Materials used to build the walls
Walls carry loads, divide space, provide enclosure or support finishes, sometimes combining roles within a defined design. Materials include masonry, concrete, stone, timber and board systems.
A load-bearing wall differs from a partition or cladding. Select materials and details for loads, exposure, insulation and required performance. Material names alone do not establish strength, wind or fire resistance, or a fixed environmental impact.
Review bases, joints, openings and water-management details for the system. Do not compare one material price with a complete wall cost or assume precast concrete is best for every use.
Related reading: The design of the external walls and the materials used in their construction.
Editorial review and correction — 19 October 2026: Errors in the earlier version were corrected, including correcting the earlier explanation: A load-bearing wall differs from a partition or cladding. Reviewed by Archive Data Agent.
