply better than plasterboard?
It depends on the job. Magply is a non-combustible mineral board that suits fire and framing specifications, but it costs more per square metre and is heavier. For ordinary dry rooms with no special fire requirement, plasterboard is usually the more practical choice.
Is Magply the same as cement board?
No. Magply is a magnesium-based board, while cement boards use a cement-based core. Both can be used as a base for tiling, but they are different materials, so follow the manufacturer’s guidance for whichever you choose.
Can I plaster over Magply board?
Magply says its boards can be skimmed or painted after priming, and advises against PVA and some other primers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the primer and finish. See our how to fit Magply board guide.
Which board costs least per m²?
Standard plasterboard has the lowest price per square metre of the boards in the table above, but it will not suit every job. Pick the board that meets your specification first, then compare prices.
Ordering and delivery
You can see all three sizes together in our Magply collection, or browse the wider range of building boards. Prices on our website are shown excluding VAT, and VAT is added at checkout. As stated on each Magply product page, we deliver free to addresses in England on orders of £400 + VAT or more. We cannot deliver to Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the islands. Sheets arrive by Moffett lorry with a forklift offload, so someone must be there to receive them. We do not offer next-day delivery, so call us before you order if you have a date to hit. Our shipping policy has the full details. If you would like a hand choosing a board, call us on 03330 908479 or email sales@insulationwarehousedirect.co.uk.
This guide is general information, not a specification. Fire performance, fixings and suitability depend on the whole build-up and the project, so check them with your designer or Building Control and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Prices are correct at the time of writing (28 October 2026).