Structural
Fasteners for wood framing
Follow the framing drawings from the foundation to the roof, and check the specified hardware at every load-bearing connection.
Browse project fasteners Jump to installation stepsFollow the load path through the frame
Framing screws and connection details
Studs, beams, plates and roof members each carry different loads. Read the fastening and connector schedule by joint, including fastener type, size, finish and pattern.
Plan beams, roof members and panels separately
A built-up beam, a truss-to-wall connector and a subfloor panel call for separate details. Set out bearing, load transfer, blocking and bracing from the issued drawings.
Find the right fastener
Compare fasteners by material and connection before you choose a size.
Open the fastener calculatorRelated products
FrameMax™
Washer-head screws for specified wood-to-wood structural connections.
MultiGrip™
For non-load-bearing wood assembly. Use the specified fastener for structural framing.
Tools & accessories
Choose the tools that match your materials and fastening system.
83-Piece S2 Bit & Socket Set
Choose a bit or socket that fits the fastener head on the job.
$39.99
View accessoryFrom the framing plan to inspection
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Read the framing drawings
Identify dimensions, member grades, bearing lines, openings, fastening schedules and required inspections.
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Stage tools and materials
Collect the specified lumber, connectors and fasteners. Plan access, lifting, temporary support and bracing before work starts.
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Prepare the foundation or platform
Confirm the base is ready and dimensions, elevations and anchor positions agree with the plan.
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Lay out top and bottom plates
Transfer wall and opening locations and mark stud and backing positions according to the drawings.
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Assemble and brace stud walls
Follow the erection sequence. Check walls for plumb and leave temporary bracing in place until the required permanent bracing is installed.
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Frame door and window openings
Set the specified headers, bearing studs and blocking. Verify the rough openings against both the plan and the unit requirements.
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Build the interior partitions
Confirm wall locations and coordinate service routes and backing. Use the specified connection at each bearing or non-bearing wall.
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Set rafters or trusses
Use the approved bearing, bracing and connector details. Follow the truss designer’s erection and restraint instructions where applicable.
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Fasten subfloor and sheathing
Follow the required panel layout, edge gaps and fastening schedule. Use adhesive only as specified for the assembly.
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Inspect before covering
Verify connectors, fasteners, bracing and openings against the plan. Complete required inspections before closing the walls.
This is a visual overview. Loads, screw spacing, angles and connections must come from the approved framing detail.
Built-up beams and roof connections
Confirm the fastening pattern for every ply and use the connector maker’s listed hardware for roof ties. Review FrameMax™ only where the exact product is specified for the joint.
Subfloor fastening
Check the panel and joist schedule for supported edges, fastening locations and adhesive requirements. Resolve loose edges before flooring conceals the assembly.
Check the exact structural fastener
Use the drawings and the documentation for the exact screw or connector. General assembly screws serve non-load-bearing work.
Check the connection before you build
Technical planning and quantities
Review connection details, tools, product sizes and a worked quantity example.
Sizes, quantities & full instructions
A reliable frame begins with a connection schedule.
About this guide
Wood framing transfers loads through many different connections. This guide shows how to prepare, organize and check the work from a complete set of drawings. It is not a substitute for engineering, a permit or a connection-specific fastening schedule.
Technical planning referenceSizes & project data
- FrameMax 3/8 in. options
- 3-1/8, 4, 6, 7-7/8 and 9-7/8 in. lengths; #10 × 3 in. is also listed.
- VERTEXA catalog · View product sizes
All technical parameters · 8
Framing needs both member design and connection design. The reference span example below describes a specific wood-deck framing case; it does not establish FrameMax capacity or apply to house floors, roofs or guards.
Read the evidence: VERTEXA catalog = listed product information. Material reference = requirements for the named material/system. Worked example = assumed inputs and arithmetic. Project input = a value to verify for your job.
| Parameter | Value / method / applicability | Basis & reference |
|---|---|---|
| FrameMax 5/16 in. options | 2-1/2, 3-1/2, 5-1/8 and 6 in. lengths. | VERTEXA catalogView product sizes |
| FrameMax 3/8 in. options | 3-1/8, 4, 6, 7-7/8 and 9-7/8 in. lengths; #10 × 3 in. is also listed. | VERTEXA catalogView product sizes |
| Member-sizing reference | DCA6 Table 2, Southern Pine No.2, 2×8 at 16 in. o.c.: maximum simple joist span 11 ft 10 in., within that guide’s stated scope and assumptions. | Material referenceAWC DCA6, Table 2 |
| Span-table assumptions | 40 lb/ft² live load + 10 lb/ft² dead load; L/360 simple-span deflection limit; No.2 lumber in wet service. These are the cited table’s assumptions, not a site load determination. | Material referenceAWC DCA6, Table 2 notes |
| Connection schedule | Record joint type, member species/grade, moisture/service condition, load direction and required forces for each detail. | Project input |
| Spacing and engagement | Use the exact fastener approval/design for diameter, useful thread embedment, edge/end distance and center spacing. Conventional lag-screw rules do not automatically approve a proprietary screw. | Project input |
| Length-stack example | 3/8 × 4 in. catalog screw through a 1-1/2 in. member leaves 2-1/2 in. geometric reach in the receiver. | Worked example |
| