Commonly Used Building Construction Materials in the UK

Building materials used in the construction industry depend on the design and national standards in using these materials. In the UK, construction materials used are usually manmade and are treated and prepared before construction companies can use them for building.

Whether it be a remodeling project or new construction, most builders from the UK are using masonry. Usually, these are done by self-builders. These self-builders are innovative in that they explore other alternatives during construction.

Before a building construction starts, a site should be cleared of debris. To do this, a digger, most commonly known as an excavator, is used in digging trenches to set the foundations of the building before the construction starts. Digger hire in Bedford is available to provide digging services that save costs and time.

Most Common Construction Materials

1. Bricks

As mentioned earlier, British builders often use bricks and blocks in construction. In the UK, almost 70% of newly built homes are made of bricks. In using these materials, the blocks are usually made of clay or mud. These are frequently used during the 1900s since bricks are considered fire-resistant. Though more expensive than other materials, bricks are still popular in the construction industry due to their attractive appearance and durability.

2. Concrete

Concretes are made by mixing an aggregate material and a binder which hardens as it dries. The durability of the cement depends on how the concrete mix was made. Concrete can be poured into a mold to make any shape. It would take at least seven days to harden and cure so construction schedules should be adjusted if needed.

There are times that the mixing can be done by yourself. Instructional materials on how to mix concrete are easy to follow and finish. However, it is important to get the proper ratio of the aggregate and the binder to get the full durability of the cement.

3. Steel

Engineers usually use steel in making the frameworks of the building. The stainless steel used by construction companies has higher strength and can resist corrosion due to its added chromium. Compared to other metals, steel relatively costs higher but choosing the cost-effective sizes that can handle actual load can save you money. Also, this can be installed faster than concrete in any environment.

Aside from a building’s framework, steels are also used in surface coverings as well as for rooftops.

4. Wood

A versatile material, wood is used in building structures in any climate. It maintains its strength even on a maximum load. Usually, wood is used for framing. During these modern times, woods can now be used as floor finishing’s, building cabinets, kitchen cupboards, and home improvements.

5. Clear Plastic Sheets

Rather than taking weighted loads, strong, clear plastic is commonly used for aesthetics such as a kitchen splashboard or as secondary glazing in your windows. A clear perspex sheet is far cheaper than glass yet no less versatile. Sheets can come polished or unpolished, depending on what you need them for. And they stand up well to the British weather, making them an excellent choice for a greenhouse.

Conclusion

It is important to consider durability when choosing a building construction material. Taking a look at the tests done for each can help you decide which one to choose. Each material has its pros and cons when it comes to construction. Being informed about every material characteristic will save you time, effort, and money on construction.

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

New Build for Merseyside
Breaking News

First-time buyer demand falls sharply

First-time buyer demand falls sharply across Britain’s major cities, with Nottingham leading the decline The latest research by Yopa has shown that first-time buyer demand has dropped significantly across a number of major British cities, with Nottingham seeing the sharpest decline since the start of the year. Yopa analysed first-time buyer (FTB) demand based on…
Read More
Breaking News

Families to save hundreds of pounds through major homebuying overhaul

·        Buying or selling a home to be faster, cheaper, and easier under common-sense reforms ·        First-time buyers to save £710 on average, putting money back into people’s pockets ·        Proposals will halve number failed transactions, preventing last minute fall throughs, slashing weeks off the process and driving up standards across the board Hundreds of thousands of first-time…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Got a New Home in Nelson UK? Explore Stylish Furniture for Every Corner

Moving into a new home is always exciting, and if you’ve just settled down in Nelson, UK, now is the perfect time to furnish your space with stylish, functional, and long-lasting pieces. At AH Interiors Nelson, we bring you a wide range of modern and classic furniture that makes every corner of your home truly…
Read More
Breaking News

Annual house price growth steady in September

Annual rate of house price growth of 2.2% in September, similar to 2.1% seen in August Northern Ireland remained the top performing area with annual house price growth of 9.6% Outer South East weakest performing region, with 0.3% year-on-year rise   Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: “The annual pace of…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove launches Online Agent Valuation to help agents connect with more vendors

Rightmove, the UK’s largest property platform, launches Online Agent Valuation, a new product for agents designed to give them more ways to reach prospective vendors. The consumer innovation delivers quality leads by connecting agents with home-owners who are serious about moving, but who would prefer to get a valuation from a local agent online. Rightmove…
Read More
Breaking News

September sees highest number of homes listed this year

September brings post-summer surge in home seller activity, with highest number of homes listed so far in 2025 The latest internal data from eXp UK has shown that September has delivered a notable surge in market activity, with the firm recording an average of 81 new properties listed every day over the course of the…
Read More