I was referring to them in-game terms. Aside from temples, fortresses, bridges, and tombs, they build entirely with wood. I'm not talking real world humans, otherwise I'd say whatever. If we're going to stick with a theme, then stick with it though. Sure working with wood is a pain, but it's a hell of alot easier with the sawmill thing which can make it a better (and easily replaced) alternative to stone. Stone is the realm of the dwarf in dwarf fortress, not humans.
Plus since you'll be needing so much wood, if you wanna deliberatly piss the elves off you can do so just by gathering your building supplies! always a plus!
And I don't see why they'd need any learning handicaps outside of stoneworking and maybe metalworking, since those are are intended to be what dwarves are known for, not humans. They already get penalties regarding armor wieght, lacking trancing, and lacking knowlege of cavern beasties, should the caverns be tapped for the wealth they contain. The only true advantages they have are size and more weapons/clothing available to them. Compared to dwarves they're laughable otherwise, blundering about on the surface and relying on wood.
Should stone NEVER be used? not what I meant. I meant that's more something you build monuments, forgeworks, or catacombs with as humans, not general living quarters.