The global interior wall and cladding material market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising construction activities and growing demand for durable, fire-resistant, and moisture-proof building solutions. According to Grand View Research, the global drywall (gypsum board) market size was valued at USD 44.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030. Meanwhile, the cement board segment, favored for its superior weather resistance and structural resilience, is also gaining momentum—Mordor Intelligence projects the cement board market to register a CAGR of over 7.2% during the same period, fueled by increasing infrastructure investments and the expansion of commercial and industrial construction, particularly in Asia-Pacific.
As these markets expand, competition among manufacturers intensifies, with leading companies differentiating through innovation, sustainability initiatives, and regional scalability. This analysis compares the top eight cement board and gypsum board manufacturers worldwide, leveraging production capacity, geographic reach, product performance, and market share data to provide a clear, data-driven perspective on who leads—and who lags—in two of the most critical segments of modern building materials.
Top 8 Cement Board Vs Gypsum Board Manufacturers 2026
(Ranked by Factory Capability & Trust Score)
Expert Sourcing Insights for Cement Board Vs Gypsum Board
H2: Market Trends Comparison: Cement Board vs. Gypsum Board (2026 Outlook)
As the global construction industry evolves in response to sustainability mandates, technological advancements, and shifting regional demands, the competition between cement board and gypsum board is expected to intensify by 2026. Both materials serve critical roles in interior and exterior building applications, but their market trajectories are being shaped by distinct drivers. Below is an analysis of key market trends influencing the cement board and gypsum board sectors through 2026.
1. Growth Drivers and Regional Demand
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Cement Board: The market for cement board is projected to experience robust growth, particularly in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East. By 2026, increasing infrastructure development, urbanization, and demand for moisture- and fire-resistant materials in high-humidity environments (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior cladding) will drive adoption. Countries like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are expected to contribute significantly due to rising construction activity and government-led housing programs.
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Gypsum Board: Gypsum board remains dominant in residential and commercial interior construction, especially in North America and Europe. The push for energy-efficient buildings and faster construction timelines continues to favor gypsum board due to its lightweight nature and ease of installation. By 2026, the renovation and retrofitting boom in developed economies—driven by green building standards—will sustain demand, particularly for fire-rated and soundproof variants.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Regulations
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Cement Board: Environmental concerns related to cement production (high CO₂ emissions) may hinder growth unless manufacturers adopt low-carbon technologies. However, innovations such as fiber-reinforced cement boards using recycled materials and alternative binders are gaining traction. By 2026, stricter environmental regulations could accelerate R&D in eco-friendly cement composites, especially in Europe under the EU Green Deal.
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Gypsum Board: The gypsum industry benefits from its recyclability; waste gypsum from construction sites can be reprocessed into new boards. Synthetic gypsum, a byproduct of flue-gas desulfurization in coal plants, is widely used, enhancing sustainability. As circular economy principles gain momentum, the gypsum board market is poised to gain favor in green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM.
3. Technological Advancements and Product Innovation
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Cement Board: Ongoing development of lightweight and flexible cement boards aims to overcome traditional drawbacks such as brittleness and heavy weight. By 2026, smart cement boards with embedded sensors for moisture and structural monitoring could emerge in high-end commercial projects, particularly in smart cities.
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Gypsum Board: Innovations include mold-resistant, impact-resistant, and high-strength gypsum boards. Digital fabrication and prefabrication techniques are increasingly compatible with gypsum systems, supporting off-site construction trends. Integration with insulation and acoustic technologies will enhance value propositions in multi-family and hospitality sectors.
4. Cost and Labor Efficiency
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Cement Board: Higher material and installation costs remain a barrier, especially in cost-sensitive markets. However, long-term durability and lower maintenance may justify premium pricing in commercial and industrial applications. By 2026, improved installation methods (e.g., click-fit systems) could reduce labor time and costs.
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Gypsum Board: Gypsum continues to lead in cost-efficiency and speed of installation. Skilled labor shortages in many regions will further favor gypsum due to its ease of handling and compatibility with drywall finishing techniques. Automation in drywall installation (e.g., robotic taping tools) may amplify this advantage by 2026.
5. Competitive Landscape and Market Share
- The global gypsum board market currently holds a larger share due to its widespread use in interior partitions and ceilings. However, cement board is gaining ground in exterior applications and regions with extreme climates.
