1. Building Products Made as Composites
Many products in the field of construction fall into the category of composites. These
are single products made of multiple materials. Composite materials are commonly
used to make items in the categories of stone and wood. Boards and planks of wood
can be made by combining particles or shavings of different woods together with glue.
The mixture is pressed together using extreme heat to create a long lasting bond. The
end result is a much stronger product than what would have been found using a solid
section of the natural wood. Compressed boards often have laminated veneers to
create the appearance of natural wood on the surface.
In the category of stone, the cement used for sidewalks and driveways is often made
of composite materials. Gravel can be combined with an adhesive solution to create a
solid mixture for creating the sections of concrete. Stone can also include tiles or bricks
used for various building projects. These are created using the same type of heat press
method used to form the wooden planks. The tiles can be made using combinations of
real marble mixed with less expensive stone. This creates the appearance of elegance
while keeping the price of the tiles low.
A composite product can also be made of paper. Cardboard is often made using
recycled paper products, which have been shredded and heat pressed to form new
items. The advantages of using products made of combined materials include the
durability and the cost. These items are generally much stronger than their single item
counterparts, because of their uniformity. The ability to use cheaper materials to create
a stronger substance helps keep the price low, which makes these products more
affordable. A desk made of compressed particle board will sell for a fraction of the cost
when compared to a desk made of solid wood.