Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 23 - Wood
Section 2304 - GENERAL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Subsection 2304.9 - Connections and fasteners

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 2304.9

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

2304.9.1 Fastener requirements. Connections for wood members shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate methodology in Section 2301.2. The number and size of fasteners connecting wood members shall not be less than that set forth in Table 2304.9.1.

TABLE 2304.9.1 FASTENING SCHEDULE

CONNECTION FASTENINGa, m LOCATION
1. Joist to sill or girder 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
3 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
2.Bridging to joist 2 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
2 - 3" × 0.131"nails
2 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail each end
3. 1" × 6"subfloor or less to each joist 2 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131") face nail
4. Wider than 1" × 6"subfloor to each joist 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131") face nail
5. 2" subfloor to joist or girder 2 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162") blind and face nail
6. Sole plate to joist or blocking 16d (31/2" × 0.135") at 16"o.c.
3" × 0.131"nails at 8"o.c.
3"14 gage staples at 12"o.c.		 typical face nail
Sole plate to joist or blocking at braced
wall panel		 3- 16d (31/2" × 0.135") at 16"o.c.
4 - 3" × 0.131"nails at 16"o.c.
4 - 3"14 gage staples at 16"o.c.		 braced wall panels
7. Top plate to stud 2 - 16d common (31/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 end nail
8. Stud to sole plate 4 - 8d common (21/2" × 0.131")
4 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
2 - 16d common (31/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 end nail
9. Double studs 16d (3 1/2" × 0.135") at 24"o.c.
3" × 0.131"nail at 8"o.c.
3"14 gage staple at 8"o.c.		 face nail
10. Double top plates 16d (3 1/2" * 0.135") at 16"o.c.
3" × 0.131"nail at 12"o.c.
3"14 gage staple at 12"o.c.		 typical face nail
Double top plates 8 - 16d common (31/2" × 0.162")
12 - 3" × 0.131"nails
12 - 3"14 gage staples		 lap splice
11. Blocking between joists or rafters to top plate 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
3 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
12. Rim joist to top plate 8d (2 1/2" × 0.131") at 6"o.c.
3" × 0.131"nail at 6"o.c.
3"14 gage staple at 6"o.c.		 toenail
13. Top plates, laps and intersections 2 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131"nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
14. Continuous header, two pieces 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162") 16"o.c. along edge
15. Ceiling joists to plate 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
5 - 3" × 0.131"nails
5 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
16. Continuous header to stud 4 - 8d common (21/2" × 0.131") toenail
17. Ceiling joists, laps over partitions
(see Section 2308.10.4.1, Table 2308.10.4.1)		 3 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162") minimum,
Table 2308.10.4.1
4 - 3" × 0.131" nails
4 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
18. Ceiling joists to parallel rafters
(see Section 2308.10.4.1, Table 2308.10.4.1)		 3 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162") minimum,
Table 2308.10.4.1
4 - 3" × 0.131" nails
4 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
19. Rafter to plate (see Section 2308.10.1, Table 2308.10.1) 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
3 - 3" ×0.131" nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
20. 1"diagonal brace to each stud and plate 2 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131")
2 - 3" ×0.131" nails
3 - 3'14 gage staples		 face nail
21. 1" × 8"sheathing to each bearing 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131") face nail
22. Wider than 1" × 8"sheathing to each bearing 3 - 8d common (2 1/2" × 0.131") face nail
23. Built-up corner studs 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
3" × 0.131" nails
3"14 gage staples		 24"o.c.
16"o.c.
16"o.c.
24. Built-up girder and beams 20d common (4" × 0.192") 32'o.c.
3" × 0.131" nail at 24"o.c.
3"14 gage staple at 24"o.c.		 face nail at top and bottom staggered on opposite sides
2 - 20d common (4" × 0.192")
3 - 3" × 0.131" nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail at ends and at each splice
25. 2"planks 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162") at each bearing
26. Collar tie to rafter 3 - 10d common (3" × 0.148")
4 - 3" ×0.131" nails
4 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
27. Jack rafter to hip 3 - 10d common (3" × 0.148")
4 - 3" × 0.131" nails
4 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
2 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131" nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
28. Roof rafter to 2-by ridge beam 2 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131" nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 toenail
2 -16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
3 - 3" × 0.131" nails
3 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
29. Joist to band joist 3 - 16d common (3 1/2" ×0.162")
4 - 3" × 0.131" nails
4 - 3"14 gage staples		 face nail
30. Ledger strip 3 - 16d common (3 1/2" × 0.162")
4 - 3" × 0.131" nails
4 - 3" 14 gage staples		 face nail at each joist
31. Wood structural panels and particleboardb
Subfloor, roof and wall sheathing (to framing)		 1/2" and less6dc, 1
2 3/8"× 0.113" nailn
13/4' 16 gage stapleo
19/32" to 3/4" 8dd or 6de
2 3/8" × 0.113" nailp
2" 16 gage staplep
7/8" to 1" 8dc
11/8" to 11/4" 10dd or 8de
Single floor (combination subfloor-underlayment 3/4" and less 6de
to framing 7/8" to 1" 8de
11/8" to 11/4" 10dd or 8de
32. Panel siding (to framing) 1/2" or less 6df
5/8" 8df
33. Fiberboard sheathingg 1/2" No. 11 gage roofing nailh
6d common nail (2" × 0.113")
No. 16 gage staplei
25/32" No. 11 gage roofing nailh
8d common nail (2 1/2" × 0.131")
No. 16 gage staplei
34. Interior paneling 1/4" 4dj
3/8" 6dk

