Technical Document Library
Research-Backed Guidance for Every Project
Research-Backed Guidance for Every Project
Typical Details - DT-FR-1
This detail shows floor assembly of APA wood structural panel subfloor over plywood underlayment, building paper, and joists with gypsum wallboard ceiling below.
Technical Guides -
Market Analysis Reports - MKO-E191
Annual analysis of U.S., Canadian, and global economic factors impacting engineered wood demand, with multi-segment forecasts and historical production data. Available as PDF.
Case Studies - S115
This case study explains how glulam beams and engineered wood products shaped 2125 Franklin, a 735-bedroom mixed-use student housing building near the University of Oregon.
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 - 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
Typical Details - DT-AF-1
This detail shows an alternative insulated 3-stud corner framing assembly with drywall clips to support the gypsum from one stud.
Standards - ANSI/APA PRP 210-2024
This ANSI/APA standard provides requirements and test methods for qualification and quality assurance for performance-rated engineered wood siding.
Technical Guides - X400
This publication explains the APA panel trademark and quality standards for wood structural panels
Typical Details - DT-EWG-1
This detail shows an APA glued floor system using APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor or sheathing 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
Typical Details - DT-EWG-2
This detail shows APA Rated sheathing panels installed as roof decking over rafters or trusses with panel clips, asphalt or wood shingles, and proper edge and joint spacing.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-3
This detail shows APA panel stair treads and risers installed on stringers in two configurations, using plywood, OSB, or composite panels with 8d common nail fastening.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-4
APA Rated sheathing panels installed as subflooring over 2x joists, I-joists, or floor trusses with tongue-and-groove or blocked edges on a wood-framed floor system.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-5
This detail shows APA Rated wall sheathing applied in two orientations- strength axis across or parallel to studs- with weather-resistive barrier and siding on a wood-framed wall.
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.
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 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
Typical Details - DT-EWG-6
This detail shows APA Rated lap siding installed over wood structural panel sheathing with a weather-resistive barrier on a wood-framed exterior wall assembly.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-7
This detail shows APA Rated siding panels applied over wood structural panel sheathing with a weather-resistive barrier on a wood-framed wall assembly.
Specification Guide - SP-1103
This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sheathing.
Typical Details - DT-FR-2
This detail shows a fire-rated wall assembly using wood structural panel sheathing over studs with gypsum wallboard, fire protective membrane, and glass fiber insulation.
Typical Details - DT-FR-3
This detail shows fire-rated exterior wall assembly with APA rated siding over sheathing, insulation, 2x4 wood framing at 16" on center and Type X gypsum wallboard interior finish.
Typical Details - DT-FR-4
This detail shows a one-hour fire-rated wood-framed wall assembly with Type X gypsum sheathing and wallboard, optional insulation, and APA rated siding exterior finish.
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 (Plywood).
Typical Details - DT-EWG-8
This detail shows APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor panel installation at 16", 20", or 24" o.c. joist spacing with tongue-and-groove edges over a floor framing system.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-9
This detail shows APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor panel installation at 32" or 48" o.c. joist spacing with tongue-and-groove joints over a crawl space floor framing system.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-10
This detail shows APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor 48 o.c. panels installed over a post-and-beam floor framing system with 4x4 posts, 4x girders, and tongue-and-groove panel edges.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-12
This detail shows APA Rated horizontal panel siding applied directly to wall framing in an APA Sturd-I-Wall system.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-13
This detail shows APA Rated vertical panel siding applied directly to wall framing in an APA Sturd-I-Wall system with weather-resistive barrier.
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
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-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.
Case Studies - Q125
This case study explains how glulam beams were used to replace the flooring system of the historic Audrian Building, enabling the building to support multi-ton vintage automobiles.
Case Studies - V130
This publication describes how LEVER Architecture used engineered wood to balance design, budget and sustainability goals in a Portland, OR, commercial building project.
Typical Details - DT-SIP-1
This detail shows a SIP wall beveled to support a sloped SIP roof that are connected together with panel screws and nails. It also shows sealant, roofing material and cladding.
Typical Details - DT-BB-2
This detail shows chimney counter flashing detail of base flashing over shingle underlayment and roof deck, with counter flashing embedded in brick mortar joint.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-14
This detail shows brick veneer or masonry cladding installed over APA Rated wood structural panel sheathing.
Technical Note - F410
This publication describes mechanism and construction features that contribute to siding buckling
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.
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 - 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.
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 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
Typical Details - DT-EWG-15
This detail shows a closed soffit assembly using APA rated roof sheathing and exterior panels for the closed soffit with continuous screened or louvered venting.
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
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
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 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 Topic - TT-012
This publication provides suggested guidelines for determining if overdriven fasteners will affect the shear capacity of diaphragm or shear wall construction
Typical Details - DT-EWG-16
This detail shows two energy-conserving exterior wall assemblies.
Typical Details - DT-RH-1
This detail shows raised heel energy truss attachment to an exterior wall for additional attic insulation space.
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-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-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-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-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
Case Studies - W170
This case study discusses two Washington school districts that creatively leveraged the benefits of exposed wood products in newly constructed schools.
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
Case Studies - X175
This publication discusses how a California nonprofit incorporated engineered wood into an affordable housing complex to keep costs low and create an inclusive community
Typical Details - DT-BB-3
This detail shows exterior deck ledger connection to wood I-joist floor system of water-resistant flashing.
