When you spend time on-site, you will soon realise that nothing drives construction like building materials. Building materials dictate how expensive or quickly your building project is completed, as well as comfort and future performance. In Australia, the added complexity of heat, storms, termites, and bushfire risks seriously affects building material selections.
So let’s dive into an overview of the key materials used to build homes in Australia. If you are considering building or renovating, these materials will be critical to your journey.
The Foundation of an Australian Home
General building materials make up the backbone of any building project. General building materials support the structural elements, roof and enclosure of a building and provide a basis for compliance with Australian Standards.
This category includes important components such as framing components, fasteners, sheet materials, structural components, etc. While general building materials are not the focal point of photos shared on Pinterest, these materials are what make the construction of any building project possible.
As such, the quality of building materials selected for a building project will impact:
- The structural integrity of the building
- The accuracy of building construction
- The longevity of building construction
- Compliance with applicable building Codes and regulations
Timber as a Building Material in Australia
Timber remains one of the most widely used materials when constructing homes in Australia. Timber is flexible, making it a comfortable working material for contractors in both structural and finishing application situations. Treated timber can be utilised as a building material for the floor, roof & wall frames. When treated correctly, it has excellent resistance to termites and moisture and is an easy option to modify on-site.
Beyond providing structural support, timber also serves as a decorative element:
- Decking and pergolas
- Interior trim and other features
- Exterior cladding and detailing
Timber’s natural finish complements the aesthetics of Australian-style homes, particularly in areas where indoor and outdoor living spaces are integrated. It’s important to keep in mind that timber requires sealing and regular maintenance to retain its look and to continue to perform effectively over time.
Composite Decking Designed for Australia’s Outdoor Lifestyle
In Australia, outdoor living is not an option; it is a necessity. Whether it is a deck, alfresco area or pool area, Australian homes place heavy demands on their outdoor areas, which is where composite decking comes into play.
Composite decking is created to endure the sun and rain while withstanding heavy foot traffic without the need for the maintenance that conventional timber requires. Composite decking will not fade, absorb moisture or splinter and is the perfect option for families and those living in coastal regions. Homeowners receive a product that does not require frequent oiling or sanding, resulting in relaxed upkeep.
As the demand for outdoor living designs continues to grow, composite decking is becoming commonplace within the construction industry. The growth of composite decking provides builders with more choices to create unique homes.
Cladding: Protecting and Defining the Home
Cladding acts as the home’s outer layer or the skin of the house. The physical structure of the cladding determines its street appeal and offers protection for the frame from weather and impact. Cladding can include fibre cement boards, light-weight panels and composite cladding systems. The installation is usually quicker than that of traditional brick veneers and provides for wider design flexibility than traditional brick veneers.
The type of cladding selected for a project will affect:
- The thermal performance of the structure
- How often is maintenance required
- Bushfire compliance (if any)
- The time taken for the build completion
Cladding works in conjunction with insulation to control temperature inside homes in Australia. While certain types of cladding do not have the thermal storage capabilities that brick does, when combining various cladding types with insulation, homes can be comfortably maintained year-round.
Finishing Touches with Door Furniture
Examples of door furniture are handles, hinges, locks and other items that get touched many times daily. Most homeowners will overlook door furniture until it fails. When door hardware is of poor quality, it wears out at an increased rate, resulting in sagging doors, loose handles, and deteriorating finishes. This can transform your new build or renovation from an exciting experience into a negative one. Although door furniture may be a small component of a build, it certainly plays a large role in the long-term viability of a building project.
Premium Materials with Trade Builders
Trade Builders provides a broad selection of products. Available to builders throughout Australia, allowing them the opportunity to maintain consistency and flow within their builds.
Some examples of building products that may be purchased from Trade Builders include:
- Building products are used in both the construction phase and the finishing phase
- Timber products used for framing, decking and decorative features
- Composite decking
- External cladding systems
- Quality door hardware
By sourcing building materials through a single supplier, builders have fewer delays in receiving materials, easier ordering processes, and improved quality of materials used in their builds.
It is beneficial to understand how building products affect the construction process from a builder’s perspective. Builders are not simply selecting finishes; they are helping to determine how a home performs and the amount of maintenance needed to keep it functional and feeling like a comfortable home.
Start your Next Project Right with Quality Materials
If you are in the process of sourcing building materials for your Australian project, Trade Builders offers a wide variety of products in line with how homes are built and used throughout Australia. Contact Trade Builders today to see the entire range of products and get started developing your building project with the most suitable materials for use in Australia.
