Comparison of materials: what to build the walls of a house from?

Making the correct wall material choice is essential when building a house. Your home’s overall comfort, energy efficiency, durability, and structural integrity will all depend on the materials you choose. Any construction project involves a significant decision when selecting a material because different materials offer differing degrees of insulation, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Wood is one of the most popular materials for home walls. Wood is prized for its inherent beauty, adaptability, and affordability. It has good insulating qualities and is easily adaptable to fit various architectural designs. It does, however, need routine upkeep to guard against moisture, vermin, and fire hazards.

Another well-liked option is brick, which is renowned for its strength and thermal mass qualities. It has a long lifespan, requires little maintenance, and has good fire resistance. By absorbing heat during the day and releasing it gradually at night, bricks can help control indoor temperature and improve energy efficiency.

Concrete’s strength, adaptability, and durability have made it a more and more popular material for contemporary construction. It is the material of choice for regions vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes, or termites because of its exceptional durability against weather extremes and pests. In addition to being highly insulating against sound, concrete walls also come in a variety of textures.

Material	Advantages
Brick	Durable and fire-resistant, good thermal mass
Wood	Natural aesthetic, sustainable, can be insulated easily
Concrete	Strong, versatile, good for modern designs
Steel	High strength, allows for large open spaces, recyclable
Stone	Durable, timeless appearance, good thermal properties

What types are there??

Traditionally, wall construction materials can be broadly categorized into two groups: stone and wood. For walls, a mix of them is occasionally utilized, and some also use synthetic raw materials. Generally speaking, the following categories of raw materials can be distinguished for wall construction:

• brick;
• concrete;
• blocks;
• log;
• different types of timber;
• frame walls;
• panels.

Brick is made by adding additives to clay and then firing the mixture in specialized furnaces. It is standard and fireproof.

Brick walls have a lovely appearance, and they can be used to arrange decorative elements on the facade.

Walls can also be constructed with concrete. This is frequently a monolithic technology, where concrete is poured into the formwork after it is installed. Because metal rods are used for reinforcement, the wall that results is sturdy and dependable.

Crucial! You can use polystyrene foam or other thermal insulation products to create formwork for insulation when building concrete walls.

Another useful material for building walls is stone blocks. Because it has the proper stone geometry, working with raw materials is quite simple. Concrete, wood concrete, expanded clay, gas silicate, or ceramic can all be used to make blocks. It is noteworthy to highlight separately the highly porous and easily processed materials known as gas blocks, foam blocks, and cinder blocks.

Wood is favored by those who would rather live in environmentally friendly homes. This comprises a carriage and a variety of logs, including rounded, hewn, planed, and unplaned logs. Because of their great aesthetic value, logs are frequently used for walls in country or log homes.

Somewhat less expensive and simpler to work with than wood. This material frequently needs to have a frame installed on the foundation beforehand. The material has a square cross-section, and the wood can be regular or glued.

Panels are another group used in wall construction. SIP and sandwich panels are examples of this. Its large size and good thermal insulation qualities have drawn attention from the construction industry. It is appropriate for building single-story and multi-story homes.

What materials to build the building from??

It is advised to look more closely at each wall material’s characteristics in order to better understand what kind you need to buy.

Brick

It can be solid or hollow, and it can be silicate and ceramic. Because it is made of clay, it is regarded as environmentally friendly.

Multi-story buildings are made of solid material because the denser the brick, the more durable it is. However, hollow brick holds heat more effectively than solid brick.

Although the material is resilient to temperature changes, it will not lay as quickly. Brick can be reinforced as needed, but it needs to be finished, at least inside the house.

Click here to learn more about using bricks to build walls.

Concrete

This material can be used to create complex structures because the formwork that is created can have a variety of shapes. The material becomes airtight, the walls don’t crack, and it gets warm when it’s poured. Because concrete is made with chemical plasticizers, it cannot be regarded as completely environmentally friendly.

Monoliths and concrete panels are strong, but they need to be strengthened with metal mesh. Only with the use of specialized equipment will such walls be built with great durability and speed.

In this section, learn more about concrete walls.

Panels

The material exhibits a high coefficient of heat retention due to the presence of polystyrene foam in the insulation. The panels will withstand impact loads, but they cannot be deemed ultra-strong in comparison to stone materials. Such raw materials can be used to build a long-lasting house, but the panels need to be finished from the inside out; the exterior is already coated in a unique substance. Although frame construction is necessary, construction is moving quickly.

More information about building walls out of panels can be found here.

Blocks

Because wood is used in the manufacturing process, wood concrete can be regarded as the most environmentally friendly type of block currently in use. Even though the material has a high heat retention capacity, insulation will still be necessary in the northern climates. The blocks are easily cut with a hacksaw because of their porous construction. This shows the raw material’s average strength. Block homes have smooth edges, which speed up construction and make finishing easier. They also last a long time.

See this section for more details on building walls out of blocks.

Log

The wall-building material that is most environmentally friendly. It can effectively insulate the room from heat, particularly if jute caulk is used to seal the joints. Although logs are robust and long-lasting, they still need to be regularly examined for flaws. Something like this house is beautiful without needing to be decorated. Although construction is moving quickly, you still have to wait for the structure to get smaller.

