APA Performance-Rated Rim Boards

Rim board is the wood component that fills the space between the sill plate and bottom plate of a wall or, in second floor construction, between the top plate and bottom plate of two wall sections. While lumber has been the traditional product used for rim boards, it is not compatible with engineered wood I-joists also used in floor construction. With the increasing use of wood I-joists, a demand for compatible engineered wood rim boards has resulted.

This publication is designed for: engineers, architects, builders, rim board manufacturers

This publication explains the different materials that can be used to manufacture APA Performance Rated Rim Board, connection requirements and application notes. It includes several diagrams of connections and tables detailing fastener spacing, load span and more.

Key sections include:

• Description of APA Performance Rated Rim Board

• Connection requirements

• Application notes

• Allowable design capacities

• Allowable uniform load tables for APA Rim Boards used to span openings

• Fire blocking panels

• High lateral loads

• Combined uniform and concentrated vertical loads

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.