The 5 Types of Construction

Whenever you’re constructing a building, be it a lofty towering skyscraper, a tiny cosy house, or a lively school, the kind of construction you pick lays everything else as its foundation. From fire safety and durability to legal compliance and cost, the decision impacts not just your structure’s safety but also your wallet and timeline.

This comprehensive guide will introduce the different types of building materials used in 5 forms of construction as described by the International Building Code (IBC), along with their properties, cost, fire-resistance levels and best-use scenarios. Armed with this knowledge, by the end, you’ll have picked out an ideal method for your next build.

What Are Building Construction Types?

The International Building Code (IBC) defines five primary construction types, and these are categorised according to their fire-resistance capabilities as well as how much material they contain that burns easily. These designations are necessary because it’s not only the safety of people in a building which is at stake, but also insurance standards and even how close you can build to other structures.

Why Construction Type Matters

Whether you’re a contractor, architect, or homeowner, knowing the differences helps you make smart, compliant decisions. Understanding construction types isn’t just academic—it directly affects:

Safety standards and emergency response strategies

Cost of materials and labour

Design flexibility and usage possibilities

Legal requirements from building inspectors and code enforcers

Insurance premiums and liability

Type I – Fire-Resistive Construction

Type I is the best fire resistance. For example, this includes high-rise buildings. Hospitals are another example, as are our public buildings. These buildings have non-combustible materials for their construction, such as poured concrete, protected steel, and reinforced masonry. They should also stand up to fire for 3-4 hours: time to escape or bring in suppression troops.

Real-World Examples of Type I Buildings

• Skyscrapers (e.g., One World Trade Centre)

• Multi-level hospitals

• Parking garages

Group I-A vs I-B

Group	Fire Resistance	Use Case
I-A	3 hours(structural frame)	Ultra high-rise, vital structures
I-B	2 hours	Medium-height commercial buildings

Pros

• Top-tier fire safety

• Ideal for dense urban zones

• Enables higher occupancy and taller buildings

Cons

• Highest material and labour cost

• Complex engineering required

Type II – Non-Combustible Construction

Though similar to Type I, Type II buildings use unprotected steel and concrete. They are noncombustible, but offer lower fire resistance. Think malls, stadiums and newer schools.

Group II-A vs II-B

Group	Fire Resistance	Example
II-A	1-hour fire resistance	Fire-resistant schools
II-B	Little/no fire resistance	Budget-friendly commercial stores

Pros

• Lower cost than Type I

• More flexible design

• Non-combustible components

Cons

• Reduced fire resistance

• Limited height/size compared to Type I

Type III – Ordinary Construction

By mixing materials such as combustible wood interiors with non-combustible exterior walls, this type is common for mid-rise apartments or commercial buildings.

Construction Style

• Often built with brick, concrete block, or tilt-up walls

• Interiors framed with wood

Fire Rating Breakdown

Group	Fire Resistance	Construction Focus
III-A	2-hour walls, 1-hour floors	More fire-protected
III-B	2-hour walls, low resistance elsewhere	Budget-friendly

Pros

• Flexible materials and design

• Common in urban developments

Cons

• Fire spread risk internally

• Ventilation systems and sprinklers are essential

Type IV – Heavy Timber Construction

Think of old barns, vintage churches or modern CLT buildings. Heavy timber uses large, thick beams, which are naturally more fire-resistant due to their mass.

Structural Requirements

• Beams: Minimum 8 inches thick

• Planks: 6 inches for floors/roofs

Fire Behavior

Thicker wood chars on the outside, protecting the core. This delays collapse even without added protection.

Pros

• Excellent for aesthetic appeal and strength

• Fire resilient compared to smaller wood members

Cons

• Higher material cost than Type V

• Limited height and size capabilities

Type V – Wood-Framed Construction

The most cost-effective and common type, found in homes, townhouses and smaller commercial spaces. Entire structures can be made from wood, making them easy and fast to construct, almost like a kit.

Group VA vs VB

Group	Fire Rating	Notes
V-A	No fire rating required	Used in larger homes, older buildings
V-B	Fire-rated wood frame	Most modern homes today

Pros

• Affordable and quick to build

• Flexible in design

• Easy to remodel or expand

Cons

• Lowest fire protection

• Structural collapse happens quickly in a fire

How to Choose the Right Construction Type

Keep these points in mind before breaking ground:

• Cost (Type V is cheapest, Type I is most expensive. This will directly affect your price)

• Fire safety needs (E.g. a high-occupancy building or single-family home)

• Local building codes: How strict are the codes in your area? Make sure you know what exactly they entail before starting work, if possible. (Check IBC and municipal regulations)

• Environmental concerns (e.g., in earthquake zones, you need reinforced structures). Keep this in mind when making plans

Pro Tip: To be absolutely safe and meet the regulations, consult with a licensed architect or engineer.

Fire Resistance: The Deciding Factor

Fire resistance ratings affect:

• Insurance costs

• Building approval

• Firefighter access and suppression ability

Always prioritise life safety, especially in public-use or high-occupancy buildings.

Fire Resistance Ratings Explained

The IBC measures fire resistance in hours—how long structural elements (walls, beams) can withstand fire before failing.

Construction Type	Fire Resistance	Best For
Type I	3-4 hours	Skyscrapers, hospitals
Type II	1-2 hours	Malls, schools

Type III	1-2 hours	Small businesses
Type IV	1-1.5 hours	Historic buildings
Type V	<1 hour	Homes, small offices

Cost Comparison by Construction Type

Type	Approx. Cost/Sq. Ft.	Notes
I	$250+	Highest cost, highest safety
II	$200+	Balanced approach
III	$150-$200	Popular in urban zones
IV	$180-$220	Unique aesthetics, strong durability
V	$100-$150	Most affordable

Modern Innovations in Construction Types

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): Combines timber beauty with strength

Modular Steel Frames: Improve fire safety and reduce build time

Smart Fireproof Barriers: Sensors + insulation = smarter buildings

Read More: Top 10 Construction Companies in the UK

Conclusion

Understanding the five types of construction enables you to make informed decisions that balance cost, safety and long-term durability. Whether you’re designing a skyscraper in the city or a private home, choosing the right construction type is your first step toward success.

FAQs

What is the most fire-resistant construction type?

The most fire-resistant construction type is Type I, which employs non-combustible materials like steel and concrete while still offering fire ratings up to 4 hours.

Which construction type is best for homes?

For urban residential buildings that are close to resources or money on on-floor costs, V is the most suitable and also most cost-effective. Yet if it were really looked at closely in some places, theirs would be a savings here too.

How are construction types regulated?

By the International Building Code (IBC) and local codes that define fire resistance, occupancy and use.

Can I mix construction types in one project?

Yes, but it involves careful planning and compliance checks, usually for mixed-use buildings.

How does fire rating affect insurance?

Yes, it does! The higher the fire rating, the lower your insurance bill because of less risk.

Are heavy timber buildings safe in fires?

Yes! Its thickness can slow down burning better than the standard wood frames if the flame even reaches it, and when it does go up, its structural integrity lasts longer, too.