Why is the walls made of paper or cardboard?

After my embarrassing elbow incident and seeing that visible circular hole near the baseboard, with all that white debris scattered on the floor, I really dug into why American walls often feel so much flimsier than what you might find in Europe or other parts of the world. It’s not just you – many people notice this! The primary reason boils down to construction methods and materials, mainly the widespread use of drywall (or gypsum board) combined with wood framing. Unlike many older European homes built with solid brick, stone, or concrete, modern American houses predominantly use a 'stick-built' approach. This means a skeleton of wooden studs, joists, and beams forms the structure, which is then covered with sheets of drywall. What is Drywall? It's basically a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It's incredibly common because it's relatively inexpensive, quick to install, and offers decent fire resistance compared to older wall finishes like plaster and lath. However, it's not designed for heavy impact. A casual lean or an accidental bump, like my elbow, can easily create a dent or even a circular hole through it, making it seem like the wall is made of 'paper or cardboard' as the original title mentioned. Why Wood Framing? Wood framing is popular for several reasons. It's readily available, renewable, and generally more affordable than masonry construction. It's also lighter, which can be an advantage in earthquake-prone areas, as lighter structures tend to perform better. The construction process is faster, contributing to quicker build times and lower labor costs. However, a downside is that wood-framed walls, especially interior ones, are often hollow, making them less soundproof and less robust against physical impact compared to solid walls. This explains why an accidental impact can leave a light-colored wall with visible damage. So, while American walls might feel 'thin' or 'weak' compared to solid concrete, they serve their purpose efficiently. They are designed for cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and to meet energy efficiency standards (they are easy to insulate). The good news is that drywall damage, even a noticeable circular hole like the one I saw, is usually quite repairable. You can patch it up, repaint it, and often make it look as good as new without needing major structural work. It’s part of the trade-off for the building methods we commonly use here. It's definitely something to consider when you're thinking about hanging heavy shelves or just, you know, leaning too hard!