Quality construction demands quality materials. Indeed, the materials you choose will define how strong your building is, how long it will last, and its overall character. But given there are numerous material types out there to choose from. And an even wider range in terms of material quality. How do you choose your materials well? In this post, we will outline the key materials to choose from and how to identify the quality construction materials you need.

Key construction material types

Whilst a complete list of construction materials is too numerous to list, there are certain key materials likely to be involved on any construction site. Sand is certainly one of these and generally comes in fine, medium, or coarse form. General building sand is perfect for brick and block laying, whilst coarser sand works best for rendering, concrete, and paving work. 

Around this, other common materials include wood, steel, bricks, and stone. The benefits of wood are its longstanding history as a construction material, affordability, and lightweight but strong properties, amongst others. Steel is a composite metal alloy made from carbon and iron. Its benefits include high strength-to-weight and size ratios, speed of installation, and suitability in a wide variety of environments. However, it can also be costly.

Stone has the benefit of being the longest-lasting of typically available construction materials. Indeed, many structures built from stone still exist today that have been around for thousands of years. However, it is expensive, heavy, and harder to work with than many other commonly used construction materials. 

Step in the well-loved brick. Like stone, brick is durable and fire-resistant. But it also has the benefit of being lighter weight, more affordable, and being particularly well suited for use in load-bearing walls. 

How to choose the right construction material

Almost every construction project will have its own unique quirks. However, there are plenty of common factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice of material for your needs. Obviously, cost is often a major indicator of quality and avoiding the cheapest materials is usually advisable. Nevertheless, by shopping around it is still feasible to find materials of an impressively high quality at affordable prices.

Where the material is going to be used will also help you determine both the type and quality of material you need. If the climate is going to be challenging, the materials you use need to stand up to the challenge. You also need to consider durability and how long your material needs to stand up against corrosion and other degradation that happens with time. Indeed material and equipment maintenance are key considerations for most construction decisions.

As well as the material being right for your needs, it needs to actually be available. Some materials are only available at certain times of the year. Others may need to be imported, which might push construction times back. Indeed, it is often worth opting to obtain local materials where a comparable material is available.  

 Other key considerations for choosing construction materials

As well as the fundamental considerations already outlined, you will also want to consider environmental and safety concerns and the aesthetic appeal of your material choices. Whilst everyone has different tastes, good quality materials tend to shine through. Whether it is flooring type, tile choice, or opting for brick or stone. The material choices you make can transform the feel of any construction.

The sustainability of the material you use, and its cost to the environment are also vital considerations. What is the carbon footprint for its use? Is it eco-friendly? Will it save on energy emission costs in the future? Moreover, the materials you choose should ensure jobsite protection for your site workers. This means training staff appropriately and ensuring health and safety standards are adhered to at all times.

Finding the right material doesn’t haven’t to cause you a headache. By considering these simple tips, you’re already well on the way to making the right decisions about the type and quality of materials you choose for your construction site.

Guest Contributor: Ksenija Meller