Wattle (construction)

Wattle is a construction material used for making fences, walls, and roofs. It is created by weaving thin branches or flexible sticks (often called withies) between upright posts or stakes. The withies are typically hazel, willow, or other pliable wood.

The process of creating wattle involves driving stakes into the ground to form a frame. Then, the withies are interwoven horizontally between the stakes, creating a panel. The density of the weaving can vary depending on the intended purpose and desired strength of the structure.

Wattle is frequently used in conjunction with daub, a sticky substance usually made of clay, soil, sand, animal dung, and straw. The daub is applied to the wattle frame to create a solid, weatherproof surface. This combination is known as wattle and daub, a traditional building technique that has been used for millennia in various cultures around the world.

The advantages of wattle construction include its use of readily available natural materials, its relative simplicity, and its lightweight nature. However, wattle structures can be susceptible to rot and insect damage if not properly maintained and protected from the elements.