Engineered Wood Construction Guide PDF

ENGINEERED WOOD
CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Note: This version is superseded by a more current edition. Check the
current edition for updated design and application recommendations.
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
The Miracle Material

Wood is the right choice for a host of construction applications. It is the
earths natural, energy efficient and renewable building material.
Engineered wood is a better use of wood. The miracle in todays wood
products is that they make more efficient use of the wood fiber resource
to make stronger plywood, oriented strand board, I-joists, glued laminated timbers, and
laminated veneer lumber. Thats good for the environment, and good for designers seeking
strong, efficient, and striking building design.
A few facts about wood.

Were not running out of trees. One-third of the United States land base
731 million acres is covered by forests. About two-thirds of that 731
million acres is suitable for repeated planting and harvesting of timber. But
only about half of the land suitable for growing timber is open to logging.
Most of that harvestable acreage also is open to other uses, such as
camping, hiking, and hunting. Forests fully cover one-half of Canadas land mass. Of
this forestland, nearly half is considered productive, or capable of producing timber on a
sustained yield basis. Canada has the highest per capita accumulation of protected natural
areas in the world areas including national and provincial parks.
Were growing more wood every day. American landowners plant

more than two billion trees every year. In addition, millions of trees seed
naturally. The forest products industry, which comprises about 15 percent
of forestland ownership, is responsible for 41 percent of replanted forest
acreage. That works out to more than one billion trees a year, or about
three million trees planted every day. This high rate of replanting accounts for the fact that
each year, 27 percent more timber is grown than is harvested. Canadas replanting record
shows a fourfold increase in the number of trees planted between 1975 and 1990.
Manufacturing wood is energy efficient.
Wood products made up 47 percent of all
industrial raw materials manufactured in the
United States, yet consumed only 4 percent
of the energy needed to manufacture all
industrial raw materials, according to
a 1987 study.
Material
Percent of
Production
Percent of
Energy Use
Wood
47
Steel
23
48
Aluminum
Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown,
a young forest produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of
carbon dioxide.
Wood, the miracle material for the environment,

for design, and for strong, lasting construction.
NOTICE:
The recommendations in
this guide apply only to
panels that bear the APA
trademark. Only panels
bearing the APA trademark
are subject to the
Associations quality
auditing program.
A PA
RED
GINEE TION
IA
THE EN
ASSOC
WOOD
RATED
ING
SHEATH CH
15/32 IN
32/1D6FOR SPACING
SIZE
RE 1
EXPOSU
000
PS 1-95
C-D
PRP-10
Accessed from the ICC website pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
Note: This version is superseded by a more current edition. Check the current edition for updated design and application recommendations.
2003 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY COPYING, MODIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR OTHER USE OF THIS PUBLICATION OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY APA IS PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS.
WOOD
range of construction applications. Time-tested

panel products are used in traditional wood-
frame construction and in combination with other engineered

wood products and systems. For low in-place cost, versatility,
and superior performance, engineered wood systems are simply
hard to beat.
This guide from APA is designed as a reference manual for
both residential and com-mercial construction. It contains
up-to-date information on APA Performance Rated Panels,
glulam, I-joists, specification practices, floor, wall and roof
systems, diaphragms and shear walls, fire-rated systems and
methods of finishing.
If what you want to know about engineered wood construction
systems isnt fully explained here, chances are it is in one of
our many other publications. Simply write for the appropriate
title or titles cited throughout this publication. Product and
application information can also be found on the APA web site,
at www.apawood.org. Or, for individual assistance with specific
application questions or problems, contact the APA Product
Support Help Desk at (253)-620-7400.
2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association
APA
engineered wood products are used in a wide
GUIDE TO
ENGINEERED
GUIDE TO ENGINEERED
WOOD PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
PANEL SELECTION AND
SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Manufacturing and
Performance Standards . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Grade Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Sanded, Unsanded and
Touch-Sanded Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Bond Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Moisture Exposure Recommendations . .11
Group Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Span Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
How To Order APA Panels . . . . . . . . . . .12
Grade Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Metric Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Panel Specification Guide . . . . . . . . .13
Panel Storage and Handling . . . . . . .17
GLULAM SELECTION AND
SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Balanced and Unbalanced Beams . . . . .18
Allowable Design Properties . . . . . . . . .18
Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Appearance Classification . . . . . . . . . . .18
Section Properties and Capacities . . . . .20
Camber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Trademarks and Acceptances . . . . . . . .20
Specification Guide for
Structural Glued Laminated
Timber (Glulam) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Glulam Beam Storage
and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
I-JOIST SELECTION AND
SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
APA PRI-400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Residential Floor Spans . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Specifying APA Performance
Rated I-Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
I-Joist Storage and Handling . . . . . .25
LVL SELECTION AND
SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Allowable Strength Properties . . . . . . . .25
Specification Guide for Laminated
Veneer Lumber (LVL) . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . .26

APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Sturd-I-Floor 32 oc and 48 oc . . . . . . . .29
APA Performance Rated Rim Board . . . .29
The APA Glued Floor System . . . . . . . . .30
APA Panel Subflooring . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Lightweight Concrete
Over APA Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
APA Plywood Underlayment . . . . . . . . .33
Hardwood Flooring Over
APA Panel Subfloors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Ceramic Tile Over
APA Plywood Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
APA Panel Stair Treads and Risers . . . . .36
Heavy Duty Plywood Floors . . . . . . . . . .36
WALL CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . .38
APA Sturd-I-Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
APA Panel and Lap Siding Over
Nailable Sheathing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
APA Panel Wall Sheathing . . . . . . . . . . .42
APA Sheathing Under Stucco . . . . . . . . .44
Siding Joint Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
APA Rated Siding Patterns
and Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Finishing Plywood for
Exterior Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Interior Paneling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Panel Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
APA Panel Shear Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
ROOF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . .52
APA Panel Roof Sheathing . . . . . . . . . . .52
Preframed Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Long Span Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Plywood Under Special Coatings . . . . . .56
APA Panel Soffits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
APA Panel Roof Diaphragms . . . . . . . . .59
BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND
RELATED PANEL SYSTEMS . . . . .61
Fire-resistant Construction . . . . . . . . . . .61
Wind-resistive Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Noise Transmission Control . . . . . . . . . .65
Energy Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Condensation: Its Cause and Control . .68
Thermal Resistance of
Wood Structural Panels . . . . . . . . . . .69
RELATED PANEL SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . .69
The Permanent Wood Foundation . . . . .69
Plywood for Outdoor Decks . . . . . . . . .69
Plywood for Concrete Forming . . . . . . .69
Structural Insulated Panels . . . . . . . . . . .70
APA Panels Over Metal Framing . . . . . .70
APA Panel Systems
Over Concrete Slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Special Floor Surfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Product Selection,
Specification, and Handling
The evolution of engineered wood
products over the past few decades
has greatly expanded building options
and methods in all forms of residential
and commercial construction. The
next 21 pages of this APA Design/
Construction guide provide product
information and specification recommendations for several of the most
common engineered wood products
plywood, oriented strand board,
glulam, and I-joists. Other engineered
wood products that are often used in
the construction systems described
in this guide include rim board and
laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
Engineered wood describes wood
products that are engineered for structural applications. Having been used
since the 1940s, plywood is considered
by many to be the original engineered
wood product. All glued engineered
wood products are made by combining wood strands, veneers, lumber or
other wood fiber with glue to form a
larger composite structural unit. They
are designed and manufactured to
maximize the natural strength and
stiffness characteristics of wood by
optimally orienting the wood veneers,
strands or laminations and by combining wood with durable adhesives.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . .71

About APA The Engineered Wood
Association and Engineered
Wood Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
WOOD PRODUCTS
CONTENTS
PANEL SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
Some plywood panels are manufactured

under the detailed manufacturing specifications or under the performance
testing provisions of Voluntary Product
Standard PS 1-95 for Construction and
Industrial Plywood, developed cooperatively by the plywood industry and the
U.S. Department of Commerce. Other
plywood panels, however, as well as
composite and OSB panels, are manufactured under the provisions of APA
PRP-108, Performance Standards and
Qualification Policy for Structural-Use
Panels, or under Voluntary Product
Standard PS 2-92, Performance Standard
for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels,
that establish performance criteria for
specific designated construction
applications.
These APA Performance Rated Panels
are easy to use and specify because the
recommended end use and maximum
support spacings are clearly indicated
in the APA trademark. By broadening
the range of panel configuration and
composition, APA Performance Rated
Panels allow more efficient use of raw
materials. APA PRP-108 Performance
Standards are recognized by the National
Evaluation Service and HUD.(a)
PRP-108, PS-1 and/or the PS-2 grade
conformance where applicable are given
in the lower portion of the APA trademark. Plywood panels, depending on
glueline classification, veneer species and
thickness, etc., are in many instances
identical to panel grades as defined in
Product Standard PS 1-95.
Typical APA Performance Rated Panel

trademarks are illustrated and explained
on page 6.
Grade Designations
Structural panel grades are generally
identified in terms of the veneer grade
used on the face and back of the panel
(e.g., A-B, B-C, etc.), or by a name suggesting the panels intended end use
(e.g., APA RATED SHEATHING, APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR, etc.). See
Tables 2-4.
Veneer grades define veneer appearance
in terms of natural unrepaired growth
characteristics and allowable number
and size of repairs that may be made
during manufacture. See Table 1.
The highest quality commonly available
veneer grade is A. The minimum grade
of veneer permitted in Exterior plywood
is C-grade. D-grade veneer is used in
panels intended for interior use or
applications protected from long-term
exposure to weather.
Sanded, Unsanded and

Touch-Sanded Panels
Panels with B-grade or better veneer
faces are always sanded smooth in
manufacture to fulfill the requirements
of their intended end use applications
such as cabinets, shelving, furniture,
built-ins, etc. APA RATED SHEATHING
panels are unsanded since a smooth
surface is not a requirement of their
intended end use. Still other panels
APA UNDERLAYMENT, APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR, APA C-D PLUGGED,
and APA C-C PLUGGED require only
touch sanding for sizing to make the
panel thickness more uniform.
Unsanded and touch-sanded panels,
and panels with B-grade or better veneer
on one side only, usually carry the APA
trademark on the panel back. Panels
with both sides of B-grade or better
TABLE 1
VENEER GRADES
Smooth, paintable. Not more than

18 neatly made repairs, boat,
sled, or router type, and parallel to
grain, permitted. Wood or synthetic repairs permitted. May be
used for natural finish in less
demanding applications.
Solid surface. Shims, sled or router

repairs, and tight knots to 1 inch
across grain permitted. Wood or
synthetic repairs permitted. Some
minor splits permitted.
Improved C veneer with splits limited to 1/8-inch width and knotholes or other open defects limited
Plugged to 1/4 x 1/2 inch. Wood or synthetic repairs permitted. Admits
some broken grain.
C
C
Tight knots to 1-1/2 inch.

Knotholes to 1 inch across grain
and some to 1-1/2 inch if total
width of knots and knotholes is
within specified limits. Synthetic or
wood repairs. Discoloration and
sanding defects that do not impair
strength permitted. Limited splits
allowed. Stitching permitted.
Knots and knotholes to 2-1/2-inch

width across grain and 1/2 inch
larger within specified limits.
Limited splits are permitted.
Stitching permitted. Limited to
Exposure 1 or Interior panels.
veneer, or with special overlaid surfaces

(such as HIGH DENSITY OVERLAY)
usually carry the APA trademark on the
panel edge.
(a) The National Evaluation Service is sponsored
jointly by two model code organizations the
Building Officials and Code Administrators
International, promulgators of the National
Building Code and the Southern Building Code
Congress International, promulgators of the
Standard Building Code. See National Evaluation
Service Report No. NER-108 for allowable values
and/or conditions of use concerning panel material
presented in this brochure. It is subject to reexamination, revisions, and possible cancellation.
The organizations above, and a third model code
organization, the International Conference of
Building Officials, promulgators of the Uniform
Building Code, are scheduled to be consolidated
into the International Code Council beginning in
2003. This will result in a realignment of evaluation reports over time. Contact APA for the latest
information about code recognition of wood
structural panels.
HUD recognition of wood-based APA Performance
Rated Panels is contained in Use of Materials
Bulletin UM-40.
Manufacturing and
Performance Standards
Panels for construction and industrial
applications can be manufactured
in a variety of ways as plywood (crosslaminated wood veneer), as composite
panels (veneer faces bonded to wood
strand cores), or as oriented strand
board (OSB).
Bond Classification
APA trademarked panels may be
produced in four bond classifications
Exterior, Exposure 1, Exposure 2 (soon
to be eliminated), and Interior. The
bond classification relates to moisture
resistance of the glue bond, and thus to
structural integrity of the panel. Since
aesthetic (nonstructural) attributes of
panels may be compromised to some
degree by exposure to weather, installation recommendations in this publication are designed to provide optimum
overall performance.
Panel surfaces may become uneven and
irregular under prolonged moisture exposure. Panels should be allowed to dry,
and panel joints and surfaces may need
to be sanded before applying some finish
materials.
Bond classification of the glue bond
does not relate to fungal decay resistance of the panel. Fungal decay of
wood products may occur when the
moisture content exceeds 20% for an
extended period. See APA Technical
Note R495, Controlling Decay in Wood
Construction, for a discussion of fungal
decay. Prevention of fungal decay is a
function of proper design, material
specification, construction and maintenance of the structure. While this publication includes many of the applicable
provisions, reference to local building
codes and other design documents is
also necessary.
Exterior panels are suitable for repeated
wetting and redrying or long-term exposure to weather or other conditions of
similar severity.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
A PA
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95 UNDERLAYMENT
PRP-108
Panel grade
Span Rating
Tongue-and-groove
Bond classification
Product Standard
Thickness
1
2
4
7
8
5
8
RATED SHEATHING
48/24 23/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
16 oc GROUP 1
11/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
11
PS 1-95 PRP-108
FHA-UM-40
CONSTRUCTION SHEATHING
12
000
13
2R48/2F24
14
17.5mm
CSA 0325
15
STRENGTH AXIS
THIS DIRECTION
7 Mill number
8 APAs performance rated
panel standard
9 Siding face grade
1 0 Species group number
1 1 HUD/FHA recognition
1 2 Panel grade, Canadian
standard
Exposure 1 panels are suitable for uses

not permanently exposed to weather.
Panels classified as Exposure 1 are
intended to resist the effects of moisture
due to construction delays, or other
conditions of similar severity. Exposure
1 panels may also be used when exposure to the outdoors is on the underside only, such as at roof overhangs,
although appearance characteristics
of the panel grade should also be considered. Exposure 1 panels are made
with the same exterior adhesives used
in Exterior panels. However, because
other compositional factors may affect
bond performance, only Exterior panels
should be used for long-term exposure
to the weather.
9
6
10
000
7
8
11
1 3 Panel mark Rating and

end-use designation per
the Canadian standard
1 4 Canadian performance
rated panel standard
1 5 Panel face orientation
indicator
Plywood APA Rated Sheathing

Exposure 1, sometimes called CDX in
the trade, is occasionally mistaken as an
Exterior panel and erroneously used in
applications for which it does not possess the required resistance to weather.
CDX should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1
above. For sheathing grade panels
that will be exposed long-term to the
weather, specify APA Rated Sheathing
Exterior (C-C Exterior plywood under
PS 1).
Exposure 2 panels (identified as Interior
type with intermediate glue under PS 1)
are intended for protected construction
applications where potential for conditions of high humidity exist.
Interior panels which lack further glueline information in their trademarks are
manufactured with interior glue and are
intended for interior applications only.
TABLE 2
APA RATED SHEATHING

Typical Trademark
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
40/20 19/32 INCH
24/16 7/16 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
APA STRUCTURAL I
RATED SHEATHING(c)
Typical Trademark
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
STRUCTURAL I
15/32 INCH
32/16 15/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
RATED SHEATHING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
DIAPHRAGMS-SHEAR WALLS
PANELIZED ROOFS
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
19/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING

EXPOSURE 1
000
20 oc
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 2-92 SINGLE FLOOR

PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
24 oc 19/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Unsanded grade for use where shear and cross-panel strength

properties are of maximum importance, such as panelized roofs
and diaphragms. Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or a
composite panel. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Exterior, Exposure 1.
COMMON THICKNESSES: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32,
5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
STRUCTURAL I RATED
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
APA RATED SIDING

Typical Trademark
000
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
32/16
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR

Typical Trademark
EXPOSURE 1
Specially designed for subflooring and wall and roof sheathing.

Also good for a broad range of other construction and industrial
applications. Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or a composite
panel. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Exterior, Exposure 1, Exposure 2.
5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
11/32 INCH
16 oc GROUP 1
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 PRP-108
FHA-UM-40
Specially designed as combination subfloor-underlayment. Provides

smooth surface for application of carpet and pad and possesses high
concentrated and impact load resistance. Can be manufactured as
OSB, plywood, or a composite panel. Available square edge or
tongue and-groove. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Exterior, Exposure 1,
Exposure 2. COMMON THICKNESSES: 19/32, 5/8, 23/32,
3/4, 1, 1-1/8.
For exterior siding, fencing, etc. Can be manufactured as plywood,

as a composite panel or as an overlaid OSB. Both panel and lap siding
available. Special surface treatment such as V-groove, channel groove,
deep groove (such as APA Texture 1-11), brushed, rough sawn and
overlaid (MDO) with smooth- or texture-embossed face. Span Rating
(stud spacing for siding qualified for APA Sturd-I-Wall applications)
and face grade classification (for veneer-faced siding) indicated in
trademark. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON
THICKNESSES: 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8.
(c) All plies in Structural I plywood panels are special improved grades and
panels marked PS 1 are limited to Group 1 species. Other panels marked
Structural I Rated qualify through special performance testing.
(a) Specific grades, thicknesses and bond classifications may be in limited

supply in some areas. Check with your supplier before specifying.
(b) Specify Performance Rated Panels by thickness and Span Rating. Span
Ratings are based on panel strength and stiffness. Since these properties are
a function of panel composition and configuration as well as thickness, the
same Span Rating may appear on panels of different thickness. Conversely,
panels of the same thickness may be marked with different Span Ratings.
GUIDE TO APA PERFORMANCE RATED PANELS(a)(b)

FOR APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS, SEE FOLLOWING PAGES.
TABLE 3
APA A-A
Typical Trademark (mark on panel edge)
A-A G-1 EXPOSURE 1-APA 000 PS1-95
APA A-B
A-B G-1 EXPOSURE 1-APA 000 PS1-95
APA A-C
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
A-C
Use where appearance of both sides is important for interior

applications such as built-ins, cabinets, furniture, partitions; and
exterior applications such as fences, signs, boats, shipping containers,
tanks, ducts, etc. Smooth surfaces suitable for painting. BOND
CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior. COMMON
THICKNESSES: 1/4, 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
For use where appearance of one side is less important but where
two solid surfaces are necessary. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior,
Exposure 1, Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES: 1/4, 11/32, 3/8,
15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
For use where appearance of only one side is important in exterior

or interior applications, such as soffits, fences, farm buildings, etc.(f)
BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES: 1/4,
11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
GROUP 1
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95
APA A-D
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
A-D
For use where appearance of only one side is important in interior

applications, such as paneling, built-ins, shelving, partitions, flow racks,
etc.(f) BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1. COMMON
THICKNESSES: 1/4, 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
GROUP 1
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95
APA B-B
B-B G-2 EXT-APA 000 PS1-95

APA B-C
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
B-C
GROUP 1
Utility panels with two solid sides. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior,

Exposure 1, Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES: 1/4, 11/32, 3/8,
15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
Utility panel for farm service and work buildings, boxcar and truck
linings, containers, tanks, agricultural equipment, as a base for
exterior coatings and other exterior uses or applications subject to high
or continuous moisture.(f) BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON
THICKNESSES: 1/4, 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95
APA B-D
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
B-D
GROUP 2
Utility panel for backing, sides of built-ins, industry shelving, slip

sheets, separator boards, bins and other interior or protected
applications.(f) BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1.
5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95
Continued on next page
GUIDE TO APA SANDED AND TOUCH-SANDED PLYWOOD PANELS(a)(b)(c)

TABLE 3
APA UNDERLAYMENT
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
UNDERLAYMENT
GROUP 1
EXPOSURE 1
000
For application over structural subfloor. Provides smooth surface for

application of carpet and pad and possesses high concentrated and
impact load resistance. For areas to be covered with resilient flooring,
specify panels with sanded face.(e) BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior,
Exposure 1. COMMON THICKNESSES(d): 1/4, 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2,
19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
PS 1-95
APA C-C PLUGGED (g)

Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
C-C PLUGGED
GROUP 2
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95
APA C-D PLUGGED

Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
C-D PLUGGED
GROUP 2
For use as an underlayment over structural subfloor, refrigerated or

controlled atmosphere storage rooms, pallet fruit bins, tanks, boxcar
and truck floors and linings, open soffits, and other similar applications
where continuous or severe moisture may be present. Provides smooth
surface for application of carpet and pad and possesses high concentrated and impact load resistance. For areas to be covered with resilient
flooring, specify panels with sanded face.(e) BOND CLASSIFICATION:
Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES(d) : 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32,
5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
For open soffits, built-ins, cable reels, separator boards and other
interior or protected applications. Not a substitute for Underlayment or
APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor as it lacks their puncture resistance. BOND
CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1. COMMON THICKNESSES:
3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95
(d) Some panels 1/2 inch and thicker are Span Rated and do not contain
species group number in trademark.
(e) Also available in Underlayment A-C or Underlayment B-C grades, marked
either touch sanded or sanded face.
(f) For nonstructural floor underlayment, or other applications requiring
improved inner ply construction, specify panels marked either plugged
inner plies (may also be designated plugged crossbands under face or
plugged crossbands or core); or meets underlayment requirements.
(g) Also may be designated APA Underlayment C-C Plugged.
(a) Specific plywood grades, thicknesses and bond classifications may be in

limited supply in some areas. Check with your supplier before specifying.
(b) Sanded Exterior plywood panels, C-C Plugged, C-D Plugged and
Underlayment grades can also be manufactured in Structural I
(all plies limited to Group 1 species).
(c) Some manufacturers also produce plywood panels with premium N-grade
veneer on one or both faces. Available only by special order. Check with
the manufacturer.
CONTINUED
TABLE 4
APA DECORATIVE
Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
DECORATIVE
GROUP 2
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95
APA HIGH DENSITY OVERLAY (HDO) (b)

HDO A-A G-1 EXT-APA 000 PS 1-95
APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY (MDO) (b)

Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
M. D. OVERLAY
GROUP 1
EXTERIOR
Rough-sawn, brushed, grooved, or striated faces. For paneling, interior

accent walls, built-ins, counter facing, exhibit displays. Can also be
made by some manufacturers in Exterior for exterior siding, gable
ends, fences and other exterior applications. Use recommendations
for Exterior panels vary with the particular product. Check with the
manufacturer. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior.
COMMON THICKNESSES: 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8.
Has a hard semi-opaque resin-fiber overlay on both faces. Abrasion

resistant. For concrete forms, cabinets, countertops, signs, tanks. Also
available with skid-resistant screen-grid surface. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES: 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4.
Smooth, opaque, resin-fiber overlay on one or both faces. Ideal base

for paint, both indoors and outdoors. For exterior siding, paneling,
shelving, exhibit displays, cabinets, signs. BOND CLASSIFICATION:
Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES: 11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32,
5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
000
PS 1-95
APA MARINE
MARINE A-A EXT-APA 000 PS 1-95
APA PLYFORM CLASS I (b)

Typical Trademark
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
PLYFORM
B-B
CLASS 1
Ideal for boat hulls. Made only with Douglas-fir or western larch.
Subject to special limitations on core gaps and face repairs. Also
available with HDO or MDO faces. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior.
COMMON THICKNESSES: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4.
Concrete form grades with high reuse factor. Sanded both faces and
mill-oiled unless otherwise specified. Special restrictions on species. Also
available in HDO for very smooth concrete finish, and with special
overlays. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON THICKNESSES:
19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95
APA PLYRON
PLYRON EXPOSURE 1 APA 000
Hardboard face on both sides. Faces tempered, untempered, smooth

or screened. For countertops, shelving, cabinet doors, flooring. BOND
CLASSIFICATIONS: Interior, Exposure 1, Exterior. COMMON
THICKNESSES: 1/2, 5/8, 3/4.
(a) Specific plywood grades, thicknesses and bond classifications may be in

limited supply in some areas. Check with your supplier before specifying.
(b) Can also be manufactured in Structural I (all plies limited to

Group 1 species).
10
GUIDE TO APA SPECIALTY PLYWOOD PANELS (a)

The table to the right provides guidance

regarding moisture content and recommended bond classification.
By far, most wood structural panels are
used in interior or dry-use moisture
conditions, where in-service moisture
content will be less than 16% over the
service life. In North America the typical
in-service equilibrium moisture content
is in the 8% to 12% range for wood
structural panels. Occasionally, however,
an application will subject panels to
higher long-term moisture conditions,
such as in locations where relative
humidity is 90% or more for long
periods of time.
Group Number
Plywood can be manufactured from
over 70 species of wood. These species
are divided on the basis of strength
and stiffness into five Groups under
Voluntary Product Standard PS 1.
Strongest species are in Group 1; the
next strongest in Group 2, and so on.
The Group number that appears in the
trademark on some APA trademarked
panels primarily sanded grades is
based on the species used for face and
back veneers. Where face and back
veneers are not from the same species
Group, the higher Group number is
used, except for sanded panels 3/8 inch
thick or less and Decorative panels of
any thickness. These are identified by
face species because they are chosen
primarily for appearance and used in
applications where structural integrity is
not critical. Sanded panels greater than
In-Service
Moisture Content
End-Use
Conditions
Bond
Classification
Design Moisture
Conditions(a)
Less than 16%
Dry uses
Exposure 1
or Exterior
Dry
16% to 19%
Humid interior
or protected uses
Exposure 1
or Exterior
Wet
Long-term exposure
to weather
Exterior
Other very humid

or wet uses
Exterior
Ground contact
Exterior
Greater than 19%
Wet
Wet
Wet
(a) Contact APA for specific design provisions.
3/8 inch are identified by face species if

C or D grade backs are at least 1/8 inch
and are no more than one species group
number larger. Some species are used
widely in plywood manufacture; others
rarely. Check local availability if a particular species is desired.
Span Ratings
APA RATED SHEATHING, APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR and APA RATED
SIDING carry numbers in their trademarks called Span Ratings. These
denote the maximum recommended
center-to-center spacing in inches of
supports over which the panels should
be placed in construction applications.
Except for APA RATED SIDING panels,
the Span Rating applies when the long
panel dimension or strength axis is
across supports, unless the strength axis
is otherwise identified. The Span Rating
of APA RATED SIDING panels applies
when installed vertically.
The Span Rating on APA RATED
SHEATHING panels appears as two
numbers separated by a slash, such as
32/16, 48/24, etc.(a) The left-hand
number denotes the maximum recommended spacing of supports when the
panel is used for roof sheathing with the
long dimension or strength axis of the
panel across three or more supports.
11
The right-hand number indicates the

maximum recommended spacing of
supports when the panel is used for
subflooring with the long dimension or
strength axis of the panel across three
or more supports. A panel marked
32/16, for example, may be used for
roof decking over supports up to
32 inches on center or for subflooring
over supports up to 16 inches on center.
The Span Rating on APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR and APA RATED
SIDING panels appears as a single number. APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
panels are designed specifically
for single-floor (combined subfloorunderlayment) applications under
carpet and pad and are manufactured
with Span Ratings of 16, 20, 24, 32 and
48 inches. The Span Ratings for APA
RATED STURD-I- FLOOR panels, like
those for APA RATED SHEATHING, are
based on application of the panel with
the long dimension or strength axis
across three or more supports.
APA RATED SIDING is available with
Span Ratings of 16 and 24 inches.
(a) Exceptions are APA RATED SHEATHING
intended for use as wall sheathing only, and APA
RATED WALL BRACING. The trademarks for
such panels contain a single number similar to
the Span Rating for APA RATED SIDING.
Moisture Exposure
Recommendations
APA recommendations take into
account bond classification as well as
other panel compositional factors that
may affect bond or panel performance.
For a description of Span Ratings under

the Canadian Standard for Construction
Sheathing, refer to the APA Product
Guide: Oriented Strand Board,
Form W410.
How to Order APA Panels

