General
topping out
What does topping out mean?
The traditional ceremony when the final, highest structural beam is hoisted into place on a new building. Typically the beam is painted white, signed by the crew, and flown with an American flag and an evergreen tree lashed to it. Roots trace back to Scandinavian tree-topping rituals — bringing a tree to the top of the new structure to appease the spirits of the displaced trees. Now it's a crew milestone, an excuse for food, beer, and photos.
"Topping out's Friday — owner's springing for barbecue on the deck."
Origin
Ancient Scandinavian builders' tradition of placing a tree atop a new structure to honour the spirits of trees felled for timber. Carried into modern ironwork via German and English masons.
Frequently asked questions
What does topping out mean in construction?
Topping out is the ceremony that marks placing the highest beam on a building.
How do you use topping out in a sentence?
For example: 'They held the topping out when the final beam went up on the tower.'
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