rearingmainstays

Rearingmainstays are a term used to describe temporary structural elements that brace buildings and other structures during construction, renovation, or stabilization. The name implies supports that stand upright or lean rearward to resist lateral forces until a permanent system is in place.

They typically comprise adjustable timber or steel members connected to existing framing at regular intervals, often forming a triangulated frame. The members can be lengthened or shortened and are anchored to floor or wall elements. They differ from permanent diagonal bracing by their temporary status and removable nature; materials include seasoned timber, steel tubes, or hollow-section profiles.

Their primary function is to prevent walls, partitions, or other components from shifting during framing, sheathing, or load transfer. They are engaged at the onset of work and removed once the permanent bracing and structure are ready to carry loads. In some contexts, rearingmainstays also provide access or alignment cues for operators.

History and usage: The term appears in historical construction manuals and is cited in some regional carpentry traditions. In contemporary practice, equivalent systems are more commonly described as temporary or adjustable bracing, scaffolding supports, or load-transfer props.

See also: bracing, temporary supports, diagonal braces.