Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
258 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
11.6.4 Double Top Plate
In traditional framing, to add support under ceiling
joists and rafters, the top plate is doubled. This also
serves to strengthen the tie holding the wall frame
together. Select long, straight lumber. Install the double
top plate with 16d nails. Place two nails near the ends of
each piece. The others are staggered 16″ apart. Locate
nails near or over the studs so subcontractors cannot hit
them with their drills while installing mechanical sys-
tems. Joints in the upper top plate should be located at
least 4′ from those in the lower top plate. At corners and
intersections, lap the joints as shown in Figure 11‑29.
A structure that may be shaken by earthquakes or
blown by hurricane-force winds requires a stronger
frame. Metal ties that secure the building to its foun-
dation are installed. These ties strengthen the joints be-
tween walls and foundations and also between rafters
and sidewalls. The ties help to reduce or eliminate the
damage from natural disasters. See Figure 11‑30. Many
of these ties are shown in Chapter 3, Building Materials.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑28. Bracing a wall with 1×4 lumber. Note how the bracing is applied when an opening interferes with the diagonal
run. Let-in bracing requires a recess be cut into the studs and plates so the bracing finishes flush with the wall surface.
Wall double
plate
Partition
double plate
Wall corner Partition intersecting
outside wall
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑29. Double plates are lap-jointed for strength
wherever they intersect.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑30. Metal ties can be used to strengthen building
frames against damaging winds and earthquakes. Metal
fasteners hold studs to the top plates. Fasteners can also be
used to secure rafters to both top plates and studs.
Workplace Skills
Handling the Pressure
As with many construction tasks, framing can get intense.
It seems like everyone is in a hurry. The pressure to
perform can be overwhelming. This is especially true if
you are the new person on a crew. Mistakes can raise
the aggravation levels of everyone. Don’t let the pressure
get to you. Perceived judgements can cause us to lack
confidence, which can lead to poor decisions. Rise to
the occasion. A fast-paced work environment can be
fun if you can relax, see the tempo as a challenge, and
take control of your reactions. As a result, your skill
and speed will improve. Before you know it, you will be
challenging others to pick up the pace!
258 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
11.6.4 Double Top Plate
In traditional framing, to add support under ceiling
joists and rafters, the top plate is doubled. This also
serves to strengthen the tie holding the wall frame
together. Select long, straight lumber. Install the double
top plate with 16d nails. Place two nails near the ends of
each piece. The others are staggered 16″ apart. Locate
nails near or over the studs so subcontractors cannot hit
them with their drills while installing mechanical sys-
tems. Joints in the upper top plate should be located at
least 4′ from those in the lower top plate. At corners and
intersections, lap the joints as shown in Figure 11‑29.
A structure that may be shaken by earthquakes or
blown by hurricane-force winds requires a stronger
frame. Metal ties that secure the building to its foun-
dation are installed. These ties strengthen the joints be-
tween walls and foundations and also between rafters
and sidewalls. The ties help to reduce or eliminate the
damage from natural disasters. See Figure 11‑30. Many
of these ties are shown in Chapter 3, Building Materials.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑28. Bracing a wall with 1×4 lumber. Note how the bracing is applied when an opening interferes with the diagonal
run. Let-in bracing requires a recess be cut into the studs and plates so the bracing finishes flush with the wall surface.
Wall double
plate
Partition
double plate
Wall corner Partition intersecting
outside wall
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑29. Double plates are lap-jointed for strength
wherever they intersect.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑30. Metal ties can be used to strengthen building
frames against damaging winds and earthquakes. Metal
fasteners hold studs to the top plates. Fasteners can also be
used to secure rafters to both top plates and studs.
Workplace Skills
Handling the Pressure
As with many construction tasks, framing can get intense.
It seems like everyone is in a hurry. The pressure to
perform can be overwhelming. This is especially true if
you are the new person on a crew. Mistakes can raise
the aggravation levels of everyone. Don’t let the pressure
get to you. Perceived judgements can cause us to lack
confidence, which can lead to poor decisions. Rise to
the occasion. A fast-paced work environment can be
fun if you can relax, see the tempo as a challenge, and
take control of your reactions. As a result, your skill
and speed will improve. Before you know it, you will be
challenging others to pick up the pace!