Metal

Metal is used as structural framework for larger buildings such as skyscrapers, or as an external surface covering.

There are many types of metals used for building.
Steel is a metal alloy whose major component is iron, and is the usual choice for metal structural building materials. It is strong, flexible, and if refined well and/or treated lasts a long time. Corrosion is metal's prime enemy when it comes to longevity.

steel

iron ore

iron rod

The lower density and better corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys and tin sometimes overcome their greater cost.

aluminium alloy

tin ore

tin product

tin plating product

Brass was more common in the past, but is usually restricted to specific uses or specialty items today.

brass rod

Metal figures quite prominently in prefabricated structures such as the Quonset hut, and can be seen used in most cosmopolitan cities.

It requires a great deal of human labor to produce metal, especially in the large amounts needed for the building industries.

 Quonset hut

Other metals used include titanium, chrome, gold, silver. Titanium can be used for structural purposes, but it is much more expensive than steel. Chrome, gold, and silver are used as decoration, because these materials are expensive and lack structural qualities such as tensile strength or hardness.

gold

chrome

silver

titanium