What material is primarily used for residential framing?

Wood is primarily used for residential framing due to its strength, availability, and cost-effectiveness. It provides the necessary structural support while being lightweight and easy to work with, which is ideal for the construction of homes. Additionally, wood is a renewable resource and offers good thermal insulation properties, which contributes to energy efficiency in residential buildings.

Utilizing wood for framing allows builders to create flexible designs and accommodate various styles and layouts. It also allows for quick construction timelines, as wood can be cut to size and assembled on-site with relative ease compared to heavier materials.

While steel, concrete, and brick are used in construction, they often apply to specific building types or structural elements rather than serving as the primary framing material for residential structures. Steel, for instance, is typically employed in commercial buildings or sometimes in high-end residential frames for added strength. Concrete is often used for foundations and walls, but it is less common as a material for the framing framework in traditional residential construction. Brick, similarly, is used for exterior walls rather than for the framing that supports the house's structure.