A nailing schedule answers four questions for each connection: which nail, how many, what method and how far apart. That is different from a nail size chart, which only lists nail dimensions (see the Framing Nail Size Chart for those). This chart shows selected connections from the 2024 International Residential Code.

• Each row is one alternative. Never mix the nail count of one alternative with the nail size of another.
• 16d common does not mean any nail sold as 16d. Box, sinker and gun nails with the same label are different sizes.
• On-center spacing is a maximum. Double top plate splices need the prescribed lap and nail placement.
• Braced wall panels, roof uplift connections, seismic and wind provisions and structural connectors can add requirements beyond this table.
• Use the full code table and the locally adopted edition for construction and inspection.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule. The item numbers refer to the table rows.

Definition

A framing nailing schedule is a table that sets the fasteners for each framing connection. In the IRC it is the fastening schedule in Table R602.3(1).

Nails per Connection vs. Spacing

Some rows give a number of nails for one connection, such as 3-8d common nails to toe-nail a joist. Others give an on-center spacing, such as 16d common nails at 16 in. along a top plate. Do not turn a count into a spacing or the reverse.

The nails carry loads from one framing member to the next. A connection with too few, too small or misplaced nails weakens the whole load path.

R602.3

Section R602.3 requires components of exterior wood-frame walls to be fastened in accordance with Tables R602.3(1) through R602.3(4). Table R602.3(1) is the fastening schedule, with separate sections for roof, wall, floor and wood structural panel connections. The table’s footnote also sets minimum bending yield strengths for the nails, so nails must be carbon steel with the stated yield strengths unless designed otherwise.

Local Codes

The 2024 IRC is a model code. Each jurisdiction adopts a particular edition and may amend it. Engineered connections, high-wind and seismic regions and proprietary framing systems can need different fastening.

Each row of the schedule names a method. End, toe and face nailing give different holding, so you cannot swap one for another.

End Nailing and Toe Nailing

End nailing drives nails through a plate into the end of a stud. Toe nailing slants nails through the side of the stud into the plate, so it needs more nails (4-8d common instead of 2-16d common). No universal toe-nailing angle applies.

Face Nailing and Blind Nailing

Face nailing is used for built-up studs, plates and headers. Blind nailing appears with face nailing for 2 in. subfloor, where the code calls for 3-16d box or 2-16d common nails.

This is one of the most common connections in a house, and the code lists several complete alternatives.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule.

End-Nailing Requirements

Two 16d common nails, or three of the lighter 16d box, 10d box or 3 in. × 0.131 in. nails, go through the plate into the end of the stud.

Toe-Nailing Requirements

Four 8d common nails, or the other listed alternatives. Studs installed after the wall is raised are often toe-nailed.

8d vs. 16d Alternatives

8d toe nails and 16d end nails are different complete alternatives, not interchangeable counts.

Installation Examples

For a wall assembled flat, end-nail through the plate. For a stud placed in the field, toe-nail. The schedule is separate from stud layout; see the Stud Spacing Chart for spacing.

Built-Up Studs

Built-up studs are face-nailed together with the spacing in the row below.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule.

Ordinary Wall Sections

Ordinary walls use 16d common nails at 24 in. on center, or lighter nails at a closer 16 in. spacing.

Braced Wall Panels

At braced wall panels, the spacing tightens to 16 in. for 16d common nails and to 12 in. for the lighter alternatives. Bracing methods have their own rules.

Corner Stud Connections

Abutting studs at intersecting wall corners in braced wall panels follow the same row. Stud size and height limits are in Table R602.3(5); the Stud Spacing Chart covers layout.

Wood stud walls get a double top plate, with end joints offset at least 24 in. Joints in plates do not need to land on studs. Plates are at least 2 in. nominal thick and as wide as the studs.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule. and Section R602.3.2.

Plate-to-Plate Fastening

The plates are face-nailed together along their length.

16-Inch Spacing

16d common nails at 16 in. on center is the first alternative.

Alternative Nail Sizes

The lighter 10d box or 3 in. × 0.131 in. nails are listed at 12 in. on center instead.

Proper Placement

At corners and intersections where plates lap, use the separate corner row above.

Item 14 of the schedule is a distinct connection detail, not a continuation of the regular 16 in. spacing.

Lap Length and Nail Quantity

The code calls for 8-16d common nails (or 12-16d box, 12-10d box or 12-3 in. × 0.131 in. nails), face-nailed on each side of the end joint, with a minimum 24 in. lap splice length each side.

Corner and Intersection Laps

Where plates lap at corners and intersections, use the separate row (3-10d box, or 2-16d common, or 3-3 in. × 0.131 in. nails).

Common Errors

Putting end joints in both plates on the same stud, laps shorter than 24 in., and fewer nails than the item calls for.

Plate to Floor Framing

The bottom plate is face-nailed to joists, rim joists, band joists or blocking.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule.

Ordinary Walls

One 16d common nail at 16 in. along the plate.

Braced Wall Panels

Two 16d common nails (or equivalent alternatives) every 16 in., a heavier connection.

