Balloon frame

Balloon framing is a type of building construction begun in the Midwest of the United States during the middle of the nineteenth century.

A balloon frame uses long vertical two-by-fours (2 x 4 inch timber lengths) that span multiple floors. Before the balloon frame, brace frame construction was standard. Brace frame construction uses heavy timbers to create the skeleton of a structure. Brace framing was a legacy of medieval construction .

The term balloon frame began as a derogatory label because of its apparent flimsyness. The balloon frame was thought to be as fragile as a balloon. This was not the case and balloon framing spread throughout the United States. New sawmill technology allowed the creation of the two-by-four. That, with the availability of mass produced nails, created balloon frame construction as a cheaper and quicker alternative to the brace frame.