Meet the Code
The following is a partial list of requirements from
the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) for
One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Consult the publi-
cation for the full text and additional provisions.
All Framing (R502, R602, R802)
Identification:
• all load-bearing dimension lumber to be identified
by grade mark or have certificate of inspection
• preservative-treated lumber to bear the quality
mark of an approved inspection agency
Wood Floor Framing (R502)
Design and construction:
• if supported by a wall, decks to be fastened with-
out toenails or nails subject to withdrawal
• joist spans in American Forest & Paper Association
(AF&PA) Span Tables for Joists and Rafters
• floor cantilever spans to not exceed the nominal
depth of the wood floor joist
• joists under parallel bearing partitions to be of ade-
quate size to support load. Double joists, separated
for piping or vents, to be solid blocked @ ≤4' oc
• bearing partitions perpendicular to joists not offset
from supporting girders, walls or partitions more
than joist depth unless joists of sufficient size
• spans of girders fabricated of dimension lumber to
be in accordance with AF&PA Span Tables
• ends of joists, beams, and girders to have ≥1.5"
bearing on wood or metal and ≥3" on masonry or
concrete except where supported on a 1x4 ribbon
and nailed to the adjacent stud, or by joist hangers
• joists framed from opposite sides over a bearing
support to lap ≥3" and be nailed together with ≥3
10d face nails or be spliced for equal strength
• joists butting a wood girder to be supported by
framing anchors or ≥2×2 ledger strips
• joists supported at ends by solid blocking, or a
header, band, or rim joist, or to an adjoining stud
• joists ≥2×12 nominal supported laterally by solid
blocking, diagonal bridging, or a continuous 1×
3 strip nailed across bottoms at ≤8' oc
192 FRAMING
Notches in sawn joists, rafters, and beams:
• depth ≤1⁄ 6 of member depth, length ≤1⁄ 3 of member
depth, and not located in middle 1⁄ 3 of span
• at the ends, ≤1⁄ 4 depth of the member
• tension side of members of ≥4" nominal thickness
not to be notched except at ends
• hole diameters ≤D/3 and ≥2" from edges or
another hole.
Notches in engineered wood products:
• cuts, notches, and holes in trusses, structural compos-
ite lumber, structural glue-laminated members, or
I-joists prohibited except where permitted by manu-
facturer recommendations or professional design
Floor openings:
• floor openings to be framed with header and trim-
mer joists. When header span ≤4', single header
may be same size as floor joist. Single trimmer
joists may carry a single header joist located ≤3'
of trimmer bearing. When header span >4', trim-
mers and header to be doubled
• hangers to be used for header to trimmer connec-
tion when header span >6'
• tail joists >12' to be supported at header by fram-
ing anchors or on ≥2×2 ledger strips
Wood trusses.
• must comply with ANSI/TPI 1
• to be braced as shown on truss design drawings
• not to be cut, notched, or spliced
• additions of load (e.g., HVAC equipment, water
heater, etc.), exceeding design load for the truss
not permitted without verification
• truss design drawings to be submitted to building
official and provided with delivered trusses
Draftstopping:
• where usable space exists above and below con-
cealed space of a floor/ceiling assembly, draft-
stops to be installed so area of concealed space
≤1,000 sq ft and divided into equal areas
Wood Wall Framing (R602)
Exterior wall design and construction:
• exterior walls to be designed and constructed in
accordance with AF&PA’s NDS
• exterior walls with foam sheathing to be braced
• structural sheathing fastened directly to framing
• if double top plates are used, top plate joints are
offset ≥24"
• single top plate allowed if plate tied at joints, cor-
ners and intersecting walls by a ≥3" by 6" galva-
nized steel plate nailed by six 8d nails on each side
• where joists, trusses, or rafters are spaced >16" oc
and bearing studs spaced 24" oc, members to bear
within 5" of studs. Exceptions: 2'2" by 6" top
plates, 2'3" by 4" top plates, a third top plate, or
solid blocking reinforcing the double top plate
• studs to bear fully on a ≥2" nominal plate
Interior wall design and construction:
• load-bearing walls to be constructed, framed and
fireblocked as specified for exterior walls.
• 2×3 @ 24" oc nonbearing walls permitted
Drilling and notching:
• studs in exterior wall or bearing partition may be
cut or notched to depth ≤25 percent of width
• studs in nonbearing partitions may be notched to
a depth ≤40 percent of width
• stud holes ≤60 percent of width and ≥5 ⁄ 8" from
edge
• studs in exterior and bearing walls drilled between
40 percent and 60 percent to be doubled
• if top plate cut >50 percent of width, a galvanized
metal tie ≥0.054" by 11⁄ 4" to be fastened both
sides with eight 16d nails or equivalent, except if
wall covered by wood structural panel sheathing
Fireblocking required in:
• concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions,
including furred spaces and parallel rows of studs
or staggered studs: vertically at ceiling and floor,
and horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10'
Roof Framing (R802)
Design and construction:
• for pitch ≥ 3/12, rafters fastened to ridge board or
gusset plates. Ridge board full depth on cut rafter
• where ceiling joists and rafters not connected at
top wall plate, rafter ties required
• where ceiling joists or rafter ties not provided, the
ridge to be supported by a wall or girder
• collar ties or ridge straps, spaced ≤4' oc, to be con-
nected in the upper third of attic space
• ceiling joists to be lapped ≥3" or butted and
toenailed to a bearing member. Ceiling joists
resisting rafter thrust to be fastened to resist such
thrust
• ceiling joist and rafter spans as in AF&PA Span
Tables for Joists and Rafters
• rafter and ceiling joist ends to have ≥11/2" bearing on
wood or metal and ≥3" on masonry or concrete
Drilling and notching:
• notches in solid lumber joists, rafters, and beams:
depth ≤D/6, length ≤D/3, and not in the middle
1⁄ 3 of span
• notches at ends of the member ≤D/4
• tension edge if D≥4" not notched except at ends
• hole diameters ≤D/3 and ≥2" from edges or
another hole
Exception: Notch on cantilever permitted if D of
remaining portion ≥4" and the length ≤24"
• cuts, notches, and holes in trusses, structural com-
posite lumber, structural glue-laminated members,
or I-joists prohibited except where permitted by
manufacturer recommendations or professional
design
• rafters and ceiling joists >2×10 nominal braced
against rotation
• rafters and ceiling joists ≥2×12 supported laterally by
solid blocking, diagonal bridging, or a continuous
1×3 strip nailed across bottoms at ≤8' oc
Framing of roof openings same as floor openings
Wood roof trusses same as wood floor trusses
Meet the Code 193
194
0 1 2 3 4 5

