Building materials refer to the substances needed for construction, including natural and synthetic products. Nearly 11,000 new buildings are erected all over the world every day. Various building materials go into myriad types of constructions, from pavements and skyscrapers to bridges, tunnels, and underwater structures. This article looks into the different kinds of materials used by construction companies. The products listed below have been chosen based on their cost-effectiveness in building projects.

Types of building materials
Apart from naturally occurring substances, the artificial products used in construction can be highly or moderately synthetic. Here’s a list of the types of building materials:

Concrete is a strong building material made of cement, aggregates, and water and is ideal for constructing buildings, bridges, dams, towers, and roads.
Cement is a binding agent made by burning and crushing raw materials and mixed with water.
Fine aggregates in concrete are obtained from natural rocks and crushed gravels, limited to size 4.75 mm and lower.
Coarse aggregates are filler materials larger than 4.75 mm and are used extensively in concrete production and flexible pavement construction.
Admixtures are added to concrete to improve its performance. Mineral and chemical are the two types of admixtures.
Mortar is made with binders and aggregates such as cement or lime and is needed for masonry, plastering, and repair work.
The steel used in construction includes rebars for reinforcement, structural steel for building, and chicken wire mesh for Ferro-cement.
Bricks are rectangular blocks made from clay or mud, with mortar used as an adhesive, and are used to construct walls, paths, and fireplaces.
Stone masonry uses natural stones and mortar for building foundations, floors, walls, and columns. The building materials include sandstone, granite, marble, limestone, and laterite.
Timber is a versatile building material used for doors, windows, furniture, and interior decoration. Oak, pine, and plywood are some of the most widely used types.
Bamboo is an ancient construction material. It has been used since ages for structures, roofing, walls, and foundations.
Glass is a versatile material used in modern buildings for its aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and recyclable value.
Tiles are customizable, inexpensive building materials with unique patterns, outstanding designs, and an affordable alternative to traditional materials.
Foam is a synthetic material used for packing and improving insulation and is commonly used in exterior walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Bitumen is a petroleum-based sticky material used to construct flexible pavements in roads, airfields, and roofing.
Fibers are used in construction to reduce permeability, bleeding, and minor cracks. They are utilized in structures such as dams, spillways, and pavements.

Types of constructions
Building materials’ suppliers can typically be categorized to include distinct divisions, each with their area of expertise. The six types of construction projects include:

Residential projects
Commercial projects
Mixed-use projects
Institutional projects
Industrial projects
Heavy civil projects

Outlook for building materials
Building materials are essential for all types of building projects. Construction equipment also forms an inevitable part of the process. These machines are used to shift or move the building materials on the site. From the foundations of structures to the surfaces of pavements, the substances used must be strong, durable, and able to withstand the elements. The importance of choosing the right building materials cannot be overstated, as they are crucial to the safety and longevity of any structure.