Building material

Building materials are the physical substances used to construct buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. They include natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay, as well as manufactured products like concrete, steel, glass, and engineered composites.

The selection of building materials is determined by factors including structural requirements, environmental conditions, cost, availability, aesthetics, and performance standards. Materials are typically grouped by function, such as load-bearing materials like reinforced concrete, structural steel, insulating materials like mineral wool, foam boards, finishing materials like plaster, tile, and protective materials like waterproof membranes and coatings.

Modern construction often relies on combinations of materials to meet safety codes, energy performance targets, and sustainability goals. For example, high-performance building envelopes may integrate rigid insulation, air barriers, and cladding systems for thermal control and moisture protection.

The use and development of building materials are closely linked to building science, environmental design, and lifecycle assessment. Trends in the field include the use of recycled content, low-emission products, and innovations such as cross-laminated timber, aerogels, and 3D-printed components.

Building materials can be broadly classified into categories such as structural materials including concrete, steel, timber, and masonry; insulation materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam, and aerogel; and surface finishes such as drywall, tile, paint, and stucco. Other categories include mechanical system components such as piping, ductwork, and sealants, as well as environmentally focused products including green roofing systems, recycled aggregates, and materials with low chemical emissions.