- By 2026, the cement board market is expected to grow at a higher CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) than gypsum board, fueled by infrastructure projects and demand for resilient building materials.
Conclusion
By 2026, the cement board and gypsum board markets will coexist with diverging yet complementary trajectories. Gypsum board will maintain dominance in interior, cost-sensitive, and rapidly constructed projects, supported by sustainability and innovation. Cement board will grow steadily in exterior, moisture-prone, and high-durability applications, particularly in developing economies. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on project-specific requirements, regional regulations, and evolving sustainability benchmarks.
Common Pitfalls When Sourcing Cement Board vs Gypsum Board (Quality, IP)
When selecting between cement board and gypsum board for construction or renovation projects, sourcing decisions can significantly impact performance, durability, and compliance. Below are common pitfalls related to quality and intellectual property (IP) considerations for each material.
Quality-Related Pitfalls
Cement Board
- Inconsistent Density and Composition: Low-quality cement boards may have uneven fiber distribution or insufficient cement content, leading to warping, cracking, or reduced impact resistance. Sourcing from unverified suppliers increases the risk of receiving non-compliant or substandard products.
- Moisture Resistance Misrepresentation: While cement board is inherently moisture-resistant, some inferior products may use poor-quality additives or inadequate curing processes, compromising performance in wet environments like bathrooms or exterior applications.
- Poor Surface Finish: Inferior boards may have rough or irregular surfaces, making tiling or finishing difficult and increasing labor costs during installation.
Gypsum Board
- Moisture Vulnerability in Standard Variants: Standard gypsum boards degrade rapidly when exposed to moisture. A common pitfall is sourcing regular gypsum board for damp areas without specifying moisture-resistant (e.g., green board) or mold-resistant variants, leading to premature failure.
- Variable Core Density and Paper Facing Quality: Low-quality gypsum boards may have soft cores or weak paper facings, reducing screw-holding strength and increasing susceptibility to damage during transport and installation.
- Inadequate Fire Resistance Claims: Some suppliers may overstate fire ratings. Without proper certification (e.g., UL, ASTM), sourcing boards for fire-rated assemblies can result in non-compliance with building codes.
Intellectual Property (IP) and Compliance Pitfalls
Cement Board
- Unauthorized Use of Patented Technologies: Some high-performance cement boards incorporate proprietary formulations or fiber-reinforcement technologies protected by patents. Sourcing from manufacturers who replicate these without licensing exposes end users to legal risks, especially in commercial or public projects.
- Mislabeling as “Fiber Cement”: Generic suppliers may falsely label products as fiber cement to imply compliance with standards like ASTM C1325, which governs fiber-cement products. This misrepresentation can lead to project failures and liability issues.
Gypsum Board
- Counterfeit or Unlicensed Brand Replicas: Major brands (e.g., USG Sheetrock®, CertainTeed) hold trademarks and formulation patents. Sourcing counterfeit or look-alike products may appear cost-effective but risks poor performance and potential IP infringement claims, particularly in large-scale developments.
- Lack of Compliance Documentation: Reputable gypsum board products come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations (HPDs), and fire test reports. Sourcing without these documents may violate green building standards (e.g., LEED) or code requirements.
Best Practices to Avoid Pitfalls
- Verify certifications (ASTM, ISO, UL) and request test reports.
- Source from reputable, authorized distributors or directly from manufacturers.
- Conduct batch testing for critical projects.
- Audit suppliers for IP compliance, especially when using performance-claimed materials.
- Clearly specify required grades (e.g., moisture-resistant, fire-rated) in procurement documents.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term durability in building applications.
Logistics & Compliance Guide: Cement Board vs Gypsum Board
Choosing between cement board and gypsum board involves more than just performance—logistics and compliance considerations play a crucial role in project planning, transportation, installation, and adherence to building regulations. This guide outlines the key logistical and compliance differences between these two common wall and sheathing materials.
Material Handling & Storage
Cement Board:
Cement board is significantly heavier than gypsum board, typically weighing 2.5 to 3 times more per sheet. This affects manual handling, requiring more labor or mechanical assistance (e.g., lifts or carts) during transport and installation. Cement boards are moisture-resistant and can be stored outdoors if properly covered and elevated off the ground. However, prolonged exposure to rain or standing water should still be avoided to prevent warping or staining.