Sheathing 7
If the frame is the building's skeleton, then the sheathing is its APA Sheathing Panels   196
skin. Sheathing functions to enclose the building in an airtight APA Subflooring   200
barrier, to strengthen its studs, joists, and rafters by tying them APA Underlayment   201
together, to brace the building against racking (twisting) under
APA Sturd-I-Floor   202
wind and seismic forces, and to provide a base for flooring,
APA Glued Floor   204
siding, and roofing. By far, most sheathing is done with panels
manufactured according to standards established by the Engineered APA Wall Sheathing   205
Wood Association (www.apawood.org). This trade organization APA Roof Sheathing   206
(once known as the American Plywood Association, or APA) Wall Bracing   208
provides extensive technical support relating to all engineered wood
products. Most of the material in this chapter is adapted from an
APA booklet, Engineered Wood Construction Guide. The chap-
ter begins by showing and explaining the grade stamps for all of
the APA sheathing panels. Next, illustrations and tables show you
all you'll ever need to know about APA subflooring, underlayment,
Sturd-I-Floor®, glued floor, wall sheathing, roof sheathing, and
wall bracing.

195
 APA Sheathing Panels
Panels for construction can be manufactured in a Typical APA Grade Stamp
variety of ways: as plywood (cross-laminated wood
veneer), as oriented strand board (OSB), or as other
wood-based panel products.
Some plywood is manufactured under the pro- A PA
THE ENGINEERED
APA logo

visions of Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-95 for WOOD ASSOCIATION

Construction and Industrial Plywood, a detailed
manufacturing specification developed coopera-
Span
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR Panel grade
tively by the plywood industry and the U.S.
Department of Commerce. Other plywood panels,
rating
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
23/32 INCH Thickness

