Technical Document Library
Research-Backed Guidance for Every Project
Research-Backed Guidance for Every Project
Technical Guides
Data File
- B840
This publication provides minimum requirements that plywood panels must meet to qualify for classification as APA 303 Series specialty siding.
Technical Guides
- Q705
This publication provides simple steps to proper installation that ensures glulam beams perform as designed.
Technical Guides
- C800
Describes common engineered wood products: plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), I-joist, glued laminated timber (glulam), structural composite lumber (SCL) and rim board.
Technical Guides
A Guide to the 2015 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions
Technical Guides
A Guide to the 2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions + Free Digital 2021 Supplement
Technical Topic
- TT-100
This publication describes the use of portal-frame design in engineered applications and as bracing in conventional light-frame construction
Technical Note
- T230
This publication describes single- and double-layer all-wood floor assemblies for acoustic performance and includes both construction details and acoustic ratings
Construction Guide
- M400
This publication explains the components of advanced framing in floor and wall framing, including illustrated construction details
Technical Topic
- TT-107
This publication answers questions regarding the performance of wood structural panels as air barriers
Technical Guides
- X400
This publication explains the APA panel trademark and quality standards for wood structural panels
Technical Guides
- B707
Learn the APA research facility capabilities, including assembly-level testing of roof and floor building components and performance evaluation of lateral force resisting systems
Technical Guides
- V691
Discusses specifications and design details for the APA panel-deck block pallet, including load capacity, nailing schedules and materials handling system compatibility.
Builder Tip
- Z735
This publication includes important tips for storage, handling and jobsite use of APA Performance Rated I-Joists.
Technical Note
- R280
This publication provides specification and installation recommendations for panel subfloors to be used under hardwood flooring
Technical Guides
- W345 CA
This publication describes connection requirements and application notes for APA Performance Rated Rim Board for Canadian Limit States Design
Technical Guides
- W345
This publication details connection requirements and application notes for APA Performance Rated Rim Board
Technical Topic
- TT-060
Provides a recommendation for foam plastic roof insulation over minimum Performance Category 15/32 engineered wood panels that meet the 15-minute thermal barrier requirement
Specification Guide
- SP-1103
This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sheathing.
Technical Note
- C465
This publication provides installation recommendations and test results for energy-saving APA Sturd-I-Wall construction
Specification Guide
- SP-1102
This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (OSB).
Specification Guide
- SP-1102
This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (Plywood).
Technical Guides
- S700
This publication discusses the benefits of using laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams and headers for window and door framing applications
System Report
- SR-101
This report discusses using wood structural panels to resist uplift from wind, including resistance to lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall
System Report
- SR-102
This report provides an approach to meet the requirements of the 2024, 2021, 2018, 2015 and 2012 IRC simplified wall bracing (Section R602.12).
System Report
- SR-103
This publication outlines a construction solution to meet the IRC’s lateral and wind uplift load requirements using wood structural panels with raised-heel, or energy-heel, trusses
System Report
- SR-405
This system report provides guidance on fire protection of floors constructed with prefabricated wood I-joist assemblies that comply with 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 IRC updates
Technical Guides
- Q230
This guide provides basic instructions for using the APA Wall Bracing Calculator
Technical Topic
- TT-007
This publication recommends three methods for the installation of a wood floor system over a concrete slab: sleepers, rigid foam or direct.
Technical Topic
- TT-104
This publication explains the difference between apparent modulus of elasticity (MOE) and shear-free MOE in glulam beams
Technical Topic
- TT-126
Publication answers common questions about fire-protective coatings. Certification and inspection of products with fire-protective coatings are generally outside the scope of APA.
Technical Topic
- TT-125
This publication provides guidance on construction of balconies with solid-sawn dimension lumber attached to I-joist floor systems in supplement to Figure 4 of APA form Z725
Technical Note
- F410
This publication describes mechanism and construction features that contribute to siding buckling
Build A Better Home
- A525
This publication outlines the characteristics of mold and mildew, the effect they can have on a structure and its inhabitants, and provides methods for prohibiting their growth.
Build A Better Home
- A520
This publication details common sources of moisture, preventive measures and design details for multiple foundation types, including slab-on-grade, crawl space and full basement.
Build A Better Home
- A535
This publication describes several roof design and weatherproofing methods used to keep water out of a home’s interior.
