Since man first emerged from the caves some 10,000 years ago, we’ve been searching for the strongest material to build shelters from.

Over the years, builders have come up with some really creative building materials. We’ve seen homes built from tires, beer bottles, and even corn cobs.

However, if you want a home that’s going to stay the distance, more traditional methods are the way to go. These are the 5 most durable materials that you can use to build a house.

Classic Wood

Wood is an attractive option for home design and it’s often used to complement other materials. It’s lightweight, easy to work with and long-lasting when it’s seasoned correctly.

However, wood has one serious drawback – it’s a tremendous fire hazard.

Dependable Concrete

When you compare concrete vs wood as a building material, it’s no contest. Since people discovered that they can strengthen concrete with rebar, it’s been a top choice for all kinds of construction.

You can’t beat concrete when you’re building a high rise building, it’s affordable and extremely versatile. The advent of pre-cast concrete, with its many benefits, means this durable building material is becoming ever more popular in modern times.

Sophisticated Stone

Stone veneer is a favorite for high-end residences, but on its own, stone can be tricky to work with. It’s difficult and expensive to quarry, and heavy to transport. Building with stone is a skill that’s beyond the ability of many builders.

It remains an impressive building material though. Stone is strong, requires no mortar, and has excellent fire-resistant properties.

Sturdy Steel

Steel plays a dual role in high-rise buildings. It’s used as rebar to support concrete structures as well as support for other materials.

For commercial buildings, you can’t go wrong with steel. It’s easy to bolt, weld, or rivet into place, and is also recyclable. It’s economical enough for building large warehouses and is making an appearance in residential construction too.

Ever-Popular Brick

Brick is one of the most durable construction materials available. They’re a low-maintenance option for most types of buildings but they are susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

Building with bricks is also time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Finding the Strongest Material for Your Needs

Choosing the strongest material for your home depends on your unique circumstances. In some climates, you’ll need to go all out with expensive materials that can stand up to extreme weather.

In a predictable environment, you can get away with a more cost-effective option. After all, there are still people living happily in tents in the world’s deserts.

Thanks to modern technology, it’s possible to build an attractive residence out of any of the above materials. Some of them are even designed to look like one of the others. For example, concrete can imitate stone or brick.

More About Homes

Are you interested in all things to do with housing? Keep browsing through the real estate section of our website to find out more.

We’ve got it all, from interesting information on the strongest material for building to the latest news on residential sales.