however, as well as composite and OSB pan-
els, are manufactured under the provisions of
APA Performance Standard PRP-108, or under
Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-04.
These APA performance-rated panels are easy
to use and specify because the recommended end
use and maximum support spacings are indicated
in the APA grade stamp (see illustration at right).
The list at right describes the face (outside)
veneer grading system. The face veneers are often of
different grades so that less expensive veneers can be
used on the side of the panel that will not show.
The tables on the following pages constitute
a lumberyard guide to APA sheathing, includ-
ing veneered and nonveneered panels, and panels
intended for exterior and interior conditions.
Bond Classification
The bond classification relates to moisture resis-
tance of the glue bond, and thus to structural
integrity of the panel.
Exterior  panels are suitable for repeated wet-
ting and redrying or long-term exposure.
Exposure 1  panels are intended to resist
the effects of moisture during construction and for
exterior use where not directly exposed to water.
Exposure 1 panels are made with the same adhesives
used in Exterior panels. However, due to other fac-
tors affecting bond performance, only Exterior panels
should be used for long-term exposure to weather.
Interior  panels are manufactured with inte-
rior glue and are intended for interior uses only.
Tongue &
groove T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2
Mill no. EXPOSURE 1 Bond
classification
Product 000
standard PS 1-95 UNDERLAYMENT
PRP-108 Performance
standard
Plywood Veneer Face Grades
A This smooth, paintable veneer allows not
more than 18 neatly made repairs that run parallel
to the grain. Wood or synthetic repairs permitted.
It may be used as natural finish in less demanding
applications.
B Solid-surface veneer permits shims, sled or
router repairs, tight knots to 1 inch across the grain, and
minor splits. Wood or synthetic repairs permitted.
C-Plugged Improved C veneer has splits lim-
ited to 1⁄8-inch width and knotholes and other open
defects limited to 1⁄4 by 1⁄2 inch. It admits some bro-
ken grain. Wood or synthetic repairs also permitted.
C This veneer has tight knots to 11⁄ 2 inches. It
has knotholes to 1 inch across the grain with some
to 11⁄2 inches if the total width of knots and knot-
holes is within specified limits. Repairs are synthetic
or wood. Discoloration and sanding defects that do
not impair strength permitted. Limited splits and
stitching are allowed.
D Knots and knotholes to 21⁄ 2-inch width
across the grain, and 1⁄2 inch larger within specified
limits, are allowed. Limited splits and stitching per-
mitted. This face grade is limited to Exposure I or
Interior panels.

196 SHEATHING
 APA Performance-Rated Panels

Typical APA Grade Stamp Thicknesses Grade Designation, Description, and Uses
5
/16 APA RATED SHEATHING

A PA A PA
3
/8
7
/16 Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior, Exposure 1
THE ENGINEERED THE ENGINEERED 15
/32
WOOD ASSOCIATION WOOD ASSOCIATION 1
/2 Specially designed for subflooring and wall and roof sheathing.
19
/32 Also good for a broad range of other construction and industrial applications.
RATED SHEATHING RATED SHEATHING 5
/8 Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or other wood-based panel.
40/20 19/32 INCH
24/16 7/16 INCH 23
/32
SIZED FOR SPACING 3
SIZED FOR SPACING /4
EXPOSURE 1 EXPOSURE 1
000 000
PS 2-04 SHEATHING PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40

5
/16 APA STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING

A PA A PA
3
/8
7
/16 Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior, Exposure 1
THE ENGINEERED THE ENGINEERED 15
/32
WOOD ASSOCIATION WOOD ASSOCIATION 1
/2 Unsanded grade for use where shear and cross-panel strength properties
19
/32 are of maximum importance, such as panelized roofs and diaphragms.
RATED SHEATHING RATED SHEATHING 5 Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or other wood-based panel.
/8
STRUCTURAL I
32/16 15/32 INCH 23
/32
32/16 15/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING 3
/4
SIZED FOR SPACING EXPOSURE 1
EXPOSURE 1 000
000 STRUCTURAL I RATED
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108 DIAPHRAGMS-SHEAR WALLS
PANELIZED ROOFS
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40

19
/32 APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR

A PA A PA
5
/8
23
/32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior, Exposure 1
3
THE ENGINEERED THE ENGINEERED /4
WOOD ASSOCIATION WOOD ASSOCIATION 1 Specially designed as combination subfloor-underlayment. Provides smooth
11/8 surface for application of carpet and pad and possesses high concentrated
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and impact load resistance. Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
23/32 INCH
20 oc 19/32 INCH other wood-based panel. Available square edge or tongue-and-groove.
SIZED FOR SPACING
T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2 T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2
EXPOSURE 1 EXPOSURE 1
000 000
PS 2-04 SINGLE FLOOR PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40

