When you’re in the construction field, you’ll be working with many materials out there. When constructing buildings, you want the right mix of materials so that you can stay within your budget. In addition, you will want to create something that will stand the stress of daily wear and tear.
Knowing what materials to use in your project is important. For example, stainless steel screws would be better than normal steel screws because they are resistant to corrosion. For buildings that are supposed to last for a long time, some materials are better than the others. Other considerations, such as the cost and ease of use, can affect your choice. Here’s a look at some of the materials you could end up using for your project:
Wood
One of the most plentiful building materials available is wood. It also happens to be one of the oldest building materials used in human constructions. In the past, wooden buildings were a common sight. Nowadays, wood is often used as a decorative material.
The main advantage of wood is that it is lighter than other building materials and it is easy to work with. But it is very easy to damage and very susceptible to fire. Proper treatment can ensure that wood can last a long time. Some of the oldest buildings still standing are made of wood, such as the holy temples in Japan.
Note that treated timber is often a good material for those who are building homes. They are easy to work with and durable. But you will need to pay higher up-front costs. It is also useful for interior decoration, such as for flooring and window frames.
Brick
Another old building material, bricks have been around for centuries. It is popular because it is durable and resistant to fire and the elements. The only danger with brick houses is if the building is in an earthquake-prone area, though the risk can be lowered by proper building procedure.
Bricks can be very affordable. The main expense associated with them is laying them down. A nonprofessional bricklayer is most likely to make a mistake that will ruin the building as it is being built.
Concrete
One of the most affordable building materials out there is concrete. This is because you mix it up and then have a frame ready to pour it in. When the concrete is poured in and left to dry, you’ll have your building. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the basics. It’s quick and easy.
It also helps that concrete is as durable as brick and doesn’t have wood’s problem with rot and insect infestations. You can even use pre-constructed concrete sheets so that you won’t need to wait for the cement to dry.
Steel and Iron
The materials for the industrial age, steel and iron are often grouped together. They are the most durable materials around, with their only weakness being their vulnerability to corrosion. This can be overcome at a price though.
The main reason you will want to use these materials is for their strength. Modern skyscrapers wouldn’t be possible without steel frames supporting their weight. For buildings that reach great heights, steel is essential. Even if you’re building for durability, steel and iron are your best choices. It also helps that they can be cast into various shapes and forms for use in different parts of a building.
If you use the best possible materials, the result of your building project will be an excellent one. The above building materials are among your best options, but this should give you a good idea of what you should choose.
