In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of construction supply — the five most common types and what they’re used for. Hopefully, this information will help you understand which supply are best for your needs and put you in a position to make an informed purchasing decision.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Steel Studs
These are one of the most fundamental construction materials in commercial construction. They can be used in both frame and falsework structures as well as many other things like stairs and industrial racks. Steel studs are usually 2×4 or 2×6 lumber, although some can be 3 or 4×8. They are simply sections of timber that have been cut and spliced at a diagonal to create an 8-foot length. They’re the most common type of studs because they’re most economical, and they’re also the best type to use when building new structures as well as when repairing old ones.
Uses:
Frame construction used for walls, flat roofs, stairs, falsework and industrial racks (e.g., pallet racks); as a structural element in retaining walls, fences, tunnels; for forming decorative elements such as arches and beaded board; when used with masonry units (e.g., bricks, stones), they can be used as a decorative panel; to assemble racks, frames and other structural elements; for support when wall or floor systems must be built above grade.
Advantages:
They’re strong and durable so they can span greater distances than can concrete forms. They’re easy to work with: just nail or screw them to the framing structure (although you’ll need a power tool to do this). They’re flexible because of their diagonal configuration which allows you to build curved structures easily. They can easily be installed from the ground level up without any special equipment such as cranes or ladders. They’re less expensive than steel studs.
Disadvantages:
They can only be used in certain circumstances: for instance, they’re not suitable for wet locations or where there’s a risk of fire. They have a tendency to bow over time so they’ll need to be checked regularly and readjusted. They mustn’t be used to support the roof or floors because these will eventually sag. Metal connectors can be used, but a metal plate must be placed at the horizontal joints for strength.
2. AutoCAD
This is a computer program used by architects, engineers and contractors for drafting drawings and three-dimensional models. AutoCAD comes in a variety of formats including CAD, DWG (a bitmap format), CDR (a vector format) and 3D. Some versions have extensions that allow you to create various types of 3D models such as solid, surface or rendering views.
Uses:
To design buildings or other structures; to show how the building will look from different angles; to create different types of curves and surfaces; to create renderings (three-dimensional graphic images) of the building; to use with other design tools such as laser scanners.
Advantages:
It’s easy to use with a simple, intuitive interface. Its modeling capabilities are powerful and efficient. It can export and import the DWG-format file which allows you to open your drawings in other software programs. It’s compatible with a variety of design tools, including building information modeling (BIM) tools.
Disadvantages:
It requires a very powerful computer. It’s very expensive (about $1000). It can be time-consuming to use because it takes time to learn the program and you’ll need to spend long hours making modifications if your progress is slow. The output quality is limited compared with physical models, meaning that it lacks depth and realism. It’s not suitable for people who want to design buildings without using equipment like laser scanners and 3D modeling software.
3. Plywood Siding
Plywood is a type of manufactured wood made of thin sheets (layers) of wood that are glued together to form a thicker, stronger sheet. This is one of the most common types of exterior siding because it’s relatively cheap, durable and can be easily installed without the need for complex tools or equipment. It comes in many varieties including Masonite, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Hardboard, DensGlass and Khatan plywood panels.
Uses:
Exterior walls in buildings that require a lot of strength, particularly when climate or weather conditions are likely to be extreme; for use on the outside and below grade walls of buildings; as an accent feature for gable or wall dormer roofs; for additional layer of protection against flooding or fire.
Advantages:
It’s waterproof so it provides protection against rain, snow and ice. It doesn’t rot nor does it attract insects. It can offer good insulation due to its thickness which is why it’s a popular choice in cold climates. It can be used as an exterior cladding (i.e., applied directly to the face of the building’s structure).
Disadvantages:
It’s not suitable for heavy-duty construction applications. Its color tends to be duller and less attractive than exterior cladding made from other materials because it doesn’t allow the proper transmission of light. It can warp, crack and peel which can result in unsightly looks and unsightly homes or workplaces. As it’s a manufactured product, it has a tendency to have imperfections and flaws (i.e., “kludged” joints due to manufacturing errors).
4. Wood Windows & Doors
Wood is the original building material used by humans for thousands of years because it’s very durable, weather resistant (excluding heat) and lightweight (about 40 percent lighter than steel). It’s often used to make the frames, door panels and other parts of windows and doors (which include interior doorways, exterior doors, storm doors and garage doors).
Uses:
To install on walls or buildings as part of the structure’s construction; as the main structural component of the roof; to create a distinctive appearance by adding finish-work details such as corner brackets or paneling (such as cladding) around openings.
Advantages:
It can be made in different types and sizes from narrow to wide boards. It’s very long-lasting so it can last for many years. Its wood grain is smooth while its finish can be painted in many different colors. It’s lightweight so it can be easily moved. It can also be treated to maintain its strength and durability.
Disadvantages:
It does not have good architectural support because it’s not very strong, thus it doesn’t last in high winds or in heavy snowfall. It is also expensive because it’s very detailed and labor-intensive to make. Its wood grain will often have imperfections (i.e., knotty in appearance) which cause the material to look less uniform and appealing than other types of wood products used for the same purpose. It can also warp, split or crack due to movement and it’s susceptible to damage by insects.
5. Masonry Materials
Masonry materials include concrete brick, stone and cement blocks (including hollow blocks). They’re all manufactured from natural products (causing them to have imperfections) which tend to have different qualities than synthetic building materials, such as plastics and metals. Some of these building materials are very durable but others deteriorate more quickly over time due to the influence of the atmosphere and harsh chemicals or weathering. For example, concrete blocks are resistant to weathering but they decay quickly when exposed to water. They’re also very heavy so they’re difficult to transport and place in different locations.
Advantages:
These materials are durable and long-lasting, but they can deteriorate quickly if exposed to harsh weather or chemicals. They’re less costly than other types of natural building materials because paving stones, concrete bricks and cement blocks are very easy to make. These materials are also easy to work with because they can be cut into any desired shape or size and they’re relatively long-lasting for exterior use. They do not need much maintenance so they can be used interchangeably with other materials. Additionally, these products work well with a wide variety of building styles including Italianate, French Provincial and Victorian architecture.
Disadvantages:
These materials may require professional installation because they need a skilled team that knows how to lay and mix the product correctly. They might also need to be replaced every few years if they start to break down or deteriorate. The leveling of these materials can be very challenging during the initial installation process, which can make it difficult for builders to create a smooth surface. These products are usually much more expensive than other natural building materials such as clay and wood masonry, which makes it difficult for builders on a budget to use them. In addition, these materials are not easy to work with and install because they’re often heavy, especially when used as paving stones or paving bricks.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article! Hopefully, you’ve learned something that will help you make better choices about which construction supply to buy and use.