Wondering Which is the Better Way to Build; Framing or Masonry? Here are some Answers.

Should one build a new home using masonry or wood framing. That is a question I am often asked by my clients.

Masonry walls consist of concrete blocks stacked up from the slab to the full height of the wall. They are placed in beds of mortar and strengthened with embedded reinforcing steel and hollow cores full of concrete. The strength is dictated by wall thickness, height and density of reinforcement and, of course, loading conditions. Framed walls consist of wood studs usually 16″ on center with a stiff sheathing material, water proofing and some sort of siding on the outside such as stucco or siding. Let me answer a few common questions:

Can termites be a problem in wood framed homes?

Yes, but not if the walls are built correctly. Termites can be easily controlled by placing a barrier called a “termite shield” which blocks the termites’ ability (subterranean termites) to migrate up the wall. These shields are like flashing and are placed at the bottom of the wall. Additionally, pressure treated bottom plates are always used. Termites will not bother pressure treated wood and this adds another barrier. Once built, routine maintenance (inspections) will assure that termites never become a problem. There are home that are centuries old which were built of wood.

Is a masonry wall stronger than a framed wall?

Each, a masonry wall and a framed wall, can be very strong. The masonry wall’s strength is affected by thickness, height and reinforcement used. The framed wall strength is affected by nailing pattern, thickness of sheathing, spacing of the studs as well as height and thickness. Both are more than adequate to achieve the requirements of any Building Code.

Which costs less to construct: a framed or masonry home?

For the most part, framing tends to be less expensive. This can depend on the type of siding used – most sidings framed wall (ie. Stucco over lathe or siding) are more expensive than a simple cementitious stucco placed over masonry walls. Framing is also usually faster and the cost of materials and labor are less. Add it all up and framing is likely a less expensive methods.

Do framed home and masonry homes have similar insulation opportunities? Which is better?

Wood framed walls are generally insulated with batts of insulation with R values ranging 11 right into 20′s, depending upon wall thickness. It is usually easier to insulate wood walls to higher levels than that of masonry. Insulation, in masonry wall, is usually a challenge. Since blocks themselves are not good insulators. insulating them is usually in the form of radiation blocks (foil over the furring strips) or even foam insulation sheets over the wall. Sometimes walls are filled (in the cores) with insulation. None of these achieve insulation as high as that that can be achieved in a wood wall. One advantage of masonry, due to its mass, is that it will tend to even out the temperatures fluctuations through the day.

Can one get as much interior area from a masonry home as compared to a framed home?

If one uses a standard 8″ masonry block and compares it to a typical 2×4 exterior wall, one can instantly see about a 5″ different in the amount of each exterior room that is taken up by the wall. Framing does take up less room.

There are other factors to consider but looking at the above points one can see that framing offers an excellent value. We find, however, that masonry homes are quite common, especially in the South. Masonry offers an excellent product, is strong and can be beautifully crafted. However, looking at value alone, framing, if properly done, offers the better value.

Ken Risley, the Engineer Designer, is author of many building and design articles. An Engineer, designer, and builder, he produces Custom Residential Designs and construction plans.