Wattle and daub
|
| The old wattle and daub construction system found at the 19th century Razboishte monastery, Bulgaria. By MrPanyGoff [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons |
Wattle and daub is a composite building technique that has be used for wall construction for thousands of years. It consists of a woven lattice (the ‘wattle’) which is daubed with a sticky filler material.
Wattle is typically formed by wooden strips or thin branches woven between upright stakes. Other materials that can be used as wattle include reeds, vines, and bamboo, and it can aso be formed as a loose panels slotted between timber framing.
Daub is typically formed from mud plaster made from a combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. For more information, see Daub.
Once the daub has been applied to the wattle (sometimes in more than one layer) and left to completely dry, it may be whitewashed to give it better resistance to rain, increase its solar reflectance and enhance its appearance.
Wattle and daub is still used in many regions of the world but in modern architecture it became superseded by lath and plaster for wall and ceiling applications, and more recently by plasterboard. However, it has become more prevalent again with the rise in popularity of sustainable building techniques and materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherit assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.