_Types Explained_
[Illustration: BRACED-FRAME]
There are no sharp distinctions between the various types of
wooden frame construction. But in order to classify certain tendencies,
we will arbitrarily define four types. To these we will give the names
of braced-frame, balloon-frame, combination-frame, and platform-frame.
The braced-frame is the oldest type, and originated in Colonial days
in New England. It was developed under the influence of a tradition of
heavy, European half-timber construction, and also nourished by the
abundance of wood directly at hand. The fact that nails were not made,
except by hand, urged the carpenters to use methods of fastening which
required as few as possible. Because of these factors, then, certain
definite characteristics of this type of wooden frame construction
manifest themselves in the use of timbers, far larger than necessary
for safety, and joints consisting of mortises and tenons.
As the sawmill became mechanically more rapid, and as nails were being
turned out by machines more plentifully, the Yankee who went West
on adventuresome trips, and cared little for a permanent dwelling,
devised a system of light-frame construction which became known as
the balloon-frame. This was put together with the greatest speed, and
required only nails for fastening all joints. The timbers which were
used were standardized to one size, namely, 2 inches by 4 inches.
[Illustration: CORNER CONSTRUCTION OF BRACED-FRAME