Sanded and Touch-Sanded Panels:
Designate thickness, APA trademark,
grade, Group number(b), bond classification, dimensions, number of pieces.
For example:
3/4" APA A-A, Group 1, Exterior,
48" x 96", 100 pcs.
3/8" APA Underlayment, Group 1,

Exposure 1, 48" x 96", 100 pcs.
(Designate sanded face if touchsanded grades are to be used under

resilient flooring, or see Table 12 for
additional grades.)
(b) Underlayment and C-C Plugged panels
1/2 inch and thicker are generally span rated
and do not contain species group number in
trademark. Designate Span Rating.
Performance Rated Panels: Designate

thickness, APA trademark, grade, Span
Rating, bond classification, dimensions,
number of pieces. For example:
15/32" APA RATED SHEATHING,
32/16, Exposure 1, 48" x 96", 100 pcs.
23/32" APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR

24 oc, Exterior, 48"(c) x 96", 100 pcs.
(Note square edge or tongue-andgroove as desired.)
(c) Most tongue-and-groove panels are manufactured with a 47-1/2-inch net face width,
although manufacturing practices vary. Check
with your supplier.
Rated Sidings: Designate thickness,

APA trademark, face grade (for APA
RATED SIDING-303), Span Rating,
texture, pattern, dimensions, number
of pieces. For example:
19/32" APA RATED SIDING
303-18-W, 16 oc, rough-sawn Texture
1-11, grooves 4" o.c., 48" x 96",
100 pcs. (Note manufacturers trade
name if desired.)
Concrete Form: Designate thickness,

APA trademark, Class, dimensions,
number of pieces. For example:
5/8" APA PLYFORM Class I,
48" x 96", 100 pcs. (Plyform panels are
manufactured only as Exterior panels
and are mill-oiled unless otherwise
specified.)
Overlaid Panels: Designate thickness,

APA trademark, grade, Group number,
dimensions, number of pieces.
For example:
1/2" APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY (MDO) or (APA RATED SIDING
303-OL in the case of overlaid panels
produced under the APA RATED
SIDING-303 manufacturing specification), Group 1, 48" x 96", 100 pcs.
(Any special requirements, such as only
12
one side overlaid, surface texture or

weight of surfacing material, should be
stated after the standard specification.)
Grade Availability
Some panel grades, thicknesses, Span
Ratings, or species may be difficult to
obtain in some areas. Check with your
supplier for availability or include an
alternate panel in specifications.
Standard panel dimensions are four
feet by eight feet, although some mills
also produce panels nine or ten feet
or longer.
Metric Conversions
Metric equivalents of nominal thicknesses and common sizes of wood structural panels are tabulated below (1 inch
= 25.4 millimeters):
PANEL NOMINAL DIMENSIONS

(Width x Length)
m
ft
mm
(approx.)
4x8
1219 x 2438
1.22 x 2.44
4x9
1219 x 2743
1.22 x 2.74
4 x 10
1219 x 3048
1.22 x 3.05
PANEL NOMINAL THICKNESS

in.
mm
1/4
6.4
5/16
7.9
11/32
8.7
3/8
9.5
7/16
11.1
15/32
11.9
1/2
12.7
19/32
15.1
5/8
15.9
23/32
18.3
3/4
19.1
7/8
22.2
25.4
1-3/32
27.8
1-1/8
28.6
Span-rated panels and lap siding may

be used direct to studs or over nonstructural wall sheathing (Sturd-I-Wall
construction), or over nailable panel or
lumber sheathing (double wall construction). Panels and lap siding with a Span
Rating of 16 inches may be applied
direct to studs spaced 16 inches on
center. Panels and lap siding bearing a
Span Rating of 24 inches may be used
direct to studs 24 inches on center. All
RATED SIDING panels may be applied
horizontally direct to studs 16 or
24 inches on center provided horizontal
joints are blocked. When used over
nailable structural sheathing, the Span
Rating of APA RATED SIDING panels
refers to the maximum recommended
spacing of vertical rows of nails rather
than to stud spacing.
CSI* Division 3
Concrete Formwork
A. Materials
1. Forms Plywood concrete forms
shall be (specify appropriate grade):(2)
APA PLYFORM CLASS I EXT, or
APA HIGH DENSITY OVERLAY
PLYFORM CLASS I EXT.
Use plywood thickness sufficient to
support concrete at temperature and
rate poured(3); securely brace and shore
forms to prevent displacement and to
safely support construction loads.
CSI* Division 6
Wood and Plastics
A. General Provisions
1. Identification Requirements
Each panel shall be identified with the
appropriate trademark of APA, and shall
meet the requirements of the latest
edition of Voluntary Product Standard
PS 1, Voluntary Product Standard PS 2
or APA PRP-108 Performance Standards.
2. All panels which have any edge or
surface exposed long term to the
weather shall be classed Exterior.(4)(5)
Notes to Specifiers:
(1) The APA trademarks shown here are typical
examples only. Refer to the following sections
for specific panel grade and thickness
recommendations.
3. Panel thickness, grade, and Group

number or Span Rating shall be at least
equal to that shown on the drawings.(6)
Application shall be in accordance with
recommendations of APA.(7)
B. Roof Sheathing
1. Panel roof sheathing shall be (specify
appropriate grade):
APA RATED SHEATHING EXP 1
APA RATED SHEATHING EXT
APA RATED SHEATHING/CEILING
DECK EXP 1
APA STRUCTURAL I RATED
SHEATHING EXP 1, or
SHEATHING EXT.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
32/16 15/32 INCH
48/24 23/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PS 1-95 C-C PRP-108
Sheathing exposed long term to weather

shall be classed Exterior.(5)
Install with the long dimension or
strength axis of the panel across supports, except where noted(8), and with
panel continuous over two or more
spans. For pitched roofs, place
screened surface or side with skidresistant coating up, if OSB panels are
used. Wear skid-resistant shoes when
installing roof sheathing and keep
roof deck free of dirt, debris and
sawdust during construction. Suitable
edge support shall be provided where
indicated on drawings (or in recommendations of APA)(6) by use of panel clips,
tongue-and-groove edges, or lumber
blocking between joists. Panel end
joints shall occur over framing.
Spacing of 1/8" is recommended
at all panel ends and edges, unless
otherwise indicated by the panel
manufacturer.(9)
Nail 6" o.c. along supported panel
edges and 12" o.c. at intermediate
supports, except that when supports
are spaced 48" o.c. or more, space
nails 6" o.c. at all supports. Use 8d
common nails, except that when
panels are 1-1/8", use 8d ring-shank
or 10d common.(10)(11)(12)
Cover roof sheathing as soon as possible
with roofing felt or shingle underlayment for protection against excessive
moisture prior to roofing application.
*Construction Specifications Institute
(5) Open soffits or roof sheathing exposed on the

underside may be any panel classed Exposure 1
where appearance is not a major consideration.
(9) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline of framing with a
minimum bearing of 1/2".
(6) Refer to the appropriate application recommendations in this brochure.
(10) Engineered shear walls and diaphragms may

require additional nailing. See recommendations
in Tables 24 and 33. Diagonal bracing is not
required for braced wall sections when panel
wall sheathing, APA RATED WALL BRACING or
panel siding (APA RATED SIDING) is used.
(2) Structural I grade (all plies limited to Group 1

species) can be specified when greater stiffness or
strength is required.
(7) References to APAs recommendations may

allow subsequent specification concerning nailing,
edge support and panel orientation to be omitted.
(3) Thickness recommendations are contained in

APA Design/Construction Guide: Concrete Forming,
Form V345.
(8) Long dimension of panel may be parallel

to supports if panel has adequate thickness.
See Table 28 for roof panels applied parallel
to supports.
(4) Exposure 1 may be specified for applications

where temporary exposure to the weather will be
required.
(11) Other code-approved fasteners may be used.

(12) Fasteners shall be located 3/8" from panel
edges.
(Continued on Page 15)
13
PANEL SPECIFICATION
GUIDE (1)

SHEATHING EXP 1, or
SHEATHING EXT.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
7/16 INCH
RATED SHEATHING
19/32 INCH
24/16
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
40/20
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 C-C PRP-108

strength axis of the panel across supports and with panel continuous over
two or more spans. Panel end joints
shall occur over framing. Spacing of
1/8" is recommended at panel ends
and edges, unless otherwise indicated
by the panel manufacturer.(9)
Nail 6" o.c. along supported panel edges
and 12" o.c. at intermediate supports
with 6d common nails for panels 1/2"
or less, 8d for greater thicknesses.
Where panels are 1-1/8" thick and
supports are 48" o.c., nails shall be 8d
ring-shank or 10d common and spaced
6" o.c. at all supports.(10)(11)(12)
Sand subfloor joints if necessary to
smooth surface prior to installing
underlayment or finish flooring.
2. Combined subfloor-underlayment
(under carpet and pad)(13) Combined
subfloor-underlayment panels shall be
(specify appropriate grade):
EXP 1, or
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
19/32 INCH
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING

24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
20 oc
EXTERIOR
EXPOSURE 1
PS 1-95 C-C PLUGGED

PRP-108
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
000
000
12" o.c. at panel ends and intermediate

bearings.(10)(15)
3. Underlayment (over subflooring)
Plywood underlayment shall be (specify
appropriate grade)(16):
APA UNDERLAYMENT INT

strength axis of the panel across supports and with panel continuous over
two or more spans. Panel edges shall
be tongue-and-groove or supported
on 2-inch lumber blocking installed
between joists. Protect against damage
until finish floor is installed.
Stagger panel end joints. Panel end
joints shall occur over framing. Spacing
of 1/8" is recommended at panel ends
and edges, unless otherwise indicated
by the panel manufacturer.(9)
For nailed floors, nail panels 6" o.c. at
supported panel edges and 12" o.c. at
intermediate supports, except that when
supports are spaced 48" o.c., space nails
6" o.c. at all supports. Use 6d ring- or
screw-shank nails for panels 3/4" thick
or less, and 8d for thicker panels. With
1-1/8" panels, 10d common nails may
be used if supports are well
seasoned.(10)(11)(12)
Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints.(14)
Lightly sand any surface roughness,
particularly around fasteners.
For field-glued floors, use adhesives
meeting APA Specification AFG-01 or
ASTM D3498, applied in accordance
with the manufacturers recommendations. If OSB panels with sealed surfaces
and edges are used, use only solventbased glues; check with panel manufacturer. Apply continuous line of glue
(1/4" thick) on joists, and continuous or
spaced line of glue (1/8" thick) in groove
of tongue-and-groove panels. Use 6d
ring- or screw-shank nails spaced
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR EXT.
14
APA UNDERLAYMENT EXP 1

APA UNDERLAYMENT C-C
PLUGGED EXT, or
APA C-C PLUGGED EXT.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
UNDERLAYMENT
EXPOSURE 1
UNDERLAYMENT
C-C PLUGGED
GROUP 2
000
EXTERIOR
GROUP 1
PS 1-95
000
PS 1-95
When 19/32" or thicker, APA RATED

STURD-I-FLOOR EXP 1 or 2 or APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR EXT may be
specified. Apply underlayment just prior
to laying finish floor and protect against
damage until finish floor is installed.
For maximum stiffness, install underlayment with the face grain across supports. Stagger panel end joints (optional
under carpet and pad) with respect to
each other and offset all joints by at least
two inches from joints in the subfloor
panels. Butt panel ends and edges to a
close but not tight fit (1/32" space is
recommended). Nail 6" o.c. along
panel edges and 8" o.c. each way
throughout remainder of panel with 3d
ring-shank nails for panel thicknesses
of 11/32" to 1/2", or 4d spaced 6" o.c.
along edges and 12" o.c. each way
for thicker panels up to 3/4".(11)(17)
Fastener length should be approximately equal to the total thickness of
the underlayment and subfloor.
Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints.(14)
Lightly sand any surface roughness,
particularly around fasteners.
C. Floors
1. Subflooring (under structural finish
floor such as wood strip or underlayment) Panel subflooring shall be
(specify appropriate grade):

SHEATHING EXP 1,
SHEATHING EXT, or
APA RATED WALL BRACING EXP 1.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
3/8 INCH
RATED SHEATHING
15/32 INCH
24/0
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
STRUCTURAL I RATED
32/16
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
E. Treated Plywood
1. Fire-retardant-treated plywood
All plywood shall be pressure-treated
in accordance with American WoodPreservers Association Standard AWPA
C27 with an approved (low hygroscopic, high temperature Interior Type
A-HT) (Exterior Type) fire retardant.
Each panel shall be labeled or marked
by an approved independent testing
agency. After treatment, plywood shall
be dried to an average moisture content
of 15 percent or less.
Plywood shall be all-veneer APA RATED
SHEATHING (or better, depending on
appearance desired) EXP 1 or EXT.
000
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Spacing of 1/8" is recommended

at panel ends and edges, unless
otherwise indicated by the panel
manufacturer.(9)
Nail 6" o.c. along supported panel
edges and 12" o.c. at intermediate
supports with 6d common nails for
panels 1/2" and less, and 8d for greater
thicknesses.(10)(12)
Apply building paper over panel wall
sheathing.
Notes to Specifiers (Continued):

(13) Specify veneer-faced STURD-I-FLOOR with
sanded face when resilient flooring is to be
applied (or see Footnote 16 for additional grades).
Otherwise, an additional layer of sanded face
underlayment is recommended when resilient
flooring is to be applied over STURD-I-FLOOR.
(14) This step may not be necessary under some
carpet and structural flooring products check
with flooring manufacturer.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
32/16 15/32 INCH
48/24 23/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PS 1-95 C-C PRP-108
Note: Span Ratings and load capacities

are based on untreated panels, and
may not apply following fire-retardant
treatment (FRT). Obtain structural
performance characteristics of FRT
panels from the company providing
the treatment and redrying service.
(15) Major model building codes accept 12"

spacing with glue but some local codes may
require closer spacing at edges. When panels
greater than 3/4" thick are used in glued floors,
use same fastener schedule as for nailed-only
construction.
(16) For areas to be covered with resilient flooring
or fully adhered carpeting, specify Underlayment
or C-C Plugged panel grades marked 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
15
2. Preservative-treated plywood
Treated plywood for (state application)
shall be pressure-treated in accordance
with AWPA C9 with (creosote) (pentachlorophenol) (waterborne) preservatives, as required for (coastal water)
(wood foundation) (ground contact)
(above ground) exposure. Plywood
treated with waterborne preservatives
shall be dried after treatment to a moisture content of 18 percent or less.
All treated plywood used in the
Permanent Wood Foundation System
(PWF) shall be marked by an approved
inspection agency certified to inspect
preservative-treated wood, indicating
compliance with the treating, drying,
retention and penetration requirements
of AWPA Standard C22, or equivalent
code-approved preservative-treating and
quality control requirements.
Plywood shall be all-veneer APA RATED
SHEATHING (or better, depending
on appearance desired) EXP 1 or EXT.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
32/16 15/32 INCH
32/16 15/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 C-C PRP-108
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Meets Underlayment Requirements may also

be used under resilient flooring or fully
adhered carpeting.
(17) For 1/4"-thick panels, nail 3" o.c. along panel
edges and 6" o.c. each way throughout remainder
of panel, with 3d ring-shank nails.
(18) Design and fabrication specifications for
plywood box beams, stressed-skin panels, curved
panels, sandwich panels and all-plywood beams
are available from APA.
D. Wall Sheathing
1. Panel wall sheathing shall be (specify
appropriate grade):
F. Glued Plywood Components

1. General All plywood components
shall be fabricated in accordance with
the appropriate APA Fabrication
Specification.(18) Each original plywood
panel shall bear the appropriate trademark of APA. Glue shall be of resorcinol
or phenolic resin base (for outdoor
exposure), or casein with a mold
inhibitor (for indoor exposure).
CSI* Division 7 Thermal

and Moisture Protection
A. Siding
Siding shall be (specify appropriate
grade):(19)
regular nail size. Use nonstaining box

nails for siding installed over foam
insulation sheathing.
Prior to installing siding, apply building
paper over studs or sheathing.(6)
All panel edges should be sealed. For
panels to be painted, sealer can be paint
primer; for panels to be stained, sealer
should be a water-repellent preservative
compatible with the finish.
B. Soffits
Soffits shall be (specify appropriate
grade):(5)
APA A-C EXT
APA B-C EXT
APA RATED SIDING EXT, or
APA C-C P&TS EXT
APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY

(MDO) EXT.
APA RATED SIDING 303 EXT,(19) or
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
19/32 INCH
16 oc GROUP 1
SIZED FOR SPACING
T1-11
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 PRP-108
FHA-UM-40
RATED SIDING
24 oc 19/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Spacing of 1/8" is recommended at

panel ends and edges, unless otherwise indicated by the panel manufacturer. Nail panel siding 6" o.c. along
panel edges and 12" o.c. at intermediate
supports with 6d nonstaining(20) box,
casing or siding nails for panels 1/2" and
less, and 8d for greater thicknesses.(10)
Nail lap siding installed over nailable
panel or lumber sheathing 8" o.c. along
bottom edge, unless otherwise recommended by manufacturer. Nail lap siding installed direct to studs or over
nonstructural sheathing at each stud.
Use 6d nonstaining(20) box, casing, or
siding nails for siding 1/2" thick, and 8d
for thicker panels. If siding is applied
over nonstructural sheathing, use next
APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY

(MDO) EXT.(21)
Nail 6" o.c. at supported panel edges
and 12" o.c. at intermediate supports,
with 6d nonstaining(20) box, casing, or
siding nails for panels 1/2" and less, and
8d for thicker panels up to 3/4".
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
A-C
19/32 INCH
16 oc GROUP 1
T1-11
GROUP 1
EXTERIOR
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
000
PS 1-95
PS 1-95 PRP-108
FHA-UM-40
CSI* Division 9
Finishes (Painting) (19)
A. Preparation of Surfaces
1. Exterior Panels Panels to be
exposed outdoors shall have all edges
sealed. With paint, sealer may be a
liberal coat of exterior house paint
primer. With stain, seal with waterrepellent preservative compatible
with finish coat.
Surface shall be clean, dry and free of
loose wood fibers.
16
2. Interior Panels Surface shall be

clean, dry and free of loose wood fibers.
Holes and cracks shall be filled with
putty or plastic wood (except for rustic
type panels intended for stain finish).
After dry, sand lightly in the direction of
the grain of face veneer or texture to
match existing surfaces.
Any tree pitch or sap spots shall be
first touched up with a sealer.
B. Application of Finish
(Specify by brush, roller, or spray;
brush application of the first coat gives
best performance.)
Exterior Panels Painted
First coat: Exterior stain-blocking primer
as recommended by manufacturer of
finish coat. (May be tinted.) Apply
quantity as recommended by paint
manufacturer.
Second coat: Top-quality exterior allacrylic latex house paint designed for
use with primer; color as selected. Two
topcoats provide better performance.
Exterior Panels Stained
First coat: Top-quality exterior penetrating semitransparent oil stain where
grain showthrough is desired(22); or
heavily pigmented solid-color oil or latex
stain where grain is to be masked(23);
color as selected. Apply in one or two
coats as recommended by manufacturer.
Use stain-blocking primer with lightcolored solid-color latex stains.
Interior Panels Painted
First coat: Stain-blocking primer as
recommended by manufacturer of
finish coat.
Second coat: Flat, semi-gloss or gloss
topcoat designed for use with primer;
color as selected. Use two topcoats if
needed to cover.
*Construction Specifications Institute
Second coat: Interior satin varnish

(additional coats can be applied as
desired for depth of luster).
Interior Panels Light Stain
First coat: Pigmented resin sealer (wiped
off when tacky).
Second coat: Clear resin sealer.
Third coat: Tinted undercoat; thin
enamel; pigmented sealer; or light stain
applied thinly and wiped to the desired
color depth; color as selected.
Fourth coat: Interior satin varnish (additional coats can be applied as desired for
depth of luster).
PANEL STORAGE
AND HANDLING
Like all building materials, APA

trademarked structural wood panels
should be properly stored, handled
and installed to assure superior
in-service performance.

(19) See APA Product Guide: Performance
Rated Sidings, E300.
(20) Hot-dipped or hot-tumbled galvanized
steel nails are recommended for most siding
applications. For best performance, stainless
steel nails or aluminum nails should be
considered. APA tests also show that electrically or mechanically galvanized steel nails
appear satisfactory when plating meets or
exceeds thickness requirements of ASTM
A641 Class 2 coatings, and is further
protected by yellow chromate coating.
Note: Galvanized fasteners may react under
wet conditions with the natural extractives
of some wood species and may cause
Protect the edges and ends of panels,

especially tongue-and-groove and
shiplap-edged panels. Place panels
to be moved by forklift on pallets or
bunks when received to avoid damage
by fork tines.
Panels to be transported on open truck
beds should be covered with standard
tarpaulins. For open railcar shipment,
use lumber wrap to avoid extended
weather exposure.
Cover the stack loosely with plastic

sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at
the top of the stack, but keep it open
and away from the sides and bottom to
assure good ventilation. Tight coverings
prevent air circulation and, when
exposed to sunlight, create a greenhouse effect which may encourage
mold formation.
PANEL STORAGE
Store panels whenever possible

under a roof, especially if they wont be
used soon after received. Keep sanded
and other appearance grades away
from open doorways, and weight down
the top panel in a stack to help avoid
any possible warpage from humidity. If
moisture absorption is expected, cut
steel banding on panel bundles to
prevent edge damage.
Panels to be stored outside should be
stacked on a level platform supported
by 4x4 stringers or other blocking.
Never leave panels or the platform in
direct contact with the ground. Use at
least three full-width supports along
the eight-foot length of the panel one
centered and the others 12 to 16 inches
from each end.
staining if left unfinished. Such staining

can be minimized if the siding is finished
in accordance with APA recommendations, or if
the roof overhang protects the siding from direct
exposure to moisture and weathering.
Build platform of cull panel and scrap

lumber 4x4s for stacking panels.
Stretch plastic film over platform to

block passage of ground moisture.
Nail film to top panel and drape over

ends for protection against driving
rain. Weight lower end with 2x4.
Lay two 2x4s on top of stack.
Pad corners with rags.
Stretch film over stack and

secure to tie-down stakes.
(21) Specify MDO plywood with one face of

Medium Density Overlay as described in
Voluntary Product Standard PS 1.
(22) Semitransparent stains may be used on
plywood face grades 303-OC, 303-NR and 303-6W. Other 303 face grades should not be finished
with semitransparent stains unless specifically
recommended by the panel manufacturer.
(23) Only latex formulations are recommended
on APA 303-SR and 303-NR grades of plywood
siding.
17
Interior Panels Color Tone

First coat: Stain and companion sealer
mixed to selected color (or sealer, then
stain applied separately).
A glulam is made up of wood laminations, or lams that are bonded

together with adhesives. The grain of all
laminations runs parallel with the length
of the member. Individual lams typically
are 1-3/8 inches thick for southern
pine and 1-1/2 inches thick for Western
species, although other thicknesses
may also be used. Glulam products
typically range in net widths from 2-1/2
to 10-3/4 inches although virtually any
width can be custom produced.
Balanced and Unbalanced Beams

Glulam may be manufactured as
unbalanced or balanced members.
The most critical zone of a glulam bending member with respect to controlling
strength is the outermost tension zone.
In unbalanced beams, the quality of
lumber used on the tension side of the
beam is higher than the lumber used on
the corresponding compression side,
allowing a more efficient use of the
timber resource. Therefore, unbalanced
beams have different bending stresses
assigned to the compression and tension zones and must be installed
accordingly. To assure proper installation
of unbalanced beams, the top of the
beam is clearly stamped with the word
TOP. Unbalanced beams are primarily
intended for simple span applications.
STANDARD BEAM LAYUP

Compression
lam at top
Core lams
in center
Tension lam
at bottom
They can also be used in multiple span

floor beam applications when deflection
or shear control design.
Balanced members are symmetrical in
lumber quality about the mid-height.
Balanced beams are used in applications
such as long cantilevers or continuous
spans, where either the top or bottom of
the member may be highly stressed in
tension due to service loads. They can
also be used in single span applications,
although an unbalanced beam is more
efficient for this use.
Allowable Design Properties

Allowable design properties are a key
factor in specifying glulam. Bending
members are typically specified on the
basis of the maximum allowable bending
stress of the member. For example, a 24F
designation indicates a member with an
allowable bending stress of 2400 psi.
Similarly, a 20F designation refers to a
member with an allowable bending
stress of 2000 psi. These different stress
levels are achieved by varying the species
and percentages and grade of higher
quality lumber in the beam layup.
To identify whether the lumber used in
the beam is visually or mechanically
graded, the stress combination also
includes a second set of designations.
For example, for an unbalanced 24F
layup using visually graded lumber, the
layup designation may be identified as a
24F-V4. The V indicates that the
layup uses visually graded lumber. (E
is used for mechanically graded lumber.)
The number 4 further indicates a
specific combination of lumber used to
which a full set of design stresses such
as horizontal shear, MOE, etc., are
assigned. The glulam industry recently
introduced the concept of specifying
glulam based on a stress class system
similar to that used for MSR lumber or
18
LVL. This requires only specifing an

Fb - E value. Typical stress classifications
are in Table 5. See also Engineered Wood
Systems Data File: Glulam Design
Properties and Layup Combinations,
Form EWS Y117.
Sizes
Glulam is available in both custom and
stock sizes. Stock beams are manufactured in commonly used dimensions and
cut to length when the beam is ordered
from a distributor or dealer. Typical stock
beam widths used in residential construction include: 3-1/8", 3-1/2", 5-1/8",
5-1/2", and 6-3/4".
For nonresidential applications, where
long spans, unusually heavy loads, or
other circumstances control design,
custom members are typically specified.
Common custom shapes include
straight beams, curved beams, pitched
and curved beams, radial arches and
tudor arches.
Appearance Classification
Glulam is available in a range of appearances, all looking different but having
the same structural characteristics for a
given strength grade. Glulam appearance classifications are:
Framing. An EWS classification that
denotes the member is intended only
for use in concealed applications. Beams
with this appearance classification
are provided in widths designed to fit
flush with 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing.
Framing - L is the same as Framing but
denotes that LVL has been used for the
outer laminations.
Industrial. Used for concealed applications or where appearance is not of
primary importance. Industrial - L is the
same as Industrial but denotes that LVL
has been used for outer laminations.
GLULAM SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
TABLE 5
Bending About X-X Axis

