Hempcrete vs Concrete

Hempcrete and concrete are very different materials with different jobs. Concrete is a dense, high-strength structural material. Hempcrete is a lighter, breathable bio-based wall infill that is typically combined with a separate structural frame.

Key differences

• Composition: Concrete uses cement, sand, gravel, and water. Hempcrete uses hemp hurd, a lime-based binder, and water.
• Density: Concrete is much denser and heavier than hempcrete.
• Role in a wall: Concrete can act as structure. Hempcrete is generally non-structural infill.
• Breathability: Hempcrete wall assemblies are typically more vapor-open than conventional concrete walls.

Which is right for you

The right choice depends on your structural needs, climate, budget, and indoor air quality goals. For healthier-home applications, many homeowners use a structural frame with hempcrete or a hempcrete alternative such as GaiaCrete as the wall infill.