The short answer is all of them. But here’s the catch; every single one has its pros and cons, so it depends on what you want to build and which one suits your needs the best.
So if you consider building your house or having an extension to your current property, continue to read on what are having to say about these construction materials and how can help you achieve your plan.
As a short note before jumping into the read, we are going to name a few main materials and their proprieties and we will continue to publish different blog posts on each and one of these, with more insight.
Because of balance cost, aesthetics, structural integrity, and lifespan, most engineers and architects use a combination of these materials in their designs. We’ll go through those strengths and weaknesses so you can take an active role in analyzing the design of your structure.
Wood
The appeal of wood stems from the fact that it is very inexpensive. It’s also simple to work with and lightweight. It serves as an insulator, allowing warm air to enter while keeping cold air out.
While felling trees to constructions may be harmful to the environment, wood may be an environmentally friendly alternative if purchased from a responsible timber supplier dedicated to sustainable forestry. In addition, wood has a lesser carbon footprint than other materials since it requires less water and energy to manufacture.
Wood, on the other hand, has a few disadvantages. Wood isn’t usually the greatest choice for sustaining a lot of weight, therefore it’s not the best choice for multi-story buildings. Moreover, unlike other synthetic materials, wood only lasts a few hundred years before decaying. It’s also prone to fire and moisture damage, as well as being a target for destructive termites.
Several engineered wood products have been created to overcome some of the limitations of regular wood. These are composite materials created by combining wood particles, fibres, strands, or veneers to make a composite material.
These composite materials, which are engineered and manufactured to exact specifications, can frequently withstand loads big enough to replace steel and concrete in some structural applications. They may also be moisture and fire-resistant. It is crucial to remember, however, that these durable synthetic materials may be more expensive than conventional wood.
Steel
Steel is a popular building material since it is both strong and somewhat lightweight. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-story structures, as well as manufacturing and industrial operations. Steel, unlike wood, can withstand dampness and is resistant to termites and fire. It will also endure a lot longer than wood.
In contrast to masonry, steel can permit broad, open designs while retaining structural integrity. It’s also flexible, allowing architects to experiment with more unusual building forms.
Steel, on the other hand, is more costly than wood for framing a structure. A skilled structural engineer will be able to save money by utilising only enough steel to create your structure securely and maintain the aforementioned load while keeping track of and reducing needless costs.
As a result, while steel is a more durable and long-lasting option than wood, it will be more expensive.
Concrete
Cement, aggregates such as sand or stone, and water make up concrete. This material is then put into moulds, which dry and harden to construct everything from walls to supporting beams to sidewalks.
Concrete is both durable and robust, making it an excellent choice for the foundations of any building. It can support the weight of the building above it as well as the wet soil that surrounds it. Concrete structures are also energy efficient, as they may passively transmit heat collected during the day and release it at night when the temperature is lower.
Concrete may be more expensive to use for your construction than wood or metal. However, its advantages may make it a desirable alternative. Because of its longevity and energy efficiency, concrete may cost building owners less to operate and maintain in the long term, making the higher upfront cost more bearable.
Masonry
Unlike concrete buildings, which are set in place as a single unit, masonry structures are made up of numerous smaller parts that are mortared together to form a single structure. Clay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other building materials are common.
Masonry constructions, like the pyramids and Greek temples, are among the world’s oldest surviving structures. Masonry is still a prominent building material millennia later.
Masonry is a known load-bearing material that can sustain the weight of multiple storeys and may be reinforced with steel beams for added support. Masonry also provides a wide range of materials, colours, sizes, and forms, allowing you to be more creative with the design of your project.
However, there are certain disadvantages to masonry. Because the bricks, stones, or blocks are so hefty, they take a long time to correctly install. As a result, skilled artisans are frequently needed to finish the job, and a strong project plan is critical to keep the project moving forward.
In comparison to wood, steel, and concrete, masonry is often more costly. Bricks require labour to transform raw resources into construction materials, which must subsequently be delivered and erected by skilled workers. Concrete, whether cast-in-place or precast, requires less manufacturing work, but it still requires a lengthy installation process.
So, what is good for your plan?
Every building material has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages can help you evaluate them against your project’s objectives. That way, you’ll be able to figure out which material or a mix of materials is appropriate for your project.
Because the material you select to build is such a significant decision, you should get advice from an expert designer. At Byoot, we’ll make use of our expertise to offer you various options for your desired project.
To find out more, get in touch with us. The best thing is that our quotation is free!