Top 5 most widely used construction materials

Are you looking to select the most reliable and cost-efficient materials for your project? Construction is an intricate and complex process that requires extensive planning, materials and expertise. The success of any building or structure comes down to the choice of materials used for the construction itself. At FixFirm, we understand that knowing which materials best suit your particular job is critical to ensuring safe and successful construction. 

There are a variety of different options out there, making it easy to get overwhelmed during the selection process. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular and reliable construction materials on the market today. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the history of construction materials and the top 5 most commonly used construction materials that have been put through their paces on countless projects across the world. From constructing new homes to transforming existing structures - these trusted materials have consistently been utilised in various contexts safely and effectively. 

Whether you’re revamping an older structure or starting from scratch with a completely new build – let's dive into what makes these five popular elements invaluable resources for any building process.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 

Construction materials have a long history, spanning back from the earliest of time periods. The criteria for choosing building materials have evolved over time, and we have long since started to factor in durability, insulation and sustainability when choosing materials. 

Wood and stone are amongst the oldest construction materials. During the Neolithic period, people turned to wood as a source of their building materials, using it to build more solid structures and roofs. The Bronze Age was when stone began to be used to build structures. We know this from the magnificent structures of Stonehenge and the Pyramids, which were crafted from heavy blocks of granite. 

The use of bricks first dates back to Ancient Greece, where they were used to create great temples for honouring the Greek Gods and Goddesses and villas for the wealthiest members of society, such as the Emperor. The Romans first started to use concrete in their buildings, helping in the construction of even bigger buildings and roads which still stand today. 

During the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance era, glass was popularised. They used glass for stained glass windows in churches and in castles, immortalising religious figures as well as royalty during the period. 

It was the Industrial Revolution that gave rise to using metals and reinforced concrete to build bigger and better buildings. The Home Life Insurance Building was the first skyscraper in the world, and was built in Chicago in 1885. When finished in 1891, it stood 180ft tall. Skyscrapers have come a long way since, with the Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, standing at 2,716.6ft tall, currently being the largest skyscraper in the world. 

TOP 5 MOST WIDELY USED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 

CONCRETE 

Concrete is one of the most popular and widely used construction materials. Reinforced concrete is most common in construction, whereby steel is embedded in the concrete to increase the structural tensile strength. Concrete comes in many forms, with examples such as lightweight concrete and waterproof concrete.

Concrete has a broad range of uses, including:

• Bridge construction

• Foundations

• Residential building construction

• Commercial building construction

STEEL 

The discovery of steel immediately made it popular and allowed it to be possible to build skyscrapers. Steel is a composite material made from alloys of iron and carbon. Steel has high strength and functionality. It is also lightweight, easy to work with, and cheaper to ship than other building materials. One of the only drawbacks to steel is that it is likely to break down under high temperatures. 

Steel can be used for the following:

• Structural sections 

• Roofing

• Reinforcements in older buildings 

• Internal fixings such as railings and stairs 

WOOD 

Wood is arguably the oldest construction material that humans have used. It’s naturally available, cost-effective and has a great many uses due to the fact it is both durable and flexible. Compared to other construction materials, wood is relatively light and easy to standardize in size. It has high tensile strength and is good in soundproofing and insulation.

Wood has many uses, including:

• Construction of floors, walls and ceilings

• Thermal insulation

• Acoustic insulation

• Frames of structures in houses and bridges 

GLASS 

Glass is widely used to create lightweight, transparent buildings and windows, and offers natural lighting. Glass can be used to enhance the look and features of buildings. This material isn’t just easily moulded into any shape, but it is also weather and rust-resistant, able to withstand the effects of all elements without its structure or appearance changing. Glass is also highly recyclable, making it one of the most sustainable construction materials. 

There are many different types of glass used in construction, including:

• Sheet glass

• Float glass

• Laminated glass

• Tempered glass

BRICK 

Brick is a very common and known building material found in various sizes, materials, and shapes. Apart from being the widely used structure material, some aesthetical bricks can be used as a facade material for building finishes. Bricks were traditionally made from heated and dry clay. They have a high compression resistance, but they can break easily. 

Common uses of bricks include:

• Paving

• Walls

• Archways 

• Underground structures 

WHY CHOOSE FIXFIRM? 

As a national supplier of construction, engineering, mechanical, and electrical products, FixFirm has been at the forefront of the industry's move towards greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The company has developed several cutting-edge technologies and platforms that are designed to streamline the procurement process and make it easier for businesses to find and purchase the construction materials they need.

At FixFirm, we are committed to providing businesses with the products and services they need to stay ahead of the curve in the construction industry. With our cutting-edge technologies like SlickStock and ProcureSite, we are helping businesses to optimise their inventory, streamline their procurement processes, and stay on top of the latest trends and innovations, including upcoming and reliable construction materials.