In a survival situation, building a shelter is one of the most important things you can do. It can give you protection from the elements, as well as help keep out unwanted animals or people.

The type of shelter that you build will largely depend on what materials are available to you at the time.

There are many different options out there, but some materials are better than others when it comes to surviving in an emergency situation and providing protection against weather conditions.

Here’s our list:

Building a primitive shelter completely warm

Key Takeaways
Building a shelter in the wilderness requires careful consideration of the materials you use and the design of your shelter.
Knowing the common mistakes to avoid can help you build a better shelter and avoid potential issues.
Following a step-by-step guide can be helpful for beginners who need guidance on building a shelter.
Looking for inspiration on shelter designs can lead to more creative and practical ideas.
Using alternative materials can expand your options for building a shelter in an emergency situation.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a commonly used material for building structures, especially as it is easy to work with, low cost and available in many areas.

The bamboo plant grows quickly and can reach heights of over 30 feet in just a few years. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to build their own shelter or other structure without having to spend a lot of money on materials.

Bamboo can be used for a variety of different purposes including housing construction, furniture making, flooring and more!

To build a sturdy shelter, knowing the right materials is key. Our article on the top 15 materials for building a shelter provides a comprehensive list of materials you can use and their benefits and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision on what to use for your next wilderness adventure.

Glass

Glass is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways. It’s important to know the difference between tempered and non-tempered glass, because each type has its benefits and drawbacks.

Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass but will break into large pieces instead of sharp shards if it breaks. Non-tempered glass doesn’t break as cleanly and can cause serious injuries if it breaks on your skin or around your eyes.

For building a shelter, use thick sheets of either tempered or non-tempered glass to create windows and doors for your shelter.

If you’re building an underground bunker, you may want to consider using more durable materials like concrete blocks with plexiglass windows built into them so it will stand up against any kind of weather conditions long term without worrying about leaks due to damage from storms or melting snow (which would otherwise also cause structural damage).

Glass Options for Wilderness Shelters

Glass Type	Benefits	Drawbacks
Tempered Glass	Strong and durable, resistant to breaking	Expensive and heavy
Laminated Glass	Flexible and can withstand impact	More expensive than regular glass
Acrylic Glass	Lightweight and shatter-resistant, good for insulation	Scratches easily, may yellow over time
Polycarbonate Glass	Extremely durable, good for insulation, lightweight	More expensive than other types of glass
Regular Glass	Inexpensive	Fragile, breaks easily, not suitable for harsh environments

Note: Glass doesn’t necessarily need to have a brand name as it’s a type of material. However, some brands may offer specific types of glass that may be worth mentioning if relevant to the context.

Plastic

There are a number of different types of plastic available for use in building your shelter. Plastic pipes, sheets and other components can be used to create any number of structures.

Plastic is lightweight, making it easy to transport if you’re out in the wilderness with few resources or materials at your disposal. It’s also inexpensive compared to other materials like wood or metal, but its lack of durability makes it unsuitable for some applications (e.g., shelter construction).

Because plastic comes in so many varieties and forms sheets, pipes, rods and more there are innumerable ways you can use this material to build a shelter that suits your needs and preferences.

For example:

If you want something large enough for multiple people but still portable enough for backpacking trips into remote locations without access to heavy machinery such as tractors or cranes then consider using PVC pipe instead; it’s strong enough yet light enough so that even one person could carry all parts alone without much difficulty at all!

When building a shelter, avoiding common mistakes is important to ensure your safety and comfort. Our article on 15 common mistakes to avoid when building a shelter can help you identify and avoid these mistakes, so you can build a shelter that will protect you from the elements and provide a good night’s rest.

Fabric

Fabric can be used to make a tent. It can also be used to make a hammock, or even a tarp or sail (if you are in a boat). Fabric is one of the most versatile materials you will find when it comes to making a shelter.

You can even use fabric as part of your parachute if you need help getting down from high altitudes!

