Construction Materials Compared: Timber vs Steel vs Brick

Posted on 2/2/2026, 3:04:26 PM

A building can be constructed out of an array of materials - but just which material is best for your project? Whether you’re building a residential or commercial structure, choosing the right material can make a big difference. You need to consider the cost of different materials, how long they take to build with, and their durability and energy-efficiency in different environments. 

In this post, we’ll compare three of the most popular building materials: timber, steel and brick. All three materials can be excellent choices in specific situations, which we’ll delve into deeper below.

Timber

Timber is one of the oldest construction materials. It is also one of the most common buildings for homes in North America, and is used heavily for agricultural structures like barns and sheds. 

While growing awareness of deforestation led to a temporary decrease in wooden construction, the rise of sustainable forests has seen timber rise in popularity again around the world as the green material. More architects are choosing it for commercial buildings due to its environmental benefits and relatively low cost. Modern advancements have even started to see it used for high-rise buildings such as Mjøstarnet in Norway.

Pros:

Environmentally-friendly

Timber is a natural, renewable resource when sourced from responsibly managed forests. These forests help to absorb carbon from the atmosphere during growth, helping to combat air pollution. Wood is also a natural insulator, helping to reduce energy usage within the building. 

Easy to work with

Due to being relatively light, simple to cut and compatible with many fastening systems, timber can be very easy to work with and this can lead to fast construction times. Labor costs are also reduced because of this.

Cons:

Moisture and pest vulnerability

Timber needs to be properly treated and detailed to protect it against damage from moisture and pets. Lack of regular treatment can lead to wood warping, rotting or getting eaten away by termites. 

Fire risk

Timber is one of the most combustible materials. Although modern fire treatments and design standards have improved its safety, it can still be a risky material to use in places that are susceptible to wildfires. 

Steel

Steel in construction is a relatively modern trend - mass-production of steel only became financially viable in the mid-1800s. Since then, it has become the most popular choice for bridges, skyscrapers, hangars and warehouses due to its incredible durability.

Technologies like BIM, automated welding and laser cutting have allowed for steel construction to be even more precise leading to a rise in custom steel buildings. While steel buildings are for commercial use, steel homes do exist and are common in areas prone to natural disasters.

Pros:

High strength-to-weight ratio

Steel is extremely strong in relation to its weight, which allows for slimmer structural elements and more flexible interior layouts than are possible with other materials. It’s also fairly easy to work with and can be prefabricated off-site easily. 

Exceptional durability

Steel doesn’t warp, shrink or crack like timber. It’s resistant to fires, can withstand strong winds and is also ductile enough to keep its form during an earthquake. 

Cons:

Prone to corrosion

In certain environments like coastal areas, steel can be susceptible to rust if regular protective coatings are not applied. This can negatively affect its structural integrity and its appearance. 

Thermal and acoustic drawbacks

Steel is a great heat and sound conductor. If not thermally and acoustically insulated, it can can get very hot and cold in extreme temperatures, leading to higher cooling and heating bills, while also getting very noisy in rain and hail. 

Brick

Brick is the most common building material throughout much of Northern Europe. It is also commonly used for walls, factories and government buildings around the world. 

Due to being slower and more costly to build with, brick has seen a decline in popularity as a construction material over the last century in many parts of the world. However, its durability and aesthetic appeal still make it popular for certain projects. Hybrid methods and development of sustainable bricks have also helped to make it greener. 

Pros:

Low-maintenance longevity

Brick structures can last for decades or centuries with minimal maintenance. They withstand harsh winds and heavy rain well, making them suitable in more extreme climates. Brick also offers strong fire resistance. 

Thermal mass advantage

In summer, brick buildings are able to absorb daytime heat to keep interiors cooler, releasing the heat at night. Brick’s thickness also makes it very effective at insulating sound. 

Cons:

Labour-intensive