Build A Better Home
- A530
This publication describes the primary sources of moisture intrusion in wood wall construction and recommends methods to prevent moisture penetration.
Technical Guides
- J440
This publication provides five basic steps to construct energy-saving wood wall systems that meet code, are durable to the forces of nature and help homeowners save money.
Builder Tip
- S300
This publication describes how to reduce nail pops through recommended fastener selection and installation
Builder Tip
- F435
This publication highlights essential details for using the APA narrow wall bracing method around garage openings.
Builder Tip
- Q300
This publication describes how to prevent floor complaints and callbacks with proper floor sheathing installation
Builder Tip
- K310
Describes installation techniques for plywood and OSB roof sheathing and roof ventilation techniques that will help minimize the potential for buckling of asphalt shingles
Builder Tip
- F455
This publication describes best practices for storage and installation of glued laminated timber (glulam).
Builder Tip
- M300
This publication contains spacing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor® and APA Rated Siding.
Builder Tip
- R340
This publication provides an overview of selection, handling, installation and fastening of APA plywood underlayment.
Builder Tip
- R540
This publication provides recommendations for storage and handling of glulam beams.
Technical Guides
- M310
This publication illustrates nine construction details that improve wind resilience in residential construction, with real-world examples of each design
Technical Topic
- TT-025
This publication discusses fire test results comparing the burn-through resistance of oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood.
Technical Note
- Y245
This publication describes the natural fire resistance of glulam beams and columns and provides fire endurance calculation methods
Technical Topic
- TT-091
Details the layups for APA 303 grooved plywood sidings (T1-11 and reverse board & batten), representing minimal plywood siding constructions as typically found in the marketplace.
Technical Guides
- Q701
This publication is designed for use by mills as an aid in manufacturing and grading Canadian Standards Association (CSA) plywood panels.
Technical Note
- X227
This publication discusses recommended maximum caster loadings for various wheel types and sizes on bare plywood, Plyron and overlaid plywood surfaces.
Technical Topic
- TT-006
This publication describes Tile Council of North America (TCNA) specifications for wood structural panel floor systems under ceramic tile, tested in accordance with ASTM C627
Technical Guides
- V345
This publication contains grade information, form maintenance recommendations, design information and case studies related to plywood concrete forming
Technical Note
- X485
This publication explains causes of condensation, identifies areas prone to condensation issues, and provides options to control condensation
Builder Tip
- M300 LA
Recomendaciones de espacio entre paneles de clasificación “APA Rated Sheathing,” los pisos de clase Sturd-I-Floor® de APA y los paneles de clasificación “APA Rated Siding."
Builder Tip
- S300 LA
Esta publicación describe cómo reducir los clavos sobresalientes con la selección e instalación recomendada de elementos de fijación.
Data File
- D720
This publication identifies the causes of and remedies for excessive floor vibration.
Builder Tip
- Q300 LA
Esta publicación describe cómo prevenir quejas y arreglos del sistema de piso con una instalación correcta del tablero estructural.
Technical Guides
- X235
This publication discusses designing, building and specifying wood structural panel containers and bins for industrial materials handling applications.
Technical Note
- R495
This publication discusses decay fungi and how to prevent/minimize degradation of wood through proper design, storage, construction and maintenance
Technical Guides
- S500
This publication describes the stringent product standards required for cross-laminated timber manufactured in North America, which may not be met by imported products
Data File
- D350
This publication provides recommendations for the use of APA rim board in conjunction with fire-rated wall/floor assemblies, based on the US Forest Product Laboratory testing
Data File
- L335
This publication provides recommendations for the installation and preparation of underlayment under finish flooring in residential and light commercial applications
Customer Service Tip
- W505
This publication discusses the causes of fungal decay in wood structural panels and how proper design, construction and maintenance can prevent fungal decay.
Technical Topic
- TT-123
This publication clarifies the applicability of the D+L deflection limits specified in Table 1604.3 of the 2018 IBC, specifically as they pertain to engineered wood products.
Technical Note
- T555
This technical note presents a rational analysis for applying FTAO to walls with asymmetric piers and walls with multiple openings, based on APA modeling and testing
Data File
- Y240
This publication provides information on member sizes and layup, design stresses, column design equations and design tables and examples.
Technical Topic
- TT-097
This publication explains the design considerations for installing a wood structural panel diaphragm over existing board sheathing (decking) in floors or roofs.
