Tiny House Materials List for Construction: Build Your Tiny House, Build a Tiny Home

Just because a tiny house is small doesn’t mean it has a limited list of materials. You’ll need to make many decisions on things like lumber, fiberglass, solar panels, and lighting, to name a few.

You’ll need to choose suitable materials for tiny houses. It is as you would for a traditional home with windows and doors, roof, shower, utility, electrical, wiring, tools, types of screw, and lighting.

First, focus on your needs and budget. If you have a limited budget, consider inexpensive materials to build a tiny home on wheels. We will discuss this further later. This is as we compare house-on-wheel materials and other essential information.

Today, we’ll help you get detailed information on materials so that you can better decide on the kind of tiny house on wheels to build. People searching for information about materials also look for the following online.

• Best Choice Of Materials For A Tiny House
• Affordable Compact Homes On Wheels
• How To Build A  Little Home On Wheels
• Eco Friendly Tiny House
• Building A Small Home On Wheels
• Materials For An RV Or Trailer Home On Wheels

Off-Grid Tiny House Materials: Wood vs. Steel Frame

Wood and steel framing are popular choices in a tiny house design and its structural component. Yet, choosing between the two is uneasy. It is like deciding on what metal roofing, shower head, toilet, appliance, floor, water heater, and insulation to use.

Just like anything in the compact home on wheels, steel and metal frames have their pros and cons. When you ask a tiny home builder in California, they’ll walk you through the wood and steel frame pros and cons before you can build your tiny house.

Lightweight

Every tiny home on wheels shouldn’t have a too heavy framing.  To build a wheeled tiny house with wood frame, you can expect more weight. It can impact the weight of your small house.

Wood

Your house will likely be heavier.  Consider this because it affects a lot of things. If you want to build a home on wheels with wood framing, know that its heavy weight will impact fuel efficiency, tow capacity, and road regulation compliance. For the upside, its weight can balance the overall house. This is true when you use it with other itemized list of materials for the frame.

Steel

It’s lighter than hardwood. Thus, it can be a good choice by reducing the weight of your home. Its lightweight characteristic is ideal for certain things. This applies to lower fuel consumption and easier towing.

In the construction guide, a tiny home builder would also tell you that steel has structural efficiency. Thus, in a tiny house materials list, many homeowners choose steel. It does not affect structural integrity even if it’s a light build.

Tiny Home Strength and Durability

Both durability and strength are crucial in selecting building materials whether it’s for DIY tiny living space on wheels. The same goes when deciding commonly used materials for other components such as interior siding, ceiling, wiring, and other interior and exterior details.

Wood is a classic choice. It is easy to install and work with and has good structural integrity. Yet, it can be prone to damage. Pests like termites, moisture, and rot, can affect its integrity. This is true when it is not treated and maintained.

But, steel can support much weight of appliance like refrigerator, hot water tankless water heater, and others. It is also damage resistant. It is impervious to rot, pests, and warping. Thus, it can be the durable choice if you live in a humid climate or pest-prone areas.

Materials List: Cost of Wood vs. Steel

DIYers on a tight budget opt for wood because of lower upfront cost. But factors like market variability can also affect it. But, steel has a higher upfront cost because of the specialized construction requirement.

Want to Build a Tiny House? Think of Construction Ease

Wood can be easier to construct to speed up your build of an off-grid home on wheels, reducing overall time spent. DIYers without specialized tools opt for wood because it is easier to cut, shape, trim, and customize.

But, steel requires specialized tools, such as welding tools. It can be a barrier for DIYers. Steel frames also need more accurate measurements and fabrication.

Thermal Performance: Interior Environment Temperature

Many consider it’s best to install wood framing to insulate their home on wheels, especially for those living in cold weather areas. It has natural insulating qualities to keep optimal indoor thermal qualities. It is also more efficient because of less thermal bridging. Thus, it can improve a house’s indoor temperatures.

Thermal bridging can be a problem for steel, which is a heat conductor. Thus, you need to exert more effort to achieve energy efficiency.

Environmental Impact

Wood is a renewable material source. It has a reduced environmental impact. It also has a lower carbon footprint vs. steel. This is because the manufacturing requires less energy. On the other hand, steel is recyclable, reducing environmental impact. It is also more durable. Thus, it has a longer structural lifespan.

Flexibility & Design

Wood is more flexible in design options during construction. It is easier to customize.  Besides, homeowners choose wood because it has a traditional appeal. On the other hand, steel can offer a modern feel and look. Tiny house builders also recommend it for precise design and engineering for architectural features.

We’ve discussed a comprehensive guide on Space-Saving Architectural Designs for tiny houses for more ideas and inspiration.

