Wood frame VS concrete blocks $$

[NDJ]

Wood prices seem to have leveled off here, But at $9.98CAN for a 2x4x8 still more than double they were 2-3 months ago. 7/16" OSB sheathing is $60 for a 4x8. Interestingly , Concrete products dont seem to have gone up at all. 8x16x6 blocks are $2.85 each. Makes me think a block wall constructed building would come out cheaper, Especially considering you dont have to put any siding on it.

 

[billconner]

Block is just usually harder to insulate, so figure that in. But you might be right.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If the space is going to be heated (insulation required) look into ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms).

 

[billconner]

ICF are expensive. Just square feet more than four times as much before grout. I'm sure they're more than stick frame. Block plus 4" of rigid foam has to be cheaper than ICFs. Good system, lots of advantages, but pricey.

 

[CraigStu]

Back in 2015 we had an additional bay added to our garage. Talking w/ the contractor I asked about going w/ more than 8 ft ceiling. He had already planned on a poured footer and then block wall foundation to get to the floor height we wanted. His answer was no problem, we will just add a few extra layers of block. He said that the least expensive way to get a 10 ft ceiling is 8ft of standard stick built wall on top of extra 3 layers of block. Wood products were certainly way cheaper than they are now so I don't think this has changed.

 

[Old Man Roger]

Concrete block is the way to go in south Florida, but we don’t worry about cold. With the hurricanes and the termites, wood houses are worth less down here than concrete block houses.