Technical Topic
- TT-014
This publication describes various wood structural panel manufacturing processes that result in the eradication of insects
Technical Topic
- TT-061
This APA technical publication provides an NDS-backed engineering analysis regarding diaphragm nail penetration and capacity in 1-5/16-inch wood I-joist flanges.
Technical Guides
- L350
This publication provides design and construction recommendations for engineered diaphragm systems in floor, shear wall and roof systems
Technical Topic
- TT-115
This technical topic presents the results and discussion of full-scale testing of double-sheathed shear walls with both layers of wood structural panels on a single side.
Technical Topic
- TT-029
This publication discusses causes of surface dusting on concrete surfaces when poured against plywood forms and provides tips for prevention and remedial action.
Technical Topic
- TT-075
This publication discusses a test program conducted by APA to investigate the effect of constructing shear walls with green framing lumber
Technical Note
- V900
This publication supplements APA Form G535, providing an analytical tool in situations when horizontal holes in LVL exceeding the prescriptive guidance in APA G535 are necessary
Technical Note
- V700
This publication is a supplement to APA S560, providing an analytical tool in situations when horizontal holes exceeding the prescriptive guidance in APA S560 are necessary
Technical Topic
- TT-012
This publication provides suggested guidelines for determining if overdriven fasteners will affect the shear capacity of diaphragm or shear wall construction
Technical Guides
- E30
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of engineered wood construction systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings
Excerpt
- E30X-AFBS
Summary of special systems, including fire resistant construction, fire protected assemblies, wind-resistive roofs, energy conservation and panels over metal framing
Excerpt
- E30X-CLT
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, focusing on selecting and specifying cross-laminated timber for various building applications
Excerpt
- E30X-FC
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing information about floor framing and wood structural panel products
Excerpt
- E30X-GL
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and specification recommendations for glued laminated timber (glulam)
Excerpt
- E30X-IJ
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and specification recommendations for I-joist
Excerpt
- E30X-PSS
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing product descriptions and specification recommendations for wood structural panels
Excerpt
- E30X-RB
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing guidance on selecting and specifying rim board
Excerpt
- E30X-RC
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and application recommendations for engineered wood roof materials
Excerpt
- E30X-SCL
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing descriptions and specification recommendations for structural composite lumber (SCL)
Excerpt
- E30X-WC
This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing application recommendations for APA wood structural panel wall sheathing.
Construction Guide
- R300
Provides specification recommendations for plywood and OSB floor systems, the APA Glued Floor System and installation recommendations for panel subflooring and underlayment
Technical Guides
- X505
This publication provides a list of engineered wood products and common construction terminology explained in easy-to-understand language.
Construction Guide
- R310
This publication provides an overview of commonly used wall systems and explains how wood structural panels can be used to meet fundamental requirements in wall applications
Technical Note
- R475
This publication discusses checking in glulam beams and includes a flowchart and equations for determining allowable check size
Technical Topic
- TT-108
This publication clarifies the intent of the California Building Code exemption for special inspection on glulam outlined in Section 1705.5.4
Technical Topic
- TT-133
This publication discusses buckling, fastener recommendations, surface flaking, thickness swell, linear expansion and moisture management of OSB wood structural panels
FAQ
- F505
This publication answers questions about structural plywood and OSB panel performance, grade, growth and natural characteristics.
FAQ
- X501
This publication provides guidance about the serviceability of wood structural panels (plywood and OSB) after exposure to high levels of moisture.
Technical Note
- E830
This publication summarizes APA test data on ultimate withdrawal and ultimate lateral loads for plywood joints fastened with wood screws and sheet metal screws.
Technical Note
- S560
This publication provides guidance for notching and drilling on glulam when the end notching and drilling of horizontal though-thickness holes cannot be avoided
Technical Note
- G535
This publication provides guidance for notching and drilling on LVL when the end notching and drilling of horizontal through-thickness holes cannot be avoided.
Technical Note
- J805
This publication describes methods for field restoration of plywood to near its original condition and appearance
Builder Tip
- Q350
This publication describes recommended finishes and application recommendations for APA Rated Siding.
Technical Topic
- TT-033
This publication discusses recommendations and exceptions for finishing glulam manufactured entirely from solid-sawn lumber.
