In Europe, we have a strong tradition of “solid” houses made from brick and concrete. Stories about their supposed superior safety, durability and health benefits are part of our cultural heritage. This mindset stems from childhood tales like the story of the three little pigs, where a house made of “solid” materials always wins. What Janez learns, Janez does – and often advises others to do the same.
However, modern science, builders’ experience and increasingly demanding environmental and energy standards show a different picture. Well-designed and properly built wooden houses are highly earthquake-safe, can be exceptionally durable, healthy to live in, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Below, we debunk the most common myths and provide proven facts – along with some additional insights to help you make an informed decision.
1. Wooden Houses Are Not Earthquake-Safe
🌀 Myth: Since wood is a “soft” material, wooden houses are less stable during an earthquake compared to brick or concrete structures.
✅ Fact: The lightness and elasticity of wood are actually key advantages of wooden houses. In an earthquake, it’s crucial that a structure can absorb dynamic loads without catastrophic collapse. Wooden constructions have low mass, flexible joints and excellent energy dissipation capacity, which means they generally behave more ductilely and safely than rigid brick walls.
Historical records show that many wooden buildings have survived strong earthquakes, while heavier masonry structures have collapsed. Slovenia lies in an earthquake-prone zone, which is another reason why wooden construction is a smart choice.
Key factors ensuring earthquake safety of wooden houses:
- Professionally engineered wooden structures designed according to current standards (e.g., Eurocode 5).
- Quality metal connectors and proper anchoring to the foundation.
- Structural rigidity (diagonal bracing, OSB/wood panels, CLT).
- Moisture control and wood protection to maintain design properties.
2. Wooden Houses Deteriorate Faster Than Brick Houses
🌀 Myth: Wood rots, while concrete lasts forever.
✅ Fact: The durability of wood depends mainly on the correct choice of wood species, proper processing and moisture protection. In dry conditions, some types of wood can last for centuries – oak, larch and acacia are known for their high resistance, while spruce and fir also last very long when properly protected.
Examples:
- Many traditional hayracks, barns or alpine farmhouses in Slovenia have stood for generations.
- Venice stands on thousand-year-old wooden piles.
- Numerous traditional wooden houses across Europe outlast many concrete structures.
Concrete and reinforced concrete are not “eternal”: carbonation, reinforcement corrosion, cracking and moisture damage can significantly shorten their lifespan without regular maintenance. Wooden houses, on the other hand, can be relatively easily repaired by replacing individual elements.
What determines the longevity of a wooden house:
- Structural protection – elevated base, drip details, ventilated facades.
- Controlled moisture content and properly dried materials.
- Timing of wood harvesting (winter felling is traditionally preferred) and proper storage.
- Easy access to elements for inspection and localized repairs.
3. Maintaining Wood Is Expensive and Time-Consuming
🌀 Myth: Wooden facades and structures require constant painting, varnishing and protective treatment, or they quickly deteriorate.
✅ Fact: High-quality wooden construction uses properly harvested, dried and treated wood. When design details are executed to prevent water accumulation and allow surfaces to breathe, costly regular maintenance is often unnecessary. Untreated exterior wood naturally develops a silver-gray patina over time, which protects the surface and enhances the aesthetic of the building.
If you prefer the look of freshly treated wood, there are natural oils, resins, waxes and eco-friendly pigments available. The application is simple and often done by homeowners themselves.
Practical savings:
- No need for complex multi-layer facade systems with expensive coatings.
- Local repairs are quick: damaged elements are replaced without refurbishing the entire wall.
- Natural finishes don’t require aggressive sanding or stripping of old layers.
4. Wood Is Dangerous in Case of Fire
🌀 Myth: Wood burns, so wooden houses are fire hazards.
✅ Fact: Massive wooden elements char on the surface when exposed to fire. This charred layer acts as natural insulation, slowing further burning, while the structure often retains its load-bearing capacity for a long time. Properly dimensioned walls and ceiling elements can achieve high fire ratings (e.g., F90 – 90 minutes of fire resistance), especially when combined with clay or gypsum plasters, straw or wood wool insulation, or other natural materials.
Ironically, many “non-combustible” masonry buildings use flammable insulation materials (e.g., polystyrene/EPS), which can emit dense smoke and toxic gases during a fire. Wooden construction offers a clear view of all material layers, allowing for the conscious use of low-emission, natural and less flammable materials.
Fire safety in practice:
- Dimensioning sections according to the expected charring rate.
- Fire-stopping and installation details preventing flame spread in cavities.
- Use of fire-resistant cladding (gypsum fiber boards, clay plasters).
- Detection and sprinkler systems, as in any modern house.
5. Wooden Houses Require More Heating
🌀 Myth: Since wood feels warm to the touch and “breathes,” heat escapes through the walls, so wooden houses need more heating.