Loaded Perpendicular to Wide
Faces of Laminations
Bending About Y-Y Axis

Loaded Parallel to Wide
Faces of Laminations
Axially Loaded
Fasteners
Extreme Fiber
in Bending
Stress Class
16F-1.3E
Species
CompresGroup
Tension
sion
for
Zone
Zone
CompresCompresSpecific
Split Ring
Stressed
Stressed
sion
Shear
sion
Shear
CompresGravity for
and
in Tension in Tension PerpenParallel Modulus Extreme PerpenParallel
Modulus
Tension
sion Modulus Dowel-Type
Shear Plate
(Positive (Negative dicular
to Grain
of
Fiber in dicular
to Grain
of
Parallel to Parallel to
of
Fastener
Connectors
Bending) Bending) to Grain (Horizontal) Elasticity Bending to Grain (Horizontal) Elasticity
Grain
Grain Elasticity
Design
Top or
Fbx+ Fbx(1) Fcx
Fvx(4)
Ex
Fby
Fcy Fvy(4)(5)
Ey
Ft
Fc
Eaxial
Bottom Side
SG
6
6
6
(psi)
(psi)
(psi)
(psi)
(10 psi)
(psi)
(psi)
(psi)
(10 psi)
(psi)
(psi) (10 psi)
Face
Face
1600
925
315
195
1.3
800
315
170
1.1
625
1.5(11)
725
1.2
0.35
800
315
170
1.2
1.7
850
315
175
1.3
725
925
1.3
0.42
775
1000
1.4
0.42
20F-1.5E
2000
1100
425
210(6)
24F-1.7E
2400
1450
500
210(6)
24F-1.8E
2400
1450(2)
650
265(3)
1.8
1450
560
230(3)
1.6
1100
1600
1.7
0.50(10)
26F-1.9E(7)
2600
1950
650
265(3)
1.9
1600
560
230(3)
1.6
1150
1600
1.7
0.50(10) A
2800
2300
740
300
2.1(9)
1600
650
265
1.7
1250
1750
1.7
0.55
30F-2.1E SP(7)(8) 3000
2400
740
300
2.1(9) 1750
650
265
1.7
1250
1750
1.7
0.55
28F-2.1E
SP (7)
Notes:
(1) For balanced layups, Fbx shall be equal to Fbx+ for the stress class. Designer shall specify when balanced layup is required.
(2) Negative bending stress, Fbx, is permitted to be increased to 1850 psi for Douglas-fir and to 1950 psi for southern pine for specific combinations. Designer shall
specify when these increased stresses are required.
(3) For structural glued laminated timber of southern pine, shear stress is permitted to be increased to: Fvx = 300 psi, Fvy = 265 psi.
(4) For non-prismatic members, notched members, members subject to impact or cyclic loading, or shear design of bending members at connections, the design
value for shear shall be multiplied by a factor of 0.72.
(5) Design values are for timbers with laminations made from a single piece of lumber across the width or multiple pieces that have been edge bonded. For timbers
manufactured from multiple piece laminations (across width) that are not edge bonded, value shall be multiplied by 0.4 for members with 5, 7, or 9 laminations or
by 0.5 for all other members. This reduction shall be cumulative with the adjustment in footnote (4).
(6) Certain Southern Pine combinations may contain coarse grain lumber with wane. If lumber with wane is used, the design value for shear parallel to grain, Fvx,
shall be reduced by 33% if wane is allowed on both sides. If wane is limited to one side, Fvx shall be reduced by 17%. This reduction shall be cumulative with the
adjustment in footnote (4).
(7) 26F, 28F, and 30F beams are not produced by all manufacturers, therefore, availability may be limited. Contact supplier or manufacturer for details.
(8) 30F combinations are restricted to a maximum 6 in. nominal width.
(9) For 28F and 30F members with more than 15 laminations, Ex = 2.0 million psi.
(10) For structural glued laminated timber of southern pine, specific gravity for fastener design is permitted to be increased to 0.55.
(11) When structural glued laminated timber of Canadian Spruce-Pine-Fir or Eastern Spruce is used, Ex is permitted to be increased to 1.8 million psi.
Design values in this table represent design values for groups of similar glued laminated timber combinations. Higher design values for some properties may be be
obtained by specifying a particular combination in EWS Y117. Design values are for members with 4 or more laminations. Some stress classes are not available in
all species. Contact structural glued laminated timber manufacturer for availability.
Architectural. The appearance of choice

in applications where members are
exposed to view, because they have a
smooth, attractive finish. Stock beams
are often supplied with this appearance
so they may be exposed to view in the
finished structure.
Premium. Available only as a custom

order where finished appearance is of
primary importance.
All appearance classifications permit
natural growth characteristics with varying degrees of open voids permitted.
Voids are filled as required by the appearance grade specified using inserts and
wood fillers. The appearance classifica-
19
tion is not related to lumber layup

requirements and thus does not affect
design values for the beam. For additional information, refer to Engineered
Wood Systems Technical Note: Glued
Laminated Timber Appearance
Classifications for Construction Applications,
Form EWS Y110.
DESIGN VALUES FOR STRUCTURAL GLUED LAMINATED SOFTWOOD TIMBER BASED ON A STRESS CLASS SYSTEM
Members stressed primarily in bending Tabulated design values are for normal load duration and dry service conditions.
Section Properties and Capacities

When selecting a glulam member, the
builder, designer, or specifier must use
a member with the required section
properties to satisfy the load carrying
requirements. Different load capacities
are possible for different stress level
combinations of glulam. Tables giving
the load carrying capacities for glulam
are included in the Engineered Wood
Systems Data File: Glued Laminated Beam
Design Tables, Form EWS S475.
Camber
Camber is curvature built into a fabricated member (see figure below) which
is opposite in direction and magnitude
to the calculated deflection which will
occur under gravity loads.
The glulam industry recommends that
roof beams be cambered for 1-1/2 times
the calculated dead load deflection. This
will generally be sufficient to assure that
the beam will not exhibit a sag over a
period of many years of loading, as may
occur with non-cambered wood products. To achieve a level profile it is recommended that floor beams be only
cambered for 1.0 times the calculated
dead load deflection.
Camber for glulam beams is specified as
either inches of camber or as a radius
of curvature that is to be used in the
manufacturing process. Commonly
used curvature radii for commercial
Trademarks and Acceptances

Glulam beams manufactured by
Engineered Wood Systems members
are certified with the APA EWS trademark. The mark (as shown) signifies
that the manufacturer is committed to a
rigorous program of quality verification
and testing and that products are
manufactured in conformance with
ANSI Standard A190.1-2002, American
National Standard for Structural Glued
Laminated Timber. The APA EWS
trademark is recognized by all major
model building codes.
applications are 1,600 and 2,000 feet

although any camber may be specified.
Most residential applications require
very little or no camber which, in turn,
makes glulam the ideal choice. Stock
beams are typically supplied with a
relatively flat camber radius of 3,500 feet
as shown in Table 6, or zero camber.
Thus, they have just the right camber for
residential construction. If, however,
more camber is required, such as for a
long span roof beam, custom beams are
available through manufacturers to meet
the most exacting specifications.
Typical information included in an

APA EWS trademark is shown below.
This information may vary depending
on whether the member is supplied as
a custom or stock product.
For additional information on cambering

glulam beams, refer to Engineered Wood
Systems Technical Note: Glulam Beam
Camber, Form EWS S550, which provides a camber table for various beam
spans and radii of curvature.
TABLE 6
CAMBER FOR 3,500-FOOT RADIUS
Span in feet:
Camber in inches:
10
.04
B IND
7
2
MILL 0000
12
.06
14
.08
16
.11
18
.14
20
.17
22
.21
24
.25
26
.29
EWS Y117
EWS 24F-1.8E
WW
28
.34
4
6
5
ANSI A190.1-2002
3
BEAM CAMBER PARAMETERS
L = Span (ft)
Cambered beam
= Camber (in.)
R = Radius of curvature (ft)
1 Indicates structural use: B-Simple span bending member. C-Compression member. T-Tension
member. CB-Continuous or cantilevered span bending member.
2 Mill number.
3 Identification of ANSI Standard A190.1, Structural Glued Laminated Timber. ANSI A190.1 is the
American National Standard for glulam beams.
4 Applicable laminating specification.
5 Western woods (see note 6).
6 Structural grade designation. The APA EWS 24F-1.8E designation is a glulam grade commonly
used in residential applications. Combining a group of six layup combinations made with Douglas
fir-larch, spruce-pine-fir, southern pine, and/or hem-fir, this grade provides strength (allowable
bending stress of 2,400 psi and allowable shear stress of 155 psi) and stiffness (modulus of
elasticity of 1.8 x 106 psi) needed for typical residential applications, while greatly simplifying
the design specification.
7 Designation of appearance grade. INDUSTRIAL, ARCHITECTURAL, PREMIUM, or FRAMING.
20
A. General
1. Structural glued laminated timber
shall be furnished as shown on the
plans and in accordance with the following specifications. (Where other uses
or requirements are applicable, modify
specifications accordingly.)
2. For custom designed members, shop
drawings and details shall be furnished
by the (manufacturer) (seller) and
approval obtained from the (architect)
(engineer) (general contractor) (buyer)
before fabrication is begun.
3. The (manufacturer) (seller) (general
contractor) shall furnish connection
steel and hardware for joining structural
glued laminated timber members to
each other and to their supports, exclusive of anchorage embedded in masonry
or concrete, setting plates, and items
field-welded to structural steel. Steel
Notes to Specifiers:
(1) Dry service condition moisture content of
the member will be below 16% in service; wet
service condition moisture content of the
member will be at or above 16% in service. When
structural glued laminated timber members are to
be preservative treated, wet-use adhesives
must be specified.
connections shall be finished with one

coat of rust-inhibiting paint.
B. Manufacture
1. Materials, Manufacture and Quality
Assurance Structural glued laminated
timber of softwood species shall be in
conformance with ANSI Standard
A190.1, American National Standard
for Structural Glued Laminated
Timber, or other code-approved
design, manufacturing and/or
quality assurance procedures.
2. End-Use Application Structural
glued laminated timber members shall
be manufactured for the following structural uses as applicable: (Simple span
bending member B) (continuous or
cantilever span bending member CB)
(compression member C) (tension
member T).
3. Design Values Structural glued
laminated timber shall provide design
values for normal load duration and
dry-use condition.(1)(2)
Description: Glulam members manufactured to be

compatible with these dimensions are finished to
what are referred to in the industry as hit or
miss surfacing. Surface characteristics of glulam
members finished to this classification include:
Manufacturing characteristics including low
laminations, glue smear, end joint offsets and
glueline squeezeout are permitted.
4. Appearance Grade Glulam shall be

(framing) (industrial) (architectural)
(premium) grade(3) in accordance with
ANSI Standard A190.1.
5. Laminating Adhesives Adhesives
used in the manufacture of structural
glued laminated timber shall meet
requirements for (wet-use) (dry-use)
service conditions.(1)
6. Camber (when applicable)
Structural glued laminated timber (shall)
(shall not) be manufactured with a
built-in camber.
7. Preservative Treatment
(when applicable) Glulam shall be
pressure treated after manufacture in
accordance with American WoodPreservers Association (AWPA)
Standard C28 with (creosote or creosote/coal tar solution) (pentachlorophenol in oil) (pentachlorophenol in
light solvent) preservatives as required
for (soil contact) (above ground)
exposure.
and wane shall not exceed 10% of the width of the

member in any glueline. The frequency of occurrence shall not exceed one in ten pieces of lumber
used. The maximum area of low laminations shall
not exceed 25% of the surface area of a side.
Permissible wane in accordance with the provisions of the layup combination is not limited in
length.
INDUSTRIAL. Use where appearance is not of
primary importance, or where members are not
exposed visually.
(2) An alternative to specifying the required

design stresses is to specify a specific laminating
combination symbol if known to be available.
Lumber characteristics permitted for the given

layup combination may include knot holes, splits
and wane.
(3) Appearance classifications are described as

follows. For further information, see Engineered
Wood Systems Technical Note EWS Y110, Glued
Laminated Timber Appearance Classifications for
Construction Applications.
Voids appearing on the edge of laminations need

not be filled.
Description: Natural lumber growth characteristics

may be visible. Voids on edges of laminations may
not be filled, except loose knots and knotholes
may be filled in some applications.
Loose knots and knot holes appearing on the wide

face of the laminations exposed to view need not
be filled.
ARCHITECTURAL. Use where appearance

is important.
FRAMING. The Framing appearance classification

is a new classification introduced by the industry
to accommodate home building and other construction markets where glulam is used in combination with dimension lumber in roof, wall and
floor framing. To be compatible with the conventional framing lumber sizes without the need for
furring or other specialized framing, glulam is
supplied in 3-1/2, 5-1/2 and 7-1/4-inch widths.
Members are required to be surfaced hit or miss

on two sides only and the appearance requirements apply only to these sides.
Wane (limited to a maximum of 1/4 inch measured across the width) is permitted on a cumulative basis. The accumulative depth of hit and miss
21
Description: Natural lumber growth characteristics

may be visible. Knotholes and voids larger than
3/4" are filled or repaired with wood inserts.
Exposed faces are surfaced smooth and exposed
edges are eased (chamfered).
SPECIFICATION GUIDE
FOR STRUCTURAL GLUED
LAMINATED TIMBER
(GLULAM)
9. Protective Sealers and Finishes

Unless otherwise specified, sealer shall
be applied to the ends of all members.
Surfaces of members shall be (not
sealed) (sealed with penetrating sealer)
(sealed with primer/sealer coating).(5)
10. Trademarks Members shall be
marked with the Engineered Wood
Systems APA EWS trademark indicating
conformance with the manufacturing,
quality assurance and marking provisions of ANSI Standard A190.1.
11. Certificates (when applicable)
A Certificate of Conformance shall be
provided by the (manufacturer) (seller)
to indicate conformance with ANSI
Standard A190.1.
12. Protection for Shipment
Members shall be (not wrapped) (load
wrapped) (bundle wrapped) (individually wrapped) with a water-resistant
covering for shipment.

PREMIUM. Use where highest-quality visual
appearance is required.
Description: Natural lumber growth characteristics may be visible. All knotholes and voids
are filled or repaired with wood inserts.
Exposed surface of wide face lamination has
limit on knot size and no loose knots.
Exposed faces are surfaced smooth, and
exposed edges are eased.
(4) When structural glued laminated timber
with one-hour fire resistance is specified,
minimum size limitations and additional
lamination requirements are applicable.
Supporting steel connectors and fasteners also
must be protected to achieve a one-hour fire
rating. Cover with fire-rated (Type X) gypsum
wallboard or sheathing, or 1-1/2" wood, to
provide the needed protection. See page 62.
(5) Specify a penetrating sealer when the
finish will be natural or a semitransparent
stain. Primer/sealer coatings have a higher
solids content and provide greater moisture
protection, and are suitable for use with
opaque or solid-color finishes.
GLULAM BEAM STORAGE

AND HANDLING
APA EWS trademarked glued laminated

beams (glulam) are commonly protected
with sealants, primers or wrappings
when they leave the mill. But care must
be taken during loading, unloading and
transporting as well as in the yard and
on the job site.
Sealants on the ends of beams help
guard against moisture penetration and
checking. Apply a coat of sealant to the
ends of beams after trimming. Surface
sealants, which can be applied to the
top, bottom and sides of beams, resist
dirt and moisture and help control
checking and grain raising. Use a penetrating sealant if beams will be stained
or given a natural finish.
A primer coat also protects beams from
moisture and dirt and provides a
paintable surface.
Water-resistant wrappings are another
way to protect beams from moisture,
dirt and scratches. Because sunlight
can discolor beams, opaque wrappings
are recommended. Beams can be
22
GLULAM BEAM STORAGE

Beams
Cut drainage
holes in bottom
of wrapping
Lumber bunks
or skids
wrapped individually, by the bundle

or by the load. In situations where
appearance is especially important,
the wrapping can be removed after
installation to avoid damage.
If possible, store glulam under cover
to protect them from rain and sunlight.
Place the beams on spaced lumber
bunks on level, well-drained ground. In
some instances, the wrappings can be
used to protect beams until installation.
Again, seal ends of beams immediately
after trimming. Once beams are
installed, allow them to gradually season
and adjust to the temperature and moisture conditions of the structure.
8. Fire Resistance (when applicable)

Glulam shall be sized and manufactured
for one-hour fire resistance.(4)
I- JOIST SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
APA Performance Rated I-joists are

identified by their net depth followed
by a designation such as PRI-30 which
relates to the joist strength and stiffness.
APA PRIs are available in four depths:
9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, and 16 inches.
Most manufacturers supply I-joists to
distributors and dealers in lengths up to
60 feet. These are then cut to frequently
used lengths such as 16 to 36 feet.
Check local supplier for availability.
APA PRI-400
APA PRIs are manufactured in accordance with Performance Standard for APA
EWS I-Joists, PRI-400. This Performance
Standard provides an easy-to-use table
of allowable spans for applications in
residential floor construction, allowing
designers and builders to select and use
I-joists from various member manufacturers using just one set of span tables.
TABLE 7
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR APA EWS PERFORMANCE RATED I-JOISTS
Simple Span Only
Simple Span On Center Spacing
Joist
Depth
Designation
12"
16"
19.2"
24"
9-1/2"
PRI-20
PRI-30
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
16'-7"
17'-1"
18'-0"
17'-10"
18'-11"
15'-2"
15'-8"
16'-5"
16'-4"
17'-4"
14'-4"
14'-10"
15'-6"
15'-5"
16'-4"
13'-4"
13'-10"
14'-1"
14'-5"
15'-3"
PRI-20
PRI-30
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
19'-10"
20'-6"
21'-5"
21'-4"
22'-7"
23'-0"
24'-11"
25'-8"
18'-2"
18'-9"
19'-7"
19'-6"
20'-8"
21'-0"
22'-8"
23'-4"
17'-2"
17'-8"
18'-2"
18'-5"
19'-6"
19'-10"
21-4"
22'-0"
15'-5"
16'-6"
16'-3"
17'-2"
18'-2"
18'-6"
19'-10"
20'-5"
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
24'-4"
24'-4"
25'-9"
26'-1"
28'-3"
29'-1"
22'-1"
22'-2"
23'-6"
23'-10"
25'-9"
26'-5"
20'-2"
21'-0"
22'-2"
22'-6"
24'-3"
24'-11"
18'-0"
19'-7"
20'-8"
20'-11"
22'-7"
23'-2"
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
26'-11"
27'-0"
28'-6"
29'-0"
31'-4"
32'-2"
24'-0"
24'-8"
26'-0"
26'-5"
28'-6"
29'-3"
21'-11"
23'-4"
24'-7"
24'-11"
26'-10"
27'-7"
19'-7"
20'-2"
22'-10"
23'-1"
25'-0"
25'-7"
11-7/8"
14"
16"
Notes:
1. Allowable clear span applicable to simple-span residential floor construction with a design dead
load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf. The live load deflection is limited to span/480.
2. Spans are based on a composite floor with glued-nailed sheathing meeting the requirements for
APA Rated Sheathing or APA Rated STURD-I-FLOOR conforming to PRP-108, PS 1, or PS 2 with a
minimum thickness of 19/32 inch (40/20 or 20 oc) for a joist spacing of 19.2 inches or less, or
23/32 inch (48/24 or 24 oc) for a joist spacing of 24 inches. Adhesive shall meet APA Specification
AFG-01 or ASTM D3498. Spans shall be reduced 1 foot when the floor sheathing is nailed only.
3. Minimum bearing length shall be 1-3/4 inches for the end bearings.
4. Bearing stiffeners are not required when I-joists are used with the spans and spacings given in this
table, except as required for hangers.
5. This span chart is based on uniform loads. For applications with other than uniformly distributed
loads, an engineering analysis may be required based on the use of the design properties in Table 6
of APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form Z725.
Residential Floor Spans

Some APA PRIs include in their trademarks allowable spans for uniformly
loaded residential floor construction
at various I-joist spacings. The specific
I-joist needed is easily determined by
selecting the span and then choosing
the I-joist that meets the span, spacing,
and loading criteria. See Tables 7 and 8.
23
For more information on selecting

APA I-joists, and for design tables,
refer to APA Performance Rated I-Joists,
Form Z725, available on APAs web
site at www.apawood.org.
APA Performance Rated

Rim Board
See page 29 for a description of
APA Performance Rated Rim Board.
I-Joists are I-shaped engineered wood

structural members designed for use in
residential and nonresidential construction. The product is prefabricated using
sawn or structural composite lumber
flanges and plywood or OSB webs,
bonded together with exterior type
adhesives. To simplify the specification
and use of I-joists, APA introduced
the APA Performance Rated I-Joist (PRI).
The joist is limited to a L/480 live load
maximum deflection (where L = span)
for glued-nailed residential floor applications, a criteria which provides superior
floor performance.
I- JOIST SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
The following is a guide for specifying

APA Performance Rated I-Joists (PRI)
to be used in residential floor applications. These structural products are
available in net depths of 9-1/2 inches,
11-7/8 inches, 14 inches, and
16 inches, and can be used for simpleor multiple-span floor construction with
a design live load of 40 psf and dead
load of 10 psf or 20 psf as applicable.
Exterior use, or use of wood I-joists
in other than protected dry conditions,
is not recommended.
A. General
1. APA PRIs shall be furnished and
installed as shown by the approved
building plans and installation
instructions.
2. The designation of APA PRI shall be
based on the applicable loading, joist
spacing and spans shown in the plans.
PRIs may be selected using Tables 1 and
2 of APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form
Z725. For non-uniform loading conditions requiring an engineering analysis,
see Table 7 from the above-mentioned
guide for PRI joist properties.
The specification for I-joists required for
a specific floor application shall include
joist depth, designation, length, and
number of pieces required.
Example: 21 pieces
APA 9-1/2" PRI-30 x 30 feet long
3. All accessory products such as I-joist
blocking panels, rim boards, squash
blocks, web stiffeners, etc., shall be
provided and installed in accordance
with the applicable installation details
shown in Form Z725.
4. APA EWS trademarked gluedlaminated timber (glulam) or approved
structural composite lumber (SCL) shall
TABLE 8
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR APA EWS PERFORMANCE RATED I-JOISTS
Multiple Span Only
Multiple Span On Center Spacing
Joist
Depth
Designation
12"
16"
19.2"
24"
9-1/2"
PRI-20
PRI-30
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
18'-1"
18'-7"
19'-7"
19'-5"
20'-8"
16'-3"
17'-0"
17'-2"
17'-9"
18'-10"
14'-10"
16'-1"
15'-8"
16'-9"
17'-9"
13'-3"
15'-0"
14'-0"
15'-7"
16'-5"
PRI-20
PRI-30
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
21'-8"
22'-4"
23'-0"
23'-3"
24'-8"
25'-1"
27'-1"
27'-11"
18'-10"
20'-5"
19'-11"
21'-2"
22'-6"
22'-10"
24'-8"
25'-5"
16'-9"
18'-10"
18'-2"
20'-0"
21'-2"
21'-7"
23'-3"
23'-11"
13'-5"
15'-0"
16'-2"
16'-1"
19'-1"
18'-6"
21'-7"
22'-2"
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
25'-6"
26'-6"
28'-0"
28'-5"
30'-10"
31'-8"
22'-1"
24'-2"
25'-7"
25'-11"
28'-0"
28'-10"
20'-1"
20'-2"
23'-8"
23'-2"
26'-5"
27'-1"
18'-0"
16'-1"
19'-9"
18'-6"
23'-11"
25'-2"
PRI-40
PRI-50
PRI-60
PRI-70
PRI-80
PRI-90
27'-8"
29'-6"
31'-1"
31'-7"
34'-2"
35'-1"
23'-11"
24'-3"
28'-1"
27'-10"
31'-1"
31'-10"
21'-10"
20'-2"
24'-9"
23'-2"
29'-3"
30'-0"
19'-6"
16'-1"
19'-9"
18'-6"
23'-11"
26'-7"
11-7/8"
14"
16"
Notes:
1. Allowable clear span applicable to multiple-span residential floor construction with a design dead
load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf. The live load deflection is limited to span/480.
2. Spans are based on a composite floor with glued-nailed sheathing meeting the requirements for
APA Rated Sheathing or APA Rated STURD-I-FLOOR conforming to PRP-108, PS 1, or PS 2 with a
minimum thickness of 19/32 inch (40/20 or 20 oc) for a joist spacing of 19.2 inches or less, or
23/32 inch (48/24 or 24 oc) for a joist spacing of 24 inches. Adhesive shall meet APA Specification
AFG-01 or ASTM D3498. Spans shall be reduced 1 foot when the floor sheathing is nailed only.
3. Minimum bearing length shall be 1-3/4 inches for the end bearings, and 3-1/2 inches for the
intermediate bearings.
4. Bearing stiffeners are not required when I-joists are used with the spans and spacings given in this
table, except as required for hangers.
5. This span chart is based on uniform loads. For applications with other than uniformly distributed
loads, an engineering analysis may be required based on the use of the design properties in Table 6 of
APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form Z725.
be furnished for load-bearing joist headers. The depth of these components

shall be specified to match the I-joist
depth when flush framing is required.
5. The contractor shall use approved
connection hardware (joist hangers) as
specified in the plans. Such hardware
shall be compatible with the width and
depth of APA PRIs furnished, to provide
flush nailing surfaces at adjoining members and to prevent rotation.
24
B. Manufacture
1. Materials, Manufacture, and
Quality Assurance. Product quality shall
conform to the manufacturers approved
quality control manual, with compliance
assurance services provided by APA in
accordance with building code requirements and the applicable code evaluation report.
2. Trademarks. I-joists shall be marked
with the APA EWS trademark indicating
SPECIFYING APA
PERFORMANCE RATED
I- JOISTS
conformance with the manufacturing,

quality assurance, and marking provisions of APA EWS Standard PRI-400,
Performance Standard for APA EWS I-Joists
or the applicable manufacturers code
evaluation report.
3. Jobsite Shipment. I-joists shall be
protected from direct exposure to
weather prior to installation.
I- JOIST STORAGE
AND HANDLING
Store, stack and handle I-joists vertically,

and try to keep joists level. Do not
store I-joists in direct contact with the
ground. Protect I-joists from weather,
and use stickers to separate the bundles.
If I-joists are delivered wrapped, do not
open bundles until time of installation.
When handling I-joists with a crane
on the job site (picking), take a few
simple precautions to prevent damage
to the joists and injury to the work
crew: pick I-joists in bundles as shipped
by the supplier; orient the bundles so
that the webs of the I-joists are vertical;
and pick the bundles at the fifth points,
using a spreader bar if necessary. Do not
twist or apply loads to the I-joists when
they are horizontal. Never use or try to
repair a damaged I-joist.
I-joists are not stable until completely
installed, and will not carry any load
until fully braced and sheathed. Do not
allow workers to walk on joists until the
joists are fully installed and braced. To
avoid accidents, brace and nail each
I-joist as it is installed, using hangers,
blocking panels, rim board, and/or
cross-bridging at joist ends and over
each support. For additional storage and
handling recommendations, refer to the
Builder Tip: Storage, Handling and Safety
Recommendations for APA Performance
Rated I-Joists, Form Z735.
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an

engineered wood product created by
bonding dried and graded wood veneers
with exterior type adhesives into long
solid blocks known as billets, which are
subsequently resawn into specified
sizes. Because it is made with scarfed or
lapped jointed veneers, LVL is available
in lengths far beyond conventional
lumber lengths. LVL is available in a
variety of thicknesses with the most
common being 1-3/4, and in various
widths. It is easily sawn and fastened in
the field using conventional construction tools and methods. Because LVL
generally has the grain of all the veneers
running in the long direction, rather
than as cross-laminations as with engineered wood products like plywood, it
has high strength in the long direction.
The design strength properties for LVL
generally exceed those of conventional
lumber grades, and variability is lower
due to greater dispersion of natural
growth characteristics of the wood.
Typical uses for LVL include rafters,
headers, beams, joists, studs, and
columns. Two or three sections of LVL
can be joined together to form 3-1/2 or
5-1/4 members. These thicker sections
readily nest into 2x4 or 2x6 framed
walls as headers or columns.
Allowable Strength Properties

