Construction materials form the foundation of any infrastructure development, playing a pivotal role in determining the overall cost of construction projects. In recent years, Pakistan has seen significant fluctuations in the prices of these materials. This article delves into the current construction material in Pakistan, exploring the factors driving these price changes, their impact on the construction industry, and strategies to overcome the challenges faced by construction businesses.
Popular Construction Materials Used in Pakistan
In Pakistan, a variety of natural and synthetic construction materials are used to support the diverse needs of infrastructure development. Here’s an overview of some of the most commonly used materials:
Cement
Cement is one of the most essential construction materials in Pakistan. It is essential for structural purposes and serving as a binding agent for various other building materials. The market offers several types of cement, each with specific characteristics suited to different needs. Here are some of the most widely used types:
- Natural Cement
- Blast Furnace Cement
- Portland Cement
- Quick Setting Cement
- Coloured Cement
- Rapid Hardening Cement
- Sulphate Resisting Cement (SRC)
- White Portland Cement
- High Alumina Cement
These types of cement are categorized based on their unique properties and intended applications. The choice of cement type is often influenced by the region’s climatic conditions, which is a critical factor in ensuring the durability and suitability of the material for construction projects.
Latest Cement Price in Pakistan 2024
Rs. 1,280 + Rs. 100(excise duty) = Rs. 1,380 per bag
Steel
Steel is one of the most prevalent building materials in Pakistan, essential for creating the structural framework of buildings. Steel reinforcement bars, commonly known as rebars, are used to support concrete structures under tension, thereby enhancing their durability and lifespan.
Primarily, steel is employed in the construction of structural frameworks, including pillars, beams, and roofs. To protect these structural foundations from rust, stainless steel is often used due to its chromium content, which provides resistance to corrosion.
Latest Steel Price in Pakistan 2024
Rs. 252 – 300 per kg
Sand
Sand plays a crucial role in construction by providing strong foundations when mixed with soil. It’s also a key component in mortar, a mixture of water, cement, and sand, and is vital in concrete production.
For construction purposes, sand must be free from alkaline salts, which can damage masonry work. The sand found in Southern Punjab contains sulphate ions, rendering it unsuitable for construction as these ions can cause irreparable damage to concrete and mortar.
Looking for high-quality sand in Pakistan? The white-grey sand from the Ravi and Chenab regions in upper Punjab is highly preferred for construction projects.
Latest Sand Price in Pakistan 2024
Sand-Chenab, 65.00, Cubic Ft.
Sand-Ghassu (Slit Sand), 37.00, Cubic Ft.
Source: Material Rates Today
Concrete
Concrete is a composite material made from cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. It is one of the most widely used building materials due to its strength, durability, and versatility. When freshly mixed, concrete is pliable and can be molded into various shapes, making it ideal for constructing foundations, walls, floors, and pavements. Once it hardens, concrete becomes extremely robust and can withstand significant compressive forces. Its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements make it a preferred choice for both infrastructure and architectural projects.
Here are the different types of concrete used for laying foundations and constructing buildings:
- Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)
- Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
- Reinforced Brick Concrete (RBC)
- Prestressed Concrete
- Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC)
- Lime Concrete
- Cement Concrete
- Sulphur Infiltrated Concrete
- High Early Strength Concrete
- Polymer Concrete
- Waterproof Concrete
Glass
Glass is a non-crystalline, transparent material composed of silica, soda ash, and lime, along with various additives to enhance its properties. It is extensively used in construction for windows, doors, facades, and interior partitions because it allows natural light to enter buildings while offering insulation and protection from the elements.
Modern glass can be treated to improve its strength, thermal efficiency, and safety, such as through tempering or lamination. Its aesthetic appeal and functional advantages make glass a crucial element in contemporary architecture and design.
Latest Glass Price in Pakistan 2024
Starting at PKR 480 per 12 mm
Brick
Bricks are rectangular blocks made from clay or shale, fired at high temperatures to achieve hardness and durability. They have been a staple in construction for thousands of years, valued for their strength, fire resistance, and thermal mass properties. Bricks are typically used in the construction of walls, pavements, and other load-bearing structures.
Their uniform shape and size make them easy to work with, and they can be laid in various patterns to create aesthetically pleasing designs. Additionally, bricks require minimal maintenance and can last for centuries, making them a reliable choice for construction.
Latest BrickPrice in Pakistan 2024
Rs. 16 to 20 per piece
Wood
Wood is a natural, renewable resource obtained from trees, widely used in construction due to its strength, workability, and aesthetic appeal.
It comes in various forms such as lumber, plywood, and engineered wood products, and is utilized for structural components, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative elements.
Its versatility allows it to be shaped, joined, and finished in numerous ways, making it suitable for both traditional and modern construction techniques. The natural warmth and beauty of wood, along with its sustainability, make it a favored material for building homes and other structures.
Type of Woods in Pakistan
- Ash Wood
- Diyar Wood
- Kail Wood
- Kikar Wood
- Mahogany Wood
- Oud Wood
- Teak Wood
- Yellow Pine Wwood
Stone
To enhance the strength and resilience of a structure to withstand the toughest conditions, experts often recommend using stone in the base structure. Stone is more durable than any other construction material and has been used since ancient times. The pyramids of Giza and historic Roman landmarks in Europe, still standing today, attest to its longevity.
In Pakistan, popular types of natural stone used in construction include granite, limestone, and marble. These materials not only ensure the durability of a structure but also add decorative appeal to floors and walls.
Additionally, these natural stones are used in the production of tiles and blocks, contributing to both the functionality and aesthetics of buildings.
Latest BrickPrice in Pakistan 2024
PKR 40-100 per square foot
Conclusion
These are some of the most well-known construction materials available in Pakistan. We hope this article has helped simplify your decisions regarding construction material purchases.
Building a structure is undoubtedly a complex task, but with the right knowledge and experience, you can navigate any challenges that arise.
Having questions? or Want to learn more about the building materials in Pakistan, contact our team today at 03339722217.
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