11
/32 APA RATED SIDING

A PA A PA
3
/8
7
/16 Exposure Durability Classification: Exterior
15
THE ENGINEERED THE ENGINEERED /32
WOOD ASSOCIATION WOOD ASSOCIATION 1
/2 For exterior siding, fencing, etc. Can be manufactured as plywood, as a
19
/32 composite, or as an overlaid OSB. Both panel and lap siding available.
RATED SIDING RATED SIDING 5
/8 Special surface treatment such as V-groove, channel groove, deep groove
24 oc 19/32 INCH 303-18-S/W
11/32 INCH (such as APA Texture 1-11), brushed, roughsawn, and overlaid (MDO)
SIZED FOR SPACING 16 oc GROUP 1 with smooth- or texture-embossed face. Span rating (stud spacing for
EXTERIOR SIZED FOR SPACING
siding qualified for APA Sturd-I-Wall applications) and face grade
000 EXTERIOR
classification (for veneer-faced siding) indicated in trademark.
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40 000
PS 1-95 PRP-108
HUD-UM-40

APA Sheathing Panels 197

 APA Sanded and Touch-Sanded Plywood Panels

Typical APA Grade Stamp Thicknesses Grade Designation, Description, and Uses
APA A-A
1
/4, 11/32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior
3 15
/8, /32
A-A • G-1 • EXPOSURE 1-APA • 000 • PS1-95 1
/2, 19/32 Use where appearance of both sides is important for interior applications
5
/8, 23/32 such as built-ins, cabinets, furniture, partitions; and exterior applications
3
/4 such as fences, signs, boats, shipping containers, tanks, ducts, etc. Smooth
surfaces suitable for painting.

1 APA A-B
/4, 11/32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior
3 15
/8, /32
A-B • G-1 • EXPOSURE 1-APA • 000 • PS1-95 1
/2, 19/32 For use where appearance of one side is less important but where two solid
5
/8, 23/32 surfaces are necessary.
3
/4

A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION 1
/4, 11/32 APA A-C
3 15
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior
1
/2, 19/32
A-C GROUP 1 5
/8, 23/32 For use where appearance of only one side is important in exterior or interior
3
/4 applications, such as soffits, fences, farm buildings, etc.
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95

A PA
THE ENGINEERED 1
WOOD ASSOCIATION /4, 11/32 APA A-D
3 15
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1
1 19
/2, /32
A-D GROUP 1
5
3
/8, 23/32 For use where appearance of only one side is important in interior
/4 applications, such as paneling, built-ins, shelving, partitions, flow racks, etc.
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95

1
/4, 11/32 APA B-B
3 15
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior
1
B-B • G-2 • EXT-APA • 000 • PS1-95 /2, 19/32
5
/8, 23/32 Utility panels with two solid sides.
3
/4

A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION 1
/4, 11/32 APA B-C
3 15
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior
1 19
/2, /32
B-C GROUP 1 5
/8, 23/32 Utility panel for farm service and work buildings, boxcar and truck linings,
3
/4 containers, tanks, agricultural equipment, as a base for exterior coatings, and
EXTERIOR other exterior uses or applications subject to high or continuous moisture.
000
PS 1-95

198 SHEATHING
 APA Sanded and Touch-Sanded Plywood Panels—Continued

Typical APA Grade Stamp Thicknesses Grade Designation, Description, and Uses

A PA
THE ENGINEERED 1
/4, 11 /32 APA B-D
WOOD ASSOCIATION 15
3
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1,
1
/2, 19/32
Utility panel for backing, sides of built-ins, industry shelving, slip sheets,
B-D
5
GROUP 2 /8, 23/32
3
/4 separator boards, bins, and other interior or protected applications.
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95

A PA
THE ENGINEERED
APA UNDERLAYMENT
WOOD ASSOCIATION
1
/4, 11 /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1,
3 15
/8, /32
UNDERLAYMENT
1
/2, 19/32 For application over structural subfloor. Provides smooth surface for
5
/8, 23/32 application of carpet and pad and possesses high concentrated and impact
GROUP 1 3
/4 load resistance. For areas to be covered with resilient flooring, specify
EXPOSURE 1 panels with "sanded face."
000
PS 1-95

A PA
THE ENGINEERED
APA C-C PLUGGED
Exposure Durability Classifications: Exterior
WOOD ASSOCIATION 11
/
32,
3
/ 8,
15
/
32,
1
/ 2, For use as an underlayment over structural subfloor, refrigerated or controlled
C-C PLUGGED 19
/
32,
5
/ 8, atmosphere storage rooms, open soffits, and other similar applications where
23
/ 3
/4 continuous or severe moisture may be present. Provides smooth surface for
GROUP 2 32,
application of carpet and pad and possesses high concentrated and impact
EXTERIOR load resistance. For areas to be covered with resilient flooring, specify panels
000 with "sanded face."
PS 1-95

