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that a double bottom plate be used so that there is a nailing surface at the bottom for affixing wallboard and finishes. Where the drywall is contributing to the strength of a braced wall panel, the second bottom wall plate is needed for attachment purposes. For load-bearing walls, unless the roof rafters or trusses are positioned within 50 mm (2 in.) over the wall studs, the top plate must be doubled. This second top plate usually laps the first plate at the corners and partition intersections and, when nailed in place,
provides an additional tie to the framed walls. Where the second top plate does not lap the plate immediately underneath at corner and partition intersections, they may be held together with 0.91 mm (0.036 in.) galvanized steel plates at least 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 150 mm (6 in.) long, nailed with at least three 63 mm (21⁄2 in.) nails to each wall. Lintels are the horizontal members placed over window, door and other openings to carry loads to the studs on either side of the opening (Figure 68). They are usually constructed of
68 Wall framing used with platform construction top plate nailed to each stud top plates nailed together
stud toenailed to bottom plate
top plates at corners and load bearing partitions lapped and nailed or tied with a metal plate fastened to the top plates
butt joint with metal tie or lap top plate
temporary brace
double studs at openings and multiple studs at corners and intersections
stud and jack stud
bottom plate nailed to joist or rim joist
cripple/trimmer stud window opening lintel
subfloor let-in bracing or metal strapping when no or non-structural sheathing is used
Note: Where the lintel exceeds 3 m (10 ft.), the jack stud needs to be doubled on both sides of the opening.