Here is more information about constructing log walls.

timber

With this raw material, houses can be constructed in a few months, but finishing is necessary. Although chemical impregnations and antiseptics may be used during production, the material is environmentally friendly. Wooden houses are warm and long-lasting; reinforcement is not needed.

There are two categories for the materials mentioned above: light and heavy. For instance, you can use a pile, screw, or strip foundation for wood, panels, and logs. For bricks, concrete, and blocks, a large, deep foundation is required.

Here are the specifics on how to use a bar to construct walls.

comparison table

You can familiarize yourself with the comparative table to gain a better understanding of which specific material is appropriate for building walls in which circumstances.

• strength;
• frost resistance;
• fire resistance;
• good sound insulation;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability – more than 100 years.

• high water absorption;
• large specific gravity requires a massive foundation;
• cost and duration of work.

• reliability;
• high service life;
• good thermal insulation due to the absence of cracks in the walls;
• prospects for technology development.

• high cost when ordering work;
• the need to create large formwork for pouring monolithic material;
• difficulty in installing floors;
• the need to purchase quality raw materials;
• need for reinforcement.

• availability;
• ease of construction work;
• good thermal insulation;
• moisture resistance;
• high speed of module installation;
• strength;
• small thickness;
• selection of decorative design;
• ease of care;
• no need for external finishing.

• self-supporting structure;
• fragility of the outer layers;
• high technological requirements for installation.

• environmental friendliness of raw materials;
• natural beauty of natural texture;
• no need for finishing;
• good air exchange;
• high rates of heat and sound insulation;
• high assembly speed;
• variety of finished projects;
• durability;
• no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

• shrinkage leading to structural damage;
• fire hazard;
• cracking;
• the need for treatment with impregnations.

• strength;
• temperature resistance;
• good sound and heat insulation;
• absence of termites and other insects;
• fire resistance;
• light weight;
• resistance to mold and mildew;
• relevance for multi-storey construction.

• decorative finishing is required;
• insulation is necessary;
• high load on the foundation;
• need waterproofing;
• When hanging furniture, special mounts are needed.

Each site owner who wishes to construct a home can make their own decision based on the pros and cons that have been identified.

What is better: a list of top manufacturers

While every owner is free to choose, it is important to emphasize the key elements based on which you can decide what is best for you:

• pay attention to the price of the material and the cost of work;
• take into account thermal insulation, so as not to overpay for heating later;
• take into account labor costs;
• pay attention to finishing costs.

You can create a list of the leading producers of materials that will be most pertinent by considering the following factors:

1. Brick. This raw material is the most durable and it is worth choosing if you plan to build a long-lasting home. In addition, the material is environmentally friendly and harmless, although you will have to spend money on it. Good raw materials are produced by Golitsyn Ceramic Plant OJSC, as well as Slavyansky Brick OJSC.
2. Blocks. In second place is block material, it is durable, reliable, and walls can be erected in a short time. In addition, raw materials will be available. It’s worth taking a closer look at the manufacturing plants ALTA-BLOCK and YUGRABLOC.
3. Wood. In third place are logs and beams – environmentally friendly materials, durable and reliable. They do not require finishing; with their help, a house can be built very quickly, despite shrinkage. Good manufacturers – Kenza-Wood LLC and Angarsk Terema from Krasnoyarsk.
4. Panels. Easy to order and quick to build – this is about the use of panels. Very often projects are completed on a turnkey basis and after a few months you can already move into the finished house. Lipetsk Fencing Structure Plant and VESTA PARK will offer good options.
5. Concrete came in fifth place. This is a good material, but too heavy for a foundation and today apartment buildings are mainly built from it.

Video on the topic

In the video, the benefits and drawbacks of different building materials are discussed:

Selecting the appropriate building materials for your home’s walls is essential for ensuring their longevity and effectiveness. Every material choice, including steel, concrete, brick, and wood, has pros and cons of its own.

Although wood is naturally charming and simple to build with, it needs upkeep and is prone to pests and fire. Although brick can be expensive and labor-intensive to install, it offers superior durability and thermal mass, both of which contribute to energy efficiency. Although concrete is very strong and fireproof, making it perfect for maintaining structural integrity, it can be heavy and requires expert installation.

Steel is a material that is strong and adaptable, and because of its light weight and flexible design, it is frequently used in modern construction. Because of its conductivity, it requires insulation against heat and cold. In the end, the decision is based on your priorities; aesthetics, cost, upkeep needs, and local climate conditions all matter.

You can choose a wall material that will not only withstand the test of time but also improve the overall comfort and functionality of your home by being aware of its qualities and balancing them against your unique requirements and situation.

A house’s walls should be built with consideration for a number of factors, including cost, durability, and energy efficiency. There are several benefits associated with each option, ranging from conventional wood and brick to contemporary options like concrete and insulated panels. Although it is easier to construct with and has a natural feel, wood requires routine upkeep. Bricks are labor-intensive but durable. Although it can be costly, concrete is strong and resistant to fire. Although insulated panels increase energy efficiency, installation may need to be done by professionals. Knowing these materials enables homeowners to make decisions that will ensure a sturdy and cozy home, taking into account factors like climate, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

Video on the topic

Comparison of the cost of a house made of different materials: aerated concrete, brick, laminated timber

What to build a house from, what material to choose?

What to build a house from, what material to choose?