Construction Guide
- R425
Describes several options that satisfy fire-protection provisions of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 IRC related to I-joist floor systems, including construction details
Technical Topic
- TT-118
This publication provides a summary of structural composite lumber (SCL) fire performance based on model building codes and research literature.
Technical Guides
- W305
This publication is a guide to cost-effective fire-rated wood and wood structural panel systems that meet code requirements
Technical Note
- K320
Discusses fire-retardant-treated plywood specifications, code-compliant applications, testing standards and structural requirements for commercial and residential construction.
Technical Topic
- TT-127
This publication provides a summary of results of an APA/USDA Forest Product Laboratory pilot test program examining structural properties of Fire-Retardant Treated glulam.
Technical Topic
- TT-010
This publication summarizes surface burning characteristics (flame spread and smoke development) of wood structural panels tested in accordance with ASTM E84
Technical Topic
- TT-128
This publication discusses the results of a series of CAN/ULC-S102 tests of flame-spread rating (FSR) and smoke developed classification (SDC) for OSB sheathing in Canada
Technical Note
- C468
This publication discusses typical floor squeak causes and provides corrections and preventative measures.
Technical Note
- J330
This publication addresses concerns related to formaldehyde in engineered wood products and explains their exemption from leading formaldehyde emission standards and regulations.
Technical Topic
- TT-080
This publication answers FAQs about portal frame construction from the APA 2018 IRC wall bracing webinar series
Technical Guides
- S475
This publication provides recommended design load tables for glulam beam roof and floor applications
Technical Note
- Y110
This publication clarifies the distinction between appearance considerations and structural properties of glulam timbers and appearance classifications of glulam members.
Technical Note
- S550
This publication discusses how camber reduces the adverse effects of beam deflection
Construction Guide
- T300
This publication shows correct connections and common connection errors involving glued laminated (glulam) timbers
Technical Guides
- C415
This publication contains span tables for glulam floor beams in residential construction, tables for substituting glulam for steel beams and design details.
Technical Guides
- C410
This publication provides connection details and installation recommendations for glulam in residential garage door framing.
Technical Guides
- X450
Describes the selection, specification, design considerations and allowable load tables for APA-trademarked glulam used in residential headers, floor beams and roof beams.
Product Guide
- X440
This product guide provides an overview of APA trademarked glulam and discusses design considerations, applications and specification
Technical Topic
- TT-024
This publication discusses how to avoid floor panel puncture from drywall carts by consulting PS 2 for minimum concentrated static loads and heavy concentrated loads
Technical Topic
- TT-040
This publication discusses the placement of holes in the webs of I-joists or rim board when used as blocking for lateral restraint of floor and roof joists
Technical Topic
- TT-135
Provides recommendations for hole size and segment length for glulam rim board for situations where holes are not specified in the construction documents or shop drawings.
Technical Topic
- TT-129
This publication presents four construction details for incorporating 2-inch-thick foundation foam insulation into residential I-joist floor assemblies.
Technical Guides
- P320
Joint ICC and APA publication describes how energy performance is measured in exterior wall assemblies and how to improve wall thermal performance to meet energy code requirements
Product Advisory
- SP-1185
This publication provides test results for imported plywood panels from Brazil, evaluated for conformance to U.S. Product Standard PS 1
Data File
- Q370
This publication describes recommended wall construction methods for the installation of stucco exterior finish over structural wood panel wall sheathing
Technical Guides
- X305
This publication explains how to design wood-frame buildings to withstand the lateral loads typical of high wind and seismic zones.
Technical Guides
- F430
This publication explains IRC-compliant wall bracing, explains why bracing is important and shows how to meet basic requirements for wall bracing in accordance with the code
Research Report
- M410
This report contains research results on force transfer around openings (FTAO). This study was a joint effort between APA, the USDA FPL and the UBC.
Technical Guides
- A236 LA
las especificaciones de la norma PS 1 para madera contrachapada para cumplir con los criterios de rendimiento de los materiales establecidos en ACI 318/347, según lo exige el IBC
Product Advisory
- SP-1172
This product advisory contains results of testing to measure the shear wall performance of Thermo-Ply® sheathing
Technical Topic
- TT-131
This publication provides procedures for adjusting dimensional measurements of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) in compliance with NIST Handbooks 130 and 133.
Data File
- Z350
This publication describes techniques and products for code-required connections in wood roof systems in high wind and seismic zones.
