balloon frame

noun

1. a wooden building frame composed of machine-sawed scantlings fastened with nails, having studs rising the full height of the frame with the joists nailed to the studs and supported by sills or by ribbons let into the studs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balloon frame¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

The balloon-frame house is a typical form of framed construction, Fig. 300.

From Project Gutenberg

If a mechanic is employed, the Balloon Frame can be put up for forty per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

The Balloon frame (fig. 36) is composed of much smaller scantlings and is more rapidly erected and less expensive.

From Project Gutenberg

They are built of wood, balloon frame, with a plain pitch roof, without ornament.

From Project Gutenberg

The early history of the Balloon Frame, is somewhat obscure, there being no well authenticated statements of its origin.

From Project Gutenberg