Top 5 Strongest Building Materials for Your Projects

When it comes to the construction of any building, durability and longevity are key. This holds true no matter what purpose the building serves, be it private or public, commercial or personal. Although the classics remain the finest choices, the fast increase in housing brings with it a boom in the use of lower-quality building materials.

In this post, we list our top five picks for materials that stand the test of time. what’s more, they are both durable and reliable. which is everything an architect should look for when designing a building. If this is something of interest to you, we invite you to continue reading to learn what you need to know about the five strongest building materials for your projects.

Your Essential Guide to the 5 Strongest Building Materials for Your Projects

1. Steel

There are few materials as sturdy as steel. When receiving the right care, steel lasts for a lifetime and beyond. It is in conventional use for industrial structures such as skyscrapers, but modern innovations broaden its scope. 

Package steel buildings allow for large structures to be built directly to a business’s specifications. Moreover, you can install steel beams with concrete to reinforce an existing building. Of course, the flexibility of steel (metaphorically speaking) is its greatest strength. 

2. Stone

In the category of natural materials, stone is one of the toughest building materials available. It is difficult to move, due to its sheer weight, but it makes an excellent foundation. It’s stackable without the need for mortar and is able to withstand fire. There is no doubt that stone is decreasing in popularity in modern architecture, but that doesn’t detract from its quality. 

3. Brick

A true classic, brick is usually made from clay and is in use throughout a myriad of ancient structures. Interestingly, once the clay dries into bricks it is exceptionally tough with a distinctly hard consistency. So, if it is good enough for the Great Wall of China, it’s good enough for modern construction.

Bricks are especially successful in drier climates, but once they receive a high heat treatment, a brick is capable of withstanding all types of weather. What’s more, bricklaying practices have not changed for decades, continuously providing the same great results.

4. Wood

I agree that wood is not nearly as tough or durable as the other materials on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its strengths. In fact, its inherent pliable nature is precisely what makes it such a versatile, useful material. There is no denying the visual appeal of wooden structures, and it is comparatively lightweight. 

It may not withstand the extreme weather conditions that other materials can, but it is still tough. Log cabins are a testament to the efficiency of wood as a building material. Though it may not serve as a primary construction material, it certainly holds its own in tandem with others. 

5. Concrete

Last on our list, but by no means least — classic concrete. This material is actually made up of multiple materials, including stone, sand, cement, and water. Once dried, the result is an exceptionally tough foundation material. However, prior to drying, it can be molded into a variety of shapes which makes it easy to transport. 

With the help of steel, you can also reinforce concrete to create even stronger structures. This is the winning combination that many of the world’s tallest skyscrapers are made from, and with good reason! It can withstand almost all weather and is built to last for decades.

Durability is key.

With any building material, an architect’s primary concern should be its strength. No structure is successful if it collapses within a year, no matter how aesthetically beautiful it may be. Next time you consider a big design change, make sure to review your materials carefully!

If you have any questions or suggestions, we always love to hear from you in the comments below. Also below are links to more fantastic articles about ALL things DESIGN for your home or business.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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