When comparing construction materials, most procurement decisions are made on initial price per sheet. This is a costly mistake. The true cost of a material includes installation, maintenance, replacement, downtime, insurance premiums, and disposal. Over a 20-year building lifecycle, the cheapest material upfront is often the most expensive.
The Setup: 1,000 sqm Wall Cladding Project
For this comparison, we model a 1,000 sqm interior wall cladding project in a Riyadh commercial building. We track costs over 20 years.
| Cost Factor | AFYUN Plywood | Gypsum Board | MDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cost (per sqm) | SAR 85-120 | SAR 35-55 | SAR 25-45 |
| Initial Total (1,000 sqm) | SAR 115,000-150,000 | SAR 60,000-80,000 | SAR 45,000-65,000 |
20-Year Total Cost of Ownership
| Cost Category | AFYUN Plywood | Gypsum Board | MDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Installation | SAR 130,000 | SAR 70,000 | SAR 55,000 |
| Maintenance (20 yr) | SAR 5,000 | SAR 25,000 | SAR 20,000 |
| Replacement (20 yr) | SAR 0 | SAR 45,000 | SAR 55,000 |
| 20-YEAR TOTAL | SAR 135,000 | SAR 160,000 | SAR 158,000 |
The Result: Plywood is 16% Cheaper Over 20 Years
Despite costing 85% more per sheet at initial purchase, AFYUN plywood is the lowest total cost of ownership over a 20-year period.