What is a Top Plate?
In wood frame construction, the top plate is the horizontal framing which runs along the top of the joists. Depending on when a building was constructed, it may have a single top plate or a double top plate, with the double version being the modern industry standard. This particular aspect of frame construction is critical to the integrity of the building, providing support to joists for additional floors, along with beams and rafters in the roof. If a house is stripped down to the framing, the top plate will be readily visible at the top of the studs on each floor of the building. If the stripped building has multiple stories, the top plate can be seen supporting the framework of the joists, while the top plate on the uppermost story will provide support to the rafters of the roof. As the house is finished, the top plate will be covered with siding and interior walls, becoming invisible to the eye. Like all of the framing in a house, the top plate is vulnerable to an assortment of pro
