WHY DO AMERICANS (STILL) BUILD WOODEN HOUSES?

 WHY DO AMERICANS (STILL) BUILD WOODEN HOUSES?

American wooden houses are an enigma to many of us, especially those from Europe. Yet it's easy to understand why the United States made this choice.

First, there is a historical reason. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Europeans, particularly the British, arrived in North America, creating the need to build many houses in a very short time. The use of wood was perfect. It allows for the construction of houses quickly and efficiently. While wood was initially a necessity, it has since become an American trademark and custom.

Then, a more practical reason: Wood is a strong and durable material that is also relatively inexpensive. It is also abundant in the United States, making it the natural choice for home construction.

Wood, despite what you might think, is strong and durable. Wooden houses can withstand many years of wear and tear.

wooden house in the United States

Pressure to end wood 

It has now become commonplace to see the western United States ravaged by wildfires that are becoming more threatening each year.

But American wooden houses are not the toughest when it comes to fire.

With even drier conditions, there is increasing economic and environmental pressure to do away with wood.

But it is currently the dominant material used in the construction of new houses.

However, the cost of wood has skyrocketed and many are pushing for alternatives.

For example, the most common option: steel and concrete.

They are more robust, less susceptible to termites and less flammable than wood.

While the majority of American houses are made of wood, it will remain interesting to see if this will remain the norm in the future.

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Building with wood is still popular

Despite all the economic and environmental reasons to do away with wood, many still build with wood because of its supply and also because labor is more accessible.

Let's also say that there are very few incentives to use alternatives. In some states, taxes are even higher if the house is not made of wood.

Home insurance companies do not give discounts for steel or concrete construction, even in fire-prone areas.

There are also concerns that the move away from timber will hit a number of jobs (in sawmills and manufacturing) too hard.

Wood provides excellent insulation, which means it can help keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer.

It can also help reduce energy costs, as a wood home requires less energy to heat and cool than a home made of other materials.

Wood also absorbs sound well, which means it can help muffle noise from outside.

Wood is also relatively easy to work with, making it a popular choice for home builders. It can be easily cut and shaped to fit any space.

Dangers of American Wooden Houses 

As mentioned, the stakes in timber-framed house construction are enormous. The economic impact could already be enormous, particularly for all the direct and indirect jobs in this industry.

However, there are growing reasons to believe that wood may be abandoned.

Price: Obviously! The pandemic, the demand that has flooded supply—all these are reasons that have driven the price of wood to record levels.

As a result, the profitability argument for builders is increasingly nuanced. Especially since wood is also experiencing supply issues. Lead times are extended, margins are reduced, and this pattern doesn't encourage builders to continue using this material.