A torsel is a piece of timber embedded in a brick or stone wall that acts as a bearing plate for the end of a structural beam or floor joist. It distributes the concentrated load of the beam across a wider area of the masonry, preventing localized crushing. It also provides a nailable surface for securing the joist in place.
Heard on the job
Check the condition of the torsel before dropping the new beam in, as the old one might have rot from the damp brick.
Also heard as
- tassel
- tossel