Nuts & Bolts: Timber Framing

“Timber Framing”
June 9 and 13 Segment

11 H ussey Street
Interior of 11 Hussey Street a historic Nantucket house built using timber framing

 

Ever wonder how early Nantucket houses were built? They used timber framing—the standard construction method until the mid-1800s. Building materials were scarce and, like today, had to be shipped from the mainland. Timbers were hand-hewned, joined together, then numbered for easy re-assembly by the Nantucket carpenter. Timber elements were proudly exposed on the house interior, and horizontal beams were decorated with a bead or champfer along the edges. These elements provide character and help make a Nantucket house historic.

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