GuidelineRecommended
Standard nail schedule: 16d for top plates, 10d for double studs, 8d for sheathing perimeter
HUD RSDG §7.3Description
IRC Table R602.3(1) prescribes the nail size and spacing for typical connections: top plate to top plate 16d at 16in OC; double studs 10d at 16in OC; sheathing perimeter 8d at 6in OC; sheathing field 8d at 12in OC; 2x rim to plate 16d at 6in OC. Hot-dip galvanized for treated wood + exterior exposure.
Why this exists
The nailing schedule is the most-frequently-violated structural provision in residential construction. Under-nailing reduces lateral capacity 20-50%.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
topPlateNail | exact | 16 | d | Top plate to top plate nail size |
sheathingPerimeterSpacing | max | 6 | in | Sheathing perimeter nail spacing |
sheathingFieldSpacing | max | 12 | in | Sheathing field nail spacing |
Categories
Structure
Source
HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)no manifest entry
Residential Structural Design Guide, Second Edition (2nd ed)
Section: Chapter 7, §7.3
Published 2000-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-10
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Continuous load path from roof to foundation · HUD RSDG §2.4
- Residential structural reliability targets 1-in-100 to 1-in-1000 annual probability of failure · HUD RSDG §2.5
- Residential floor live load: 40 psf minimum (30 psf sleeping rooms) · HUD RSDG §3.4
- Wind load design uses ASCE 7 basic wind speed for the locality · HUD RSDG §3.6
- Ground snow load for Virginia: 25 psf eastern, up to 40 psf western mountains · HUD RSDG §3.7
Last reviewed 2026-05-10.