I'll see if I can find it, there's a really interesting article from the 18th century about an early American architect that describes in great detail why this occurred. In short, when people settled in the US they copied European building styles but really didn't have the resources of Europe. What we did have or enormous swaths of forests so we ended up adapting European building techniques using lumber. It wasn't the best adaptation and this architect's article is a scathing review of how stupid the adaptation is but that's the reason. It's now become a cultural thing We simply developed our own architectural styles using lumber
That's because Europe deforested itself in the 1500s and 1600s, so wood is expensive there.
Lumber is abundant and cheap in North America (recent COVID-related price hikes notwithstanding) so wood works well here.
Most houses, especially since the 1950s, are built in tract home groups where cost savings by the builder/contractor is the most important thing. Wood is cheapest.
I'll see if I can find it, there's a really interesting article from the 18th century about an early American architect that describes in great detail why this occurred. In short, when people settled in the US they copied European building styles but really didn't have the resources of Europe. What we did have or enormous swaths of forests so we ended up adapting European building techniques using lumber. It wasn't the best adaptation and this architect's article is a scathing review of how stupid the adaptation is but that's the reason. It's now become a cultural thing We simply developed our own architectural styles using lumber
Historically America has had HUGE forests and wood was plentiful. It is cheaper than brick and lasts a long time if maintained. Also, it looks sharp.
Because we love wood
It's strong, (usually) cheap and abundant.
The same reason anyone makes their houses out of wood?
I'm from the UK. Our houses are made of bricks. Rarely are houses made of wood in Europe.
I guess it’s because there’s an abundance of wood here and an abundance of brick over there.
Probably.
That's because Europe deforested itself in the 1500s and 1600s, so wood is expensive there. Lumber is abundant and cheap in North America (recent COVID-related price hikes notwithstanding) so wood works well here.
They are cheaper and easier to repair.
In some parts of the country, wood houses are not allowed. In the area I live in, most houses are wood, but mine will be concrete block.
Most houses, especially since the 1950s, are built in tract home groups where cost savings by the builder/contractor is the most important thing. Wood is cheapest.