Fastener Spacing & Nailing Schedules

Intermediate Level

Complete guide to IRC nailing schedules for framing, sheathing, and structural connections.

Materials Needed

Structural Screws
CDX Plywood
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Note

Shear wall sheathing nailing is structural — reducing nail count drops rated shear capacity by 50%+.

Note

Full-round-head nails required for structural sheathing. Clipped-head nails don't meet code.

IRC Table R602.3(1)

The prescriptive nailing schedule covers every wood-to-wood connection in residential framing. Inspectors reference this table on every framing inspection.

Key Connections

Top plate to stud: 2-16d. Double top plates: 16d at 24" OC. Sole plate to joist: 16d at 16" OC. Stud to sole: 4-8d toe or 2-16d end.

When Screws Replace Nails

Structural screws with ICC-ES reports can substitute for nails in many connections. The ESR specifies the substitution ratio.