Is A Concrete Wall More Expensive Than Stick

In their 2004 study insulating concrete forms construction cost analysis the portland cement association found that icf walls cost double what a conventional 2x6 insulated wall cost.

Is a concrete wall more expensive than stick.

Concrete prices may increase in areas far from a supplier since this heavy material costs more to ship than wood. The type of cavity flat waffle also matters. It s important to always look long term in all aspects of life. The addition of reinforcing steel to either wall system complicates the issue.

Other features with impact on prices. Icf walls involving a larger cavity that is with a thicker layer of concrete often strengthened with reinforced steel are stronger and will have a better seismic and wind resistance. Labor and materials costs are higher for concrete block. But in reality you may actually save money by building with concrete when you factor in life cycle costs utility and insurance savings maintenance requirements and overall health of the occupants.

But that being said it is quickly becoming apparent that most concrete homes are significantly cheaper than homes made of more conventional materials such as wood. For example you can make a concrete block wall. According to a 2017 article from curbed written by lauren ro a 1 722 square foot home was built for only one hundred and nine thousand dollars. The poured concrete wall has more mass or interlocking cement paste crystals to resist the cracking force.

This can increase the cost of your foundation to as much as 4 50 per square foot. But they will cost a bit more. However while wood or steel frames were initially less expensive than the precast concrete structures concrete s added benefits can make it the most cost. Second the cost of cmu rebar mortar concrete fill etc are more expensive than plywood sheathing.

First the labor pool for block masonry is much scarcer than the labor available for stick frame construction. The same thinking can be applied to when investing in your next condo. For instance an exposed poured concrete foundation may be colored or faux finished to look like stone. According to concrete homes magazine a concrete block home with a stucco finish usually cost around 6 per square foot in 2002.

Extras can drive up the cost of both a concrete foundation and concrete block. Many homeowners assume that a concrete home will cost considerably more than a comparable stick built house. Concrete buildings although generally more expensive than wood frame buildings are worth it in the long term.