Can MgO subfloor panels completely replace the gypsum concrete layer in multi-family LGS acoustic floor designs?

 High-density Structural MgO Subfloor Panels (typically 18mm to 20 mm tongue-and-groove boards) can successfully replace wet-poured gypsum concrete underlayment (gyp-crete) in light gauge steel (LGS) multi-family acoustic floor assemblies—provided the system is engineered holistically to address impact sound transmission.

While gyp-crete has historically been the default material to add mass over steel joists or metal decking, replacing it with dry MgO panels delivers major structural and logistical advantages:

Performance & Structural Comparison

Feature / Metric	Structural MgO Subfloor Panels	Traditional Gypsum Concrete
System Weight	~22–26 kg/m² (18mm panel)	~40–60 kg/m² (38 mm pour)
Dead Load Impact	Significantly lower (saves structural steel mass)	High dead load requirement
Installation Speed	Dry system; immediate trade access	Wet process; 7–14 days cure/dry time
Moisture / Mold	Impervious to moisture; zero rot/mold risk	Traps moisture; risks flooring failure if sealed early
Flexural Strength	High tensile & bending strength (≥16 MPa )	Low tensile strength; prone to cracking without topping

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