balloon frame

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of balloon frame

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

In the balloon frame the timbers are held together entirely by nails and spikes, thus permitting them to be put up rapidly.

From Project Gutenberg

Of further interest in Shaw's plate is the dress of the workmen and the balloon frame of the house under construction.

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

The Balloon Frame has for more than twenty years been before the building public.

From Project Gutenberg

Like all successful improvements, which thrive on their own merits, the Balloon Frame has passed through and survived the theory, ridicule and abuse of all who have seen fit to attack it, and may be reckoned among the prominent inventions of the present generation, an invention neither fostered nor developed by any hope of great rewards, but which plainly and boldly acknowledges its origin in necessity.

From Project Gutenberg