maximum number of top plates
maximum number of top plates
(OP)
I have a framer who used 6 2x6 top plates around for all the exterior walls instead of two. He also used 4 top plates on on a steel beam instead of one. How many top plates are reasonable for each condition?






RE: maximum number of top plates
What is the detail at floor to floor junction? Are some kind of metal ties going to be installed to handle uplift etc?
RE: maximum number of top plates
I was new to engineering, but, i had reasonable evidence that the traditional double-top plate was not sufficient. My supervisor approved, the contractors could not argue, and a triple top plate has been the norm ever since, for trusses spanning over 48'.
To answer the OP, I realize it is a vague answer, but, the number of top plates required is determined by whatever the design engineering requires. Without project details, i can't answer better than that. I do recall specifying to add (1) top plate in a situation to solve differing heights. but, I've never seen a need for as many top plates as you describe.
(4) top plates on a steel beam sounds unstable and unreasonable. The (6) top plates on a wood stud wall "could" be stabilized, to some extend, by the sheathing. You must decide that.
As Tmoose suggested, perhaps there was an error? This should be obvious through very little investigation.
Unfortunately, it sounds like you may have a problem to solve. Please keep us posted if you have time.
RE: maximum number of top plates
Thank you for your help!
RE: maximum number of top plates
RE: maximum number of top plates