Fabric Types for Wilderness Shelters

Fabric Type	Benefits	Drawbacks
Canvas	Sturdy, durable, breathable, and good for insulation	Heavy, not ideal for backpacking
Ripstop Nylon	Lightweight, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant	Not very breathable, can trap moisture
Polyester	Lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to UV rays	Not as durable as other options
Polyethylene	Waterproof and good for keeping out wind	Not breathable, can trap moisture and cause condensation
Gore-Tex	Waterproof and breathable, good for all climates	Expensive, may rip or tear easier than other fabrics

Note: As with glass, fabric types don’t necessarily need to have a brand name as they are types of materials. However, some manufacturers may have specific types of fabric that are worth mentioning if relevant to the context.

Clay

Clay is a naturally occurring material that has been used for millennia to produce pottery and bricks.

Many house foundations are built with clay, as it is easy to work with and fire-resistant.

Building a shelter in the wilderness can be challenging, but with the right guide, it can be done. Our article on how to build a shelter in the wilderness: a step-by-step guide breaks down each step of the process, so you can have a comfortable spot to rest.

Compressed earth block

Compressed earth blocks, also known as cinder blocks or cob, are made from a mixture of materials including clay, sand and plant fibers.

They’re an excellent insulator and can keep your home warm in winter and cool during summer months. The material is also fire resistant, making it ideal if you live in an area that experiences wildfires.

Cob is easy to work with; all you need is some basic tools: shovels (one for mixing the materials and one for scooping up the finished product), hoes (for smoothing out your cob), wheelbarrows (to transport the wet cob) and something to place on top of your wall when it’s drying so that water doesn’t seep down into it such as a piece of plywood or cardboard laid across two sawhorses.

Cob walls

Cob walls are made from clay, sand and straw. They’re very strong and easy to build and can be used for foundations, walls and roofs.

They are inexpensive because you only need the materials listed above, which are usually available for free if you dig them yourself or can find them at a reasonable price.

Cob walls are also very easy to build because they don’t require any special tools or skills—just some basic knowledge of how cob works, which you’ll learn as soon as your first wall goes up!

If you’re looking for inspiration on shelter designs, our list of the most ingenious shelter designs you’ll ever see can certainly help you out. From tiny houses to converted buses, you’ll find a variety of designs that are both creative and practical.

Straw bale walls

If you are building a shelter out of straw bales, you will be using the walls of your structure. Since they provide so much protection and durability, it is important to choose the right type of wall.

You want a material that is easy to work with and can be built quickly without much hassle. Straw bale walls are both sturdy and durable, making them an excellent choice for any situation. They also come with fire resistance properties, which makes them perfect for those who live in areas where forest fires are common.

This material insulates well during the colder months and provides protection from heat during hotter ones as well!

Corn-stalk walls

Corn stalks are a great material for building a shelter. Corn stalks are biodegradable, so they will not add to the landfill. Corn stalks are easy to harvest and store, making them an excellent resource in any situation.

The ears of corn still have seeds inside of them that could be planted later on if needed; however, there should not be much room for planting in your shelter since you will need all of it for insulation purposes!

The leaves and husks from the corn plants add additional insulation value because they will decompose into compost which helps keep the moisture levels constant inside your shelter.

Building a shelter isn’t just about using the right materials; it’s also about using the right strategies. Our article on 10 surprising tips for building the perfect shelter offers some unusual tips (like using a particular kind of tree) that can help you build a better, more comfortable shelter in the wilderness.

Wood and Paper Mache Walls

In case you didn’t know, paper mache is made from paper pulp, glue and water. It’s an effective way to make a wall because it’s lightweight and easy to work with, so you can create complex shapes and curves with relative ease.

Paper mache walls are also great insulators – they’ll keep the heat in during winter time while keeping the cold out during summer months. They’re also extremely durable: if properly maintained, they’ll last for years without falling apart or deteriorating in any way!

Paper mache can be used for a lot of different things besides just building walls – it makes great furniture too!

You could even use paper mache as a coating over another material like wood if you wanted extra protection against rain or wind damage; this method would make your shelter more energy efficient too because less air will escape through cracks between layers when compared against traditional construction techniques (e.g., concrete).