Structural properties of LVL are evaluated using methods specified in ASTM
Standard Specification D5456 for
Structural Composite Lumber. Ongoing
quality auditing of LVL is performed by
APA EWS. The structural design values
for LVL are published on a proprietary
25
basis by manufacturers of LVL and are

recognized in their evaluation reports
published by model code agencies.
A list of APA EWS LVL manufacturers
is available on APAs web site
(www.apawood.org).
SPECIFICATION GUIDE
FOR LAMINATED VENEER
LUMBER (LVL)
A. General
1. LVL shall be furnished and installed
as shown on the approved building
plans and in accordance with the specifications of the LVL manufacturer.
2. The contractor shall use approved
hardware and connections as specified
in the plans.
B. Manufacture
1. Materials, Manufacture and Quality
Assurance. Product quality shall conform to the manufacturers approved
quality control manual, with certification services provided by APA EWS
in accordance with building code
requirements and the applicable
code evaluation report.
2. Trademarks. LVL shall be marked
with the APA EWS trademark,
indicating conformance with the
manufacturers evaluation report.
3. Jobsite Shipment. LVL shall be
protected from direct exposure to
weather prior to installation.
LVL SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
FLOOR
APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor

APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR is a spanrated APA proprietary product designed
specifically for use in single-layer floor
construction beneath carpet and pad.
The product provides all of the proven
cost-saving and performance benefits of
combined subfloor-underlayment construction. It is manufactured in conformance with APA PRP-108 Performance
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
19/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING

20 oc
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
19/32 INCH
20 oc
SIZED FOR SPACING

EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 2-92 SINGLE FLOOR

PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Standards and/or Voluntary Product

Standard PS 1 or PS 2. And its easy to
use and specify because the maximum
recommended spacing of floor joists
or Span Rating is stamped on each
panel. Panels are manufactured with
Span Ratings of 16, 20, 24, 32 and
48 inches. These assume use of the
panel continuous over two or more
spans with the long dimension or
strength axis across supports.*
Glue-nailing is recommended for
STURD-I-FLOOR panels, though panels
may be nailed only. Recommendations
for both methods are given in Table 9.
(See The APA Glued Floor System,
page 30, for more detailed gluing
recommendations.) Always protect
smooth panel faces and tongue-andgroove edges from damage prior to and
during application. Install with smooth
side up. Recommended live loads are
given in Table 10.
FIGURE 1
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 16, 20, AND 24 oc
Stagger end joints
16, 20, 24 oc
Blocking with
square edge panels
2x joists, I-joists or
floor trusses 16",
19.2", or 24" o.c.
Carpet
2x rim joist
or APA
Rim Board
1/8" spacing is
recommended at all edge
and end joints unless
otherwise indicated by
panel manufacturer
Tongue-and-groove edges
(or 2" lumber blocking
between supports)
26
Note:
Provide adequate moisture control
and use ground cover vapor retarder
in crawl space. Panels must be
dry before applying finish floor.
Note:
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 feet maximum in length or
width, to allow for accumulated expansion during
construction in wet weather conditions.
CONSTRUCTION
Although STURD-I-FLOOR is suitable

for direct application of carpet and pad,
an additional thin layer of underlayment
is recommended under tile, sheet flooring or fully adhered carpet. This added
layer restores a smooth surface over
panels that may have been scuffed or
roughened during construction, or over
panels that may not have received a
sufficiently sanded surface. When
veneer-faced STURD-I-FLOOR with
sanded face is specified, the surface is
also suitable for direct application of
resilient floor covering. Glued T&G
edges are recommended under thin
floor coverings to assure snug joints.
If the floor has become wet during
construction, it should be allowed to
dry before application of finish floor,
including carpet, underlayment, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, etc. After it
is dry, the floor should be checked for
flatness, especially at joints.
When floor members are dry, make sure
fasteners are flush with or below surface
of the STURD-I-FLOOR panels just
prior to installation of thin floor coverings. Fasteners should be set if green
framing will present nail popping problems upon drying. Do not fill nail holes.
Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints
(this step may not be necessary under
some carpet and structural flooring
products check recommendations of
flooring manufacturer). Fill any other
damaged or open areas, such as splits,
and sand all surface roughness.
*Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies
when the long panel dimension or strength axis is
across supports unless the strength axis is otherwise identified.
FIGURE 2
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 32 AND 48 oc
(Over Supports 32" o.c.)
1/8" spacing is recommended at all edge and end joints
unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer
APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR
32 oc or 48 oc
Stagger end joints

T&G joint
(or block edges)
2x sill
2x rim joist
or APA
Rim Board
Center girder
Note:
Provide adequate moisture control
and use ground cover vapor retarder
in crawl space. Panels must be dry
before applying finish floor.
Joists 32" o.c. (2x10s typical)

Framing anchors (or 2x2 ledger)
Note:
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 feet maximum in length or width, to allow for accumulated expansion during construction
in wet weather conditions.
FIGURE 3
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc
(Over Supports 48" o.c.)
1/8" spacing is recommended at all edge and end
joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer
Stagger end joints
APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR
48 oc
Girder
s
ngth axi
en
Sttrre
2x sill
12"
min.
2x rim joist or
APA Rim Board
T&G joint
(or block edges)
4x4 post
Note:
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 feet maximum in length or width, to allow for accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather conditions.
27
Note:
Provide adequate
moisture control and
use ground cover
vapor retarder in crawl
space. Panels must be
dry before applying
finish floor.
If long-term exposure to the weather is

required, specify Exterior panels.
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 9
Fastening: Glue-Nailed (c)
Fastening: Nailed-Only
Maximum Spacing (in.)(h)
Nail Size
and
Type
Supported
Panel Edges(g)
Maximum Spacing (in.)(h)
Intermediate
Supports
Nail Size
and
Type
Supported
Panel Edges(g)
Intermediate
Supports
16
19/32, 5/8
6d ring- or
screw-shank (d)
12
12
6d ring- or
screw-shank
12
20
19/32, 5/8
6d ring- or
screw-shank (d)
12
12
6d ring- or
screw-shank
12
23/32, 3/4
6d ring- or
screw-shank (d)
12
12
6d ring- or
screw-shank
12
7/8
8d ring- or
screw-shank (d)
12
8d ring- or
screw-shank
12
32
7/8
8d ring- or
screw-shank (d)
12
8d ring- or
screw-shank
12
48
1-3/32, 1-1/8
8d ring- or
screw-shank (e)
(f)
8d ring- or
screw-shank (e)
(f)
24
(d) 8d common nails may be substituted if ring- or screw-shank nails are

not available.
(e) 10d common nails may be substituted with 1-1/8-inch panels if supports
are well seasoned.
(f) Space nails maximum 6 inches for 48-inch spans and 12 inches for
32-inch spans.
(g) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline of
framing with a minimum bearing of 1/2 inch. Fasten panels 3/8 inch from
panel edges.
(h) Increased nail schedules may be required where floor is engineered as a
diaphragm.
(a) Special conditions may impose heavy traffic and concentrated loads that
require construction in excess of the minimums shown. See page 36 for heavy
duty floor recommendations.
(b) Panels in a given thickness may be manufactured in more than one Span
Rating. Panels with a Span Rating greater than the actual joist spacing may be
substituted for panels of the same thickness with a Span Rating matching the
actual joist spacing. For example, 19/32-inch-thick Sturd-I-Floor 20 oc may
be substituted for 19/32-inch-thick Sturd-I-Floor 16 oc over joists 16 inches
on center.
(c) Use only adhesives conforming to APA Specification AFG-01 or ASTM D3498,
applied in accordance with the adhesive manufacturers recommendations. If
OSB panels with sealed surfaces and edges are to be used, use only solventbased glues; check with panel manufacturer.
TABLE 10
RECOMMENDED UNIFORM FLOOR LIVE LOADS FOR APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
AND APA RATED SHEATHING WITH STRENGTH AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS
Sturd-I-Floor
Span
Rating
16 oc
20 oc
24 oc
32 oc
48 oc
Sheathing
Span
Rating
Minimum Panel
Thickness
(in.)
Maximum
Span
(in.)
24/16, 32/16
40/20
48/24
60/32(b)
7/16(c)
16
20
24
32
48
19/32, 5/8
23/32, 3/4
7/8
1-3/32, 1-1/8
Allowable Live Loads (psf) (a)

Joist Spacing (in.)
(a) 10 psf dead load assumed. Live load deflection limit is l/360.
(b) Check with supplier for availability.
12
16
185
270
430
100
150
240
430
20
24
32
40
48
100
160
295
460
100
185
290
100
160
100
55
(c) 19/32 inch is minimum thickness of Rated Sturd-I-Floor.
28
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR (a)

Span Rating
(Maximum
Joist
Panel
Spacing)
Thickness (b)
(in.)
(in.)
For a low profile with supports

48 inches on center, beams can be set
in foundation pockets or on posts supported by footings so that panels bear
directly on the sill. If 4x lumber girders
are used, they should be air dried
and/or set higher than the sill to
allow for shrinkage.
In some applications, particularly in
hallways and other heavy traffic areas,
greater stiffness in the floor may be
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
1-1/8 INCH
2-4-1
SIZED FOR SPACING
48oc
T&G
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108
32oc
7/8 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING

T&G
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
desirable. Modifications to the 48-inch

framing system, such as addition of
straight or diagonal blocking, will
increase stiffness considerably.
APA Performance
Rated Rim Board
A rim board is the wood component
that fills the space between the sill plate
and bottom plate of a wall or, in second
floor construction, between the top
plate and bottom plate of two wall
sections. The rim board must match the
depth of the framing members between
floors or between the floor and foundation to function properly. In addition to
supporting the wall loads, the rim board
ties the floor joists together. It is an
integral component in an engineered
wood system because it transfers both
lateral and vertical bearing forces.
While lumber has been the traditional
product used for rim boards, it is not
compatible with the new generation of
wood I-joists used in floor construction.
With the increasing use of wood I-joists,
a demand for compatible engineered
wood rim boards has resulted.
APA Performance Rated Rim Boards can
be manufactured using plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), glued laminated timber (glulam), or laminated
veneer lumber (LVL). These engineered
29
wood rim boards have less shrinkage

than lumber and match the depth of
wood I-joists and other engineered
wood framing products. They are
available in lengths up to 24 feet,
depending on the product used.
Most APA Performance Rated Rim
Boards are wood structural panels that
are manufactured in accordance with
the Performance Standard for APA EWS
Rim Boards and Voluntary Product
Standards PS 1 or PS 2, or APA Standard
PRP-108. Glulam rim boards are a
resawn grade of glued laminated timber
manufactured in accordance with the
Performance Standard for APA EWS
Rim Boards and ANSI A190.1. The
Performance Standard for APA EWS Rim
Boards meets or exceeds the requirements given in the ICBO ES Acceptance
Criteria for Wood-Based Rim Board
Products.
As glued engineered wood products,
APA Rim Boards have greater dimensional stability, higher strength,
increased structural reliability, more
consistent quality and a lower tendency
to check or split than sawn lumber.
RIM BOARD
MILL 0000
PRR-401
Sturd-I-Floor 32 oc and 48 oc
Install APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
48 oc or 32 oc panels over 2x joists or
I-joists spaced 32 inches on center
(Figure 2). Install APA RATED STURD-IFLOOR 48 oc over 4x girders 48 inches
on center (Figure 3). For the 48 oc
method, supports may be 2x joists
spiked together, 4x lumber, glulams,
lightweight steel beams, or wood I-joists
or floor trusses. Girders of doubled 2x
members should have top edges flush
to permit smooth panel end joints.
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
Field-glued floors go down quickly,

even in cold weather, using ordinary
construction materials and techniques.
And like many other panel assemblies
that provide excellent sound control,
the APA Glued Floor System is ideal for
multifamily construction. The large
panels with glued tongue-and-groove
joints reduce the number of cracks that
can leak airborne noise.
The system is normally built with
span-rated STURD-I-FLOOR panels
(Figure 4), although double-layer floors
are also applicable. In both cases,
STURD-I-FLOOR and subflooring
panels should be installed continuous
over two or more spans with the
long dimension or strength axis
across supports.
FIGURE 4
APA GLUED FLOOR SYSTEM
Carpet and pad
2x rim joist or APA Rim Board
Tongue-and-groove
edges (or 2" lumber
blocking between
supports)
Stagger end joints
Note:
Provide adequate
moisture control
and use ground cover
Site-applied glue, both joints

and tongue-and-groove joints (or
between panels and edge blocking)
space. Panels must be

dry before applying
finish floor.
1/8" spacing is recommended at all

edge and end joints unless otherwise
indicated by panel manufacturer
Note:
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 feet maximum in length or width, to allow for
accumulated expansion during construction in wet
weather conditions.
Panels recommended for glued floor

construction are tongue-and-groove APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR for singlefloor construction, and APA RATED
SHEATHING for the subfloor when
used with a separate underlayment
or with structural finish flooring. (An
additional layer of underlayment, or
veneer-faced STURD-I-FLOOR with
sanded face should be applied in
areas to be finished with resilient floor
coverings such as tile, linoleum, vinyl
30
2x joists, I-joists or floor

trusses 16", 19.2", 24", or 32" o.c.
(4x supports for 48" o.c. spacing)
16, 20, 24, 32 or 48 oc
or fully adhered carpet.) Exposure 1 or

Exterior should be specified for applications subject to moisture during or after
construction, as in bathrooms and
utility rooms.
Tongue-and-groove panels are highly
recommended for single-floor construction. Before each panel is placed, a line
of glue is applied to the joists with a
caulking gun. The panel T&G joint
should also be glued, although less
heavily to avoid squeeze-out. If squareedge panels are used, edges must be
supported between joists with 2x4
The APA Glued Floor System

The APA Glued Floor System is based
on thoroughly tested gluing techniques
and field-applied construction adhesives
that firmly and permanently secure a
layer of wood structural panels to wood
joists. The glue bond is so strong that
floor and joists behave like integral
T-beam units. Floor stiffness is increased
appreciably over conventional construction, particularly when tongue-andgroove joints are glued. Gluing also
helps eliminate squeaks, floor vibration,
bounce and nail-popping.
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
23/32 INCH
24 oc
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
24SIZED
ocFOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
15/32 INCH
32/16
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
blocking. Glue panels to blocking to

minimize squeaks. Blocking is not
required under structural finish flooring,
such as wood strip flooring, or if a
separate underlayment is installed.
Only adhesives conforming with
Performance Specification AFG-01
developed by APA or ASTM D3498 are
recommended for use with the Glued
Floor System. A number of brands
meeting this specification are available
from building supply dealers. If OSB
panels with sealed surfaces and edges
are to be used, use only solvent-based
glues; check with panel manufacturer.
Always follow the specific application
recommendations of the glue
manufacturer.
Application
For best results, follow these application
procedures:
1. Snap a chalk line across joists
four feet in from wall for panel edge
alignment and as a boundary for
spreading glue.
2. Spread only enough glue to lay one or
two panels at a time or follow specific
recommendations of glue manufacturer.
Wipe any mud, dirt or water from joists
before gluing.
3. Lay first panel with tongue side to
wall and nail in place. This protects the
tongue of next panel from damage when
tapped into place with block and
sledgehammer.
4. Apply a continuous line of glue
(about 1/4-inch diameter) to framing
members. Apply glue in a serpentine
pattern on wide areas.
5. Apply two lines of glue on joists
where panel ends butt to assure proper
gluing of each end.
31
6. After first row of panels is in place,

spread glue in groove of one or two
panels at a time before laying next row.
Glue line may be continuous or spaced,
but avoid squeeze-out by applying a
thinner line (1/8 inch) than on joists.
7. Tap second-row panels into place,
using a block to protect groove edges.
8. Stagger end joints in each succeeding
row. A 1/8 inch space between all
end joints and 1/8 inch at all edges,
including T&G, is recommended. (Use
a spacer tool to assure accurate and
consistent spacing.)
9. Complete all nailing of each panel
before glue sets. (See Table 9.) Check
the glue manufacturers recommendations for allowable time. (Warm weather
accelerates glue setting.) Use 6d ring- or
screw-shank nails for panels 3/4 inch
thick or less, and 8d ring- or screwshank nails for thicker panels. Space
nails per Table 9. Closer nail spacing
may be required for diaphragm construction. Finished deck can be walked
on and will carry construction loads
without damage to glue bond.
A PA
APA Panel Subflooring

The limiting factor in the design of
floors is deflection under concentrated
loads at panel edges. The Span Ratings
in Table 11 apply to APA RATED
SHEATHING grades only, and are the
minimum recommended for the spans
indicated. The spans assume panels
continuous over two or more spans
with the long dimension or strength
axis across supports.*
Recommended live loads are given in
Table 10. Spans are limited to the values
shown because of the possible effect of
concentrated loads.
subfloors on spans up to 24 inches and

11/32 inch or thicker panels on spans
greater than 24 inches.
3. 3/4-inch wood strip flooring is

installed over the subfloor perpendicular
to the unsupported edge.
2. A minimum of 1-1/2 inches of

lightweight concrete is applied over
the panels.
If floor has become wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before
application of finish floor, including
FIGURE 5
APA PANEL SUBFLOORING
Stagger end joints (optional)
Wood strip, wood blocks, or

lightweight concrete flooring

Nailing recommendations are given in

Table 11. Other code-approved fasteners
may be used. APA panel subflooring
may also be glued for added stiffness
and to reduce squeaks using nailing
recommendations in Table 9.
Long edges should be tongue-andgroove or supported with blocking
unless:
1. A separate underlayment layer is
installed with its joints offset from those
in the subfloor. The minimum thickness
of underlayment should be 1/4 inch for
2x joists, I-joists
or floor trusses
APA RATED SHEATHING
2x rim joist
or APA
Rim Board
Note:
Provide adequate moisture
control and use ground cover
vapor retarder in crawl space.
Subfloor must be dry before
applying subsequent layers.
Note:
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 feet maximum in length
or width, to allow for accumulated expansion during
construction in wet weather conditions.
TABLE 11
APA PANEL SUBFLOORING (APA RATED SHEATHING) (a)(b)
Maximum Nail Spacing (in.)
Panel Span
Rating
Panel
Thickness
(in.)
24/16
32/16
40/20
48/24
60/32(f)
7/16
15/32, 1/2
19/32, 5/8
23/32, 3/4
7/8
Maximum Span
(in.)
Nail Size
& Type (e)
16
16
20 (d)
24
32
6d common
8d common (c)
8d common
8d common
8d common
Supported
Panel Edges(g)
Intermediate
Supports
6
6
6
6
6
12
12
12
12
12
(d) Span may be 24 inches if a minimum 1-1/2 inches of lightweight concrete

is applied over panels.
(e) Other code-approved fasteners may be used.
(f) Check with supplier for availability.
(g) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline of
framing with a minimum bearing of 1/2". Fasteners shall be located 3/8 inch
from panel edges.
(a) For subfloor recommendations under ceramic tile, refer to Table 13. For
subfloor recommendations under gypsum concrete, contact manufacturer of
floor topping.
(b) APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR may be substituted when the Span Rating is
equal to or greater than tabulated maximum span.
(c) 6d common nail permitted if panel is 1/2 inch or thinner.
32
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
APA RATED SHEATHING Exposure 1

may be used where temporary exposure
to moisture or the weather is expected
during construction. However, only
Exterior panels should be used where
long-term exposure to moisture or the
weather will be required.
In some nonresidential buildings,
greater traffic and heavier concentrated
loads may require construction in excess
of the minimums given. Where joists are
16 inches on center, for example, panels
with a Span Rating of 40/20 or 48/24
will give additional stiffness. For beams
or joists 24 or 32 inches on center,
1-1/8-inch panels provide additional
stiffness.
*Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies
Lightweight Concrete
Over APA Panels
APA RATED SHEATHING or STURDI-FLOOR panels are an excellent base
for lightweight concrete floors. See
APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor, page 26, or
APA Panel Subflooring, page 32, for
application recommendations. For
gypsum concrete recommendations,
contact manufacturer of floor topping.
Install panels continuous over two
or more spans with the strength axis
across supports. Use a moisture barrier
when recommended by concrete manufacturer. (See Noise Transmission
Control, page 65, and Figure 35 for
an illustration of a typical assembly.)
APA Plywood Underlayment
Underlayment grades of plywood have
a solid, touch-sanded surface for direct
application of carpet and pad. For areas
to be covered with resilient floor covering, specify panels with sanded face,
or certain other grades as noted in Table
12. Special inner-ply construction of
Underlayment resists dents and punc-
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
UNDERLAYMENT
UNDERLAYMENT
A-C
19/32 INCH
GROUP 1
GROUP 1
PLUGGED CROSSBANDS UNDER FACE
EXTERIOR
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
PS 1-95
PS 1-95
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
C-C PLUGGED
11/32 INCH
GROUP 1
SANDED FACE
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95
tures from concentrated loads. Applied

as recommended, plywood underlayment is also dimensionally stable and
eliminates excessive swelling and subsequent buckling or humps around nails.
Always protect plywood underlayment
against physical damage or water prior
to application. Panels should, however,
be allowed to equalize to atmospheric
conditions by standing individual
panels on edge for several days
before installation.
TABLE 12
APA PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT (c)
Plywood Grades (a)
Application
Minimum
Plywood
Thickness
(in.)
APA UNDERLAYMENT
APA C-C Plugged EXT APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
(19/32" or thicker)
Over smooth subfloor
1/4
Over lumber subfloor

or uneven surfaces
11/32
(a) 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.
(b) Use 4d x 1-1/2-in. ring-shank nails, minimum 12-1/2 gage (0.099 in.)
Fastener Size and Type

3d x 1-1/4-in.
ring-shank nails (b)
min. 12-1/2 gage
(0.099 in.) shank dia.
Maximum Fastener
Spacing (in.) (e)
Panel
Edges (d)
Intermediate
3
6 each way
8 each way
shank diameter, for underlayment panels 19/32 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
(c) For underlayment recommendations under ceramic tile, refer to Table 13.
(d) Fasten panels 3/8 inch from panel edges.
(e) Fasteners for 5-ply plywood underlayment panels and for panels greater
than 1/2 inch thick may be spaced 6 inches on center at edges and 12 inches
each way intermediate.
33
underlayment, hardwood flooring,

ceramic tile, etc. After it is dry, the
floor should be checked for flatness,
especially at joints.
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
Begin fastening at one edge next to a

preceding panel. Assuring that the panel
is uniformly flat, continue by fully fastening toward opposite edge. Make sure
fasteners are flush with or just slightly
below surface of Underlayment just
prior to installation of resilient floor
coverings such as tile, or sheet vinyl
(see Table 12 for underlayment
recommendations for thin flooring
products). Fill and thoroughly sand
edge joints (this step may not be necessary under some carpet and structural
flooring products check recommendations of flooring manufacturer). Fill any
other damaged or open areas, such as
splits, and sand all surface roughness.
The plywood underlayment needed to
bridge an uneven floor will depend on
roughness and loads applied. Although
a minimum 11/32-inch thickness is
recommended, 1/4-inch plywood
underlayment may also be acceptable
over smooth subfloors, especially in
remodeling work. (See Table 12.)
Where floors may be subject to temporary moisture, use panels with exterior
glue (Exposure 1) or APA C-C
PLUGGED Exterior. APA C-D
PLUGGED is not an adequate substitute
for Underlayment grade since it does not
ensure equivalent dent resistance.
FIGURE 6
APA PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT
Tile, sheet goods, carpet
or nonstructural flooring
End joint stagger optional

for subfloor panels
Stagger end joints in
underlayment panels
(optional under
carpet and pad)
APA plywood
underlayment (see
Table 11 for underlayment recommendations for thin
flooring products)
Provide 1/32" space between
underlayment joints
Hardwood Flooring Over

APA Panel Subfloors
APA panel subfloor spans for 3/4-inch
hardwood strip flooring are limited to
maximum spacing of floor framing listed
in Tables 10 and 11. For improved
stiffness, and to help eliminate floor
squeaks when hardwood flooring is
installed, spans reduced from the maximum are recommended by both the
National Oak Flooring Manufacturers
Association (NOFMA) and the National
Wood Floor Association (NWFA)*.
Both NOFMA and NWFA also recommend the use of minimum 23/32" OSB
and plywood as a subfloor material.
Because hardwood flooring is sensitive
to moisture, make sure subflooring
panels are dry before hardwood is
installed. Use a moisture meter to
measure the moisture content of the
subfloor. Do not install hardwood
34
APA RATED SHEATHING

or board subflooring (subflooring must be dry before
laying underlayment)
No blocking required if underlayment
joints are offset from subfloor joints
unless subfloor moisture level is within

a range consistent with the hardwood
manufacturers recommendations. If the
home is built over a crawl space, make
sure the crawl space is dry and welldrained. A 6-mil polyethylene vapor
retarder should be installed on the
ground in the crawl space.
Follow the recommendations of the
National Oak Flooring Manufacturers
Association (NOFMA) or National
Wood Floor Association (NWFA) for the
hardwood flooring product being used
and its storage and handling, and for
acclimatizing the hardwood prior to
installation on the subflooring.
*National Oak Flooring Manufacturers
Association, P.O. Box 3009, Memphis, Tennessee,
38173-0009; Phone (901) 526-5016.
National Wood Floor Association, 16388
Westwoods Business Park, Ellisville, Missouri
63021; Phone (800) 422-4556.
Install plywood underlayment, smooth

side up, immediately before laying the
finish floor. For maximum stiffness,
place face grain across supports. End
and edge joints of underlayment panels
should be offset by at least two inches
from joints of subfloor panels, and
should not coincide with framing below.
TABLE 13
APA PLYWOOD SYSTEMS FOR CERAMIC TILE FLOORING (Based on
ANSI Standard A108(a) and specifications of the Tile Council of America)
Joist
Minimum Panel Thickness (in.)
Spacing
(in.)
Subfloor (b)(c)
Underlayment (c)(d)
Tile Installation
Residential
16
19/32
15/32
Latex-portland-cement mortar
16
19/32
19/32
Organic adhesive
16
19/32
15/32(e)
16
23/32
Cement mortar
(1-1/4")(f)
19.2
23/32
(g)
24(h)
23/32
3/8(g)
23/32
19/32(i)
Epoxy mortar and grout
*Tile Council of America, Inc., 100 Clemson

Research Blvd., Anderson, South Carolina 29625,
Phone (864) 646-8453
24
Portland-cement paste while

mortar bed is still workable
or dry-set mortar or latexportland-cement mortar on
a cured bed.
Dry-set mortar or latexportland-cement mortar.
Polymer-modified grout.
Dry-set mortar or latexportland-cement mortar.
Polymer-modified tile grout.
(plywood or OSB)
Light Commercial
16
19/32
19/32
16
19/32
Cement mortar
(1-1/4")(j)
16
19/32
(k)
16
19/32
(l)(m)
Dry-set mortar or latexportland-cement mortar
16
19/32
19/32(e)
Epoxy mortar and grout
(a) Recognizes plywood wood structural panel

assemblies only.
(b) APA plywood (except as noted) RATED
SHEATHING with Span Rating of 40/20 (19/32"
panel) or 48/24 (23/32" panel) Exposure 1.
(c) See Table 9, 11 or 12, as applicable, for
panel fastening recommendations.
(d) APA Underlayment Exposure 1.
(e) Leave 1/4" space at panel ends and edges;
trim panels as necessary to maintain end spacing and panel support on framing. Fill joints with
epoxy mortar when it is spread for setting tile.
(f) 2.5 lb/yd2 metal lath nailed or stapled over
plywood. Use cleavage membrane over subfloor.
(g) Uncoupling system over plywood.
(h) Use 8"x8" tiles when supports are less than
2-1/4" wide.
35
Portland-cement paste while

mortar bed is still workable
or dry-set mortar or latexportland-cement mortar on
a cured bed.
Latex-portland-cement mortar,
dry-set mortar. Polymermodified tile grout
(i) Use minimum 8"x8" tiles.

