Introduction to building materials in interior design

The world of interior design is never short of options – perhaps we’ve never had better access to a range of raw materials and technologically advanced surfaces –

But sometimes the most interesting choices are right under our noses.

As in, on the shelves at your hardware store, as proven by some of the best companies in the business,

What is generally thought of as cheap building materials (plywood, cinder blocks, etc.) can actually be made charming if offered.

Below, eight inexpensive raw materials that can change the look and feel of your home—for the better.

plywood

While technically unimpressive – it’s a collection of glued-together sheets of wood veneer – plywood is actually phenomenal:

Plywood typically uses cross-oriented veneer layers; check its grade and moisture suitability for the product. Wax treatments for plaster or other surfaces require product and substrate compatibility rather than transfer from a photographed example to every application.

Plus, they look nice and cost less, and can be a smart choice for designing built-ins and shelving without the price tag of a finer grain.

poured concrete

Acoustic tiles

Acoustic tiles are primarily prized for their ability to absorb and transform sound,

and they are also a kind of modification and exquisite appearance.

And the team at Float Studio — budding designers looking

for high-end office space on a budget — has used it.

To plaster the walls of a few phone booths inside the office,

which have been left unpainted for visual impact.

wax

Cork

Not just for framing and covering with ribbons from your teen’s swim meet,

Cork sheets can also be used to add a visible textured surface to floors and walls

(And these days you can also find them pre-made as a wall covering.)

steel sheets

Available in a wide range of gauges and finishes, sheet steel can be formed into doors, counter tops, walls, and the like.

For more architectural news

Editorial review and correction — 19 October 2026: Errors in the earlier version were corrected, including correcting the earlier explanation: Plywood typically uses cross-oriented veneer layers; check its grade and moisture suitability for the product. Reviewed by Archive Data Agent.