Gypsum Board:
Gypsum board is lightweight and easier to handle, allowing for faster installation with fewer workers. It must be stored indoors or under a fully waterproof canopy to prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade the core and paper facing. Sheets should be stored flat on level pallets to avoid warping or edge damage.
Transportation & Freight Costs
Cement Board:
Due to its higher density and weight, cement board incurs greater transportation costs. Specialized packaging and secure strapping are required to prevent breakage during transit. Freight is typically classified under heavier material categories, increasing shipping expenses, especially over long distances.
Gypsum Board:
Gypsum board is lighter and more compact, leading to lower transportation costs and higher volume per truckload. However, it is more susceptible to edge damage and requires careful stacking and protection during transit. Freight classifications are generally more favorable due to lower weight per unit.
Installation Logistics
Cement Board:
Installation requires carbide-tipped tools for cutting and special fasteners (e.g., corrosion-resistant screws or nails). It often needs an underlayment or vapor barrier in certain applications. On-site cutting generates more dust and debris, requiring proper PPE and cleanup protocols. Longer installation times due to weight and cutting difficulty can affect labor scheduling.
Gypsum Board:
Can be cut easily with a utility knife and installed with standard drywall screws and tools. Lightweight nature allows for faster hanging and taping. Dust generation is lower, though still requires ventilation and safety gear. Faster installation supports quicker project timelines and reduced labor costs.
Regulatory Compliance & Building Codes
Cement Board:
Complies with ASTM C1325 and is approved for use in moisture-prone areas (e.g., bathrooms, exterior sheathing) per International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). It is non-combustible (meets ASTM E136), contributing to fire-resistance ratings in wall assemblies. Often required in high-hazard or exterior applications where moisture and fire resistance are critical.
Gypsum Board:
Complies with ASTM C1396 and is widely accepted in interior wall and ceiling applications. Moisture-resistant (green board) and mold-resistant variants are available but still not suitable for direct water exposure. Fire-rated gypsum boards (e.g., Type X) meet fire code requirements in many assemblies. However, standard gypsum board is not permitted in wet areas without additional waterproofing (e.g., tile backer systems).
Environmental & Safety Regulations
Cement Board:
Dust from cutting contains crystalline silica, a known respiratory hazard. OSHA regulations require silica exposure controls (e.g., wet cutting, HEPA vacuums, respirators). Recycling options are limited, and disposal may be subject to construction waste regulations due to weight and composition.
Gypsum Board:
Gypsum is recyclable and often accepted at dedicated recycling facilities. However, contaminated or painted boards may not be recyclable and must be disposed of per local landfill regulations. Dust from cutting is less hazardous than silica but still requires control measures under OSHA’s general respiratory protection standards.
Conclusion
Selecting between cement board and gypsum board requires evaluating project-specific logistical demands and compliance requirements. Cement board offers superior durability in wet or fire-prone areas but presents higher transport costs and installation challenges. Gypsum board provides cost-effective, lightweight solutions for interior dry environments with faster installation and better recyclability. Always verify local building codes, environmental regulations, and site conditions before finalizing material choices.
Conclusion: Sourcing Cement Board vs. Gypsum Board
When deciding between sourcing cement board and gypsum board, the choice ultimately depends on the specific application, environmental conditions, performance requirements, and budget constraints.
Cement board is the superior option for areas exposed to moisture, humidity, or extreme conditions—such as bathrooms, kitchens, exterior cladding, or tile backing. Its durability, mold resistance, and fire resistance make it ideal for demanding environments, despite being heavier, more difficult to cut, and typically more expensive than gypsum board.
Gypsum board (drywall), on the other hand, is best suited for standard interior walls and ceilings in dry, controlled environments. It is lightweight, easy to install, cost-effective, and provides excellent sound and fire resistance when treated. However, it is vulnerable to moisture and physical damage, limiting its use in wet or high-impact areas.
In summary, prioritize cement board for moisture-prone or high-durability applications, and choose gypsum board for general interior construction where cost, ease of installation, and aesthetics are key. A strategic sourcing approach involves evaluating project specifications, lifecycle costs, and long-term maintenance to select the most appropriate and economical material.
