Wood VS Brick House

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Wood houses are typically cheaper and quicker to build, but less durable than brick houses. Brick houses offer better fire resistance, longevity (100+ years), and lower maintenance costs. However, both materials have pros and cons; consider factors like budget, climate, and personal preferences before choosing.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Brick Houses

Advantages	Disadvantages
It comes in different hues and shades	It is expensive than wood
Retains heat and stays warm longer	Not easy to move
Withstands harsh storms	Some are irregular in shape
Fire and termite-proof thus long-lasting	Vulnerable to mold in humid areas and can be damaged by vines
Easy to maintain

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wood Houses

Advantages	Disadvantages
Affordable and more flexible than bricks	Susceptible to wear and tear than bricks
Easily available and easy to use	Easily damaged by termite and water
Withstands erosion and silt accumulation more than bricks	Needs chemical treatment to resist pests
Absorbs humidity, and it’s a better natural air conditioner	Can expand and contract in harsh storms

Is Brick Better Than Wood?

While both wood and bricks have their advantages and disadvantages, many consider brick to be better than wood. This material was initially made using clay but advanced with time. Bricks are now made of lime and sand, concrete, and clay-bearing materials. Bricks come in different sizes, types, and materials, which also vary with region and time. 

Brick houses tend to be more durable than wood houses as they are resistant to natural elements. The following factors make brick preferable:

Resistant To Weather And Fire

Compared to wood, brick lasts long as it can withstand the impact of flying debris. Brick does not burn, and it is easy to contain a fire in case of an outbreak. It is also not easy for a fire to spread to different rooms, and it can easily be put out.

Environment-Friendly

Bricks are made from eco-friendly materials such as clay and sand. The materials absorb humidity, thus minimizing mold, mildew, and dust mites.  It is also easy to repurpose brick for landscaping ideas & paths and ground it up to create small pieces of sub-base materials.

Easy To Maintain

Brick houses are durable, and they retain their color. They do not, therefore, need a lot of upkeep as they require no painting. The material is also non-biodegradable and not attacked by mites and other pests, unlike wood. It is also easy to power wash and repair any chipped or loose brick.

Different Designs

There are various colors, styles, and shapes of bricks since it is molded from clay and concrete materials. You can get unique brick styles to give your house the classic look that you desire. You can also easily pick what you want, whether a modern or classic design. 

Energy-Efficient And Temperature Control

When combined with better insulation, brick walls help to stabilize the inner temperature of your house. It stops heat loss through the wall, thus keeping your home warm for a long. Heat retention helps save money on utility bills since the heat remains outside during summer and inside during winter. 

Appreciates In Value

A house made of bricks will make your property appreciate in value and therefore easy to sell. If you plan to sell your house after some time, it is advisable to build it with bricks to fetch more money than a wooden one. The house will also ensure more, and you need not worry. 

Stability

Brick houses are more stable when compared to wood ones. They can withstand severe storms and are, therefore, suitable for areas that have unstable weather conditions. 

Why Americans Prefer Wood Houses

While brick houses have many benefits, such as resilience and durability, there are some reasons why most Americans still prefer wooden ones. The advantages of wood houses include;

• Wood is more economical than bricks. Construction work takes less time, which also makes installation and labor timeless. Less time means reduced costs making the house affordable
• Wooden homes endure erosion and earthquakes better than brick homes
• Different design options to choose
• Wood offers simplicity and flexibility
• Made from natural materials that are eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable
• The houses are simple and easy to build and budget-friendly
• Wood is a great thermal insulator and hence energy-efficient. 

Why Wood May Not Be So Good

• Prone to pests and termites thus requires frequent treatment
• Can be extensively damaged by mold and need unnecessary repair
• Expands and contracts in bad weather and can warp or bend
• It can easily catch fire and burn. When a wooden house catches fire, it easily spreads to other rooms, and it is not easy to contain it. Although there are some fire retardants, they are not completely reliable and may not reduce inflammability 100%.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Brick Or Wood

When choosing between brick and wood as a material for your house, you need to consider various factors that include;

Location

If you intend to buy or build your house in a place with a cold climate, it is advisable to go for bricks. This material is good at retaining heat energy, thus keeping your house warm. Wood may not also be ideal in humid areas as it will be prone to mold 

Wood may be perfect in areas with a problem of erosion and silt accumulation as it withstands the conditions better than brick. Brick walls are easily damaged by erosion and silt. Wood also endures an earthquake better than bricks in places where this problem occurs. 

Budget

If you are building or buying your home on a budget, then go for wood since it is more affordable than bricks. It is also less time-consuming to install wood than bricks, which reduces the cost in the long run. Bricks require more time on labor and installation cost than wood.

Availability

Before choosing between wood and brick houses, it is necessary to check the material’s availability in your area. The transportation cost of the material will impact greatly the overall cost of building your house.

Wrapping Up

Both wood and bricks are suitable materials for a house. Before you decide which is best, it is necessary to look at each’s pros and cons to make an informed decision.

References:

https://www.angi.com/articles/wooden-house-brick-houses.htm
https://www.neighborhoods.com/blog/wood-vs-brick-homes-what-you-need-to-know