According to financial data, the dealer sales in the country for building materials and supplies in 2020 were around $368.5 billion. This figure is set to grow even more with the ever-increasing demand for homes, commercial establishments, and other infrastructural projects. There are many items that are required for construction; however, they can vary from project to project. Here’s a list of the country’s commonly used building materials and supplies.

Concrete
One of the most commonly used among the various building materials, concrete is used for foundations and in the construction of residential and commercial properties and bridges. It is also used to make sewers and culverts. Concrete is made from a fine and coarse aggregate mixed with a binder such as water. However, concrete needs about seven days to cure. Reinforced concrete (with iron embedded) is widely used in construction to boost structural strength. One of the main advantages is that in its liquid form, it can be poured and set into any shape, and when dry or cured, it is strong.

Steel
Steel is made from alloys of carbon and iron. It is one of the cheapest building materials and supplies to ship. It also maintains the structure’s integrity, as it does not get bent or deformed easily. It forms the structural framework of modern buildings, such as skyscrapers. But if steel is not installed correctly, it can be prone to corrosion. In addition to being used as reinforcing bars, steel is used to make products used for roofing, such as cladding and ceilings. It is also used to make fittings used inside a building, such as stairs and rails.

Wood
Wood is one of the oldest materials used by man. It is durable and can be shaped as required. Wood can also be easily used with other building materials, such as marble, steel, and aluminum, so it’s quite versatile. It is suitable for insulation and soundproofing purposes. Wood is most often used for features such as window frames and doors. It can also be used for floorings such as hardwood floors and walls and ceilings.

Stone
Among the most long-lasting and extremely durable building materials and supplies is stone. The ruins of many ancient buildings are made from stone and are still visible worldwide to date. Stone comes in many textures and colors and can have a smooth or rough finish, and is used to make walls, floors, and countertops. Commonly used varieties of stone are marble, granite, and sandstone. In construction, the stone is used as a rough aggregate, as ballast for railways, and as the damp proofing of outer walls.

Bricks
Easily recognizable by their characteristic rectangular shape, bricks and mortar are used to make walls and masonry foundations. Initially, bricks were made with clay, but now they are made from concrete blocks and reinforced steel. These bricks are extremely strong and can be used for constructing load-bearing walls.

Plastic
There are many types of plastic used as building materials and supplies for construction. Some of these are hard and resilient to heat. It can be used to make pipes, cables, sheets, and panels in construction. Plastic can be made from raw or recycled materials. Some of the common types of plastic are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Glass
Glass is commonly used to make windows and decorative features because it lets in natural light. In tall buildings, such as skyscrapers, glass is often used on exterior walls to make them appear more impressive. Glass can also be integrated into various roof structures depending on the design of the building.

Mortar
This is a paste that is used to stick or hold together bricks and stones and seal gaps. It is usually made by mixing sand, water, and a binder together. The most common type of mortar found in the country is Ordinary Portland cement mortar, also known as OPC or cement mortar. This is made by mixing Ordinary Portland Cement, water, and fine aggregate, a combination of sand, gravel, or crushed stone.

These are just a few building materials and supplies that are used in construction. There are many others, depending on the project, the design, structure, and cost. However, all products used must be of excellent quality to ensure the strength of the structure. Always speak to your contractor about the materials used and their durability to understand how it ages. Investing in good quality products ensures that you won’t have to spend much in the future for repairs and such.