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 - 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 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-010
This publication summarizes surface burning characteristics (flame spread and smoke development) of wood structural panels tested in accordance with ASTM E84
Technical Note - C468
This publication discusses typical floor squeak causes and provides corrections and preventative measures.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-17
This detail shows an FM Class 1-105 rated flat roof assembly using wood structural panels over open-web trusses.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-18
This detail shows an FM Class 1-120 rated flat roof assembly using wood structural panels over steel joists.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-19
This detail shows an FM Class 1-135 rated flat roof assembly using wood structural panels.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-20
This detail shows an FM Class 1-90 rated flat roof assembly using wood structural panels with foam insulation, fiberboard cover board, and built-up or modified bitumen roofing.
Typical Details - DT-SIP-2
This detail shows roof SIPs sloped up to form a ridge and connections of the SIPs to framing members with panel screws, while also showing tape, sealant, and roofing materials.
Typical Details - DT-FTO-1
This detail shows the layout of a force transfer around opening shear wall.
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
Case Studies - X170
This case study discusses how the Las Ventanas affordable housing project used glulam, LVL, OSB and FTAO design principles to cut costs and streamline construction.
Typical Details - DT-SIP-3
This detail shows how to attach a floor system in between the top and bottom of two SIP walls by hanging the joists at the top of a SIP with top mount hangers and a cap plate.
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
Typical Details - DT-EWG-22
This detail shows three horizontal beltline joint configurations for APA panel siding at floor lines in multistory construction.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-23
This detail shows three horizontal joint configurations for APA panel siding — butt and flash, lap, and shiplap — each with blocking flatwise or edgewise at the joint location.
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
Typical Details - DT-EWG-24
This detail shows APA plywood underlayment installation over APA Rated sheathing subfloor.
Data File - Q370
This publication describes recommended wall construction methods for the installation of stucco exterior finish over structural wood panel wall sheathing
Typical Details - DT-AF-2
This detail shows an insulated three-stud outside corner (California corner) framing assembly.
Typical Details - DT-AF-3
This detail shows an insulated three-stud inside corner framing assembly.
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
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
Data File - Z350
This publication describes techniques and products for code-required connections in wood roof systems in high wind and seismic zones.
Typical Details - DT-FR-5
This detail shows three-dimensional floor assembly of APA wood structural panel subflooring with gypsum concrete topping over joists and Type X gypsum wallboard ceiling below.
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.
Typical Details - DT-FR-6
Fire-rated load bearing interior chase wall assembly with gypsum wallboard, plywood sheathing, insulation cavity, and 1-inch space between stud walls at 16- or 24-inch centers.
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.
Typical Details - DT-WB-2
This detail shows the alternate braced wall bracing method and its requirements including sheathing fastening, framing requirements, and foundation anchorage.
Typical Details - DT-WB-4
This detail shows the wall bracing method continuously sheathed portal frame and its requirements including anchorage, minimum member sizes, and sheathing attachment.
Typical Details - DT-WB-7
This detail shows the wall bracing method portal frame at a garage and its requirements including sheathing attachment, minimum member sizes, and anchorage.
Typical Details - DT-WB-9
This detail shows the wall bracing method portal frame with hold down and its requirements including minimum framing sizes, sheathing attachment, hold-downs, and anchorage.
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.
Typical Details - DT-FR-7
Fire-rated wall assembly of two UL-rated configurations (U330 and U335) with different exterior finishes over wood framing with mineral wool or glass fiber insulation.
Typical Details - DT-FR-8
This detail shows fire-rated wall assembly detail of 3/8" APA rated plywood siding over Type X gypsum wallboard with optional insulation on 2x4 studs at 16" on center.
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
Market Analysis Reports - MHRS-26
Monthly U.S. & Canadian housing market analysis covering starts, permits, home sales, mortgage rates, remodeling, and wood product demand indicators. Annual subscription.
Technical Topic - TT-098
This publication discusses the benefits of mulching construction-related wood scraps, including glued engineered wood products
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)
Typical Details - DT-WOM-1
This detail shows wood nailer attachment to steel wide flange beam using drive pins to support APA panel deck, secured with power driven fasteners.
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.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-26
This detail shows noise-resistant floor/ceiling assembly using APA Rated sheathing subfloor, lightweight concrete topping, resilient channels, and gypsum wallboard.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-27
This detail shows a noise-resistant wall assembly in plan view using staggered 2x4 studs on 2x6 plates with APA Rated sheathing and gypsum wallboard to reduce sound transmission.
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.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-29
This detail shows two one-hour fire-rated floor/ceiling assemblies with lumber joists.
Typical Details - DT-AF-8
This detail shows a one-sided box header built using wood structural panels on the exterior face of the wall to eliminate conventional headers and increase cavity insulation space.
Typical Details - DT-EWG-31
This detail shows APA Rated sheathing panels installed as an open soffit on exposed roof rafters with weather-protected edges.
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
Typical Details - DT-WOM-2
This cross-section detail shows APA panel deck attachment to metal C or box section joist using hardened screwshank nails or self-tapping fasteners with optional adhesive.
Builder Tip - N330
This publication discusses recommended panels and spans for open and closed soffits.
Typical Details - DT-WOM-3
This connection detail shows APA panel deck attachment to nailable steel joists using hardened screwshank nails and 2x4 nailer blocking at panel edges.
Product Advisory - SP-1186
This publication discusses overstated published lateral load design properties of eight flexible structural sheathing products
Product Guide - F405
This product guide describes performance standards, applications, trademark and performance category information for APA Performance Rated Panels
Standards - E445
This publication describes requirements and test methods for APA Performance Rated Panels (APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor®, APA Rated Sheathing and APA Rated Siding).