“Timber Framing”
June 9 and 13 Segment
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.