Building Materials Used for Building Houses in Nigeria

Nigeria is currently experiencing rapid urbanization and development in the construction sector.

This growth is caused by its growing population and the increased demand for quality houses.

Contractors are building while new home owners are making plans to build. Regardless of the

building intention, it is important to understand the building materials used for building houses in

Nigeria. At BullionRise Consult, we understand this need that is why we came up with a

detailed list of building materials used for building houses in Nigeria.

Building materials that are used for building houses in Nigeria are discussed below:

1. Cement
2. sand
3. gravel
4. sandcrete blocks
5. wood
6. metal
7. POP(plaster of paris)
8. glass
9. paint
10. burnt bricks
11. vitrified tiles
12. terrazzo flooring
13. concrete floors
14. ISEs
15. Corrugated metal sheets
16. aluminium roofing sheet
17. clay tiles

1.Cement

cement as we all know is the cornerstone of any modern construction. It is used to bind

aggregates (sand and gravel) and water together to form concrete. This are then used as

workforce material for the construction of foundations, slabs, and structural elements. There are

several cement companies in Nigeria which include: Dangote cement, BUA cement, Ashaka

cement and Lafarge cement.

Sand

sand are used in concrete and mortar mixes. It provides the structural integrity and bulk

used in building construction. It is important to note that the size and gradation of sand particles

greatly influences the workability and strength of the concrete.

Gravel

gravels are crushed stones of different sizes which forms the base layer for foundations

and improves drainage.

Sandcrete Blocks

Sandcrete blocks is a cost-effective and widely used alternative block in

Nigeria. They are pre-cast concrete blocks that is made from sand, cement, and water.

They come in various sizes of 6-9 inches and also offer good structural strength.

Wood

These are used for doors, windows, cabinets, and decorative features. Woods offer

warmth and beauty. Many Nigerian builders choose termite-resistant and sustainably sourced wood.

Metal

Metals are substantial, hard, and glossy.

Aluminum is widely used in the construction industry. Aluminum’s toughness, strength,

and design flexibility make it suitable for various applications such as roofing, windows, coating, and doors.

Steel’s high energy content makes it a perfect building material.

Zinc is commonly used for roofing due to its high corrosion resistance.

Metal can also be utilized as iron reinforcement rods to strengthen columns and slabs.

POP (Plaster of Paris)

POP is made into a powder, which is then mixed with water to create a slurry paste.

The hardened product is used to coat ceilings in the majority of Nigerian modern homes.

We shape it into different forms to create architectural designs.

POP, which primarily consists of gypsum, is applied to enhance the visual appeal of structures.

Shine and smoothness are provided by the gypsum component.

Glass

Large windows and glass doors allow natural light and create a sense of spaciousness at

homes. When building a house do well to consider and energy-efficient glass options in other to

reduce heat gain.

Paint

The right paint color can transform a house and make it aesthetically beautiful.

Choose high-quality paints formulated for the Nigerian climate. Also consider factors like moisture

resistance and mildew prevention. Different brands that produce paints used in the construction

industry in Nigeria: Berger paints, Meyer paints, Dulux paints and Portland paints amongst others.

The choice of building materials used in Nigeria is greatly influenced by a several factors which

includes; climate, availability, cost, and cultural preferences. While traditional materials like

mud and thatch are still in use, modern materials like cement, steel, and glass dominate urban

and metropolitan construction.

Burnt Bricks

burnt bricks are traditional and long-lasting. They offer excellent thermal

insulation, fire resistance, and soundproofing quality. They are reddish-brown in color which

adds a classic aesthetic touch.

Vitrified Tiles

vitrified tiles as building materials in the Nigerian market are highly durable and

stain-resistant. They are a popular choice for areas that are high traffic like kitchens and

bathrooms. They also come in different colors and patterns.

Terrazzo Flooring

Made from marble chips, cement, and pigment, terrazzo is a unique and

decorative flooring option in Nigeria. It is very durable and easy to maintain.

Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors offer a modern aesthetic and can be very durable.

They may require sealing to prevent staining and can feel cold underfoot.

Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks (ISEs)

ISEs are compressed earth blocks stabilized with a small amount of cement that is an

eco-friendly option among builders in Nigeria. They offer good thermal mass and

are relatively inexpensive but require proper curing and not suitable for high-rise buildings.

Corrugated Metal Sheets:

corrugated metal sheets are roofing sheets that are available in

various thicknesses and profiles. They are lightweight, durable and affordable. They also offer

good rain protection but can get very hot in some hot regions and also in direct sunlight.

Aluminum Roofing Sheets

aluminum sheets are lighter alternative to corrugated metal. For building materials in the

Nigerian market, aluminum sheets offer good corrosion resistance and

reflectivity. However, they are more expensive than corrugated metal sheets and may dent more easily.

Clay Tiles

clay tiles provide excellent insulation and timeless look. They are quite heavy and

require a strong roof structure but they offer good and superior durability.

Bonus Tip

make sure to consult with experienced architects, engineers and contractors who can

guide you in selecting the most suitable building materials for your house project and budget in Nigeria.