✅ Fact: Quite the opposite – thanks to the combination of wooden structures and efficient insulation materials (straw, cellulose, wood wool, hemp, etc.), the thermal transmittance of wooden walls is very low. Passive and nearly zero-energy (nZEB) houses are often designed with wood because it’s easier to achieve thick, well-sealed and vapor-permeable envelopes without thermal bridges. Clay and other heavier interior plasters help store heat and regulate humidity, resulting in a more stable indoor climate and less need for extreme heating or cooling.
Energy advantages:
- Thick insulation layers with relatively thin walls (more interior space).
- Quick heating response due to less cold mass to warm up.
- Lower heating costs and often smaller heating systems required.
- In summer, natural shading and nighttime ventilation are usually sufficient.
6. Wooden Houses “Breathe,” So They Can’t Be Airtight
🌀 Myth: If a wall is vapor-permeable, warm air escapes through it, so wooden houses can’t meet strict energy standards.
✅ Fact: It’s essential to distinguish between vapor permeability (water vapor passing through materials) and airtightness (uncontrolled air leakage). Modern wooden houses have a clearly defined airtight layer (membranes, OSB boards, sealing tapes) that prevents drafts and heat loss.
At the same time, the layers are designed to allow diffusion – moisture can gradually evaporate outward without condensation inside the structure. This approach allows for passive house standards and efficient mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
Key points:
- Don’t confuse “breathing” with drafts.
- Professionally executed joints between windows and walls, ceilings and walls.
- Airtightness testing (Blower Door) as part of quality assurance.
7. Wooden houses attract pests, mold and moisture
🌀 Myth: Insects, fungi and mold supposedly “prefer” wood, which means the risk is higher than with other materials.
✅ Fact: Pests are attracted to damp, poorly ventilated and structurally flawed wood. If the wood is properly dried, protected from ground moisture, elevated off the ground and designed to allow water drainage, the conditions for pest infestation are greatly reduced. Ventilation gaps and ventilated facades prevent moisture buildup, while natural coatings can contain additional protective agents. Regular visual inspections are simple because damage to wood surfaces is easy to spot, whereas hidden concrete or masonry structures often make detection much harder.
Wood and clay-based materials help regulate indoor relative humidity, which reduces the likelihood of mold forming on interior surfaces. In a well-designed wooden house, the indoor air quality is often better since materials with low VOC emissions and free of heavy metals and solvents can be used.
8. Wooden construction is limited to rustic log cabins
🌀 Myth: Choosing a wooden house means ending up with a log cabin or Alpine-style design – nothing modern.
✅ Fact: Modern technologies offer exceptional architectural freedom. From solid cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and timber frame construction to hybrid structures with steel, glass and concrete – design possibilities are almost limitless. Minimalist cubes, flat roofs, large glass surfaces, multi-story buildings and even apartment complexes can all be built with wood. The natural texture of wood can remain visible or be finished with facade cladding, plaster, or ventilated panels in various colors and textures.
Architectural possibilities:
- Custom-designed floor plans and facades.
- Modular prefabrication for faster construction.
- Integration of smart and energy-efficient systems.
9. Wooden houses are no healthier than traditional homes
🌀 Myth: Wooden houses do not offer any particular health benefits compared to conventional masonry.
✅ Fact: Modern people spend most of their time indoors, which makes air quality crucial for well-being. Conventional buildings often accumulate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde from adhesives and heavy metals from paints, which, combined with poor ventilation, contribute to so-called “sick building syndrome” – headaches, fatigue, eye irritation and respiratory issues.
Wooden houses made from natural materials (solid wood, clay plasters, natural insulation) create a balanced indoor climate. Wood regulates humidity, clay stores heat and low-emission materials ensure cleaner air. The result is a warmer, more comfortable living environment.
10. Wooden construction destroys forests
🌀 Myth: Building wooden houses requires intensive logging that harms nature and reduces forest areas.
✅ Fact: Construction wood mainly comes from sustainably managed forests where replanting is carefully planned. During growth, trees absorb carbon dioxide, which remains stored in a wooden house for decades or even centuries. Compared to cement and steel, which have a high carbon footprint, wood has a significantly lower environmental impact.
At the end of its life cycle, wooden components can be recycled, reused, or even composted if natural coatings were applied. Mineral and synthetic materials, on the other hand, often release harmful dust and chemicals during demolition, burdening the environment long after the building is gone.
When myths fall, the truth remains
Wooden houses are much more than just a romantic alternative to masonry homes. They are earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient, durable and friendly to both health and the environment. With proper planning, high-quality materials and precise execution, wood can be transformed into a modern, sustainable home that retains its value for generations. If you’re considering living in a wooden house, you’re in the right place.
At Bauta, we combine the expertise of master carpenters, modern design, customized solutions and a responsible approach to wood. We assist you from the first idea to moving in: consulting, design, construction, energy optimization and post-move-in support. Get in touch with us and let’s create a beautiful wooden home you’ll be proud of for decades to come.
