Over the years, the types of building materials used in Ghana have undergone a massive evolution. From huts made from clay, mud, sticks and hay to sophisticated buildings made with shiny glass and tiles, these items used in putting up building structures in the nation have proven to be reliable enough to serve many purposes such as housing people and for commercial purposes. Many indigenous architects from time to time however, have decided to deviate from the status quo by intertwining creativity and construction knowledge in constructing buildings through the use of astonishing materials such as bamboo sticks.

Building materials may be categorized into two types; materials seen on the finished work or building (Primary materials) and materials used in the construction process such as ladder, hammer and many others (Secondary Materials). Usually, the former is deliberated upon more since they make up the building.

Here is a list of the most common types of building materials in Ghana:

1. Cement.

People say the type of cement used for a building determines its durability and that is undoubtedly a factual statement. Cement is considered as the glue of a building. This is to say that the quality of the cement purchased determines the quality of a bricklayer’s job as this material holds the building together. In past years, mud would serve this purpose of cement as it was widely used to lay and cover up rocks to give a solid structure upon drying. With the introduction of assimilation of culture and modernization, cement has replaced the use of mud and has become one of the most essential materials needed for building.

2. Bricks.

Unless you’re looking at building a structure to be demolished after a windstorm, a strong piece of material would definitely be one you must not ignore. Because of their relatively durable nature and ability to withstand weather conditions, bricks and blocks are used in putting up most buildings currently. Nonetheless, in modern day Ghana cement blocks or masonry blocks are much preferable than the use of bricks. Many contractors prefer buying these blocks straight from the factory where they are made while others prefer to buy the block making machine and manufacture their raw material for building themselves when it’s a large project.

3. Wood.

This may serve both as a primary and secondary material as the finished building may have wood in its final look or just as a material used in construction to hold concrete pillars as they dry. Either way, various kinds and plaques of wood are required in building in Ghana. Plywood or bamboo, Sapele or Wawa, diversity determines quality and the right choice, depending on its function, is key when construction is in progress.

4. Iron and steel rods.

For a strong building with immovable pillars and foundation, iron and steel rods are materials you should consider including first on your list. These rods are positioned before concrete is laid and it gives a firm support to the building constructed especially storey buildings.

5. Sand and stones.

Gravels, shingles, silt and coarse sand must not be excluded from the purchase of building materials. Rigorously mixed with cement, these form a strong concrete mixture used for plastering, laying foundation and basically constructing the entire building.

6. Roofing materials.

Aluminum roofing sheets have been the common material used for roofing buildings since they do not corrode or rust easily. However, buildings to be constructed by the coast of the sea are expected to have brick tiles as roof as a result of the high salinity content of the sea water.

The type of building and choice of interior design may highly affect the purchasing of raw materials for building.

The following is a list of building materials which may vary from the typical building materials as stipulated above:

1. Gypsum boards
2. Aluminum window frames
3. Glassware
4. Burglar proof gates and windows
5. Paint (Acrylic or Emulsion)
6. Tiles
7. Building nails
8. Wooden beams

As building processes commence, here are a few building materials you would need to make it happen. It is very important to note that depending on your style or design of the building and budget, you can add up to the list of materials to suit your preference and have a strong and good building.

• building materials in Ghana
• materials needed to build a house in ghana

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