Foundation Anchorage Distinction

Built-Up Headers

The built-up header row assumes two 2 in. members with a 1/2 in. spacer. Header sizes are in the Header Size Chart.

Source: 2024 International Residential Code, Table R602.3(1), Fastening Schedule.

Headers, Jack Studs, King Studs

The full-height stud next to each header end is end-nailed to the header (item 12). The count of jack studs and full-height studs comes from separate tables; see the Jack Stud Chart.

Engineered headers such as LVL follow the manufacturer’s fastening instructions, not this table.

Joist-to-Sill and Joist-to-Girder Connections

Use item 22 when the joist bears on a sill, plate or girder. Hanger connections follow their manufacturer instead.

Rim Joist Connections

The rim-to-joist end nails and the rim-to-plate toe nails are separate connections. Install both where required.

Blocking and Bridging

Item 30 requires the listed pair at each end, not two nails total for both ends.

Multiple Lumber Layers

Staggered Fastening

Stagger the top and bottom rows. The alternative nail size changes the row spacing, so preserve each complete option.

Splices and Ends

The end/splice nails are additional to the repeated layer fastening. A nail schedule does not authorize a beam splice at any arbitrary location.

Engineered Beam Requirements

LVL, PSL, glulam and other engineered members require their own fastening and splice designs.

Ceiling Joist to Top Plate

Three 8d common nails are one permitted option per joist-to-plate connection.

Joist Laps Over Partitions

The lap row applies to joists not attached to parallel rafters. Check R802.5.2 as well as the fastening schedule.

Ceiling Joist to Parallel Rafter

Heel-joint fastening comes from Table R802.5.2(1), not from the three-nail ceiling-joist-to-plate option.

Connection-Specific Requirements

Do not apply one ceiling connection count to every connection of the same member.

Rafter-to-Top-Plate

Footnote i permits omitting the opposite-side rafter toe nail where a rafter is connected to an adjacent parallel ceiling joist according to the schedule, with the specified rafter and ceiling-joist-to-plate fastening.

Rafter-to-Ridge, Hip and Valley Connections

Item 7 lists separate toe-nail and end-nail options. Match the method to the connection geometry.

Wind Uplift Requirements

Collar Tie Connections

Item 5 permits three 10d common nails, or four 10d box nails, or four 3 × 0.131 in. nails, face-nailed at each rafter.

Rafter Tie Connections

Rafter ties resist outward roof thrust. Their connections are not interchangeable with collar-tie connections.

Ceiling Joist Heel Joints

For a ceiling joist attached to a parallel rafter, use Table R802.5.2(1). The required count depends on roof configuration and loading.

Code-Specified Nail Quantities

Do not assign the collar tie three-nail option to a heel joint or rafter tie without checking the governing roof provision.

Supported Panel Edges and Intermediate Studs

Braced Wall Sheathing

Wind-pressure resistance and wall bracing are separate checks. Use R602.10 for the chosen bracing method.

Wind Pressure Requirements

For the 7/16 in., 24/16-rated wall panel with 8d common nails, Table R602.3(3) allows 6/12 with 16 in. stud spacing up to 170 mph in Exposure B, 140 mph in C or 135 mph in D. With 24 in. studs the limits are 140, 115 and 110 mph respectively. Where framing specific gravity is 0.35 to less than 0.42, the maximum field spacing is 8 in., rather than 12 in. Other table conditions also apply.

Roof Panel Thickness

The 2024 IRC roof rows for 3/8 through 3/4 in. panels use 8d common or RSRS-01 nails at 6/6. The 7/8 through 1-1/4 in. row uses 10d common or the specified deformed nail at 6/12.

Edge and Field Nailing

Nail supported panel edges, not unsupported edges between rafters. At spans of 48 in. or more, nails must be at most 6 in. at all supports.

High-Wind Conditions

Footnote f requires 4 in. at gable-end framing and intermediate supports within 48 in. of roof edges and ridges above 130 mph in Exposure B or 110 mph in C. Framing specific gravity conditions apply. See the Roof Sheathing Nail Spacing Chart for the complete layout discussion.

Wood Structural Subfloor Panels

Supported Edges and Intermediate Joists

Edge spacing applies to edges supported by framing or required blocking and to floor perimeters. At panel spans of 48 in. or more, use 6 in. maximum at all supports.

Nails vs. Approved Screws

The IRC rows above list nails. Approved screw systems require their own acceptance and instructions; see the Subfloor Screw Spacing Chart.

8d, 10d and 16d Nails

Common, Box and Sinker Differences

A 16d sinker is shorter and thinner than a 16d common nail. Penny size alone is not sufficient identification. The Framing Nail Size Chart covers dimensions in depth; the Nail Size Chart covers the general penny-size system.

Pneumatic Nail Dimensions

Table R602.3(1) lists 3 × 0.131 in. nails as alternatives for specific connections. Use the count and spacing assigned to that size, not the 16d common count.

Collated Nail Types

Magazine angle and collation determine tool fit, not structural suitability.

