Building materials are items which are necessary for the purpose of constructing architecture.http://www.thefreedictionary.com/building+material Many different types of building materials are necessary for the creation of a structure. Materials are as varied as climates, and topographies. Throughout history people have used natural elements such as metal, thatch, glass, mud, brick, tile, clay, stone, fabric, wood, and even ice for the design of their dwellings. With the advent of industrialization came synthetic materials such as vinyl, PVC, cement composite, fiberglass, concrete, and plastic. Hardware such as nails and screws, glues, caulking, and paint can become overlooked but are indispensable to the building process.http://wapedia.mobi/en/List_of_building_materials

Natural building materials are typically less expensive that the synthetic alternative because there is less production involved in their manufacturing. This difference is directly reflected in the product cost. Aside from this, there are many other reasons to invest in natural materials. Wood, for instance, offers many varieties to choose from for an elegant and traditional look. Wood is a natural insulator and deflects heat and cold better than most other materials. Even in direct sun, wood never heats to temperatures which are unbearable to the touch making it suitable to walk and sit on at any temperature.http://www.woodtankandpipe.com/wooden-tank-advantages.html

Using the term synthetic in a general sense, as there are many composites available which combine wood with other processed fibers and bonding agents, there are countless varieties of synthetic materials available on the market today. Production and popularity of these composites tends to grow because of their many qualities. These products are resistant to decay. They are durable and cost effective - they may cost more up front but require less replacement in the long run. Synthetics do tend to discolor over time. If you do choose to paint them, keep in mind that the recurring need to paint will diminishes cost savings.http://hubpages.com/hub/Building-a-Deck--Wood-vs-Synthetic-Materials