Block vs Wood Frame Construction: Which Is Better for Real Estate Investors?

[Jorge Vazquez]

Here’s the truth after 20+ years and 3,500 deals: it’s not as simple as “block is better.”

Yes, block is tougher in storms, insurers like it more, and people think it lasts forever. But tenants don’t walk into a rental asking if it’s block or wood—they ask if it’s safe, clean, and in the right neighborhood.

Wood frame, on the other hand, gets unfairly hated on. Some of Tampa Bay’s hottest neighborhoods (Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Ybor) are full of wood frame homes, and people happily pay premiums to live there. They’re also cheaper to buy, easier to fix plumbing and electrical on, and loaded with character. The termite thing? Even block houses have wood in them—maintenance is what matters.

As an investor, I run the math. If a wood frame rents for the same as a block but costs $30K less to buy, guess which one gives me a better return? That’s what I call Tonka Thinking: don’t get distracted by shiny myths—focus on what’s functional, durable, and gives you velocity with your money.

So block vs wood? Both work. The “better” option is the one that makes the numbers sing for your strategy.

Curious—how do you all approach it? Do you avoid wood frame, or do you buy it when the deal makes sense?