Nail Head and Shank Requirements

Check the listed dimensions, nail material and bending yield requirements. Sheathing rows also specify head diameter.

Incorrect Substitutions

A tool or box label saying 16d is not proof that its nails are 3-1/2 × 0.162 in. common nails. Confirm the product data.

Common Framing Nailing Mistakes and Inspection Checklist

Wrong Nail Diameter and Incorrect Quantity

📏

Wrong nail diameter

Match length and shank diameter as well as penny size.

🔢

Wrong quantity

Do not combine one option’s nail count with another option’s nail.

↔

Excessive spacing

Maximum spacing differs by connection and nail size.

🪵

Missed or split framing

The nail must engage sound receiving wood.

🔀

Wrong method

Toe, face and end nailing are not interchangeable.

🏠

Bracing and uplift omissions

Ordinary framing nails may not meet the full load-path requirements.

🔩

Wrong connector fasteners

Hangers and ties have manufacturer-specific schedules.

Field Verification

Inspection item	Verify
Code edition	Locally adopted IRC and amendments
Connection	Correct schedule row
Nail	Exact type, length, diameter and material
Quantity	Required nails per connection
Spacing	Maximum on-center distance
Method	Specified toe, face, end or other fastening
Placement	Correct locations and applicable edge/end distances
Bracing	Additional braced-wall requirements
Hardware	Approved connector-specific fasteners
Wind/seismic	Required prescriptive or engineered connections
Quality	No missed members, damaging splits or improper seating

Cite This Table

Framing Nailing Schedule FAQs

What is the standard framing nailing schedule?

There is no single nail count for all joints. Table R602.3(1) gives connection-specific nail types, counts, methods and spacing.

What does the 2024 IRC require for framing nails?

Use the complete alternative for the connection, including nail type, dimensions, material, quantity, method and spacing. Local adoption and approved plans control.

How many nails connect a stud to a plate?

One end-nailing option is two 16d common nails. One toe-nailing option is four 8d common nails. The table also lists other complete alternatives.

How many nails are needed for toe nailing?

It depends on the connection. A stud-to-plate option uses four 8d common nails, while a joist-to-sill option uses three.

What is the double top plate nailing schedule?

Use 16d common nails at 16 in. on center, or 10d box or 3 × 0.131 in. nails at 12 in. on center. Splices have a separate fastening group.

How many nails are required at a top plate splice?

The selected 16d common option requires eight on each side of the end joint, 16 total, with the prescribed 24 in. minimum lap each side.

What is the correct nailing for a floor joist?

Item 22 lists three 8d common toe nails as one joist-to-sill, top-plate or girder option. Joist hangers follow their manufacturer.

How many nails connect a rafter to a top plate?

Three 10d common nails are one option, two toe nails on one side and one opposite. Footnote i covers the parallel ceiling-joist exception. Uplift requirements also apply.

What size nails are used for framing?

Common reference sizes are 8d common (2-1/2 × 0.131 in.), 10d common (3 × 0.148 in.) and 16d common (3-1/2 × 0.162 in.). Use the size in the selected connection option.

Are 16d sinker nails equivalent to 16d common nails?

No. A 16d sinker is 3-1/4 × 0.148 in., shorter and thinner than a 16d common.

Can nail-gun nails meet IRC requirements?

Yes, if they satisfy the listed option or an approved design. Tool compatibility alone does not establish compliance.

Can screws replace framing nails?

Only under a listed, approved or engineered substitution. Generic wood or drywall screws are not automatic replacements.

What is the difference between face, toe and end nailing?

Face nails enter through a broad face, toe nails enter at an angle, and end nails pass through one member into another member’s end grain.

Does wall sheathing use 6/12 nailing?

Some specified wall panel configurations do. Exterior wall wind-pressure and braced-wall conditions must also be checked.

Does roof sheathing use 6/12 nailing?

Not universally. The 2024 IRC roof-specific entries for 3/8 through 3/4 in. panels use 6/6 with the listed roof nails.

Are hurricane ties required in addition to nails?

They may be required by uplift calculations, the adopted code or the approved design. Ordinary toe nailing is not a universal uplift connection.

How many nails do I need for a framed wall?

Count each connection and nail type separately. Twelve studs with two end nails at each of two plate connections use 48 nails, excluding all other framing.

Does a framing nailing schedule change in high-wind areas?

Additional connectors, sheathing fastening and load-path requirements can apply. Check the governing wind and seismic provisions.

Reference scope and conclusion

Use this chart to identify the fastening option for a connection, then confirm the nail dimensions, quantity, method and spacing together. It does not size members, assign universal connection capacities or establish a complete wind, seismic or bracing design.

The adopted code, table footnotes, approved plans and connector instructions govern. Resolve damaged framing and installation defects before covering the work.

Technical sources

• 2024 IRC, Chapter 6, Section R602.3 and Table R602.3(1)
• Simpson Strong-Tie nail dimensions
• American Wood Council, wood design and NDS references
• ASTM, driven-fastener specifications
• APA, structural panel installation guidance

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