The world of building materials is vast and the options are nearly endless, no matter which trade you’re in. Ultimately, choosing the right building material for your project comes down to what will give you the best result, but knowing where to start can be daunting.
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To make things easy, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of go-to materials, from construction to HVAC, electrical to landscaping — as well as recommendations on where to use each material.
It’s a big list. You can jump ahead here:
Building and construction materials
Cladding
Flooring
Roofing
Framing
Electrical wiring materials
Cleat wiring
Casing and capping wiring
Batten wiring
Lead sheathed wiring
Plumbing materials
PVC
PEX
Copper
Galvanised steel
Cast iron
Landscaping materials
Concrete
Brick and rock
Asphalt
Stone
Sand
Wood chips
Greenery
HVAC and gas installation materials
Fibreglass
Spray foam
Metals
Plastic
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Materials for every trade
Flooring
Flooring takes centre stage in construction. Knowing what best suits your project takes some thought. Here are your options:
Brick
A traditional solution that can be found in historic buildings all around the world, brick flooring is extremely durable and won’t break the bank. Because it can create an uneven surface, it’s best used in open spaces, to avoid wobbly furniture.
Flagstone
Because it’s extremely durable, slip-resistant and easy to clean, flagstone is typically used outdoors for pathways or around gardens.
Natural stone
The benefit of natural stone is that it can be used both inside and outside because of its durability. Natural stone is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options for floors. With many natural stone options – like marble, granite, travertine, limestone, slate and sandstone – there’s one for almost every project.
Tiles
Whether it’s ceramics, porcelain, quarry, PVC or vinyl, tiles are commonly used for floors, given their resistance to chemicals and hot temperatures. That makes them easy to clean and maintain, a great solution for kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also moisture-resistant and durable – and can handle heavy foot traffic.
Glass
Glass floors are a great option for buildings with a modern interior. Because they reflect light, glass floors can make a space feel brighter. So, what’s the catch? A glass floor will cost you – it’s considerably more expensive than other solutions on the market.
PVC
This is an affordable option with many benefits, such as being resistant to spills and chemicals and easy to maintain. Because PVC can be soft, it’s prone to scratches and may not be the most long-lasting material. It may also fade in the sunlight.
Timber
Timber floors bring character to any building. It may seem like a big investment initially, as they have a higher price tag, but if looked after, timber flooring will last more than a hundred years. Timber is also easy to maintain, and being a completely natural material, it’s a sustainable and chemical-free solution.
Cork
One of the more sustainable building materials for floors, cork is biodegradable and will break down in the earth if it’s disposed of properly. But that doesn’t mean it’s a flimsy flooring option – because it’s a soft, natural fibre, cork is a great solution for spaces where people will be standing for long periods, like in a kitchen. It’s also good for places like aged-care facilities or childcare centres, where there’s a greater risk of falls.
Carpet
Carpet for flooring has obvious advantages – soft to walk on, quiet and comfortable. Carpet can also be an inexpensive option but comes with some disadvantages such as showing wear and tear and needing thorough maintenance to stay in good condition.
Roofing
A roof is the cherry on top of a construction sundae. The type of roofing you choose will ultimately come down to its price, durability and performance. Here are your options:
Asphalt
This is a cost-effective solution that is gaining popularity due to its resistance to rot and ease of installation. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt doesn’t offer huge insulation and has a relatively short lifespan of around 25 years.
Clay
Clay tiles are known to be fairly durable, but they’re subject to damage in very cold temperatures. For that reason, they’re more suited to warmer climates. Clay tiles are easy to maintain and will last for more than 100 years if looked after.
Concrete tiles
Concrete is very durable and will last between 30-50 years when cared for properly. It can withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures, but because it’s heavy and has a high absorption rate, it can add a lot of weight to a roof when it rains. This can make concrete tiles more difficult to maintain.
Copper
Copper is resistant to fire, mildew or hail, and with regular maintenance can last upwards of 50 years. Because it’s so lightweight, copper is a great solution for homes that can’t afford to have added weight stress – such as climates with heavy snowfall. On its own, copper isn’t the most soundproof material, so another sound-absorbing material would need to accompany it underneath.
Corrugated steel
The benefits of a corrugated steel roof are many – it’s durable and will withstand the toughest of conditions, making it ideal for areas prone to intense weather such as hail storms. It’s also lightweight, and when taken care of, can last up to 100 years.
Solar tiles
If you’re after a material that’s good for your home, the planet and your pocket, solar tiles are the way to go. You’ll save money on your energy bill and may even earn some with the excess power your panels send back to the grid.
