Building your own house or a structure can be more exciting, even a dream for anyone. However, it could be daunting if you don’t know about construction and the materials you need. Many materials are available on the market, each with unique characteristics and purposes. This article will help you understand the different building materials used in construction.
Numerous building materials are used in construction, such as concrete, steel, cement, wood, stones, brick, and steel. However, each material has different properties, such as durability, strength, weight, and cost, which make it suitable for specific types of construction. The choice of materials depends upon the price, durability, and flexibility it will offer to the building or any structure.
By the end of this article, you will be able to understand different types of building materials that can be used in construction. Additionally, we will highlight the best construction estimating services in NYC, which will help you assess the quantity you need for your next building project. Let’s begin
Types of Building Materials Used in Construction:
The building materials are the backbone and assurance check for the reliability and durability of any building. Therefore, you need to understand the types of building materials and their part in strengthening your building. Let’s begin with the different kinds of building materials used in construction.
- Concrete:
Concrete is a fundamental but composite building material used to mix cement, aggregates, crushed stones, and water. The most popular aggregate for concrete is sand. However, the strength and the durability of concrete depend upon the ratio and the mixing method of the material added to the concrete. Additionally, the concrete can be solid when exposed to compression or stress. Combined with steel rebars, it can strengthen the structure significantly. Concrete with steel rebar is commonly used in tall buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges, and megabuildings. Concrete is a versatile building material with many uses in construction and other applications. Here are some of the primary usages:
- Building Foundations
- Roadways and Pavements
- Bridges and Overpasses
- Residential and Commercial Buildings
- Tunnels and Subways
2. Cement:
Cement is a vital building material that helps other materials stick and get hard together. However, it is not used alone. Instead, it is mixed with sand and rocks. Additionally, when cement is mixed with sand and gravel, it makes concrete, which can be used in almost all construction projects. Its ability to solidify and bond makes it an essential building material, ensuring that buildings and structures last. Cement is one of the primary materials for building materials used in construction. Five common uses of cement in building construction:
- Concrete Production
- Mortar
- Plastering
- Flooring
- Grouting
3. Steel:
Steel comes with high strength, durability, and flexibility; it is a composite material made from an alloy of iron and carbon. However, it is lighter and easier to transport and ship than other building materials used in construction. The steel can’t easily deform unless a tremendous amount of weight is applied. Due to its structural stability, steel is almost used in all tall and modern structures. Steel is lightweight, more robust, and less time-consuming to install than concrete and other building materials. Installing steel properly can enhance its lifeline. If not installed properly, it has a higher chance of decay. Some of the usages of steel in building construction: Here are five common uses of steel in building construction:
- Structural Framework
- Reinforcement in Concrete
- Roofing and Cladding
- Bridges and Infrastructure
- Staircases and Railings
4. Wood:
Wood has been one of the ancient construction materials for thousands of years. However, if maintained properly, wood can last for years. Additionally, it is a readily available and economically available natural resource with lightweight and highly machinable properties. It also provides good cold insulation, making it an ideal building material for homes and other residential structures. Wood is known for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for construction, furniture, flooring, and other building applications. Typical uses of wood in building construction:
- Framing
- Flooring
- Doors and Windows
- Cabinetry and Furniture
- Decking and Exterior Structures
5. Stone, Bricks, and Blocks:
Bricks and stones are some of the oldest and most fundamental building materials used in construction. Stones are naturally available resources, whereas bricks are artificial construction materials used for centuries. Blocks are modular construction units that are made from materials such as concrete or clay. The block may vary in shape and size and be tailored to specific construction needs. They are typically used in walls, partitions, and structural elements, but the stones are used for foundations, decorative elements, walls, and flooring. On the other hand, bricks are used for constructing walls, buildings, and numerous masonry construction projects. Typical uses of stone, bricks, and blocks in building construction:
- Foundations
- Exterior Cladding
- Wall Construction
- Chimneys and Fireplaces
- Foundation Walls
Bottom Line:
Building your own home or any structure with the knowledge of construction materials can be more exciting. We hope we have justified your query about the different building materials used in construction. However, concrete, cement, steel, wood, bricks, stones, and blocks are the fundamental building materials for almost every construction project.
If you are about to build your home and want an accurate and actual estimation of construction materials, My Virtual Estimator is the way to go. They are the best in the business and have over a decade of experience in construction estimation services.
