Framing fastener schedule

Why the schedule mattersTable R602.3(1)#

The prescriptive framing tables in the residential code assume the fastener schedule in Table R602.3(1) is followed exactly. If you under-fasten, the table is no longer valid and you need a stamped engineering package to justify the design.

Inspectors check fasteners against this table. Substitutions (collated gun nails for common nails, staples for nails) are allowed only when explicitly called out in the adopted table.

Common connections#

A partial list of the most frequently-inspected connections and their prescriptive fasteners. Always verify against the adopted table before framing.

• Sole plate to joist or blocking: 16d common at 16 inches on center
• Top plate to top plate: 10d common at 24 inches on center
• Stud to sole plate, toe-nail: three 8d common per stud
• Stud to sole plate, end-nail: two 16d common per stud
• Built-up header: 16d common at 16 inches on center along each edge
• Rim joist to top plate: 8d common at 6 inches on center
• Joist to sill or girder, toe-nail: three 8d common per joist
• Rafter to top plate, toe-nail: three 16d common per rafter

Collated vs common nails#

Most framing crews use collated pneumatic nails. The adopted table lists equivalent box nail sizes for gun nails, but the diameter and length must meet or exceed the listed common nail. Undersized gun nails are one of the most common framing inspection fails.

Shear wall sheathingTable R602.3(3)#

Wall sheathing acting as a braced wall panel has its own nailing schedule, usually 8d common at 6 inches on the edges and 12 inches in the field. If the plans designate a panel as part of the lateral-force-resisting system, those edges tighten to 3 or 4 inches on center.

Common inspection flags#

The fastener-related failures that come up most often:

• Sole plate under-nailed at 24 inches instead of 16
• Toe-nails missing entirely where end-grain splits were a problem
• Undersized gun nails substituted for 16d commons in built-up headers
• Braced wall panel edges nailed at 6 inches when plans required 4
• Top plate splices without the required lap or tie-plate