Safety

Wood can be prone to fire. That’s why builders use proper design and fire-resistant treatments to reduce the risk. It may not also be as strong as steel in extreme weather conditions. Steel also has better fire resistance and longevity in any weather.

Sustainable Building Materials & Benefits: Solar, DIY, Off-Grid, and More

Reduce the environmental impact of your tiny house construction with sustainable materials. They can contribute to a healthy living environment while enhancing energy efficiency.

• Reclaimed Wood is from old furniture, buildings, or barns. It offers a weathered look and aesthetic appeal for rustic-themed THOWs.
• Bamboo grows faster than other types of lumber, making it a very renewable material. It is also a great choice for cabinetry and flooring because of its high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Recycled Steel reduces energy use in steel production. It is also resistant to pests and high in strength. It is also lighter than wood.
• Sheep’s Wool can control moisture and temperature. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable. Wool can also absorb pollutants and chemicals.
• Cork from oak trees is renewable, lightweight, and flexible. It can provide insulating qualities, too.
• Recycled Glass in tiles, countertops, and decorative elements is a good idea. In addition, it is durable and can resist scratches and stains.
• Hempcrete has a low carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete. It allows your home to breathe, preventing mold growth and moisture build-up.
• Linoleum is natural and renewable, making it ideal for sustainable flooring.  It is also relatively easy to maintain and is resistant to wear and tear.
• Clay Plaster is non-toxic for a healthier indoor air and environment. It also helps regulate humidity and reduce mold and mildew risks.
• Solar Panels work for off-grid living on wheels.  It allows you to gain energy independence and save more.

Table of Contents: Different Insulation Types & Techniques

Insulating your THOW maintains energy efficiency and comfort. Thus, it is crucial to learn about materials and methods.

Spray Foam

It expands, working to fill the cracks and gaps, reducing drafts, and offering an airtight seal. Closed-cell foam has a high R-value, so it is perfect for ceiling and thin walls. Closed-cell types also prevent moisture from getting into the walls.

Rigid Foam Board

It’s lightweight, keeping the structure of a THOW. It also resists moisture. In addition, it offers ease of installation. You can cut them to position them between studs.

 Sheep’s Wool

This material is a natural insulator and can absorb and release moisture. It is also biodegradable and renewable.

Cotton or Denim)

This is eco-friendly and non-toxic for safer indoor air quality. This also benefits those living in a small shared space because of its soundproofing abilities.

Hemp

It allows the wall to breathe and offers excellent thermal performance. It can regulate indoor temperature, and this tiny house material is also pest-resistant.

Fiberglass

Commonly used insulator, fiberglass is non-flammable, cost-effective, and easy to install. It is non-combustible for fire safety. But it needs careful handling to avoid fiber inhalation and skin irritation.

Cellulose

It offers good soundproofing, is made from recycled paper treated with a fire retardant, and is eco-friendly. Cellulose is moisture sensitive, though, so you’ll need moisture barriers to avoid material degradation.

Cork

This material offers both sound and thermal insulating qualities, enhancing comfortable living. It is also lightweight, sustainable, and renewable.

Reflective (Radiant) Insulation Kit

This is ideal for walls and roofs where heat is an issue. It can reflect radiant heat, which reduces heat loss during cold weather and heat gain in hot weather conditions.

Insulation Techniques for THOWs:

Continuous

This can enhance air sealing, increase energy efficiency, and reduce drafts. It involves applying a continuous insulation layer on the home’s exterior to improve R-value and prevent thermal bridging.

Double-Stud Walls

They can create a thicker wall cavity for better insulation and improved thermal performance. This method also reduces thermal bridging.

Insulating Windows and Doors

Improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss with double or triple-glazed windows. Then, consider weatherstripping around the doors and windows to keep an airtight seal and reduce drafts.

Insulating Underfloor for DIY Tiny Living Space

Insulate the floor with spray foam or rigid foam boards to prevent heat from escaping the flooring of the THOW. This is important in a cold climate. It can also act as a moisture barrier. It is essential if you’re parking in a damp RV or trailer home park environment.

Roof and Ceiling Insulation Materials for Tiny House Construction

Apply rigid foam boards or spray foam on the roof and ceiling for comfort. But then, think about appropriate ventilation to avoid mold growth due to condensation in the roof and ceiling.

Final Thoughts

Here is our guide on materials for tiny house construction that you need to know. Again, compare steel and wood for framing. You should also consider sustainable materials and their benefits. Finally, learn about the insulating materials and methods for the most satisfying results.

For the best help, contact Tiny House Builders California at (213) 320-4079 today!