What is a Bottom Plate?
When framing a building, the bottom plate, as well as the studs, top plate, sills, and ceiling or roof joists, are the essentials to the structural integrity of the building. Also known as a sole plate, bottom plates can be thought of as an extension of the foundation upon which the roof, ceilings, and walls rest. In a wood-frame building, the bottom plates would most likely be wood, though various other materials may be used, such as steel, concrete, or composite materials. On a straightforward wood-frame building construction project, the sole, or bottom plate is affixed to the subfloor, or rough floor. On an interior-wall project, the vertical studs are fitted, and then nailed or screwed in place through the subfloor and bottom plate, or if that would result in damage to the floor, simply toe-nailed into the bottom plate. The studs are then nailed or screwed into the top plate, which is at ceiling level. Thus, the bottom plate is the foot of the wall, the studs are the ribs, and the
