Choosing Between Wood And Concrete: Which One Is The Right Choice For Builders?

A detailed comparison between wood and concrete to help builders decide material is suitable for structural build-up.

The use of wood and concrete in construction has been done for many years now.  Since both have very good properties that make them an ideal choice in building materials. Having said that, the choice of material broadly depends on individual features in terms of quality, strength, weakness, cost, durability, and maintenance.

So before you make a decision, read our in-depth comparison of both the materials to understand the benefits that material provides, in the long run, may outnumber the drawbacks you may experience today.

Advantages of Concrete

Concrete is the engineer’s choice is largely used in all kinds of construction because of its ability to provide resistance against all-natural calamities like wind, fire, and water. Few considerable key points of concrete stated below.

• Low maintenance

Concrete construction structures are low on maintenance since it does not require regular coating or painting application for weathering protection, unlike wood that needs treatment on a routine basis to withstand climatic changes.

• Properties

Concrete structures perform well in case of fire. This is because it has a high degree of fire resistance property and it does not emit any toxic fumes when caught by fire. Also, by using steel for reinforcement it can be used for the building of any kind of massive structure like bridges or flyovers.

• Resistance

Concrete construction is not only fire-resistant but is rust-free. There is no chance of fungus and other moisture-related problems thus making it a most obvious choice for construction material.

Disadvantages of Concrete

• Though concrete is a strong and durable building material it poses high safety risks and disadvantages. For instance, if a concrete structure collapses during the process of construction or after it is occupied, the falling of concrete will not only injure its occupants but also seriously injure the ones nearby.
• Concrete possesses low tensile strength so reinforcement is required to avoid cracks. Due to drying shrinkage and moisture expansion which happens if soluble salt is present in concrete which may lead to cracks and affects the strength of the structure.

Advantages of Wood Construction

• Flexibility

Timber construction is significantly lighter in weight but strong in terms of strength. Easy to transport and move from one place to another. Being a natural resource there is no worry about its availability.

• Cost

Cost is a major deciding factor when it comes to choosing a material for construction. Wooden structures are reasonable at low cost compared to their counterpart. Construction in all sizes and shapes can be achieved at a minimal cost.

• Properties

A wooden construction provides the best insulation against cold and in earthquake-affected areas it provides more sustainability compared to concrete. Wood being shockproof, it is the best solution for electric insulation.

The use of timber is also ideal in cinema or concert halls since wood contains acoustic properties that absorb echoes and provides better sound quality.

• Environmental Friendly

Timber is a versatile natural resource and the only renewable material in construction as it can be easily recycled into any form that you desire. Also, it minimizes the threat of pollution to a great extent.

Disadvantages of Wood Construction

• The disadvantages of wood construction are its vulnerability to floods, fire, decay, and termites. It also leads to deforestation since the use of wood means destroying the forest. A cut tree will no longer produce oxygen which will affect both human and forest life.

Conclusion

Still, wondering what is the right choice?

It is wise to say that safety should always be your top priority when choosing your structural material for construction. And if the chosen material does not pass through the safety measurements then no amount of hard work and resources put in during the construction will make any sense.

Wooden structures are easy targets for natural calamities while concrete is not. But it does pose a threat to human life in case of structural collapse. Also, the construction workers who deal with dry or wet concrete may develop skin eyes and nose irritation and in major cases, there are chances of developing lung cancer.

Concrete has more safety measures than wood. Also wood affects our nature too because we have to cut trees. So choose your building material wisely.

We hope that our in-depth comparison of wood and concrete has helped you to decide on which material to use while building your dream house or a commercial complex.

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