Whether you build a concrete or a wood wall, you have to consider insulation. Depending on your labor costs, the wood wall is usually more expensive, weaker, less energy efficient and less durable.īut there are other up front construction costs to consider. costs around $3000 just for framing wood, tie downs and sheathing. or $3,600 total.Īt the current lumber prices in 2022, that same wall framed with 2×6 lumber 16″ o.c. For a 20′ x 10′ tall wall that’s 200 sq.ft. This includes materials, labor and the forms. for an 8 inch thick poured concrete wall. When comparing strictly the upfront construction cost to build the wall, at the correct material costs in 2022, concrete is about 20% cheaper. And so are mechanical costs like HVAC, electrical and plumbing along with finishes. Long terms costs like insurance, durability and strength are also important. wood, you should look at more than just upfront construction costs. When you compare the cost to build with concrete walls vs. When comparing material costs, concrete walls are cheaper than brick and wood, brick is the most expensive option, and wood falls somewhere in the middle.īut there are other things to consider than just the upfront build cost of the walls.Ĭoncrete Vs Wood Upfront Construction Costs The price to build a concrete wall vs a wood walls is actually less for the first time in a very long time. However, now that lumber prices are so high and concrete prices have remained relatively stable, concrete walls are a viable option again. In most Modern homes, there’s very little masonry outside the foundation and decorative elements. But to cut costs and lower built times, wood was used and masonry was removed or greatly reduced. Even homes built with a wood frame used lots of masonry products around them. Homes weren’t solid concrete but used a lot of cinder block, brick, stone and cement. In the past, most homes built in the U.S. So why do we use so much wood here in the United States? Around the world it’s clear that builders prefer concrete. Some builders suggest that the benefits of wood walls outweigh the benefits of concrete. Because of the high lumber prices, many homeowners and architects are giving concrete walls a look. Many homeowners are choosing to build a home rather than buy a used on at these crazy prices. Especially now that home prices are soaring again. Home construction is always a hotly debated topic. Is It Cheaper To Build With Concrete Or Wood? This can save big money over the long haul. Almost all of the Passive Houses I’ve built had concrete walls because it’s so easy to build a near air tight home. And concrete walls are totally air proof so super insulating a home is much easier. Water doesn’t effect it in the same way as wood so it’s much better in a flood. Concrete doesn’t deteriorate, get eaten by bugs, or rot like wood does. If you plan on living in the home for the next 10-20 years that can add up to a serious savings. Because of this, it’s usually cheaper to insure a concrete house vs a wood frame. Wood is a flammable material but concrete is not. Switching from wood walls to concrete effects a lot of other things in the house which will effect their pricing. Insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, wall finishes, the foundation and roofing all play important roles in building a Modern home too. However, simply looking at the cost to build the wall doesn’t tell the whole story. Considering the current price of lumber, concrete walls are cheaper to build than wood. Maybe the rest of the world has been doing something right all these centuries. It’s super strong, more durable than wood, fire resistant, pest proof and cheap. Around the world concrete is actually the more popular building material. However that’s changing fast, lumber prices have skyrocketed after the Coronavirus Pandemic and concrete prices have remained relatively stable. Wood is the standard because it’s strong, durable, easy to build with and has always been affordable. Almost all homes built in the Unites States today have a wood frame with a concrete foundation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |