Bottom plates are the horizontal pieces of lumber that form the base of a wall. They are typically made from 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber, depending on the thickness of the wall. The bottom plate is nailed to the floor joists which creates the foundation for the wall framing.
Material Selection for Bottom Plates
In most cases, standard, untreated construction lumber can be used for bottom plates. However, there are situations where treated lumber might be necessary. For instance, if the bottom plate will be attached to concrete or another material besides wood, then treated lumber should be used to prevent rot and decay. Treated lumber might be required if the building plans specifically call for it.
When installing double floor joists, it is important to ensure that they are properly aligned and supported.
Double Floor Joists
Double floor joists may be required when framing walls that run parallel to the floor joists. Floor joists are the horizontal beams that support the subfloor of a building. They typically run perpendicular to the walls. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to frame walls that run parallel to the floor joists. When this is done, it is important to install double floor joists under the wall.