A PA
THE ENGINEERED 15
APA C-D PLUGGED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
3
/8, /32 Exposure Durability Classifications: Interior, Exposure 1
1
/2, 19/32
5
/8, 23/32 For open soffits, built-ins, cable reels, separator boards, and other interior or
C-D PLUGGED
3
/4 protected applications. Not a substitute for underlayment or APA rated
GROUP 2 Sturd-I-Floor as it lacks their puncture resistance.
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95

APA Sheathing Panels 199

 APA Subflooring
APA Panel Subflooring Details

Stagger end joints (optional)

1
/8" spacing is recommended at all edge
and end joints unless otherwise indicated
by panel manufacturer

2x joists, I-joists, or floor trusses

APA RATED SHEATHING

Wood strip,
wood blocks,
or lightweight
concrete flooring
2x rim joist or APA rim board
Notes:
Provide adequate moisture control and use ground cover vapor retarder in crawl space. Subfloor must be dry before
applying subsequent layers.

For buildings with wood or steel framed walls, provide 3/4" expansion joints with separate floor framing members and
discontinuous wall plates over the joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to 80 ft maximum in length or width, to
allow for accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather conditions.

APA Panel Subflooring (APA Rated Sheathing)1

Maximum Nail Spacing, in

Panel Span Thickness, Maximum Span, Nail Size Supported Intermediate

Rating in in and Type4 Panel Edges5 Supports
24/16 7⁄ 16 16 6d common 6 12
32/16 15⁄ 32, 1⁄ 2 16 8d common 2
6 12
40/20 19⁄ 32, 5⁄ 8 20
3
8d common 6 12
48/24 23⁄ 32, 3⁄ 4 24 8d common 6 12
60/32 5⁄ 8 32 8d common 6 12

Source: Engineered Wood Construction Guide (Tacoma, WA: APA—The Engineered Wood Association, 2005)
1
APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor may be substituted when span rating is ≥ tabulated maximum span.
2
6d common nail permitted if panel thickness ≤1⁄2”.
3
Span may be 24” if ≥11⁄ 2” of lightweight concrete is applied over panels.
4
Other code-approved fasteners may be used.
5
Supported panel joints to lie along the centerline of framing with ≥11⁄2” bearing. Fasteners to be 3⁄ 8” from panel edges.

200 SHEATHING
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APA Underlayment
APA Plywood Underlayment Details

APA plywood underlayment. See table below Stagger end joints

for underlayment recommendations (optional for subfloor panels)
for thin flooring products

Stagger end joints in underlayment

panels (optional under carpet and pad)

Nonstructural APA RATED SHEATHING

flooring, tile, sheet or board subflooring
goods, or carpet (subflooring must be dry
before laying underlayment)
Provide 1/32" space
between underlayment panels
No blocking required if
underlayment joints are
offset from subfloor joints

APA Plywood Underlayment

Max Fastener Spacing4

Minimum Fastener Size Panel Intermediate

Plywood Grades1 Application Thickness and Type Edges3 Supports
APA Underlayment Over smooth 1⁄ 4” 3d × 11⁄4” 3” 6 each way
APA C-C Plugged Ext subfloor ring-shank nails2

Rated Sturd-I-Floor Over lumber subfloor 11⁄ 32” min 121⁄2-ga 6” 8 each way
(19⁄32” or thicker) or uneven surfaces (0.099”) shank dia

Source: Engineered Wood Construction Guide (Tacoma, WA: APA—The Engineered Wood Association, 2005)
1
In areas to be finished with resilient floor coverings such as tile or sheet vinyl, or with fully adhered carpet, specify
Under­layment, C-C Plugged or veneer-faced Sturd-I-Floor with “sanded face.” Underlayment A-C, Underlayment B-C,
Marine Ext, or sanded plywood grades marked “Plugged Crossbands Under Face,” “Plugged Crossbands (or Core),”
“Plugged Inner Plies,” or “Meets Under­layment Requirements” may also be used under resilient floor coverings.
Use 4d x 11⁄ 2” ring-shank nails, minimum 121⁄ 2 gage (0.099”) shank dia, for underlayment panels 19⁄ 32” to 3⁄ 4” thick.
2

3
Fasten panels 3⁄8” from panel edges.
4
Fasteners for 5-ply plywood underlayment panels and for panels greater than 1⁄ 2” thick may be spaced 6” oc at edges
and 12” each way intermediate.

APA Underlayment 201

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