Planning glossary
Plate
A horizontal framing member at the top or bottom of a framed wall; quantity and detailing depend on the assembly.
Example
Three plate courses along a 20-foot wall represent 60 linear feet before joints and waste.
Related concepts
Stud
A repeated vertical wall-framing member whose material, size, grade, spacing, and role come from a reviewed assembly or design.
Read definitionOn center
Spacing measured from the center of one repeated element to the center of the next, commonly abbreviated O.C.
Read definitionBearing wall
A wall intended to transfer structural loads from elements above to supports below. Intent on a sketch is not structural verification.
Read definitionUse the term in context
Definition boundaryThis planning definition is not a substitute for the definition in an adopted code, standard, contract, manufacturer instruction, or professional document. Confirm the controlling meaning for the project.