Technical Topic
- TT-063
This publication discusses the advantages of using IBC and UL recognized oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood wall assemblies over other products.
Technical Note
- Q225
This publication contains uniform load tables for APA trademarked wood structural panels that are manufactured and qualified in accordance with PS 1, PS 2 and APA PRP-108
Technical Guides
- M200
This publication discusses the use of APA-trademarked wood structural panels in materials handling applications including pallets, crates, bins, shelving and mezzanine floors.
Technical Note
- D481
Provides design and construction practices that reduce the potential for buckling of wood structural panel sheathing caused by wood expansion due to increased moisture conditions.
Technical Note
- E710
This publication covers vibration perception, fundamental natural frequency, criteria for floor vibration control and guidelines to remedy existing floor vibration problems.
Technical Note
- R525
This publication provides recommendations for minimizing moisture accumulation in panelized low-slope roof systems in commercial and industrial applications
Technical Topic
- TT-002
This publication provides recommended bond classification appropriate for end use in-service moisture conditions.
Technical Topic
- TT-028
This publication discusses linear expansion and thickness swell in wood structural panels due to moisture
Technical Topic
- TT-098
This publication discusses the benefits of mulching construction-related wood scraps, including glued engineered wood products
Technical Topic
- TT-132
Recommendations for cutting holes in I-joists, LVL and glulam for electrical cables in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and International Residential Code (IRC)
Technical Topic
- TT-094
This publication provides tables of the minimum recommended nail spacing for APA EWS Rim Boards and I-joists.
Technical Guides
- Q250
Determine the type and spacing of siding fasteners to meet building code requirements when using wood structural panel sheathing as a nail base (also called nailable sheathing)
Technical Topic
- TT-116
This publication describes box beam design using engineering mechanics.
Technical Guides
- W460
This publication is a guide to noise-rated wood-frame construction systems, including STC and IIC ratings for tested wall and floor assemblies for effective sound control.
Technical Note
- B429
This publication explains how to determine partition load, including situations where additional joists are required to account for the weight of partition walls.
Product Guide
- W410
This product guide provides an overview of oriented strand board (OSB) and discusses OSB composition, properties, code acceptances and applications
Technical Guides
- F450
This publication addresses common concerns related to checking in glulam and explains how to evaluate if the check effects the glulam’s strength
Technical Guides
- D510
This publication describes recommended design capacities (ASD) and design methods for wood structural panels manufactured under PS 1 and PS 2 and APA Performance Standard PRP-108.
Technical Note
- R275
This publication provides recommendations from APA research on the performance of 24-inch and narrower roof sheathing panels
Technical Topic
- TT-054
This publication provides guidance on how to comply with NIST panel thickness regulations while still providing for traditional specifications used in the U.S. model building codes
Builder Tip
- N330
This publication discusses recommended panels and spans for open and closed soffits.
Product Advisory
- SP-1186
This publication discusses overstated published lateral load design properties of eight flexible structural sheathing products
Construction Guide
- Z725
This publication discusses span ratings, installation details, cantilever designs, architectural specifications and engineering design properties for APA Performance Rated I-Joists
Product Guide
- F405
This product guide describes performance standards, applications, trademark and performance category information for APA Performance Rated Panels
Technical Guides
- D710
This publication includes recommended construction details for I-joists in roof applications.
Technical Guides
- Y510
This publication includes section properties, recommended design stresses and design methods for plywood manufactured under Voluntary Product Standard PS 1
Technical Guides
- S811
This publication presents the recommended method for the design and fabrication of curved plywood roof panels. It is a supplement to the APA plywood design specification.
Technical Guides
- S812
This publication presents the recommended method for the design and fabrication of glued plywood and lumber beams.
Technical Guides
- U813
This publication provides recommendations for the design and fabrication of plywood stressed-skin panels. It is a supplement to the APA Plywood Design Specification.
Technical Guides
- U814
This publication presents the recommended method for the design and fabrication of flat plywood sandwich panels. It is a supplement to the APA Plywood Design Specification.
Technical Guides
- H815
This publication presents the recommended methods for the design and fabrication of staple-glued all-plywood beams.
Technical Topic
- TT-047
This publication discusses the standards under which plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are qualified and the interchangeability of the two products, depending on the end use
Data File
- Q220
This publication discusses preservative-treated plywood covering treatment types, use categories, retention levels, fasteners, finishing and safe handling per AWPA standards.