Construction Materials in Pakistan [Updated Prices 2023]

When remodeling, renovating or building a new property, you need to use a variety of building materials. But before you use it, do a little research on its characteristics, lifespan, and current rates to make an informed choice.

  Additionally, this practice helps conserve resources and reduce the overall cost of construction projects. It is also advisable to purchase Pakistan's most popular building materials as they may be cheap and widely available.

Do you want to know what kind of building materials are commonly used in your country? This blog has all the information you are looking for, so be sure to read it.

Let’s start!

POPULAR BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN PAKISTAN

Here is a list of natural and synthetic building materials used in Pakistan.

 ·         Cement

·         Sand

·         Steel

·         Concrete

Cement

In addition to the type of cement, you should also consider the quality of the cement you are purchasing. The quality of cement is determined by its strength and fineness. The strength of cement is measured in terms of its compressive strength, while the fineness is determined by the size of its particles.

To ensure you are getting the best quality cement, it is advisable to buy cement from reputable manufacturers that have a proven track record of producing high-quality cement. You can also check the cement's grade by looking at the markings on the bag. In Pakistan, the most common grades of cement are OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) and PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement). OPC is the most commonly used grade and is suitable for general construction purposes. PPC is a blend of OPC and pozzolana, which is a natural material that is found in certain types of volcanic ash. PPC is known for its superior resistance to sulfate attack and is often used in the construction of foundations, basements, and other structures that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.

It is also a good idea to check the date of manufacture and the expiry date of the cement before purchasing it. Cement has a shelf life of about three years, after which its strength may start to decline. To ensure you are getting the best value for your money, it is advisable to buy cement that has been recently manufactured and has a long shelf life.

Sand

Mixed with soil, sand helps build strong foundations for buildings of all shapes and sizes. It is also used in mortar, which is a mixture of water, cement, and sand. In addition, it is a very important material used in the production of concrete.

  The sand should not contain alkaline salts that can damage the building's masonry. The composition of sand in southern Punjab contains sulfate ions, making it unsuitable for construction. Avoid using sulfate ions as they can cause irreparable damage to building concrete and mortar.

Want to know where the best sand is in Pakistan? Well, off-white sand fetched from the Ravi and Chenab regions of Upper Punjab is most preferred for construction.

Latest sand price in Pakistan: is PKR 58 per cubic foot

Steel

Steel is one of the most frequently used building materials in Pakistan. Buildings' structural framework is constructed with it. To extend the lifespan of concrete constructions under tension, steel reinforcement bars, also known as rebars, are utilized.

 As we previously discussed, steel is mostly utilized to construct the structural framework of buildings, such as pillars, beams, and roofs. We employ stainless steel, which typically contains some chromium content in it, to stop the rusting of our structural foundations.

In Urdu, steel rebars are referred to as "Saria." This regional name for the building material is quite well-known in Pakistan.

 Pakistan's most recent saria rate per kilogramme is PKR 205, and the price per metric tonne is PKR 205,000.

CONCRETE

Gravel or lime, cement, and water are the ingredients of concrete. Concrete is among the most used building materials in Pakistan due to its durability and toughness. Due to the poor tensile strength, steel rods and bars are added to the framework to fortify it.

 The various types of concrete used to lay the foundation and construct a building are listed below.

·         Concrete made with only cement (PCC)

·         Concrete with Reinforced Cement (RCC)

·         Concrete with Reinforced Bricks (RBC)

·         Fibre-Prestressed Concrete Strengthened Concrete (FRC)

·         Concrete made of lime, cement, and sulfur-infused concrete

·         Concrete with high early strength

·         Plastic Concrete

·         Watertight Concrete