(j) Use cleavage membrane over subfloor.
Reinforce mortar with wire mesh.
(k) Coated glass mat backer board fastened with
galvanized nails or other corrosion-resistant
fasteners.
(l) Attach cementitious backer units (CBU) over a
supporting plane of Dry-Set or latex-portlandcement mortar with galvanized nails, screw-type
nails or other corrosion-resistant fasteners. 7/16"minimum-thick cementitious backer unit or minimum 1/4"-thick fiber-cement underlayment.
(m) Leave 1/8" space at panel ends and edges.
Fill joints with Dry-Set or latex-portland-cement
mortar.
Ceramic Tile Over

APA Plywood Floors
Recommendations for several plywood
floor systems suitable for application of
ceramic tile are given in Table 13, based
on specifications of the Tile Council of
America (TCA)*. Note that maximum
joist spacing for all systems is 16 inches,
and that the plywood floor construction
used depends on the tile installation
system selected.
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
APA panel stair treads may be used

interchangeably with boards when
the system is to include closed risers.
Maximum span between stringers is
42 inches (check local code requirements). Rounded nosing may be
machined into the tread, but should be
covered by a finish flooring material
such as carpet and pad in order to
prevent excessive wear or damage to
veneers exposed by rounding. Risers
may be any available APA panel grade at
least 19/32 inch thick. Panel grade and
thickness recommendations for the
treads are given in Table 14. Glue is
recommended to improve stiffness of
connections and to eliminate squeaks.
Apply construction adhesive meeting
APA Performance Specification AFG-01
or ASTM D3498 to all joints, with particular attention to the connection at
the back riser. Regardless of where glue
is used, nail all edges of treads as indicated in Figure 7. Detail A is the
simplest system, but Detail B is preferred
since it eliminates end-grain nailing at
the back riser and may be used for all
recommended panels.
FIGURE 7
APA PANEL STAIR TREADS AND RISERS
8d common nails 6" o.c.*
Detail A (May be used for

plywood treads and 1-1/8"
composite panel or OSB
treads)
Riser
*Predrill tread end grain at

mid-thickness with 3/32" bit.
Maintain at least 3/8" edge
distance in riser.
Tread
3/8"
min.
axi
gth
tren
APA panel tread

(strength axis either
direction)
Finish flooring
material
Detail B (Preferred)
Riser
Tread
Stringer
Lumber block
8d common nails
12" o.c.
TABLE 14
APA PANEL STAIR TREADS
Minimum
Thickness (in.)
Panel
Grade (a)
NailGlued
NailedOnly
APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR
19/32
23/32
(a) Other appropriate APA panel grades

may be substituted for Sturd-I-Floor,
providing minimum thickness complies
with recommendations above.
Heavy Duty Plywood Floors

Above-grade plywood floors may be
designed to support forklift trucks in
areas of heavy loading or to support
relatively high loads imposed by warehouse shelving or stacked storage.
Heavy-duty plywood floors also make
excellent mezzanine decks and vibration-resistant surfaces for mounting
computer equipment.
36
19/32" minimum APA

panel riser (any grade)
Tables 15 and 16 give plywood recommendations for uniform and concentrated (e.g., forklift traffic) loads. These
assume the use of plywood continuous over two or more spans with face
grain across supports. Structural edge
support must be provided where high
concentrated loads occur. Where no
lift-truck use is expected, two-inch
wood framing is adequate.
In addition to providing structural
strength, a wearing surface should be
provided to resist crushing wood cells
and avoid abrasion whenever an industrial floor is subject to hard wheel or
caster traffic. An expendable layer of plywood or a dense wear surface such as
tempered hardboard should be used if
wheels are small, hard or heavily loaded.
APA Panel Stair

Treads and Risers
A growing number of builders and
manufacturers are using APA panels for
treads and risers of both site-fabricated
and prefabricated stairs in closed-riser
stairways. Risers support the front and
back of the tread, creating a very short
effective span.
PS 1 PLYWOOD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIFORMLY LOADED HEAVY DUTY FLOORS (a) (Deflection limited to 1/240 of
span.) (Span Ratings apply to APA RATED SHEATHING and APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR, respectively, marked PS 1.)
Center-to-Center Support Spacing (inches) (Nominal 2-Inch-Wide Supports Unless Noted)
Uniform
Live Load
(psf)
12 (b)
16 (b)
20 (b)
24 (b)
32
48 (c)
50
32/16, 16 oc
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
48 oc
100
32/16, 16 oc
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
1-1/2 (d)
125
32/16, 16 oc
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
1-3/4 (d), 2 (d)
150
32/16, 16 oc
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 48 oc
48 oc
1-3/4 (e), 2 (d)
200
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
1-1/8 (e),
1-3/8 (d)
250
32/16, 16 oc
40/20, 24 oc
48/24, 48 oc
48 oc
1-3/8 (e), 1-1/2 (d)
2-1/4 (e)
300
32/16, 16 oc
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
48 oc
1-1/2 (e), 1-5/8 (d)
2-1/4 (e)
350
40/20, 20 oc
48/24, 48 oc
48 oc
1-1/8 (e), 1-3/8 (d)
1-1/2 (e), 2 (d)
1-3/8 (d)
1-5/8 (e), 2 (d)
400
40/20, 20 oc
48 oc
48 oc
1-1/4 (e),
450
40/20, 24 oc
48 oc
48 oc
1-3/8 (e), 1-1/2 (d)
2 (e), 2-1/4 (d)
500
48/24, 24 oc
48 oc
48 oc
1-1/2 (d)
2 (e), 2-1/4 (d)
(a) Use plywood with T&G edges, or provide structural

blocking at panel edges, or install a separate underlayment.
(b) A-C Group 1 sanded plywood panels may be substituted for spanrated Sturd-I-Floor panels (1/2-inch for 16 oc; 5/8-inch for 20 oc;
3/4-inch for 24 oc).
2 (e), 2-1/2 (d)
(c) Nominal 4-inch-wide supports.

(d) Group 1 face and back, any species inner plies, sanded or
unsanded, single layer.
(e) All-Group 1 or Structural I plywood, sanded or unsanded, single layer.
TABLE 16
PS 1 PLYWOOD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLOORS CARRYING FORK-TRUCK TRAFFIC(a)(b)(c) (Plywood grade is
all-Group 1 or Structural I A-C or C-C Plugged, except where 2-4-1 [STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc marked PS 1] is noted.)
Tire Tread
Load per
Center-to-Center Support Spacing (in.) (Minimum 3-Inch-Wide Supports)
Print Width
Wheel
(in.)
(lbs.)
12
16
20
24
500
1000
1500
2000
2-4-1
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
2"
2-4-1
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-4-1
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2-1/4"
2-4-1
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2-1/4"
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
2-4-1
1-1/8"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2-4-1
1-1/8"
1-1/2"
2"
2"
1-1/8"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
2"
2-1/4"
1-1/8"
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
1-1/8"
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
1-1/8"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/2"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2-1/4"
2-3/4"
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/2"
3"
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
2-3/4"
1-1/4"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/4"
2-3/4"
(a) Structural blocking (3x4 or 2x6 min.) required at all panel edges. Support
blocking with framing anchors of adequate capacity or similar devices.
(b) Provide a wearing surface such as Plyron, polyethylene or a separate layer
of plywood, hardboard or other hard surface when loads are due to casters,
or small, hard wheels. A wearing surface should also be considered for areas
where fork-truck traffic is stopping, starting or turning in a tight radius.
(c) Use ring- or screw-shank nails with length sufficient to penetrate framing
1-1/2" or panel thickness, whichever is greater. Space nails maximum 4" o.c.
at panel edges and 8" o.c. at intermediate supports.
37
TABLE 15
WALL
APA Sturd-I-Wall
The APA Sturd-I-Wall system consists
of APA RATED SIDING (panel or lap)
applied direct to studs or over nonstructural fiberboard, gypsum or rigid foam
insulation sheathing. Nonstructural
sheathing is defined as sheathing not
recognized by building codes as meeting
both bending and racking strength
requirements.
A single layer of panel siding, since it
is strong and rack resistant, eliminates
the cost of installing separate structural
sheathing or diagonal wall bracing. Panel
sidings are normally installed vertically,
but may also be placed horizontally
(long dimension across supports) if
horizontal joints are blocked. Maximum
stud spacings for both applications are
given in Table 17.
When installing panel or lap siding over
rigid foam insulation sheathing, drive
the nails flush with the siding surface,
but avoid over-driving, which can result
in dimpling of the siding due to the
compressible nature of foam sheathing.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
303 LAP 30-S/W
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
16 oc
19/32 INCH
16 oc GROUP 1
15/32 INCH
GROUP 1
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
T1-11
000
PS 1-95 PRP-108
HUD-UM-40
EXTERIOR
000
Sidings are occasionally treated with

water repellents or wood preservatives
to improve finishing characteristics or
moisture resistance for certain applications. If the siding has been treated,
be sure the surface treatment is dry
to avoid solvent or chemical reaction
with the foam sheathing.
When rigid foam insulation sheathing
is used, building codes also generally
require installation of 1/2-inch gypsum
wallboard, or other materials of the
required thermal barrier rating, on
the inside surface of the wall for
fire protection.
See Figures 8 through 12 for panel and
lap siding installation recommendations
for the Sturd-I-Wall system or for siding
installed over nailable sheathing. See
APAs Build A Better Home: Walls, Form
A530, for additional recommended
details to avoid moisture penetration
in walls.
All panel siding edges in Sturd-I-Wall
construction should be backed with
framing or blocking. Use nonstaining,
noncorrosive nails as described in
Tables 17 and 18 to prevent staining
the siding.
Where siding is to be applied at
an angle, install only over nailable
sheathing.
PS 1-95 PRP-108
FHA-UM-40
NOTE: Gluing of siding to framing is not

recommended.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
LAP
16 oc
RATED SIDING
24 oc 19/32 INCH
7/16 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR
000
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
38
CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 17
11/32 & 3/8
16
24
15/32 & thicker
24
24
16 oc (including T1-11)
16
16 (g)
24 oc
24
24
16 oc
16
24 oc
24
Max. Nail Spacing (e)

(in.)
Panel
Edges(h)
Intermediate
Supports
6d for siding 1/2"

thick or less; 8d
for thicker siding
6 (d)
12 (f)
6d for siding 1/2"

thick or less; 8d
for thicker siding
16 along
bottom edge
24 along
bottom edge
APA MDO EXT

Panel
Siding
APA RATED
SIDING EXT
Lap
Siding
APA RATED
SIDING LAP EXT
(a) For veneered APA RATED SIDING, including APA 303 Siding,
recommendations apply to all species groups.
(b) If panel siding is applied over foam insulation sheathing, use next regular
nail size. If lap siding is installed over rigid foam insulation sheathing up to 1
inch thick, use 10d (3") nails for 3/8" or 7/16" siding, 12d (3-1/4") nails for
15/32" or 1/2" siding, and 16d (3-1/2") nails for 19/32" or thicker siding. Use
nonstaining box nails for siding installed over foam insulation sheathing.
(c) Hot-dipped or hot-tumbled galvanized steel nails are recommended for
most siding applications. For best performance, stainless steel nails or aluminum nails should be considered. APA tests also show that electrically or
mechanically galvanized steel nails appear satisfactory when plating meets or
exceeds thickness requirements of ASTM A641 Class 2 coatings, and is further
protected by yellow chromate coating.
Note: Galvanized fasteners may react under wet conditions with the natural
extractives of some wood species and may cause staining if left unfinished.
Such staining can be minimized if the siding is finished in accordance with
APA recommendations, or if the roof overhang protects the siding from direct
(d) For braced wall section with 11/32" or 3/8" panel siding applied horizontally over studs 24" o.c., space nails 3" o.c. along panel edges.
(e) Recommendations of siding manufacturer may vary.
(f) Where basic wind speed exceeds 90 mph (3-second gust), nails attaching
siding to intermediate studs within 10% of the width of the narrow side from
wall corners shall be spaced 6" o.c.
(g) Stud spacing may be 24" o.c. for veneer-faced siding panels.
(h) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline of
framing with a minimum bearing of 1/2". Fasteners shall be located 3/8 inch
from panel edges.
FIGURE 8
APA STURD-I-WALL (Vertical Panel Installation)
Building paper recommended

behind siding
No diagonal wall
bracing required
with panel siding
APA RATED SIDING

panels. All edges
supported by framing
or blocking.
6" minimum clearance,
siding to grade
1/8" spacing is
recommended at all
edge and end joints unless
otherwise indicated by
panel manufacturer
39
APA STURD-I-WALL CONSTRUCTION

(Recommendations apply to APA Rated Siding direct to studs and over nonstructural sheathing.)
Max. Stud Spacing
(in.)
Nominal
Nail Size
Thickness
Strength
Strength
(Use nonstaining
Siding
(in.)
Axis
Axis
box, siding or
Description (a)
or Span Rating
Vertical
Horizontal casing nails) (b)(c)
WALL CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 9
No diagonal wall
bracing required
with panel siding
Building paper or other codeapproved weather-resistive or

air infiltration barrier
2x4 blocking at
horizontal joints

edges and end joints unless otherwise
Battens at 4' or 8' o.c. to conceal

butt joints at panel ends. Nails
through battens must penetrate
studs at least 1".
See Table 17 for

maximum stud spacing
APA RATED SIDING panels
(nailing as required for
vertical installation)
Treat panel edges

with water repellent.

siding to grade
FIGURE 10
APA STURD-I-WALL (Horizontal Lap Siding Installation)(a)
APA RATED SIDING
(lap siding), maximum
width 12". Minimum
headlap 1".
Building paper or other

code-approved weatherresistive or air infiltration
barrier required
1. Nominal 1-inch boards with studs

16 or 24 inches o.c.
Leave1/8" spacing
and caulk vertical
joints unless otherwise
recommended by
siding manufacturer
1-1/2"-wide starter
strip, thickness to
match lap siding
(a) Diagonal bracing methods permitted by model
building codes for braced wall segments must be
provided. For engineered shear wall segments, use
APA Rated Sheathing for wall sheathing under lap siding
(see Figure 12).
APA Panel and Lap Siding

Over Nailable Sheathing
The recommendations in Table 18 for
panel and lap siding apply to siding
installed over nailable sheathing. Unless
otherwise indicated in the local building
code, nailable sheathing includes:

siding to grade
2. APA RATED SHEATHING panels

with roof Span Rating of 24 inches or
greater installed with strength axis either
parallel or perpendicular to studs 16 or
24 inches o.c. (except 3-ply plywood
panels must be applied with strength
axis across studs when studs are spaced
24 inches o.c.).
3. APA RATED SHEATHING panels
with roof Span Rating less than 24
inches installed with strength axis either
parallel or perpendicular to studs
40
APA STURD-I-WALL (Horizontal Panel Siding Installation)
APA RATED SIDING OVER NAILABLE SHEATHING

(For siding over types of nonstructural sheathing, see Sturd-I-Wall recommendations.)
Max. Spacing of
Vertical Rows of Nails
(in.)
Nominal
Nail Size
Thickness
Strength
Strength
(Use nonstaining
Siding
(in.)
Axis
Axis
box, siding or
Description (a)
or Span Rating
Vertical
Horizontal casing nails) (b)(c)
11/32 & 3/8
16
24
15/32 & thicker
24
24
16 oc (including T1-11)
16
24
24 oc
24
24
11/32 & thicker
11/32 & thicker,

or 16 oc or 24 oc
Max. Nail Spacing (c)

(in.)
Panel
Edges(d)
Intermediate
Supports
12
APA MDO EXT

Panel
Siding
APA RATED
SIDING EXT
Lap
Siding
APA MDO EXT

APA RATED
SIDING LAP EXT
(a) For veneered APA RATED SIDING, including APA 303 Siding,
recommendations apply to all species groups.
(b) Hot-dipped or hot-tumbled galvanized steel nails are recommended
for most siding applications. For best performance, stainless steel nails or
aluminum nails should be considered. APA tests also show that electrically
or mechanically galvanized steel nails appear satisfactory when plating meets
or exceeds thickness requirements of ASTM A641 Class 2 coatings, and is
further protected by yellow chromate coating.
6d for siding 1/2"

thick or less; 8d
for thicker siding
6d for siding 1/2"

thick or less; 8d
for thicker siding
8 along
bottom edge
Note: Galvanized fasteners may react under wet conditions with the natural
extractives of some wood species and may cause staining if left unfinished.
Such staining can be minimized if the siding is finished in accordance with
APA recommendations, or if the roof overhang protects the siding from direct
(c) Recommendations of siding manufacturer may vary.
(d) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline
of framing with a minimum bearing of 1/2". Fasten panels 3/8 inch from
panel edges.
FIGURE 11
FIGURE 12
APA RATED SIDING

(PANEL SIDING) OVER
NAILABLE SHEATHING
APA RATED SIDING (LAP SIDING) OVER NAILABLE SHEATHING
1/8" spacing is recommended at

all edge and end joints unless
otherwise indicated by panel
manufacturer
No diagonal wall
bracing required
with panel siding
Siding joints, if staggered

may occur away from studs
with nailable sheathing.
APA RATED SIDING

(lap siding), maximum
width 12". Minimum
headlap 1".
No diagonal wall bracing required

with APA RATED SHEATHING
Building paper or other codeapproved weather-resistive or
Leave 1/8" spacing and
caulk vertical joints, unless
otherwise recommended
by siding manufacturer
1-1/2"-wide starter strip,

thickness to match lap siding
siding to grade
APA RATED
SIDING panels
applied over
sheathing
Building paper or
other code-approved
weather-resistive or
6" minimum
clearance,
siding to grade
41
TABLE 18
WALL CONSTRUCTION
Lap siding joints, if staggered, and panel

siding joints may occur away from studs
with nailable sheathing.
NOTE: In addition to panel edge spacing and the
use of straight studs, nailing sequence can also be
a factor in maintaining a uniformly flat appearance
of the finished wall. Heres a way to install panel
siding without built-in compression stress. First,
position the panel, maintaining recommended
edge spacing, and lightly tack at each corner.
Install the first row of nails at the edge next to
the preceding panel from top to bottom. Remove
remaining tacking nails. Then nail the row at the
first intermediate stud. Continue by nailing at the
second intermediate stud, and finally, at the edge
opposite the preceding panel. Complete the
installation by fastening to the top and
bottom plates.
APA Panel Wall Sheathing

APA RATED SHEATHING easily meets
building code wall sheathing requirements for bending and racking strength
without let-in corner bracing. Even
when fiberboard or other nonstructural
sheathing is used, APA RATED
SHEATHING corner panels (Figure 14)
of the same thickness can eliminate
costly let-in bracing. Installation recommendations are given in Figure 13.
Recommended wall sheathing spans
with brick veneer or masonry are the
same as those for panel sheathing
(see Table 19). See Figure 15 for
installation recommendations.
Panel recommendations for preframed
wall sections are the same as for builtin-place walls.
TABLE 19
APA PANEL WALL SHEATHING (a)
(APA RATED SHEATHING panels continuous over two or more spans.)
Maximum Nail
Spacing (in.)(e)
Panel
Span
Rating
Maximum
Stud Spacing
(in.)
12/0, 16/0,
20/0
or Wall-16 oc
Supported
Panel
Edges(d)
Intermediate
Supports
12
6d for
panels
1/2" thick
or less; 8d
for thicker
panels
16
24/0, 24/16,
32/16
or Wall-24 oc
Nail
Size (b)(c)
24
(a) See requirements for nailable panel sheathing when exterior covering is to be nailed to
sheathing.
(b) Common, smooth, annular, spiral-thread, or
galvanized box.
(c) Other code-approved fasteners may be used.

(d) Fasteners shall be located 3/8 inch from
panel edges.
(e) Increased nail schedules may be required
where wall is engineered as a shear wall.
FIGURE 13
APA PANEL WALL SHEATHING
1/8" spacing is recommended at all edge and

end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel
manufacturer
APA RATED SHEATHING
applied with strength
axis across studs(a)
6" minimum
clearance,
siding
to grade
Filler strip if required

APA RATED SHEATHING
applied with strength axis
parallel to studs
Siding
(a) Check local building codes for blocking

requirements between studs for braced or engineered
shear wall segments, when wall sheathing is installed
horizontally across studs
Building paper or other

code-approved weather-resistive
or air infiltration barrier
NOTE: Gluing of wall sheathing to framing is not

recommended, except when recommended by
the adhesive manufacturer for wall sheathing that
already has been permanently protected by siding.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
3/8 INCH
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
32/16 15/32 INCH
24/16 7/16 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
24/0
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
42
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
16 inches o.c. (except plywood panels

3/8 inch thick or less must be applied
with strength axis across studs).
FIGURE 14
APA PANEL CORNER BRACING
Supports 16" or 24" o.c.
1/2" gypsum or fiberboard
15/32" or 1/2" APA RATED

SHEATHING nailed to studs with
6d common nails spaced 6" o.c.
along panel edges and 12" o.c.
at intermediate supports*
*When corner panels are plywood, 1-1/2"

roofing nails spaced 4" o.c. along panel
edges and 8" o.c. at intermediate supports
may be used.
FIGURE 15
BRICK VENEER OVER APA PANEL SHEATHING
Building paper or other code-approved

weather-resistive or air infiltration barrier
APA RATED SHEATHING
1" air space
Brick veneer
or masonry
Weep holes in
bottom course
every 24"
Hold panel edge 1/2"

above base flashing
Extend flashing up behind
sheathing at least 6"
43
WALL CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 20
RECOMMENDED THICKNESS AND SPAN RATING
FOR APA PANEL WALL SHEATHING FOR STUCCO EXTERIOR FINISH
APA Rated Sheathing(c)
Stud
Minimum
Minimum
Spacing
Panel
Thickness
Span Rating
(in.)
Orientation (a)
(in.)
Horizontal (b)
16
Where caulks or joint sealants are indicated, consider the various types available such as urethane, plasticized acrylic
latex, butyl and polysulfide. Check with
the manufacturer of the caulk or sealant
to determine suitability for the intended
application and compatibility with coatings and other building materials such
as vinyl and aluminum.
In some cases a foam rod or other type
filler material may be used behind the
sealants as recommended by the manufacturer. For best results in other cases,
apply caulking to framing at panel edges
before installing the siding panel; or
apply a bead of caulk along the panel
edge before installing the next panel. A
1/8-inch space is recommended at all
indicated by panel manufacturer. If
caulk is to be used, also check with
caulk manufacturer for recommended
24/0
7/16(e)
24/16
Vertical
15/32 (d) , 1/2(d)
24
Siding Joint Details

The siding joint details in Figure 17 are
based on the use of APA trademarked
siding. Nailing of wood structural panel
siding along both edges of shiplap
joints (double nailing), as shown, is
required for shearwalls or those wall
segments that must meet bracing
requirements. Double nailing is recommended for all other applications as well
to provide maximum wall strength and
moisture protection.
3/8
Horizontal (b)
Vertical
(a) Strength axis (typically the long panel dimension) perpendicular to studs for horizontal application; or parallel to studs for vertical application.
(b) Blocking recommended between studs along
horizontal panel joints.
7/16
32/16
24/16
19/32 (d) , 5/8(d)
40/20
(c) Recommendations apply to all-veneer plywood,

oriented strand board (OSB) or composite (APA
COM-PLY) panels except as noted.
(d) OSB or 5-ply/5-layer plywood.
(e) Structural I Rated Sheathing (OSB).
FIGURE 16
STUCCO OVER APA PANEL SHEATHING
Building paper is required*
Self-furring
metal lath
Stucco
Metal bead
Building paper
APA RATED SHEATHING

*Check local building and applicator for specific requirements.
Note:
Uniform Building Code requires two layers of grade D paper for stucco over wood-based sheathing.
44
APA Sheathing Under Stucco

Greater stiffness is recommended for
wall sheathing when stucco is to be
applied. To increase stiffness, apply the
long panel dimension or strength axis
across studs. Blocking or a plywood
cleat is recommended at horizontal
joints. Blocking is required for shear
wall applications. For panel recommendations applied horizontally or vertically,
see Table 20.
FIGURE 17
VERTICAL WALL JOINTS

Butt
Shiplap
Reverse Board and Batten
Batten
Siding
Treat panel edges

with water repellent
Use ring-shank nails

for the battens, applied
near the edges in two
staggered rows
Note:
Nailing of both panel edges along shiplap
double nailing
is required when wall segment must meet wall
bracing or engineered shear wall requirements.
VERTICAL INSIDE & OUTSIDE CORNER JOINTS

Butt & Caulk
Corner Board Lap Joints
Siding
Siding
Lap Siding (APA Sturd-I-Wall)
Lap siding (typ.)
Caulk
Caulk
Lap siding
(typ.)
Caulk
Building
paper
Blocking
(typ.)
Corner boards
HORIZONTAL WALL JOINTS

Butt & Flash
Building paper
Caulk
Shiplap
Lap
Siding
Siding
Blocking
Blocking
Lap top panel

over bottom panel
Shiplap joint
Siding
Blocking
Flashing
(galv. or aluminum)
HORIZONTAL BELTLINE JOINTS

Jog Exterior Stud Line
(For multistory buildings, when conventional lumber floor joists and rim boards are used, make provisions at
horizontal joints for shrinkage of framing, especially when applying siding direct to studs.)
Band Board Over Panel Filler
Band Board In Relief
Floor plate
Siding
Siding (4' x 8')

Alum. or galv.
flashing
Band board trim
Siding
Up to 1/2" gap
when using conventional lumber floor
& rim joists
Band Joist
Galv. spikes or bolts

(countersink)
2x10 band board
Wall studs
Filler
Siding (4' x 8')
WINDOW DETAILS
Galv. Z flashing
Plastic pipe spacer

(2" to 6" dia.)
(For window details, see Build A Better Home: Walls, Form A530.)
45
TYPICAL PANEL SIDING JOINT DETAILS

(Note: Water-resistive barrier [building paper or house wrap] is recommended behind siding; also check local building code.)
WALL CONSTRUCTION
Siding is often fully exposed to weather

and thus has increased susceptibility to
elevated moisture conditions. Although
siding will periodically experience moisture contents above the threshold value
needed to support decay, wood-based
siding products have a good history of
performance because they dry down
below this threshold value before decay
can take hold. If trim is installed around
siding, be sure that it doesnt trap moisture or reduce the drying ability of the
wood. Trim that is applied incorrectly
can lead to long-term moisture accumulation that causes decay.
Apply flashing or other means of
protection over end grain of siding to
minimize water absorption.
APA Rated Siding