Masonry and Concrete Walls

Concrete walls are strong and durable, and they can be used in many different ways. As a result of its strength and versatility, concrete is an excellent choice for building shelter walls.

Concrete is also one of the most affordable materials available. If you have access to sand, clay, or gravel (or pay someone else to provide them), it’s possible to make concrete at home with just water and cement the process is cheap and easy!

The fact that concrete blocks heat from entering or leaving your structure makes it a great insulator too.

The addition of insulation will help keep your home warm during the winter months without having to spend extra money on heating costs like oil or electricity.

And because concrete does not burn easily when exposed at high temperatures like other organic materials do (like wood), it’s fireproof as well!

Adobe brick walls

The next time you find yourself in a survival situation, consider building your shelter with adobe bricks.

These are made from mud and straw, which makes them easy to make and cheap. They’re also very durable and fireproof, which is why many ancient civilizations used adobe bricks in the construction of houses, walls and ovens.

Fiberglass, Foam and Silicone Walls

Fiberglass, foam and silicone walls are one of the most versatile materials for building a shelter. They are lightweight and easy to transport, durable and waterproof, easy to work with, so you can build a variety of structures with them.

The material is made from polyester fabric that has been coated with a rubber-based adhesive on both sides.

The adhesive bonds strongly when applied to another surface (like wood). It’s usually rolled out over wooden frames or other frameworks in order to create walls or ceilings; however these materials can also be used for flooring as well as roofing applications such as tents or sheds.

They come in many thicknesses ranging from 1/4″ up into 2″. These products are generally lightweight but very strong because they’re made from fiberglass fibers mixed with other synthetic resins which gives them more durability than regular plywood panels – making them ideal for structural applications such as homes or cabins!

Metal Walls and Roofs or Siding (Steel, Aluminum, Zinc and Copper)

Metal walls and roofs or siding (steel, aluminum, zinc and copper) are strong and durable. They are very fire resistant and will not burn.

Metal roofs are a good choice for remote locations where there is little access to fire departments or water sources. Metal roofs also provide better insulation value than wood shingles, which means that your home will be warmer in the winter months.

Metal roofs are less likely to be damaged in high winds than other types of roof coverings such as asphalt shingles and unlike vinyl siding, metal does not warp when exposed to extreme heat from the sun’s rays over long periods of time.

Conclusion

In this post, we looked at 15 of the most common materials for building shelter. These are just a few options, but they’re a great place to start when considering what material you might want to use in your next project.

You can also consult with an architect or engineer about any specific questions about which material is best for your situation.

FAQs

What materials are best for building a shelter in the wilderness?

The best materials for building a shelter depend on the environment and climate. Generally, materials like branches, leaves, grass, and bark are suitable for most situations. However, if you’re in an area with harsh weather, you’ll need stronger materials, like sturdy logs or rocks, to protect you.

What kind of tools do I need to build a shelter in the wilderness?

The tools you need to build a shelter depend on the materials you choose to work with. Basic tools like a knife, saw, and ax can be helpful for chopping branches and logs. You may also need cordage, such as rope or vine, to tie materials together.

How can I build a shelter in an emergency situation if I don’t have any materials?

If you don’t have access to materials, there are still other shelter options available to you. You can try digging a hole in the ground and covering it with branches or debris, or using natural formations like caves or overhanging rocks to create a shelter.

How do I make sure my shelter is waterproof?

To make your shelter waterproof, you need to ensure that the roof is pitched at an angle so rainwater can flow off easily. Covering the roof with a waterproof material like a tarp or extra branches will also help keep water out.

How do I make a fire pit near my shelter without causing a forest fire?

To make a fire pit safely, you should choose an area with no vegetation surrounding it. Dig a pit at least one foot deep and surround it with stones or rocks. Clear out any debris or leaves around the fire pit before you start a fire, and keep a bucket of water nearby in case the fire gets out of control.

Hellen James

Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.

The Top 15 Materials For Building A Shelter