CHAPTER LXXI 

 CONSTRUCTING THE FARMHOUSE 



The Full Frame. The full frame corresponds to the full 

 frame for barns, made of dimension stuff, mortised and pinned 

 together, and in which the wall frames are raised as a unit. 

 This framing began to be displaced by the balloon frame 

 about 1850, and is now used only in a modified form. It 

 resists fire better than the balloon frame, but may not be any 

 more substantial. 



The Balloon Frame. The balloon frame is made of light 

 timbers, usually 2 inches thick and of varying widths. The 

 usual method of construction is to lay the sills, which may be 

 either a box sill of two 2x8 timbers, or a 4x6 timber. The 

 latter is halved in splicing at the angles and in the corners. 

 In the case of the box sill, one piece is laid on the wall and 

 the other on edge upon the first. The sills support the first- 

 floor joists, and from them, also, the studs, generally 2x4's, 

 are erected. The studs are made double at the corners and 

 at each side of the openings for doors or windows. They are 

 placed 16 or 12 inches o. c. (apart), the former being the usual 

 spacing. The studs extend to a double plate of two 2x4 

 scantlings. They may be extended by a second piece placed 

 end to end and spliced with boards nailed on each side. The 

 joists for the second floor are supported by a girt or ribbon of 

 Ix4-inch boards let into the studding. The studding at 

 each corner should have a Ix6-inch brace notched in, or a 

 diagonal brace made from a 2x4 fitted between the studs . The 

 rafters for the attic are supported by the top plate and the 

 joists. A common practice is to use a box sill, lay the rough 



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