Patterns and Grades
APA RATED SIDING, including 303
plywood siding, is available in a wide
variety of surface textures and patterns.
For descriptions of siding surface patterns and thicknesses, refer to APA
Product Guide: APA Performance Rated
Sidings, Form E300. Actual dimensions
of groove spacing, width and depth may
vary with the manufacturer. Where the
characteristics of a particular wood
species are desired, specify by grade
and species preference.
In order to help specifiers select the
most appropriate siding appearance for
any particular job, APA 303 plywood
TABLE 21
APA 303 SIDING FACE GRADES (a)
303 Series
Plywood Siding
Grades
303-OC
303-OL
303-NR
303-SR
Type of Patch
Wood
Synthetic
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not applicable for overlays
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Permitted as
natural-defect shape
303-6-W
303-6-S
303-6-S/W
Limit 6
Not permitted
Not permitted
Limit 6
303-18-W
303-18-S
303-18-S/W
Limit 18
Not permitted
303-30-W
303-30-S
303-30-S/W
Limit 30
Not permitted
Limit 6 any combination

Not permitted
Limit 18
Not permitted
Limit 30
(a) All panels except 303-NR allow restricted minor repairs such as shims. These and such other face
appearance characteristics as knots, knotholes, splits, etc., are limited by both size and number in
accordance with panel grades, 303-OC being most restrictive and 303-30 being least. Multiple
repairs are permitted only on 303-18 and 303-30 panels. Patch size is restricted on all panel grades.
sidings are also identified by a

face grading system. There are four
basic siding classifications within
the system Special Series 303,
303-6, 303-18 and 303-30. Each
class, as shown in Table 21, is
further divided into grades according to categories of repair and
appearance characteristics.
Finishing Plywood
for Exterior Exposure
Care and Preparation
Plywood should be stored and
handled with care to avoid damaging before finishing. Storage in a
cool, dry place out of sunlight and
weather is best. If left outdoors,
straps on bundles should be
loosened or cut and the plywood
covered. Allow good air circulation
to prevent moisture condensation
and possible mold growth.
46
Edge Sealing
Moisture enters the end grain of
plywood or other wood-based products
faster than through the surface.
Consequently, edges and ends of APA
RATED SIDING panels or lap siding
should be sealed. Although edge sealers
are not necessarily moisture-proof or
permanently durable, they help to
minimize sudden changes in moisture
content in the siding, due to weather.
APA RATED SIDING may be edge
sealed at the factory. If the siding is not
factory-sealed, it can be sealed quickly
at the job site while the panels or lap
siding pieces are still in a stack. Edges
or ends cut during construction
should be resealed.
Siding to be finished with a semitransparent or solid-color stain can be edge
sealed with a liberal application of a
paintable, water-repellent sealer. If the
edge spacing. Nails through battens

or other wood trim must penetrate at
least one inch into studs. Nail panel
siding 6 inches o.c. along edges and
12 inches o.c. at intermediate supports.
To prevent staining of siding, use hotdip galvanized, aluminum, or other
nonstaining nails as described in
Tables 17 and 18.
Finishing
APA RATED SIDING may be finished
with a variety of products such as
semitransparent stains, solid-color stains
or paint systems. The recommended
finishes depend on the type of siding
product, and whether it has an
overlaid surface.
Oil-based, semitransparent stains may
be used on certain veneer-faced siding
products as detailed in Table 22. Solidcolor stains may be used on most APA
RATED SIDING products and usually
provide better protection. In general,
however, best overall performance on
APA RATED SIDING products can
be achieved with an all-acrylic latex
paint system.
For overlaid siding, any top-quality
exterior house paint system formulated
for wood performs satisfactorily.
Solid-color stains may also be used on
overlaid sidings, although some manufacturers recommend only acrylic latex
formulations. For specific recommendations on finishing OSB siding products,
consult the siding manufacturer.
Table 22 provides a summary of finishing recommendations for APA 303
Siding face grades. For complete information, write for APA Product Guide:
Performance Rated Sidings, Form E300.
TABLE 22
APA 303 SIDING FINISHING RECOMMENDATIONS
303 Series
Plywood
Siding
Grades
STAINS
Semitransparent
Solid Color
(oil)
(oil or latex)(a)
303-OC
303-OL
303-NR
303-SR
PAINTS
Minimum 1
primer plus 1
topcoat
(acrylic latex)
(b)
Not Recommended
(b)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(e)
(e)
(b)
(b)
(e)
(e)
303-6-W
303-6-S
303-6-S/W
(b)
(c)
(c)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
303-18-W
303-18-S
303-18-S/W
(c)
(c)
(c)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
303-30-W
303-30-S
303-30-S/W
(c)
(c)
(c)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(a) Except for overlaid panels, use a stainresistant primer with light-colored latex stains,
since the wood extractives may cause a discoloration of the finish.
(b) Recommended with provisions given in text.
(c) Should not be finished with semitransparent
stain unless specifically recommended by the
panel manufacturer.
Semitransparent Stains (oil-based only)

Oil-based semitransparent stains emphasize grain patterns, texture and natural
characteristics in the wood. They may be
used on plywood face grades 303-OC,
303-NR and 303-6-W. It is the only finish
recommended for use over brushed
plywood. Other 303 face grades should
not be finished with semitransparent
stains unless specifically recommended
by the panel manufacturer.
Solid-Color Stains
(oil or all-acrylic latex)
An opaque or solid-color stain obscures
color differences in the wood and
between repairs and surrounding wood.
47
(d) Some panel manufacturers recommend only

acrylic latex formulations. Consult the manufacturers recommendations.
(e) Only acrylic latex formulations are recommended when solid-color stains or paint systems
are applied over open voids.
This is often a satisfactory finishing

system, therefore, where semitransparent stains are unsuitable. Wood grain is
also muted with solid-color stains but
wood surface textures usually remain
evident. When in question, the finish
should be applied to a representative
sample in order to demonstrate the
finished appearance.
Solid-color stains are particularly
recommended for grades 303-6-S and
303-6-S/W, as well as 303-18 and
303-30 with any type of patch.
siding is to be painted, use the same

paint primer that will be used on the
surface. Horizontal edges, particularly
lower drip edges of siding, should be
given special care because of their
greater wetting exposure.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
Grade 303-OL may be finished with

any top-quality exterior paint system
primer and companion topcoat
formulated for wood.
Field Application of Finish
Proper surface preparation is important
for good performance of finishes on any
surface. Remove dirt and loose wood
fibers with a stiff nonmetallic bristle
brush. Mildew may be removed with a
solution of 1/4 part household bleach
to 3/4 part warm water. Be sure to rinse
thoroughly after application of bleach.
FIGURE 18
PANELING NEW INTERIOR WALLS
Leave 1/32" spacing
at panel edges
Note:
If applied horizontally, block all unsupported edges.
FIGURE 19
PANELING EXISTING INTERIOR WALLS
Leave 1/32" spacing
at panel edges
Install 1x2 furring strips

horizontal and/or vertical
with nails into studs, expansion bolts, concrete nails,
powder-actuated fasteners,
or adhesive as necessary
Block all unsupported edges
Finishes should be applied as soon as

possible after installation of the siding.
Weathering of unprotected wood can
cause surface damage in as little as two
to four weeks. Apply finishes during
favorable weather conditions. As a rule
of thumb, finishes should not be applied
48
Paints (all-acrylic latex)

Top-quality acrylic latex house paint
systems are recommended for all APA
Rated Sidings, except brushed plywood.
If house paint is used on plywood
siding, an all-acrylic latex paint system
consisting of at least one stain-blocking
prime coat and an all-acrylic latex
topcoat is recommended. For extractive
staining woods, some house paint systems utilize an oil-alkyd primer. Others
use up to two coats of a stain-blocking
acrylic latex primer. These latter systems
help to reduce face-checking and generally offer superior performance. A paint
finish tends to mask the textured
plywood surface more than either
semitransparent or solid-color stains.
On the other hand, a top-quality acrylic
latex paint system provides the most
durable finish.
Interior Paneling
APA RATED SIDING panels lend themselves to a number of decorative surface
treatments for attractive interior paneling and accent walls. (See Figures 18
and 19.) Such treatments include
saw-textured, brushed, embossed and
grooved. Let APA panels acclimatize
to room temperature and humidity
conditions for several days prior to
attachment to the wall. This can be
accomplished by placing the panels on
edge with space between each panel to
allow air to circulate freely over both
sides. Preservative treatment of furring
or studs is recommended when they are
attached to masonry or concrete exterior
walls and to any uncured concrete wall.
Also, in these instances, install a 4-mil
polyethylene vapor retarder between the
paneling and the furring or studs and
insulate exterior walls. Support and nail
spacing recommendations are given in
Table 23. Recommendations apply to
all species groups.
Use only top-quality finishes and

application equipment. Finishes should
be applied according to the spread rates
recommended by the manufacturer.
Textured surfaces may require up to
twice as much finish as smooth surfaces. The first coat should be applied
by brush. If spray equipment is used to
apply the finish, then the finish should
be either back-brushed or back-rolled
while it is still wet. Subsequent coats of
finish may be applied by any conventional means.
Panel Backing
Wood structural panels are excellent
backing for wall coverings such as rare
hardwoods, vinyl surfaces and decorative fabrics. Panels less than 15/32 inch
thick should be applied with strength
axis perpendicular to studs and with
2x4 blocking at horizontal edges.
Thicker plywood may be applied with
strength axis parallel to studs. Plywood
panels should have C-Plugged or better
faces. Use 6d nails spaced 6 inches on
center at panel edges and 12 inches on
center at intermediate supports. A
1/16-inch space should be left between
panels. Where moisture may be present,
use nonstaining nails and either
Exposure 1 or Exterior type panels.
A 1/4-inch clearance is recommended
at the bottom edge of the panels.
TABLE 23
INTERIOR PANELING
Panel
Thickness (in.)
1/4
5/16
11/32 - 1/2
19/32 - 3/4
Texture 1-11
Maximum Support
Spacing (in.)
16(a)
16(b)
24
24
24
(a) Can be 20 inches if strength axis of paneling is across supports.
Nail Size
(Use casing or
finishing nails)
Panel Edges
Intermediate
Supports
4d
6d
6d
8d
8d
6
6
6
6
6
12
12
12
12
12
(b) Can be 24 inches if strength axis of paneling is across supports.
49
when the outside air temperature is

expected to drop below 50 F (10 C)
within 24 hours for latex finishes, or
40 F (5 C) for oil-based finishes.
However, recommendations of individual manufacturers may vary and should
always be followed. Wood surfaces
should be clean and dry, although
extremely dry surfaces should be
dampened slightly when applying
latex finishes.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
SHEAR WALL FOUNDATION ANCHOR
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
32/16 15/32 INCH
High shear wall overturning moments may be transferred by a fabricated steel bracket such as this.
Regular foundation bolts may be all that is required
in some cases.
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
APA RATED SHEATHING or

APA RATED SIDING 303
Studs
Bolts to framing,
size as required
RATED SHEATHING
STRUCTURAL I
32/16 15/32 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING
000
EXPOSURE 1
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
000
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SIDING
303-18-S/W
RATED SHEATHING
3/8 INCH
15/32 INCH
24 oc GROUP 1
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 FHA-UM-40
PRP-108
24/0
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
STRUCTURAL I RATED
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Holddown anchor
Sill plate
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
Flashing to separate
siding from concrete
RATED SHEATHING
40/20 19/32 INCH

Bolt to foundation
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
Concrete foundation
APA Panel Shear Walls

While all of the wall systems presented
here will provide sufficient strength
under normal conditions in residential
and light-frame construction, engineered shear walls may be desirable or
required in areas of the country with
frequent seismic activity or high wind
loads. Shear walls, of course, are also
integral to commercial and industrial
construction.
Either APA RATED SHEATHING or allveneer plywood APA RATED SIDING
(and other APA RATED SIDING panels
that qualify on a proprietary basis) can
be used in shear wall design. The data
presented here give maximum shears for

walls with APA RATED SHEATHING,
with plywood APA RATED SIDING
installed directly to studs (APA Sturd-IWall), and with panels applied over
gypsum sheathing for walls required to
be fire rated from the outside.
2. Determine the required panel grade

and thickness, and nailing schedule
from Table 24. Check anchor bolts in
sill plate for shear.
To design a shear wall, follow

these steps.
Design data for roof diaphragms are

given on pages 59 and 60. For
complete information on shear walls
and diaphragms, write for APA Design/
Construction Guide: Diaphragms and
Shear Walls, Form L350.
1. Determine the unit shear transferred

by the roof diaphragm to the wall.
This generally will be one-fourth the
area of the adjacent wall, multiplied by
the wind load, divided by the length
of the shear wall being designed
(subtract length of large openings).
50
3. Check wall framing on each end

of shear wall and design foundation
anchor if required (see Figure 20).
FIGURE 20
TABLE 24
RECOMMENDED SHEAR (POUNDS PER FOOT) FOR APA PANEL SHEAR WALLS WITH FRAMING
OF DOUGLAS-FIR, LARCH, OR SOUTHERN PINE(a) FOR WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING (b)
Panel Grade
Minimum
Nominal
Panel
Thickness
(in.)
5/16
APA
STRUCTURAL I
grades
7/16
6d
1-3/8
8d
1-1/2
10d
1-1/4
6d
1/4(c)
3/8
2(e)
Nail Size
(common or
galvanized
box)
Nail Spacing at
Panel Edges (in.)
6
2(e)
200
300
390
510
8d
200
300
390
510
10d
280
430
550(f)
730
255(d) 395(d) 505(d) 670(d)

280
430
550
730
340
510
665(f)
870
180
270
350
450
200
300
390
510
180
270
350
450
8d
200
300
390
510
10d
260
380
490(f)
640
220(d) 320(d) 410(d) 530(d)
3/8
7/16
Nail Spacing at
Panel Edges (in.)
230(d) 360(d) 460(d) 610(d)
15/32
5/16 or
1-3/8
8d
240(d) 350(d) 450(d) 585(d)
15/32
260
380
490
640
15/32
310
460
600(f)
770
340
510
665(f)
870
19/32
APA RATED
SIDING(g) and
other APA grades
except species
Group 5
1-1/4
3/8
15/32
APA RATED
SHEATHING; APA
RATED SIDING(g)
and other APA
grades except
species Group 5
Minimum
Nail
Nail Size
Penetration (common or
in Framing galvanized
(in.)
box)
1-1/2
10d
Nail Size
(galvanized
casing)
Nail Size
(galvanized
casing)
5/16(c)
1-1/4
6d
140
210
275
360
8d
140
210
275
360
3/8
1-3/8
8d
160
240
310
410
10d
160
240
310(f)
410
(a) For framing of other species: (1) Find specific gravity for species of lumber
in the AFPA National Design Specification. (2) For common or galvanized box
nails, find shear value from table above for nail size for actual grade. (3)
Multiply value by the following adjustment factor: Specific Gravity Adjustment
Factor = [1 (0.5 SG)], where SG = specific gravity of the framing. This
adjustment shall not be greater than 1.
(b) All panel edges backed with 2-inch nominal or wider framing. Install panels either horizontally or vertically. Space nails maximum 6 inches o.c. along
intermediate framing members for 3/8-inch and 7/16-inch panels installed
on studs spaced 24 inches o.c. For other conditions and panel thicknesses,
space nails maximum 12 inches o.c. on intermediate supports. Fasteners shall
be located 3/8 inch from panel edges.
(c) 3/8-inch or APA RATED SIDING 16 oc is minimum recommended when
applied direct to framing as exterior siding.
(d) Shears may be increased to values shown for 15/32-inch sheathing with
same nailing provided (1) studs are spaced a maximum of 16 inches o.c., or
(2) if panels are applied with strength axis across studs.
(e) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-inch nominal or wider, and
nails shall be staggered where nails are spaced 2 inches o.c. Check local
code for variations of these requirements.
(f) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-inch nominal or wider, and
nails shall be staggered where 10d nails having penetration into framing of
more than 1-1/2 inches are spaced 3 inches o.c. Check local code for variations of these requirements.
(g) Values apply to all-veneer plywood APA RATED SIDING panels only. Other
APA RATED SIDING panels may also qualify on a proprietary basis. APA
RATED SIDING 16 oc plywood may be 11/32 inch, 3/8 inch or thicker.
Thickness at point of nailing on panel edges governs shear values.
Typical Layout for Shear Walls

Load
Framing
Blocking
Shear wall boundar y
Framing
Foundation resistance
51
Panels Applied Over

1/2" or 5/8" Gypsum Sheathing
Panels Applied Direct to Framing
ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies

Good performance of built-up,

single-ply, or modified bitumen roofing
applied on low slope roofs requires a
stiffer deck than does prepared roofing
applied on pitched roofs. Although
APA Span-Rated panels used as roof
sheathing at maximum span are
adequate structurally, an upgraded
system is recommended for low slope
roofs. Table 26 provides recommended
maximum spans for low slope roof
decks. Recommended live loads can
be determined from Table 25, and minimum fastener requirements are given in
Table 27. Increased nail schedules may
be required in high wind zones.
APA RATED SHEATHING is equally
effective under built-up roofing, asphalt
or fiberglass shingles, tile roofing, or
wood shingles or shakes. Roof trusses
spaced 24 inches on center are widely
52
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
24/16 7/16 INCH
40/20 19/32 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
STRUCTURAL I
15/32 INCH
48/24 23/32 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING
EXTERIOR
000
PS 1-95 C-C PRP-108
32/16
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
recognized as the most economical

construction for residential roofs.
However, using fewer supports with
thicker panels e.g. 23/32- or 3/4-inch
48/24 panels over framing 48 inches
on center is also cost-effective for
long-span flat or pitched roofs.
Recommended live loads are given in
Table 25. Nailing recommendations are
given in Table 27. Recommended nail
schedules for high wind zones are
described in APA Data File, Roof
Sheathing Fastening Schedules for Wind
Uplift, Form T325, available from APA.
When support spacing exceeds the
maximum length of an unsupported
edge (see Table 25), provide adequate
blocking, tongue-and-groove edges, or
other edge support such as panel clips.
Some types of panel clips, in addition to
edge support, automatically assure
proper panel spacing. When required,
use one panel clip per span, except use
two clips for 48-inch or longer spans.
See APAs Build A Better Home: Roofs,
Form A535, for additional recommended details to prevent moisture
infiltration in roofs.
Note: Gluing of roof sheathing to framing is not
recommended, except when recommended by the
adhesive manufacturer for roof sheathing that
already has been permanently protected by roofing.
APA Panel Roof Sheathing

The recommendations for roof
sheathing in Table 25 apply to APA
RATED SHEATHING Exposure 1,
Exposure 2 or Exterior, and APA
STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING
Exposure 1 or Exterior. Uniform load
deflection limits are 1/180 of span
under live load plus dead load, and
1/240 under live load only. Special
conditions, such as heavy concentrated
loads, may require constructions in
excess of these minimums, or allowable
live loads may have to be decreased for
dead loads greater than 10 psf, such as
tile roofs. Panels are assumed continuous over two or more spans with the
long dimension or strength axis
across supports.
TABLE 25
RECOMMENDED UNIFORM ROOF LIVE LOADS FOR APA RATED SHEATHING (c) AND APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
WITH STRENGTH AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS (e)
Maximum Span (in.)
Allowable Live Loads (psf)(d)
APA RATED
Minimum Panel
Thickness
(in.)
Spacing of Supports Center-to-Center (in.)

With Edge
Support(a)
Without Edge
Support
12
16
20
24
32
40
48
60
SHEATHING (c)
12/0
16/0
20/0
24/0
24/16
32/16
40/20
48/24
60/32(g)
60/48(g)
5/16
5/16
5/16
3/8
7/16
15/32, 1/2
19/32, 5/8
23/32, 3/4
7/8
1-1/8
12
16
20
24
24
32
40
48
60
60
12
16
20
20(b)
24
28
32
36
40
48
30
70
120
190
190
325
30
50 30
100 60 30
100 65 40
180 120 70 30
305 205 130 60 30
280 175 95 45
305 165 100
305 165 100
35
70
70
35
35
24
32
48
48
60
24
32
36
40
48
185 100 65 40
270 150 100 60 30
240 160 100 50 30
295 185 100 60
290 160 100
25
40
65
40
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR (f)

16 oc
20 oc
24 oc
32 oc
48 oc
19/32, 5/8
19/32, 5/8
23/32, 3/4
7/8
1-3/32, 1-1/8
(a) Tongue-and-groove edges, panel edge clips (one midway between each
support, except two equally spaced between supports 48 inches on center or
greater), lumber blocking, or other. For low slope roofs, see Table 26.
(b) 20 inches for 3/8-inch and 7/16-inch panels. 24 inches for 15/32-inch
and 1/2-inch panels.
(c) Includes APA RATED SHEATHING/CEILING DECK.
(d) 10 psf dead load assumed.

(e) Applies to panels 24 inches or wider applied over two or more spans.
(f) Also applies to C-C Plugged grade plywood.
(g) Check with supplier for availability.
TABLE 26
RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM SPANS FOR APA PANEL ROOF DECKS FOR LOW
SLOPE ROOFS(a) (Panel strength axis perpendicular to supports and continuous
over two or more spans)
Minimum Nominal
Panel Clips
Panel Thickness
Minimum
Maximum Span Per Span (b)
Grade
(in.)
Span Rating
(in.)
(number)
APA
RATED
SHEATHING
APA
RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR
15/32
32/16
24
19/32
40/20
32
23/32
48/24
48
7/8
60/32
60
19/32
20 oc
24
23/32
24 oc
32
7/8
32 oc
48
(a) Low slope roofs are applicable to built-up, single-ply and modified bitumen roofing systems.
For guaranteed or warranted roofs contact membrane manufacturer for acceptable deck.
(b) Edge support may also be provided by tongue-and-groove edges or solid blocking.
53
Panel
Span
Rating
ROOF CONSTRUCTION
In preframed panels 8x8 feet or larger

(Figure 23), the panel strength axis may
run either parallel or perpendicular to
stiffeners spaced 16 or 24 inches on
center. Placing the strength axis across
supports may require edge support such
as panel clips or cleats between stiffeners at midspan in accordance with
Table 25. Recommendations in Table 28
are based on long dimension or strength
axis of the panel parallel to supports.
Deflection limits are 1/180 of the span
for total load; 1/240 for live load only.
See Table 29 for design information on
stiffeners for preframed panels. Nailing
requirements for preframed panels are
the same as for roof sheathing.
Long Span Systems

Both preframed panel systems and
direct application of sheathing to
secondary or primary framing are
common approaches in long span roof
construction. Bay spacing and type of
framing govern the choice.
Experience shows that panels over
supports 48 inches on center often
yield maximum economy. Panels with
a Span Rating of 48/24 are good for at
least 35 psf snow load and meet the
requirements for most guaranteed or
warranted roofs.
TABLE 27
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM FASTENING SCHEDULE FOR APA PANEL ROOF
SHEATHING (Increased nail schedules may be required in high wind zones and
where roof is engineered as a diaphragm.)
Panel Thickness (b)
(in.)
Size
5/16 - 1
1-1/8
8d
8d or 10d
Nailing(c)(d)
Maximum Spacing (in.)
Supported Panel Edges(e) Intermediate
12 (a)
12 (a)
6
6
(a) For spans 48 inches or greater, space nails

6 inches at all supports.
(b) For stapling asphalt shingles to 5/16-inch and
thicker panels, use staples with a 15/16-inch
minimum crown width and a 1-inch leg length.
Space according to shingle manufacturers
recommendations.
(c) Use common smooth or deformed shank

nails with panels to 1 inch thick. For 1-1/8-inch
panels, use 8d ring- or screw-shank or 10d
common smooth-shank nails.
(d) Other code-approved fasteners may be used.
(e) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centerline of framing with a
minimum bearing of 1/2". Fasteners shall be
located 3/8 inch from panel edges.
FIGURE 21
APA PANEL ROOF SHEATHING
APA RATED SHEATHING
Stagger end joints (optional)

panel
1/8" spacing is
recommended at all
edge and end joints
unless otherwise
indicated by panel
manufacturer
clip
Note:
For pitched roofs, place
screened surface or side
with skid-resistant coating
up if OSB panels are used.
Keep roof surface free of
dirt, sawdust and debris,
and wear skid-resistant
shoes when installing
roof sheathing.
Panel clip or
tongue-and-groove
edges if required
Asphalt or wood shingles
or shakes. Follow roofing
manufacturers recommendations for roofing felt.
Protect edges of Exposure 1
panels against exposure to
weather, or use Exterior
panel starter strip
Note:
For buildings with conventionally framed roofs (trusses or rafters),
limit the length of continuous sections of roof area to 80 feet
maximum during construction, to allow for accumulated expansion
in wet weather conditions. Omit roof sheathing panels in each
course of sheathing between sections, and install fill in panels
later to complete roof deck installation prior to applying roofing.
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
RATED SHEATHING
24/16 7/16 INCH
24/16 7/16 INCH
SIZED FOR SPACING
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
Note:
Cover
sheathing as soon
as possible with
roofing felt for
extra protection
against excessive
moisture prior to
roofing application.
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
STRUCTURAL I RATED
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PANELIZED ROOFS
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
54
Preframed Roof Panels

Spans of 8 to 12 feet are usually the
most practical with preframed panel
construction, although spans to 30 feet
are not uncommon. Unsanded 4x8-foot
APA panels with stiffeners preframed at
16 or 24 inches on center (Figure 22)
are common. The long dimension or
strength axis of the panel typically runs
parallel to supports. Stiffeners and roof
purlins provide support for all panel
edges. Minimum nailing requirements
for preframed panels are the same as
for roof sheathing.
TABLE 28
RECOMMENDED ROOF LOADS (PSF) FOR APA RATED SHEATHING WITH
STRENGTH AXIS PARALLEL TO SUPPORTS(e)(f) (OSB, composite and
5-ply/5-layer plywood panels unless otherwise noted)
Panel Grade
Maximum
Span
(in.)
Span Rating
Load at Maximum Span

Live
24 (d)
Total
APA
STRUCTURAL I
RATED
SHEATHING
7/16
15/32
1/2
19/32, 5/8
23/32, 3/4
24/0, 24/16
32/16
32/16
40/20
48/24
24
24
24
24
20
35 (a)
40 (a)
70
90
30
45 (a)
50 (a)
80
100
APA
RATED
SHEATHING
7/16 (b)
15/32 (b)
1/2 (b)
19/32
5/8
23/32, 3/4
24/0, 24/16
32/16
24/0, 32/16
40/20
32/16, 40/20
40/20, 48/24
16
24 (d)
24 (d)
24
24
24
40
20
25
40 (c)
45 (c)
60 (c)
50
25
30
50 (c)
55 (c)
65 (c)
(a) For 4-ply plywood marked PS 1, reduce load by 15 psf.

(b) Composite panels must be 19/32 inch or thicker.
(c) For composite and 4-ply plywood panels, reduce load by 15 psf.
(d) Solid blocking recommended at panel ends for 24-inch span.

