The world has moved on from the days when people built houses out of wood because that was all they had. Or so you might think. Yet almost all houses in America are still made of wood, and not just any kind of wood but redwood, cedar, or some combination of the two. Why? Because in the early 20th century, builders fell in love with the look and feel of houses made with these natural materials. They became convinced that wooden houses were healthier to live in and more likely to last for centuries than those made with modern building materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. It turns out there are good reasons why almost every house in America is made of wood.
Why Are Houses In America Made Of Wood?
There are a variety of reasons why houses in the United States are made of wood. In the past, wood was cheap and abundant in the United States, so it was an economically sensible choice. Additionally, wood is a renewable resource and can be easily replaced when it becomes damaged or worn out.
The Reasons Why Are Houses In America Made Of Wood?
It’s cheap and easy to work with
The main reason why homes in America are made of wood is that it is incredibly cheap to work with. Other materials, like concrete and steel, can cost up to ten times as much. Wood also dries out and shrinks as it ages, which can cause problems with other building materials. If a house is made of concrete or steel, you’re likely to see cracking and other issues. But with wood, this shrinking can actually improve the structure of the house.
It’s a sustainable resource
Another reason why houses in America are made of wood is that it’s a sustainable resource. Unlike steel or concrete, which may have to be mined out of the ground and might not be available in the future, wood is a renewable resource. New trees can be planted after trees are cut down, and they can even be planted in an organized fashion to ensure the right species are planted in the right areas to ensure future supply. Wood doesn’t require any special equipment to harvest, and it can be processed in a wide variety of ways to make it easy to work with and useful for a variety of applications.
Americans love the look of wood homes
People in America love the look of wood homes. In fact, wood is the most common material used for home exteriors in the country. For many people, the look of wood is more appealing than the look of other materials. It also tends to fit in well with the rest of the neighborhood and the surrounding environment.
What Is The Problem With Concrete And Steel Houses?
- Concrete and steel are strong building materials that have stood the test of time. They’re also relatively cheap and don’t need to be replaced very often. Unfortunately, they also have a few drawbacks.
- Concrete is a good insulator, but that also means it traps warm air inside during the winter.
- It’s also really cold in summer, which means it’s not very energy efficient. Steel is great at keeping heat inside in winter, but the summer is a different story.
- Steel is very hard to insulate, which means it’s not great at keeping warm air in and cool air out. On top of that, steel oxidizes and rusts over time, which means you have to paint it regularly.
How To Build A Wooden House?
Step 1: Know Your Requirements
Before you decide to build a new wooden house, you must first know what your requirements are. For example, will you be living alone or with your family? How many rooms do you need? Will you need a garage? Will you be gardening? How many have pets? What’s the budget you have in your mind? Once you have a clear idea of what you require, you can get started with your research journey. You can start with finding the right location for your wooden house. Wooden houses are best suited in places with warm, dry weather. Moreover, they can be built in areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes, but they must be elevated above the ground. Wooden houses are also great for areas with cold weather, but you must make sure that you are properly insulated.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Now that you know what you need and what your options are, it’s time to start researching your options. There are two types of materials you can choose for your wooden houses: prefabricated kits, and site-built. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is best for you. – Prefabricated Kits: This is what most people think of when they imagine a wooden house. These kits usually contain wooden frames, insulation and roofing materials, interior walls, and doors and windows. They are sold as a complete house and are assembled on the ground. – Site-built Houses: If you want to build your own wooden house, you can do that too. Site-built houses are wooden houses that are constructed on the spot. You will need to build a wooden frame, put the roof on, and then enclose it with plywood or OSB sheets. – Pros and Cons of Both: When deciding which one is right for you, you must take into account the pros and cons of both. Prefabricated kits are cheaper and easier to construct, but site-built houses will give you more freedom when it comes to design. They take more time, effort, and money, but in the long run, you will save more money and get exactly what you want.
Step 3: Get a Wooden House Design
If you go for a prefabricated wooden house, you will get an already designed model from the company that you purchased your materials from. However, if you go for the site-built wooden house, you will have to design your house yourself. If you are not sure about designing a wooden house on your own, you can hire an architect or take a few online courses. This way, you will learn the basics of designing a wooden house and will be able to make the right decisions when it’s time to do it on your own.
Step 4: Find a Builder and Contractor
When you are ready to build your wooden house, it’s time to find a contractor and a builder. Be sure to check out the contractor’s credentials and reviews, and make sure that you hire someone who does quality work. The contractor will help you with designing your wooden house and making sure that everything is done according to your plans. The contractor will also help you find a reliable builder who can build your wooden house. Make sure to hire a builder who knows how to build wooden houses.
Step 5: Build the Frame and Walls
The next step in the process is to build the frame and walls of your wooden house. Make sure that you do this safely, using the right materials. Your wooden house should have a wooden frame made with 2 x 4-inch lumber and plywood walls. The frame should be at least 2 feet above the ground, so that water doesn’t get in and cause damage to your wooden house. The frame must be strong enough to support the roof, walls, and whatever else you put inside your house.
Step 6: Install Windows, Doors, and Roofing
Now that the frame and walls are done, you must install the windows and doors. These will let the light into your wooden house, so make sure that you choose the ones that fit best with the overall design of your house. You must also install the roofing materials and make sure that everything is properly secured. This will protect your wooden house from the elements and make sure that it lasts for as long as possible. You can decide if you want to use shingles or metal roofing. Remember that wooden houses are more expensive to insure because they are more flammable than other types of houses. Make sure to take the right precautions so that you get a lower premium.
The Advantages Of Wooden Houses
- Wooden houses are energy efficient, easy to maintain, and durable. They’re easy to maintain because you can paint the outside of the house whenever it becomes worn.
- You can also replace the roofing, siding, and other exterior parts as needed. Wooden houses are also durable because wood is a strong and durable material.
- House made from concrete and steel can be damaged by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, but wooden houses are more resilient.
- Wooden houses also have high resale value, which means they’re an investment that will last.
- That’s important if you’re planning to sell the house in the future because it means you won’t have to spend a lot of money on repairs. Wooden houses are also energy efficient, which means they don’t require a lot of power, and they don’t give off a lot of CO2.
Final Words
All things considered, wooden houses are a great choice for people looking for a new home. They’re durable, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly. So if you’re looking to buy or build a new house, don’t be shy about asking for a wooden one. You’ll be rewarded with years of comfortable living in a beautiful home.
