A house is a lifetime investment. You want it to withstand time by overcoming environmental factors and weather conditions. Aside from its structural integrity, you must also create a timeless design that transcends the fast-changing home trends.
Every home’s durability heavily depends on the materials used. Using tough and long-lasting construction materials makes it easier to maintain your house in the future. Plus, you can save money from expenses on major renovations.
This article discusses the many building materials whose endurance and durability have been tested and proven over time. Some of these have been used in construction for centuries, while some are the results of new technological innovations. Choosing these can make your house’s structure and style transcend time.
1. PVC
PVC is a highly durable building material. It’s commonly used in plumbing, window framing, and furnishings. Before, PVC could only last for around 30 years. However, technological advancements have improved it to withstand changes in pressure and temperature for a hundred years.
While PVC is well-known as a superior plumbing material, it’s also used for several applications. For instance, they’re also used for architectural detailing in eaves overhangs, posts, and porticos. These timeless decorative PVC brackets from trusted manufacturers are weather-resistant. Unlike wood, they don’t rot, swell, or crack when exposed to moisture and extensive heat.
2. Stone
Stone has been the most rigid natural construction material available for thousands of years. Most historical buildings around the world have been standing for centuries and have pillars and walls made of stones, proving their timeless strength.
Although stone is no longer a widely-used material in construction today, you may still include it in your home. For instance, you may build a stone feature wall around your fireplace for a rustic appeal. You may also use it in your outdoor living areas and gardens to enhance the ambiance.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood is one of the classic options in elegant homes. You may use them as structural and architectural material to create a house style that transcends time. No matter how fast the trends change, wood remains a popular choice among homeowners and builders.
Hardwood is a common flooring material due to its beauty and durability. With proper maintenance, it can last up to a century. You may sand and refinish it every 20 years to maintain its look. In case of water damage due to flooding, you can still salvage it by thoroughly drying, sanding, and applying a coat of sealant to restore its durability and look.
4. Steel
Steel is one of the modern materials widely used in construction. It’s used for earthquake-proof buildings due to its high tensile strength. Instead of breaking, it bends as it absorbs tension, keeping a structure tougher and safer.
Aside from being an excellent structural material, steel is also used for creating modern architectural details in houses. It transcends time in terms of design and function. When building a contemporary industrial home, exposed steel posts and beams are classic features. It’s suitable for glass structures with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.
5. Concrete
Concrete is a versatile material for posts, beams, walls, and floors. As a structural material, it’s commonly used with steel to enhance its strength. However, concrete is strong enough on its own in many applications.
Concrete as a flooring material can last for more than 100 years. It’s perfectly suitable for high-traffic areas since it can withstand heavy wear and tear. Although it’s not waterproof, applying a sealant can make its surface less porous.
Moreover, concrete is an affordable alternative to stone. Concrete is an excellent choice if you want to include natural elements in your home design. You may also use it for rendering exterior walls to enhance curb appeal and strengthen its surface.
6. Brick
Brick is a timeless rustic home element. Many period brick houses still stand sturdy today, maintaining their classic look. In modern construction, you may still choose it as a core material. It’s preferable for aesthetic purposes due to its cost.
Although brick is a strong material, it’s prone to moisture due to its high porosity. This disadvantage places old brick homes at a greater risk of water damage. However, bricks are perfect for interior applications. You may use them on feature walls, especially around the fireplace, to create a cozy atmosphere.
7. Quartz
Quartz is a tough counter and tabletop material used in most modern homes. Although marble and granite are still excellent options, quartz is a better choice in terms of durability. With proper care, they can practically last longer than a lifetime.
Compared to natural stones, quartz is more flexible in terms of design. Mixing organic and synthetic materials makes it more durable and visually appealing. It’s also waterproof and heat-proof, making it suitable for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Conclusion
Choosing the best construction materials for your home is crucial for building a long-lasting home. You can create a house that will only look better in time due to its classic and robust architecture that transcends time.