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Common or box nails are permitted to be used except where otherwise stated.
b. Nails spaced at 6 inches on center at edges, 12 inches at intermediate supports except 6 inches at supports where spans are 48 inches or more. For nailing of wood structural panel and particleboard diaphragms and shear walls, refer to Section 2305. Nails for wall sheathing are permitted to be common, box or casing.
c. Common or deformed shank (6d - 2" × 0.113"; 8d - 2 1/2" × 0.131"; 10d - 3" × 0.148").
d. Common (6d - 2" × 0.113"; 8d - 2 1/2" × 0.131"; 10d - 3" × 0.148").
e. Deformed shank (6d - 2" × 0.113"; 8d - 2 1/2" × 0.13 1"; 10d - 3" × 0.148").
f. Corrosion-resistant siding (6d - 17/8" × 0.106"; 8d - 23/8" × 0.128") or casing (6d - 2" × 0.099"; 8d - 2 1/2" × 0.113") nail.
g. Fasteners spaced 3 inches on center at exterior edges and 6 inches on center at intermediate supports, when used as structural sheathing. Spacing shall be 6 inches on center on the edges and 12 inches on center at intermediate supports for nonstructural applications.
h. Corrosion-resistant roofing nails with 7/16-inch-diameter head and 11/2-inch length for 1/2-inch sheathing and 1 3/4-inch length for 25/32-inch sheathing.
i. Corrosion-resistant staples with nominal 7/16-inch crown or 1-inch crown and 11/4-inch length for 1/2-inch sheathing and 11/2-inch length for 25/32-inch sheathing. Panel supports at 16 inches (20 inches if strength axis in the long direction of the panel, unless otherwise marked).
j. Casing (11/2" × 0.080") or finish (11/2" × 0.072") nails spaced 6 inches on panel edges, 12 inches at intermediate supports.
k. Panel supports at 24 inches. Casing or finish nails spaced 6 inches on panel edges, 12 inches at intermediate supports.
l. For roof sheathing applications, 8d nails (21/2" × 0.113") are the minimum required for wood structural panels.
m. Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16 inch.
n. For roof sheathing applications, fasteners spaced 4 inches on center at edges, 8 inches at intermediate supports.
o. Fasteners spaced 4 inches on center at edges, 8 inches at intermediate supports for subfloor and wall sheathing and 3 inches on center at edges, 6 inches at intermediate supports for roof sheathing.
p. Fasteners spaced 4 inches on center at edges, 8 inches at intermediate supports.

2304.9.2 Sheathing fasteners. Sheathing nails or other approved sheathing connectors shall be driven so that their head or crown is flush with the surface of the sheathing.

2304.9.3 Joist hangers and framing anchors. Connections depending on joist hangers or framing anchors, ties and other mechanical fastenings not otherwise covered are permitted where approved. The vertical load-bearing capacity, torsional moment capacity and deflection characteristics of joist hangers shall be determined in accordance with Section 1716.1.

2304.9.4 Other fasteners. Clips, staples, glues and other approved methods of fastening are permitted where approved.

2304.9.5 Fasteners and connectors in contact with preservative-treated and fire-retardant-treated wood. Fasteners and connectors in contact with preservative-treated and fire-retardant-treated wood shall be in accordance with Sections 2304.9.5.1 through 2304.9.5.4. The coating weights for zinc-coated fasteners shall be in accordance with ASTM A 153.

2304.9.5.1 Fasteners and connectors for preservative-treated wood. Fasteners in contact with preservative-treated wood shall be of hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper. Fasteners other than nails, timber rivets, wood screws and lag screws shall be permitted to be of mechanically deposited zinc-coated steel with coating weights in accordance with ASTM B 695, Class 55 minimum. Connectors that are used in exterior applications and in contact with preservative-treated wood shall have coating types and weights in accordance with the treated wood or connector manufacturer's recommendations. In the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, a minimum of ASTM A 653, type G185 zinc-coated galvanized steel, or equivalent, shall be used.

Exception: Plain carbon steel fasteners in SBX/DOT and zinc borate preservative-treated wood in an interior, dry environment shall be permitted.

2304.9.5.2 Fastenings for wood foundations. Fastenings for wood foundations shall be as required in AF & PA PWF.

2304.9.5.3 Fasteners for fire-retardant-treated wood used in exterior applications or wet or damp locations. Fasteners for fire-retardant-treated wood used in exterior applications or wet or damp locations shall be of hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper. Fasteners other than nails, timber rivets, wood screws and lag screws shall be permitted to be of mechanically deposited zinc-coated steel with coating weights in accordance with ASTM B 695, Class 55 minimum.

2304.9.5.4 Fasteners for fire-retardant-treated wood used in interior applications. Fasteners for fire-retardant-treated wood used in interior locations shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, Section 2304.9.5.3 shall apply.

2304.9.6 Load path. Where wall framing members are not continuous from foundation sill to roof, the members shall be secured to ensure a continuous load path. Where required, sheet metal clamps, ties or clips shall be formed of galvanized steel or other approved corrosion-resistant material not less than 0.040 inch (1.01 mm) nominal thickness.

2304.9.7 Framing requirements. Wood columns and posts shall be framed to provide full end bearing. Alternatively, column-and-post end connections shall be designed to resist the full compressive loads, neglecting end-bearing capacity. Column-and-post end connections shall be fastened to resist lateral and net induced uplift forces.

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