(e) For guaranteed or warranted roofs, contact membrane manufacturer for
acceptable deck.
(f) Provide edge support.
FIGURE 22
FIGURE 23
PREFRAMED ROOF PANEL

(4' x 8' APA Structural Panels
Strength Axis Parallel to Supports)
PREFRAMED ROOF PANEL

(8' x 8' or larger APA Structural Panels
Strength Axis Perpendicular to Supports)
Metal purlin hanger
Metal purlin hanger
Main supporting
glulam member
Main supporting
glulam member
Roof purlin
8' o.c. (typical)
Str
en
gt
Str
en
gth
APA structural panels
ax
is
xis
Glulam purlin
Adjacent preframed
panel
APA structural panels
Panel clips or other edge

support if required, or
single large-sized panels
Stiffeners 16" o.c. or 24" o.c.
Glulam purlin
Stiffeners of adjacent
preframed panel
Metal joist hangers
Metal joist hangers
Stiffeners 16", 20",

24", 32" or 48" o.c.
55
Thickness
(in.)
ROOF CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 29
STIFFENER LOAD-SPAN TABLES FOR PREFRAMED APA PANEL ROOF DECKS
Center-to Stiffener
Center
Size
Purlin
and
Spacing(b) Spacing
(ft)
(in.)
2 x 4 @16
2 x 4 @ 24
2 x 6 @16
2 x 6 @ 24
2 x 6 @ 32
Select Structural
Strength(d)
Defl.(c)
37
23
144
96
72
1.15
1.25
67
41
154
99
61
73
46
168
109
68
No. 1 & Btr

Strength(d)
2 x 4 @16
2 x 4 @ 24
2 x 6 @16
2 x 6 @ 24
2 x 6 @ 32
No. 2
Strength(d)
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
35
21
136
91
68
51
31
121
78
47
57
34
133
85
52
33
19
129
86
64
41
24
99
63
38
46
27
109
69
42
31
18
121
81
61
36
21
88
56
33
40
23
97
61
37
Allowable Roof Live Load (psf) (a)
Southern Pine
Center-to Stiffener
Center
Size
Purlin
and
Spacing(b) Spacing
(ft)
(in.)
No. 1
Strength(d)
Select Structural
Strength(d)
Defl.(c)
35
21
136
91
68
No. 1 Dense
Strength(d)
No. 1
Strength(d)
No. 2
Strength(d)
1.15
1.25
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
Defl.(c)
1.15
1.25
87
55
205
133
83
96
60
223
146
91
35
21
136
91
68
58
35
137
88
54
64
39
150
97
60
33
19
129
86
64
53
32
129
83
50
59
36
141
91
56
31
18
121
81
61
41
24
95
60
36
46
27
104
66
40
(a) Final allowable load is the lesser of the loads as determined by deflection
and stress.
(b) Actual span of stiffeners taken as 3-1/2 inches less than center-to-center
spacing of purlins.
Figure 24 illustrates typical connections

for engineered flat roof members.
Plywood Under Special Coatings

Chemical coatings for roofs have
increased the range of design possibilities, particularly in larger commercial
structures with contoured or steeply
pitched roof surfaces exposed to view.
The plywood thickness and span
recommendations in Table 30 for
plywood under special coatings assume
installation with the long dimension or
strength axis of the panel perpendicular to supports and liquid coatings
applied directly to the plywood. Check
local building codes for any required
deviations from these recommendations.
Allowable roof live load is based on the
same deflection criteria as described in
Table 25 for APA panel roof sheathing.
(c) Deflection limitations: Span/240 under live load only; Span/180 under
total load, assuming a dead load of 10 psf.
(d) Loads limited by stress are based on two conditions of duration of
load: 2 months, such as for snow (1.15); and 7 days (1.25); includes
effects of 10 psf dead load.
Exterior plywood is recommended for

use under special coatings for roofs.
Where the coating requires a very
smooth base, use APA A-C Exterior or
APA B-C Exterior plywood. Where
maximum smoothness is not essential,
use APA C-C PLUGGED Exterior.
Tongue-and-groove plywood (1/2 inch
or thicker) or lumber blocking at panel
edges is recommended. A 1/8-inch
space is recommended at all edge and
end joints unless otherwise indicated by
panel manufacturer. If high-performance
coatings are to be used for finish, check
coating manufacturers recommendations for panel joint treatment. Nail size,
type and spacing recommendations are
also given in Table 30.
56
Grades recommended above should

also be specified for the top layer when
the structural wood deck is to be overlaid with a separate plywood layer to
serve as substrate for special roof coatings. A 1/8-inch space is recommended
at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer.
Although minimum 1/4-inch plywood
may be used over structural decks,
15/32 inch or thicker panels should be
considered for best performance over
uneven surfaces or when rain or high
humidity is anticipated prior to application of roof coating. Use corrosionresistant fasteners sized and spaced
as recommended in Table 9.
Allowable Roof Live Load (psf) (a)
Douglas Fir-Larch
TABLE 30
PLYWOOD THICKNESS AND MAXIMUM SPANS FOR ROOF DECKS UNDER SPECIAL COATINGS (c)
Maximum Support Spacing (in.)
Group 1
Groups 2 & 3
Group 4
11/32
16
8d common smooth(a)
or ring- or screw-shank
12
24
24
16
8d common smooth(a)
or ring- or screw-shank
12
Nail Type &

Size (b)
Supported Intermediate
Panel Edges
Supports
APA A-C EXT

15/32, 1/2
APA B-C EXT
APA C-C PLUGGED EXT 19/32, 5/8
32
24
24
8d ring- or screw-shank
12
23/32, 3/4
40
32
32
12
7/8
48
40
40
12(d)
(a) Use only deformed-shank nails for curved surfaces.

(b) Nail type, size and spacing may vary for engineered diaphragm designs.
APA Panel Soffits

Recommended spans for open and
closed APA panel soffits are given in
Tables 31 and 32. The recommendations in Table 31 for open soffits also
apply to combined roof/ceiling
construction. Panels are assumed
continuous over two or more spans
with the long dimension or strength
axis across supports for both applications. For appearance purposes in open
soffit construction, provide blocking,
tongue-and-groove edges, or other
suitable edge support. Panels will
support at least 30 psf live load,
plus 10 psf dead load.
For open soffit and nonstructural
ceiling construction, panels designated
Exposure 1 are recommended as a minimum (check local building code) where
appearance is not a major consideration.
Only Exterior panels should be used for
closed soffits.
At eaves where Exposure 1 sheathing
is used for roof decking, protect panel
edges against direct exposure to the
weather with fascia trim.
(c) All panels will support at least 30 psf live load plus 10 psf dead load
at maximum span.
(d) For spans 48 inches or greater, space nails maximum 6 inches at
all supports.
FIGURE 24
TYPICAL CONNECTIONS TO ENGINEERED FLAT ROOF MEMBERS
Panels Nailed to Wood I-Joist
Panels Nailed to Open-Web

Parallel-Chord Wood Truss
Wood flange
APA panel deck
Wood I-joist
Wood chord
Diagonal wood web
Wood structural
panel web
Metal truss plate
Panels Nailed to Nailer

Bolted to Steel Joist
Panels Nailed to Glulam Beam
APA panel deck
APA panel deck
Common nails
Glulam beam
Wood nailer*
Carriage bolt
or lag screw
*May be installed
across joists (good
for nonmodular
joist spacing).
Bar joist flange

Bar joist web
Although unsanded and touch-sanded

grades of plywood are often used for
applications such as soffits, optimum
appearance and finish performance is
attained by using panels with textured
or sanded A-grade faces. For panel
57
grades other than APA RATED SIDING

303, top-quality acrylic latex house
paint systems provide best performance
(see page 48). Face-checking (separations between fibers parallel to the grain
of the face veneer) can be expected on
Grade
Minimum
Plywood
Thickness
(in.)
ROOF CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 31
APA PANELS FOR OPEN SOFFIT OR FOR COMBINED ROOF DECKING-CEILING(a)(b)
(Strength axis across supports. For APA RATED SHEATHING, where appearance is not a major concern, see Table 25.)
Panel Description
(All panels Exterior or Exposure 1)
Species Group
for Plywood
15/32" APA RATED SIDING 303
1, 2, 3, 4
15/32" APA MDO, Sanded and Touch-Sanded Plywood
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
16
24
32
23/32" APA Textured Plywood (c)
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
1-1/8" APA Textured Plywood (c)
1, 2, 3, 4
48
(a) All panels will support at least 30 psf live load plus 10 psf dead load at
maximum span.
(b) For appearance purposes, blocking, tongue-and-groove edges or other

suitable edge supports should be provided.
(c) Also see Table 25 for APA RATED SHEATHING/CEILING DECK.
TABLE 32
APA PANELS FOR CLOSED SOFFIT OR FOR NONSTRUCTURAL CEILING (a)(c) (Strength axis across supports)
Maximum Span (in.)
All Edges Supported
Nominal
Panel Thickness
24
11/32" APA (b)
32
15/32" APA (b)
48
19/32" APA (b)
Species Group
All
Species
Groups
(a) Space nails maximum 6 inches at panel edges and 12 inches at

intermediate supports for spans less than 48 inches; 6 inches at all supports
for 48-inch spans.
Nail Size
and Type (a)
6d nonstaining
box or casing
8d nonstaining
box or casing
(b) Any suitable grade panel which meets appearance requirements Exterior
for closed soffits, Exposure 1 or Exterior for nonstructural ceiling.
(c) For appearance purposes, blocking, tongue-and-groove edges or other
suitable edge supports should be provided.
58
Maximum Span
(inches)
OPEN SOFFIT
APA RATED SHEATHING
Shim at each rafter for flush

joint at change of panel
thickness if necessary
Stre
ngth
axis
Any appropriate APA Exterior or

Exposure 1 panel grade and
thickness for desired appearance
and load-carrying capacity (see
Tables 25 and 31)
1. Determine lateral loads and

resulting shears.
FIGURE 26
CLOSED SOFFIT
APA RATED SHEATHING
Protect edges of
Exposure 1 sheathing
against exposure to weather
Strength axis
For information about developing

higher diaphragm shears than shown
in Table 33, See Diaphragms and Shear
Walls, APA Form L350.
Leave 1/8" space at all panel end and edge

joints. Support all panel edges.
non-overlaid plywood which is exposed

to the outdoors, even when finished. If
a smooth, check-free surface is desired,
use Medium Density Overlay
(MDO) plywood.
APA Panel Roof Diaphragms

With only slight design modifications,
any APA panel roof deck system
described in the previous sections
will also function as an engineered
diaphragm to resist high wind and
seismic loading. A diaphragms ability
2. Determine nailing schedule

(Table 33). Consider load direction
with respect to joints.
3. Compute chord stress due to
bending moment. Provide adequate
splices. Check deflection. Check
anchorage of boundary framing
(e.g., chords) to walls.
Any appropriate grade of

Exterior panels for soffit
(see Table 31)
Continuous screened vent
or louvered vent
19/32" panels are used. Blocked shear

values for 1-1/8" panels may be
obtained by specifying stapled T&G
edges. Staples shall be 16 gauge, 1" long
with a 3/8" crown, driven through the
T&G edges 3/8" from the joint so as to
penetrate the tongue. Staples shall be
spaced at one-half of the boundary nail
spacing for Cases 1 and 2, and at onethird the boundary nail spacing for Case
3 through 6, as illustrated in Table 33.
Table 33 gives panel and fastening
recommendations for roof diaphragms.
Panels and framing are assumed already
designed for perpendicular loads. To
design a diaphragm, follow these steps:
to function effectively as a beam, transferring lateral loads to shear walls, is

related to the quality of the connections.
Nailing is critical since shear loads are
transmitted through these fasteners.
Common nails provide required
strength. Other nail types may be used
when their lateral bearing values are
considered in the design. Load-carrying
capacity is highest when the diaphragm
is blocked. Where 1-1/8" roof panels are
desired, such as for Heavy Timber construction (see page 64), shear values for
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
40/20 19/32 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
SIZED FOR SPACING
000
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
EXPOSURE 1
000
PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108
A PA
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
RATED SHEATHING
3/8 INCH
24/0
SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
RATED SHEATHING
24/16 7/16 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING
EXPOSURE 1
000
000
STRUCTURAL I RATED
PS 2-92 SHEATHING
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
PRP-108 HUD-UM-40
59
RATED SHEATHING
STRUCTURAL I
32/16 15/32 INCH
FIGURE 25
ROOF CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 33
Blocked Diaphragms
Nail Spacing (in.) at
diaphragm boundaries
(all cases), at continuous
panel edges parallel
to load (Cases 3 & 4),
and at all panel
edges (Cases 5 & 6) (b)
Panel Grade
Minimum
Nominal
Width of
Framing
Member
(inches)
5/16
2
3
185
210
250
280
375
420
420
475
165
185
125
140
1-3/8
3/8
2
3
270
300
360
400
530
600
600
675
240
265
180
200
1-1/2
15/32
2
3
320
360
425
480
640
720
730
820
285
320
215
240
5/16
2
3
170
190
225
250
335
380
380
430
150
170
110
125
3/8
2
3
185
210
250
280
375
420
420
475
165
185
125
140
3/8
2
3
240
270
320
360
480
540
545
610
215
240
160
180
7/16
2
3
255
285
340
380
505
570
575
645
230
255
170
190
15/32
2
3
270
300
360
400
530
600
600
675
240
265
180
200
15/32
2
3
290
325
385
430
575
650
655
735
255
290
190
215
19/32
2
3
320
360
425
480
640
720
730
820
285
320
215
240
Common
Nail Size
Minimum
Nail
Penetration
in Framing
(inches)
Minimum
Nominal
Panel
Thickness
(inch)
6d (e)
1-1/4
8d
10 (d)
APA
STRUCTURAL I
grades
6d (e)
APA RATED
SHEATHING
APA RATED
STURD-IFLOOR
and other
APA grades
except Species
Group 5
1-1/4
8d
1-3/8
10d (d)
1-1/2
Case 1
Continuous panel joints
Case 2
Framing
Load
Diaphragm boundary
Blocking,
if used
2-1/2 (c)
2 (c)
Nail Spacing (in.) at

other panel edges
(Cases 1, 2, 3 & 4) (b)
Case 4
Case 3
Load
Case 1 (No
unblocked
edges or
All other
continuous configurations
joints parallel (Cases 2, 3,
to load)
4, 5 & 6)
(d) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-in. nominal or wider, and
nails shall be staggered where 10d nails having penetration into framing of
more than 1-5/8 inches are spaced 3 inches o.c.
(e) 8d is recommended minimum for roofs due to negative pressures of
high winds.
Notes: Design for diaphragm stresses depends on direction of continuous
panel joints with reference to load, not on direction of long dimension or
strength axis of sheet. Continuous framing may be in either direction for
blocked diaphragms.
(a) For framing of other species: (1) Find specific gravity for species of lumber in
the AFPA National Design Specification. (2) Find shear value from table above
for nail size for actual grade. (3) Multiply value by the following adjustment factor: Specific Gravity Adjustment Factor = [1 (0.5 SG)], where SG = specific
gravity of the framing. This adjustment shall not be greater than 1.
(b) Space nails maximum 12 inches o.c. along intermediate framing members
(6 in. o.c. when supports are spaced 48 in. o.c. or greater). Fasteners shall be
located 3/8 inch from panel edges.
(c) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-in. nominal or wider, and nails
shall be staggered where nails are spaced 2 inches o.c. or 2-1/2 inches o.c.
Load
Unblocked Diaphragms
Nails Spaced 6" max. at
Supported Edges(b)
Load
Framing
60
Blocking,
if used
Case 5
Load
Blocking,
if used
Case 6
Load
Framing
RECOMMENDED SHEAR (POUNDS PER FOOT) FOR HORIZONTAL APA PANEL DIAPHRAGMS WITH
FRAMING OF DOUGLAS-FIR, LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE (a) FOR WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING
BUILDING
AND RELATED
PANEL SYSTEMS
Fire-resistant Construction
Protected Construction
Protected construction includes
typical floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall
assemblies with wood structural panels
fastened to wood or steel framing, and
a fire-resistive material such as gypsum
wallboard, plaster or mineral acoustical
tile added to give primary protection
to framing. The structural panels slow
flame passage and temperature rise
while reinforcing supports against
collapse under load.
Assemblies are rated in fire tests by
Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) and
other agencies. Over 40 floor-ceiling
(and/or roof-ceiling) systems using
wood structural panels are described in
the U.L. Fire Resistance Directory. They
are accepted as rated constructions by
most building codes. Two examples of
one-hour-rated floor-ceiling assemblies
are shown in Figure 27; several twohour-rated wood framed assemblies also
are described in the U.L. Directory.
Building Requirements
In many fire-resistant floor-ceiling
assemblies, a two-layer floor system
(15/32-inch subfloor and 19/32-inch
underlayment) is used, although several
have single-layer 5/8-inch or thicker
combination subfloor-underlayment
panels. Any finish floor material may be
used. Most codes permit omission of
the top panel layer in roof assemblies.
Plywood siding or wall sheathing in
combination with gypsum sheathing
and wallboard on studs is recognized by
code officials for one-hour load-bearing
exterior walls. A typical example
APA RATED SIDING over 5/8-inch Type
X gypsum sheathing attached to 2x
studs 16 or 24 inches on center is
illustrated in Figure 28, page 63. Under
two of the model building codes, the
61
fire-resistive rating for exterior walls

applies only to the inside of the wall
when separation to the property line
is greater than 5 feet. In this common
situation, the gypsum sheathing can be
omitted under the siding as noted in
Figure 28.
Fire-rated protected wall assemblies will
qualify for the one-hour rating if other
materials are added over the fire-resistive
materials. For example, APA RATED
SIDING panels or lap siding may be
attached to the outside of a rated wall
without impairing the rating.
Roof Coverings
The fire resistance ratings of roofing
materials are listed as Class A, B, or C
in descending order of fire protection
afforded. Their use is prescribed by
building codes, and also affects insurance rates. Untreated APA RATED
SHEATHING panels are recognized
as a structural roof deck substrate for
rated roof coverings. For individual
requirements, see the U.L. Roofing
Materials and Systems Directory.
Wall and Ceiling Paneling
The Flame Spread Classification of
materials used for interior wall and
ceiling finish (and occasionally for other
applications) is usually limited by
building codes for certain occupancies.
Tests have shown that untreated APA
wood structural panels will develop
flame spread index and smoke index
values of 200 or less, which puts them
in a Class III (or C) category.
Panels are therefore suitable as interior
finish for most applications. Certain
more restrictive locations, such as
exitways, require a Class I or Class II
rating which can be achieved by the
use of fire-retardant-treated plywood.
(See page 15.)
REQUIREMENTS
FIGURE 27
ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR/CEILING
(OR ROOF/CEILING) ASSEMBLIES
Some rated assemblies incorporate proprietary products. When designing and specifying,
check the Underwriters Laboratories Fire Resistance Directory for complete details on a
particular assembly. A change in details may affect fire resistance of the assembly.
1. Two-layer floor systems with joists.(a) For details, see U.L. Design Nos. L001,
L003, L004, L005, L006, L201, L202, L206, L208 (1-1/2 hr), L209, L210, L211 (2 hr),
L212, L501, L502, L503, L505 (2 hr), L511 (2 hr), L512, L514, L515, L516, L519,
L522, L523, L525, L526, L533, L535, L536 (2 hr), L537, L541 (2 hr) and L545. Also see
U.L. Designs No. L524 and L527 (1-1/2 hr single layer) with steel joists spaced 24" o.c.,
and L521 with wood trusses spaced 24" o.c.
Building paper
15/32" APA
plywood subfloor(b)
Joists 16" o.c.
(2x10s min.)
5/8" Type X or proprietary*
Type X gypsum wallboard
ceiling; resilient channels
required in some assemblies
19/32" T&G
APA plywood
underlayment(b)(c)
(Most codes do not
require the top layer of two-layer
rated assemblies when used for roofs.)
2. Single-layer floor systems with wood I-joists or trusses. For details, see U.L.
Design Nos. L528, L529, L534, L542 and L544 (shown), and see 2003 IBC Table
720.1(3), Item 24-1.1 for a single-layer wood I-joist floor/ceiling system. Also see U.L.
Design No. L513 for single-layer floor system with lumber joists spaced 24" o.c.
23/32" T&G
APA plywood(b)(c)
Construction
adhesive at trusses
and T&G edges
Resilient channels
spaced 16" o.c.
Wood I-joists or
trusses 24" o.c.
*For proprietary names see latest
U.L. Fire Resistance Directory
1/2" proprietary* Type X

gypsum wallboard ceiling
(2 layers)
Note:
(a) Substitution of 1-1/8" APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc for the combination of subfloor, paper,
and underlayment is often allowed. Check with local Building Official.
(b) Tests have shown that substitution of OSB or composite APA RATED SHEATHING subfloor and APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR underlayment for the plywood panels in rated assemblies will not jeopardize
fire-resistance ratings. Substitution is based on equivalent panel thickness, except that 7/16" OSB
subfloor panels may be used in place of 15/32" plywood subfloor panels in two-layer assemblies.
OSB panels are listed as alternates to plywood subflooring or finish flooring in U.L. Design Nos. L501,
L503, L505 (2hr), L508, L511 (2hr), L513, L514, L516, L521, L526, L528, L529, L532 (1-1/2 hr),
L539, L540, L543, L544, L546, L548, L550, L551 and L552.
(c) Lightweight concrete or gypsum concrete floor topping permitted over single-layer floor or as
alternate to plywood underlayment in many assemblies (check details).
62
Structural Glued Laminated

Timber (Glulam)
A structural members fire resistance is
measured by the time it can support its
design load during a fire. An exposed
beam or column sized for a minimum
one-hour fire resistance will support its
full design load for at least one hour
during standard fire test conditions
which simulate an actual fire.
Beams. Glulam beams 6-3/4" and
8-3/4" wide can be adapted to a onehour fire rating in accordance with
procedures recognized by the model
codes. For these widths, there is a
minimum depth for a one-hour fire
rating. The minimum depth increases
when the design calls for the beam to
be exposed on four rather than three
sides. See Table 34.
To adapt beams whose dimensions
qualify them for one-hour fire rating,
the basic layup is modified as shown in
Figure 29. One core lamination from
the center of the beam is required by
an additional tension lamination.
Columns. Column length determines
the minimum size for one-hour ratings.
The column size needed for a one-hour
fire rating is determined by calculating
the l/d and then using the appropriate
minimum dimensions; see Table 35.
Columns generally need no special
layup to qualify for a one-hour fire
rating. For both 8-3/4" and 10-3/4"
widths, all columns meeting the minimum size standard satisfy the one-hour
fire rating requirement.
As with all structural framing, final
specifications of members designed to
have one-hour fire resistance should
be carefully checked by a professional
engineer or architect to assure compliance with all local building codes.
BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED PANEL SYSTEMS
ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED EXTERIOR LOAD-BEARING WALL ASSEMBLY(a)
2x4 studs all

16" or 24" o.c.
Mineral or glass fiber

insulation (optional)
5/8" Type X
gypsum wallboard
Metal Connectors. In structures using

one-hour rated glulams, supporting
metal connectors and fasteners also must
be designed to achieve a one-hour fire
rating. A 1-1/2" covering of wood, 5/8"
fire-rated (Type X) gypsum wallboard or
any coating approved for a one-hour
rating provides the needed protection.
For further information, see EWS
Technical Note EWS Y245, Calculating
Fire Resistance of Glulam Beams and
Columns.
5/8" Type X
gypsum sheathing(b)
APA RATED SIDING
16 or 24 oc (or panel
sheathing)
TABLE 34
ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED GLULAM
BEAMS MINIMUM DEPTHS FOR
6-3/4" AND 8-3/4" WIDE BEAMS
(a) Generic, non-proprietary assembly based on GA File No. WP8105 listed in

Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual, referenced in the model
building codes. Mineral or glass fiber batt insulation (optional).
(b) Exterior layer of gypsum sheathing not required under the National and
Standard Building Codes, or the International Building Code, when separation is
greater than 5 feet. Check local provisions. See U.L. Design U356 in U.L. Fire
Resistance Directory.
Minimum
Depth (inches)
Beam Width 3 Sides
(inches)
Exposed
4 Sides
Exposed
6-3/4
13-1/2
27
8-3/4
7-1/2
13-1/2
FIGURE 29
ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED GLULAM BEAM
(Layup for simple span)
TABLE 35
ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED
GLULAM COLUMNS MINIMUM
DEPTHS FOR 8-3/4" AND 10-3/4"
COLUMN WIDTHS
Compression lams at top
Core lams in center
Core lam from center

replaced by tension lam
added at bottom
Minimum
Depth (inches)
Column
l/d
Width 3 Sides 4 Sides
Criteria (in.) Exposed Exposed
l/d >11
8-3/4
10-3/4
15
10-1/2
30
13-1/2
l/d 11
8-3/4
10-3/4
9
7-1/2
12
10-1/2
Tension lams at bottom
l = column length in inches.
d = column least cross-sectional

dimension in inches.
63
FIGURE 28
Under fire conditions, large size timber

members develop a surface char layer
which acts as insulation to slow the
burning process. In addition, Heavy
Timber construction does not permit
concealed wall or ceiling spaces where
fire can spread. Years of fire service
experience shows that the structural
performance of Heavy Timber construction systems under fire conditions is
markedly superior to most unprotected
noncombustible (steel) structures.
See Table 36 for minimum structural
member sizes required by model building codes for Heavy Timber construction. Structural glued laminated timber
(glulams) also qualifies for Heavy
Timber construction systems when
members conform to required sizes.
Insurance rating bureaus and all of the
model building codes accept 1-1/8-inch
tongue-and-groove wood structural
panels with exterior glue (Exposure 1)
as an alternative to two-inch nominal
tongue-and-groove lumber decking in
heavy timber roof construction.
Typical construction (Figure 30)
consists of tongue-and-groove APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc
Exposure 1 (or 1-1/8-inch tongue-andgroove APA RATED SHEATHING
Exposure 1 Check local availability
before specifying). Heavy timber beams
must be 4x6 minimum and are normally spaced 48 inches on center. For
an exposed ceiling with improved
appearance, 1-1/8-inch textured wood
FIGURE 30
HEAVY TIMBER ROOF CONSTRUCTION
Built-up roofing
1-1/8" APA T&G wood structural

panels with exterior glue (Exposure 1)
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc typical
Strength axis
Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) or
solid timber beams (4x6 minimum)
structural panels APA RATED SHEATHING/CEILING DECK panels can be

specified.
Heavy timber floors may also be constructed with 15/32-inch wood structural panels over three-inch planks.
For additional information on
fire-resistant construction, see APA
Design/Construction Guide: Fire-Rated
Systems, Form W305.
Wind-resistive Roofs
Wind ratings are based on a roof
systems performance in wind uplift
tests. Systems meeting U.L. requirements are assigned a semi-wind-resistive
classification (Class 30 or 60) or
fully-wind-resistive classification
(Class 90).
Many of the fire-rated assemblies also
can qualify for these ratings. Heavy
Timber usually is accorded semi-windresistive recognition.
There are over 70 U.L. listed roofing/
roof deck systems with plywood sheathing for fully-wind-resistive Class 90
ratings. One of the systems, NM519, is
illustrated in Figure 31. Another is
NM520, a panelized roof deck of
15/32-inch APA RATED SHEATHING
32/16 Exposure 1 plywood marked PS 1
(CDX, 4 plies minimum, all-Group 1
64
TABLE 36
DIMENSIONS OF COMPONENTS
FOR HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION (TYPICAL CODE PROVISIONS)
Heavy Timber construction is generally defined in building codes and
standards by the following minimum
sizes for the various members or
portions of a building:
Inches, nominal
Columnssupporting
floor loads ..............................8 x 8
Supporting roof and ceiling
loads only ................................6 x 8
Floor framing
Beams and
girders ...................6 wide x 10 deep
Arches and
trusses ................8 in any dimension
Roof framing
not supporting floor loads
Arches springing from
grade .......................6 x 8 lower half
6 x 6 upper half
Arches, trusses, other
framing springing from
top of walls, etc. .......................4 x 6
Floor (covered with 1-inch
nominal flooring, 15/32or 1/2-inch wood structural
panels, or other approved
surfacing)
Splined or tongue-andgroove plank ................................. 3
Planks set on edge .........................4
Roof decks
Splined or tongue-andgroove plank .................................2
Plank set on edge ..........................3
Tongue-and-groove
wood structural panels ............1-1/8
Heavy Timber Construction

