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Origins -

In the 16th and early 17th centuries, Europeans, namely the British, arrived in North America. They needed homes that could be built quickly and with limited resources.

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Origins -

These settlers made use of the multitude of forests found in the United States. Wood was a cost-effective option that made establishing a life in America much easier.

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Why have they endured? -

In the following slides, you'll find information about why wooden homes have been built through the centuries, up to the present day.

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Material availability -

In the United States, you can find an abundance of forests that provide timber for construction purposes. From the log cabins of the past to today's modern wooden home, wood has allowed for a range of designs to be built.

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Material availability -

Other materials such as brick and cement require processing and manufacturing. Wood is different in that it can be more or less sourced directly from the forest. This ease of sourcing makes wood an excellent choice.

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Energy efficiency -

Wood has natural insulation properties which means that building wooden homes is more energy-efficient. It also helps reduce energy consumption associated with heating and cooling.

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Energy efficiency -

The production of building-ready wood requires significantly less energy than that of steel or concrete, making the overall building process more sustainable. Wooden structures can also store carbon, further reducing their environmental impact.

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Low cost -

Wooden houses are often cheaper than alternatives such as brick and cement. So for those builders and future homeowners looking to cut costs on construction expenses, wood might be the answer. 

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Low cost -

Wood homes can also be more cost-effective after construction finishes. These types of houses are often easier (and cheaper) to repair when compared to houses made of other materials.

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Mobility -

For those who frequently relocate, wooden houses are often the answer as they're easier and quicker to build.

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Mobility -

Additionally, wood is a lightweight building material meaning it's easier to transport and assemble in various locations.

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Reduced taxes -

There are states in the US where wooden houses mean a lower tax burden when compared with houses built from other materials.

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Reduced taxes -

Wooden homes and the tax incentives associated with them encourage homeowners to invest in this more environmentally friendly option.

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Easy to build -

Wood is a material that is easy to work with and extremely versatile. It is also easily accessible so whether you're a DIY'er or a professional home builder, the resources are available for you.

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Easy to build -

Wood is lightweight and houses constructed with it can be built (and repaired) rather quickly. It is relatively easy to modify wood which gives flexibility to homeowners who might want to make changes.

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Safe to live -

Wooden houses are considered safe due to their ability to withstand natural disasters like low-intensity earthquakes and light tornadoes.

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Safe to live -

Wood's flexibility and adaptability allow builders to incorporate safety features such as fire and wind resistance.

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Improved air quality -

Wooden houses often provide improved air quality compared to houses built with other materials. Wood can absorb and release moisture which helps to regulate humidity levels and ultimately create a more comfortable living space.

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Improved air quality -

The risk of indoor air pollution can be minimized with wooden houses by not using synthetic materials. Additionally, natural ventilation systems can be constructed that help improve indoor air quality.

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Disadvantages -

In the following slides, you'll find some disadvantages of wooden housing.

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Rot -

Without regular maintenance, wooden houses can experience rot. Especially with adverse weather conditions, it's essential to proactively care for the house.

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Higher risk -

Wood is flammable and therefore, houses built with it pose a higher fire risk when compared to houses built with other materials. The wood needs to be treated and protected.

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Pest infestations -

Pest infestations such as those caused by bed bugs can happen in a wooden house. It's important to take proactive measures so you prevent and address these pests before they become a real issue.

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Water absorbent -

Wood has hygroscopic properties which can leave a wooden house severely compromised if it's in a flood-prone area. In these instances, structural damages and maintenance challenges could arise.

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Noisy -

In wooden houses, the insulation may be less than that of houses made of other materials. This could mean homeowners have less privacy and soundproofing.

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FAQ: Why are houses in the USA not made of concrete? -

Concrete, though sturdier in some cases, can be much more expensive to build with. There are lots of houses built using concrete, but it's not right for every situation.

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FAQ: Is a wood house safe? -

Wood can be a great and safe building material depending on your needs and where you live. It is also resistant to electricity and this can help make it a safer building material than many others out there.

Sources: (Best Diplomats) (Meteored) (National Association of Home Builders)

See also: These are the happiest cities in the US

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