Model building codes also recognize
Heavy Timber wood construction
systems, which can simplify roof or floor
construction while providing superior
fire resistance. Heavy Timber
construction does not constitute
one-hour fire resistance, however.
2" nominal Douglas-fir

or southern pine framing spaced 24" o.c.
maximum(a)
15/32" APA RATED

SHEATHING 32/16
Exposure 1 plywood
marked PS 1
1/4"-wide rayon
tape (rows spaced
at 8-1/2" o.c. typ.)
8d common deformed shank

nails, spaced 6" o.c. at panel ends
and 12" o.c. at interior supports
16-ga. x 7/8"-long coated

staples spaced 4" o.c. typ.
(a) Design in accordance with local building code requirements for roof loads and
anchorage. All framing must have 2" nominal or greater width for plywood deck nailing.
(b) Install roofing base and ply sheets with roll direction parallel to plywood face
grain directions.
FIGURE 32
FULLY-WIND-RESISTIVE ROOF ASSEMBLY U.L. CLASS 90 (NM520)
1/4"-wide rayon tape (rows spaced at
8-1/2" o.c.,(b) with 16-ga. x 7/8"-long
coated staples spaced 4" o.c.)
Two-ply sheets (U.L. Type G1

asphalt glass fiber mat, 10 lb
nominal) hot-mopped with
surface flood coat(c)
Base sheet (U.L. Type G2 asphalt
glass fiber mat, 20 lb nominal)(c)
Plywood face
grain direction
2" nominal
Douglas-fir or
southern pine framing spaced 24" o.c.
10d (short or
diaphragm) common
nails, 4" o.c. at edges
and 6" o.c. at interior
supports(b)
Steel joist hangers
The IIC ratings define the capacity to

control impact noise and have replaced
the earlier Impact Noise Rating (INR).
In most cases, required IIC rating values
are about the same as for STC.
Roof purlins or trusses spaced 8' o.c.(a)
Selection of the correct noise-resistant

surface and insulation assemblies is
based on Sound Transmission
Class (STC) and Impact Insulation
Class (IIC). The STC rates a structural
assemblys ability to reduce airborne
noise. Most authorities agree that a
multi-occupancy residential floor or wall
should have an STC rating of at least 45,
while over 50 is considered premium
construction. Below 40, loud speech
can be audible as a murmur and privacy
and comfort are impaired. The level of
background noise affects the choice
of STC.
15/32" APA RATED SHEATHING

32/16 Exposure 1 plywood marked
PS 1 (4 plies minimum, all Group 1
species) or 15/32" APA STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING 32/16
plywood marked PS 1
(a) Trusses or I-joists used for purlins must have chords or flanges of 1-3/4" minimum depth for
plywood deck nailing.
(b) For semi-wind-resistive assemblies (Class 60), plywood deck nailing spaced 6" o.c. at all supports
and roofing base sheet attached with rayon tape rows spaced 11-1/3" o.c
(c) Install roofing base and ply sheets with roll direction parallel to plywood face grain direction.
65
Two-ply sheets (U.L. Type G1 asphalt glass fiber mat,

10 lb nominal) hot-mopped with surface flood coat(b)
Plywood face grain

direction
Noise Transmission Control

While some attention to sound control
may be desirable in certain types of
single-family residential buildings, it is
mandatory in multifamily, commercial
and industrial construction.
Base sheet (U.L. Type

G2 asphalt glass fiber
mat, 20 lb nominal)(b)
For additional information, see APA

Design/Construction Guide: Nonresidential
Roof Systems, Form A310 and U.L. Roof
Materials and Systems Directory.
FULLY-WIND-RESISTIVE ROOF ASSEMBLY U.L. CLASS 90 (NM519)
Other fully-wind-resistive Class 90 roof

systems with proprietary metal roofing
panels, using plywood or OSB panels
as a roofing substrate over steel decking,
or as structural roof sheathing, also meet
U.L. requirements. See Figure 33.
FIGURE 31
species) on 2-inch nominal stiffeners

spanning eight feet between purlins
framed into glulam beams. See Figure 32
for further information. This panelized
roof is commonly used for seismic or
wind resistance, utilizing the diaphragm
shear strength of the plywood.
While many listed assemblies were

tested using plywood, other APA OSB
and composite structural-use panels
may be substituted on a thickness for
thickness basis. Because of their similar
strength and stiffness properties and
slightly higher density, use of these
products in lieu of plywood will not
compromise the STC or IIC ratings of
the tested systems.
For additional information, see APA
Design/Construction Guide: Noise-Rated
Systems, Form W460.
FIGURE 33
METAL ROOFING PANELS U.L. CLASS 90(a)
Metal roofing panels fastened to plywood
or framing with steel clips and screws
APA RATED SHEATHING plywood per

PS 1 (min. 15/32" for framing spaced
16" o.c.; 19/32", 5/8 or 3/4" for framing spaced 24" o.c.)
Caulk or tape to
seal joints (check
manufacturers
recommendations)
No. 15 asphalt felt vapor

retarder one or two layers
(may be optional)
24" max.
8d deformed shank nails or

No. 8 x 2" screws @ 6" o.c. at
edges and 6" or 12" o.c. at
interior supports (for steel
framing, No. 6 x 1-1/4" or
No. 12 x 1-5/8" screws)
2x4 wood framing (joists bolted to steel purlins

spaced 48 - 60" o.c., or top chord of trusses),
2x6 wood framing, or steel framing (min. 22 gage)
(a) Some rated assemblies and constructions incorporate OSB sheathing and proprietary products.
When designing and specifying, check the Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) Roofing Materials and
Systems Directory (Category TGKX) for complete details on a particular assembly in U.L. Construction
Nos. 200-500 (series). A change in details may affect the wind uplift classification of the assembly.
FIGURE 34
NOISE-RESISTANT PARTY WALL
STC = 46
FIGURE 35
3/8" APA RATED
SHEATHING applied
vertically with 6d
common nails
spaced 6" o.c. at
edges, 12" o.c. other
framing. Nail heads
dimpled into panel.
NOISE-RESISTANT FLOOR ASSEMBLY(a)

(Lightweight Concrete Over APA Panels) STC = 58; IIC = 73
1-1/2" lightweight concrete on No.15 asphalt felt
Carpet and pad
5/8" APA RATED SHEATHING subfloor
1/2" gypsum
wallboard applied
vertically, joints
staggered. Nail to
framing with 8d
nails spaced 12" o.c.
Joists taped.
2x4 studs spaced
24" o.c. staggered
2x6 plate
top and bottom
Wood joists 16" o.c.

24
5/8" gypsum wallboard
screwed to resilient
channels; joints taped
Resilient channels spaced 24" o.c.
(a) Also meets minimum construction requirements for one-hour fire-rated floorceiling assembly per Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) Design No. L514. Ref. Geiger and
Hamme, Inc. tests CCA-10MT and CCA-11MT (1972).
66
Figures 34 and 35 show only two of

the many sound-resistant floor and
wall assemblies that can be obtained
with wood structural panels. Some
floor-ceiling assemblies also qualify as
fire-rated construction.
Insulating Panel Roofs

Insulating APA panel roof decks is simpler, quicker and less expensive than
other decks since batt insulation can be
applied on the underside of the deck
when ventilation is provided and
roofing on top without further preparation. Most metal roof systems, on the
other hand, require special rigid insulation on top of the deck to provide the
smooth surface needed for roofing. The
panel deck with blanket insulation also
provides better sound absorption, an
important consideration in commercial,
industrial and institutional construction.
FIGURE 36
ENERGY-CONSERVING STURD-I-WALL ASSEMBLIES
APA RATED SIDING DIRECT TO STUDS
Vapor retarder
Batt insulation
Wood studs (2x4 with R11 or R15HD insulation or 2x6 with R19 or R21HD insulation)
APA RATED SIDING (11/32" or thicker)
Outside surface (15 mph wind)

APA RATED SIDING
Batt insulation
Option A R11
Option B R15HD (high density)
Option C R19
Option D R21HD (high density)
Inside surface (still air)
R
0.17
0.430.78
11.00
15.00
18.00(a)
21.00
0.45
0.68
Insulation
Option
A
B
C
D
Average U
Minimum
Effective R = 1/U
0.100
0.086
0.065
0.060
10.01
11.66
15.36
16.70
APA RATED SIDING OVER RIGID FOAM INSULATION SHEATHING

Vapor retarder
Batt insulation
Wood studs (2x4 with R11 or R15HD insulation or 2x6 with R19 or R21HD insulation)
Rigid foam insulation (R4 min.)
APA RATED SIDING (11/32" or thicker)
Outside surface (15 mph wind)

APA RATED SIDING
Rigid foam insulation
Batt insulation
Option A R11
Option B R15HD (high density)
Option C R19
Option D R21HD (high density)
Inside surface (still air)
R
0.17
0.430.78
4.00 (min.)
11.00
15.00
18.00(a)
21.00
0.45
0.68
Insulation
Option
Average U
Minimum
Effective R = 1/U
E
F
G
H
0.070
0.061
0.050
0.047
14.37
16.42
19.87
21.44
(a) When compressed to 5-1/2" thickness.

(b) Average U values include adjustment for 25% framing area with studs spaced 16" o.c. When
studs are spaced 24" o.c. (22% framing area), average U values are slightly lower and corresponding
R values are higher. Average U value is based on R value at framing of 4.38 for 2x4 wood studs and
6.88 for 2x6 wood studs.
67
Energy Conservation
Insulating Exterior Walls
With adoption of more stringent regulations concerning building insulation, it
is increasingly important to build walls
to meet new requirements as efficiently
as possible. Installation of APA RATED
SIDING panels yields tight construction
to minimize heat loss due to air infiltration. Framed walls also can be easily
insulated to provide U values found in
energy standards. Figure 36 illustrates
two construction options and their
corresponding U values. One of the
assemblies uses APA RATED SIDING
direct to studs, and one shows siding
applied over rigid foam insulation.
Figure 36 shows the installation of the
vapor retarder on the inside of the wall
framing for typical construction. Local
climatic conditions, energy codes or
standard construction practices may
vary the actual presence or location of
the vapor retarder.
Condensation:
Its Cause and Control
Todays construction techniques usually
produce a far better sealed and insulated
building than those built in the past.
At the same time, the modern house is
likely to be equipped with appliances
that give off moisture. It is more
important than ever before, therefore,
to provide adequate measures for
controlling moisture and condensation.
Lack of attention to this area may cause
difficulties and costly callbacks.
Studies show that moisture originates
both inside and outside the structure.
Trouble may start with condensation
on the underside of roof decking in the
attic. Moisture transmission through
walls can cause paint failures on exterior
walls. The solution is adequate ventilation and properly placed moisture vapor
retarders. Ceiling vapor retarders are
typically omitted where attics are well
ventilated. Local climatic conditions,
energy codes or standard construction
practices may make the actual presence
or location of the vapor retarder vary.
Minimum ventilation requirements for
both attic and crawl space appear in the
CABO One and Two Family Dwelling
Code, the International Residential
Code, and in other model building
codes. The requirements are based on
the ratio of the free ventilation area to
the area to be ventilated. The required
ratio is 1 to 150, applicable to both
crawl spaces and attic areas. When a
ground cover is placed in the crawl
FIGURE 37
AVERAGE "U" VALUES OF APA PANEL ROOF DECKS
No Insulation
Roofing
Reflective Insulation(a)
Outside surface
Ventilated air space
Air space
Inside surface
APA panel
roof deck
Winter Summer
0.578
0.472
No. of equal air spaces

1
2
3
Winter
0.254
0.183
0.117
Summer
0.100
0.075
0.066
(a) Foil sheets assumed reflective both sides

except exposed bottom.
Batt Insulation
Rigid Insulation
Ventilated air space

Rigid insulation
board
Fiberboard/ 1 in.
perlite board 1-1/2 in.
2 in.
Winter
0.222
0.169
0.143
Summer
0.204
0.159
0.136
Composite
board
1-1/2 in.
2 in.
0.119
0.085
0.114
0.083
Polyurethane 1 in.
board
1-1/2 in.
0.099
0.070
0.096
0.068
R11(b)
Winter
0.082
Summer
0.079
(b) Min. 2x6 joists required to provide

air space.
space, the crawl space ventilation ratio

may be reduced to 1 to 1500. The ratio
in the attic area may be reduced to 1 to
300 provided: 1) a vapor retarder having
a transmission rate not exceeding 1
perm is installed on the warm side of
the ceiling, or 2) at least 50 percent of
the required ventilating area is provided
by ventilators located in the upper portion of the space to be ventilated, with
the balance of the required ventilation
provided by eave or cornice vents.
atures beneath the first floor may be

expected in a ventilated crawl space,
and insulation will be required in the
floor and around exposed mechanical
lines. When a vapor retarder is installed
for ground cover, vents may be closable
and the perimeter foundation wall may
be insulated in lieu of the floor.
In general, condensation can be controlled with a vapor retarder placed on

the warm side of the walls and below
concrete slabs or as a ground cover in
crawl spaces, along with adequate
ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
Moisture control recommendations

for low slope APA panel roof decks are
described in Engineered Wood Systems
(EWS) Technical Note, Moisture Control
in Low Slope Roofs, Form EWS R525,
available from APA.
Ventilation should not be cut off at any

time during the year when it is the only
means of moisture control in crawl
spaces. In cold climates, low temper-
Additional information is available in

Engineered Wood Systems (EWS)
Technical Note, Controlling Decay in
Wood Construction, Form EWS R495.
68
Additional information concerning

controlling mold and mildew may be
found in APAs Build A Better Home:
Mold And Mildew, Form A525.
A wood frame-panel roof deck system

can be effectively insulated through a
variety of techniques. Figure 37 shows
four APA panel roof decks three with
insulation and one without. Average U
values for below-deck insulation include
adjustment for 8 percent framing area.
TABLE 37
THERMAL RESISTANCE
Panel
Thickness (in.)
Thermal
Resistance, R(a)
1/4
0.31
5/16
0.39
3/8
0.47
7/16
0.55
15/32
0.59
1/2
0.62
19/32
0.74
5/8
0.78
23/32
0.90
3/4
0.94
7/8
1.09
1.25
1-1/8
1.41
(a) Degree F-hr.-sq.ft./BTU
RELATED
PANEL SYSTEMS
The Permanent Wood Foundation

The Permanent Wood Foundation
(PWF), also referred to as the AllWeather Wood Foundation (AWWF), is
made up of pressure-preservative-treated
below-grade stud walls built of lumber
and APA trademarked plywood. The
system is accepted for FHA mortgage
insurance programs. Its accepted by the
major model building codes and most
state and local codes. And, whether full
basement or crawl space, the PWF is
adaptable to almost any site and lightframe building design.
For complete design and construction
recommendations, contact the American
Forest & Paper Association, 1111 19th
Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC
20036; or the Southern Pine Council,
P.O. Box 641700, Kenner, Louisiana,
70064.
Plywood for Outdoor Decks

Exterior-type plywood may be used
in outdoor deck applications. Recommended grades include APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR Exterior, C-C
Plugged, Underlayment C-C Plugged,
or Marine. Where the deck may be
exposed to long-term dampness, such
as applications where the plywood is
topped with outdoor carpet, the plywood should be pressure-treated with a
waterborne ACA or CCA preservative in
accordance with AWPA Standard C9 for
above-ground exposure. For optimum
performance, slope the deck away from
the structure. A slope of 1/4 to 1/2 inch
is suggested.
Space panels 1/8 inch at ends and edges
to allow for expansion. Caulk the joints
to prevent water leakage into areas
underneath. To avoid fastener corrosion,
69
use hot-dipped or hot-tumbled galvanized nails. If the underside of the joists

is covered, the floor-ceiling cavity
should be vented to aid in drying and
to prevent potential moisture buildup
in the deck.
If there is a dry living area underneath
the deck, apply a membrane roof
covering or high performance coating
over the surface. The coating should
be able to accommodate normal dimensional changes in the plywood without
rupturing or cracking. Under these
conditions, APA RATED STURD-IFLOOR Exposure 1 may be used unless
otherwise recommended by the coating
manufacturer, and preservative treatment of the panels is not necessary.
Plywood for Concrete Forming

Plywood is an ideal material for concrete
forming. It produces smooth concrete
surfaces and can be used repeatedly
some overlaid panels up to 200 times or
more. The thinner panels can be bent
easily for curved forms and liners.
Plywoods excellent stiffness minimizes
deflection during pouring. Its natural
insulating qualities help provide more
consistent curing conditions. The large
panel size and light weight reduce form
construction and stripping time. And
various surface textures are available
for imparting attractive and unusual
concrete textures.
Although nearly any Exterior plywood
can be used for concrete forming, a
special panel called PLYFORM Class I
is manufactured specifically for the
purpose. PLYFORM also can be manufactured with a High Density Overlay
(HDO) surface, and in Structural I
panels. HDO PLYFORM has an
exceptionally hard surface for the
smoothest possible concrete finishes
and maximum number of pours.
Thermal Resistance of
Wood Structural Panels
For most wood structural panel
applications, the most important thermal
quality is resistance, or insulating effectiveness. While wood structural panels
include plywood, OSB and COM-PLY
and can be made up of a number of
different species, the thermal resistance
property is relatively insensitive to such
differences. For determining the overall
coefficient of heat transmission (U), as
illustrated above, APA publications rely
on the thermal resistance values for
softwood published by the American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Use
of this single value simplifies computations and produces only insignificant
differences in resulting design heat
losses. Table 37 shows thermal resistance, R, for several panel thicknesses.
Structural I PLYFORM is stronger and

stiffer than PLYFORM Class I, particularly in the cross-panel direction, and
is sometimes used for high pressures
where long dimension is parallel to
supports. Additional plywood grades
designed for concrete forming include
special overlays and proprietary panels.
For complete design information, write
for APAs Design/Construction Guide:
Concrete Forming, Form V345.
Structural Insulated Panels

The structural insulated panel, or sandwich panel, offers the stiffness and load
handling capability of a stressed-skin
panel, plus light weight, high insulation
values for relatively small thicknesses,
and fast panelized construction. Panels
are prefabricated by sandwiching an
insulating core material such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam, or a
paper honeycomb, between wood
structural panel skins. A structural
bond is formed between the core and
the skins with full structural glues or,
in the case of some foam materials, by
direct adhesion of foam to the skins.
With APA panel siding for the outside
skin, structural insulated panels make
attractive, energy-conserving walls on
both residential and commercial buildings. A typical structural insulated floor
panel might have 19/32-inch top skin
and 3/8-inch bottom skin. Check local
building requirements relating to thermal barrier protection of plastic foam.
For additional information, refer to APA
Product Guide, Structural Insulated Panels,
Form W605, or contact the Structural
Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) at
their web site: www.sips.org.
APA Panels Over Metal Framing

Modern fastening methods are rapidly
expanding the use of APA panels over
metal framing. Self-drilling, self-tapping
fasteners commonly are used to attach
panels up to 1-1/8 inch thick to steel
flanges. Panels also can be fastened to
lighter members, such as formed steel
joists, with special hardened screwshank nails. Construction adhesives are
recommended with hardened screwshank nails. Consult metal framing
manufacturers for recommended
adhesives. Since threads usually

extend only part way up the shank of
self-drilling, self-tapping screws and
screw-shank nails, it is important to
specify a length sufficient to engage
the metal framing.
Typical panel-to-metal framing systems
are illustrated in Figure 38. Load-span
recommendations are the same as
for wood-frame systems. For more
information, write for APA Design/
Construction Guide: Wood Structural
Panels Over Metal Framing, Form T625.
FIGURE 38
TYPICAL PANEL-TO-METAL FRAMING SYSTEMS
Panels Nailed to Nailable Steel Joists
Hardened screwshank
nails required
APA panel deck
2x4 nailer
APA panel deck
Nail to joist
Nailable steel joist
Nailable steel joist
Nailer Anchored
with Power Driven Fasteners
70
Panels Attached
Directly to Formed Steel Joist
APA panel deck
APA panel deck
2x4 nailer
Adhesive (optional)
Drive pins (size

and spacing as
required)
Hardened screwshank nail or selftapping fastener
Steel wide
flange beam
Metal joist
(C or box
section)
Tongue-and-groove plywood can

be installed over polystyrene or
polyurethane foam. The foam,
bonded to both the plywood and
concrete slab with mastic, provides
high insulating value and resistance
to termites, rot and fungus.
Exterior plywood at least 15/32
inch thick is recommended. A
vapor barrier such as polyethylene
is required either directly above
or below the concrete slab.
Special Floor Surfacing

Hardboard overlaid plywood (APA
PLYRON) is sometimes used as a
finish floor, especially for industrial
installation. (Check your local
dealer for availability.) High Density
Overlay (HDO) panels with a special heavy-duty screen-grid surface
provide skid-resistant, long-wearing
surfaces under foot traffic. And a
number of liquid coatings some
suitable for balconies, porches,
patio decks and other exterior
applications are also available.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
About APA The Engineered

Wood Association and Engineered
Wood Systems
APA The Engineered Wood Association is
a nonprofit trade association whose member
mills produce a majority of the structural
wood panel products manufactured in
North America.
The Associations trademark appears only
on products manufactured by member mills
and is the manufacturers assurance that
the product conforms to the standard shown
on the trademark. That standard may be an
APA performance standard, the Voluntary
Product Standard PS 1-95 for Construction
and Industrial Plywood or Voluntary
Product Standard PS 2-92, Performance
Standards for Wood-Based Structural-Use
Panels. Panel quality of all APA
trademarked products is subject to
verification through APA audit.
APAs services go far beyond quality testing
and inspection. Research and promotion
programs play important roles in developing
and improving plywood and other panel
construction systems, and in helping users
and specifiers to better understand and
apply panel products.
71
Always insist on panels bearing the mark

of quality the APA trademark. Your APA
panel purchase is not only your highest
possible assurance of product quality, but an
investment in the many trade services that
APA provides on your behalf.
The APA EWS trademark appears only on
engineered wood products manufactured by
members of Engineered Wood Systems, a
related corporation of APA. The mark
signifies that the manufacturer is committed
to a rigorous program of quality verification
and testing and that products are manufactured in conformance with an APA or
national standard such as ANSI Standard
A190.1, American National Standard for
Structural Glued Laminated Timber or with
a manufacturers building code evaluation
report.
This guide includes several references to
APAs Build A Better Home guides for
Roofs, Walls, Foundations, and Mold. The
Build A Better Home program is designed to
provide builders and homeowners with the
construction guidelines they need to protect
their homes against damaging moisture
infiltration. More details can be found at
www.buildabetterhome.org.
APA Panel Systems

Over Concrete Slabs
A system of APA panels over
sleepers embedded in mastic has
been successfully installed over
concrete slabs. Tongue-and-groove
panels eliminate blocking between
sleepers at panel edges and allow
air circulation beneath the floor.
Use only panels marked Exterior
or Exposure 1. A vapor barrier is
essential directly above or below
the slab. Preservative treatment
of the sleepers is recommended
when the slab is on or below grade,
although panels normally will not
require treatment.
APA offers a comprehensive set of services and tools to serve the engineered wood
industry. In addition, APAs resources help design and construction professionals properly specify APA and EWS engineered wood products and building systems. If youre
looking for detailed product information, training material, or technical assistance,
APA can help.
www.apawood.org, APAs web site, is your link

to in-depth design/build support, including a library of
more than 300 publications available for instant download or hard-copy purchase.
help@apawood.org or (253) 620-7400 is your

connection to the APA Product Support Help Desk.
Staffed by specialists who have the knowledge to address
a diverse range of inquires related to engineered wood,
the Help Desk can answer your questions pertaining to
the specification and application of enginered wood products and systems.
Tap into APAs extensive knowledge and resources.

Training materials and assistance, including Wood University, APAs online portal for
engineered wood education, located at www.wooduniversity.org
Over 100 downloadable CAD construction details, located at www.apacad.org
Field representatives in many major U.S. cities and Canada, who can help answer
questions involving APA trademarked products
For a list of APA and APA EWS publications, request or download the APA Publications
Index, Form B300, or the EWS Publications Index, Form S400.
APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION
HEADQUARTERS
7011 So. 19th St. P.O. Box 11700 Tacoma, Washington 98411-0700
(253) 565-6600 Fax: (253) 565-7265
The product use recommendations in this publication are based on APA The Engineered Wood Associations
continuing programs of laboratory testing, product research, and comprehensive field experience. However,
because the Association has no control over quality of workmanship or the conditions under which engineered
wood products are used, it cannot accept responsibility for product performance or designs as actually constructed. Because engineered wood product performance requirements vary geographically, consult your local
architect, engineer or design professional to assure compliance with code, construction, and performance
requirements.
Form No. E30S/Revised May 2003/0800
A PA
THE ENGINEERED
WOOD ASSOCIATION
ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Engineered Wood Construction Guide PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Engineered Wood Construction Guide PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Engineered Wood Construction Guide PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ENGINEERED WOOD

The Miracle Material

A few facts about wood.

Were growing more wood every day. American landowners plant

Wood, the miracle material for the environment,

range of construction applications. Time-tested

frame construction and in combination with other engineered

2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association

engineered wood products are used in a wide

FLOOR CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . .26

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . .71

2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association

PANEL SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION

Some plywood panels are manufactured

Typical APA Performance Rated Panel

Sanded, Unsanded and

Smooth, paintable. Not more than

Solid surface. Shims, sled or router

Tight knots to 1-1/2 inch.

Knots and knotholes to 2-1/2-inch

veneer, or with special overlaid surfaces

2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association

T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2

48/24 23/32 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING

SIZED FOR SPACING

Exposure 1 panels are suitable for uses

1 3 Panel mark Rating and

Plywood APA Rated Sheathing

2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association

PANEL SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION

APA RATED SHEATHING

40/20 19/32 INCH

24/16 7/16 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING

SIZED FOR SPACING

32/16 15/32 INCH

SIZED FOR SPACING

T&G NET WIDTH 47-1/2

SIZED FOR SPACING

PS 2-92 SINGLE FLOOR

Unsanded grade for use where shear and cross-panel strength

PS 1-95 C-D PRP-108

APA RATED SIDING

APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR

Specially designed for subflooring and wall and roof sheathing.

SIZED FOR SPACING

Specially designed as combination subfloor-underlayment. Provides

For exterior siding, fencing, etc. Can be manufactured as plywood,

(a) Specific grades, thicknesses and bond classifications may be in limited

2003 APA-The Engineered Wood Association

GUIDE TO APA PERFORMANCE RATED PANELS(a)(b)

PANEL SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION

A-A G-1 EXPOSURE 1-APA 000 PS1-95

A-B G-1 EXPOSURE 1-APA 000 PS1-95

Use where appearance of both sides is important for interior

For use where appearance of only one side is important in exterior

For use where appearance of only one side is important in interior

B-B G-2 EXT-APA 000 PS1-95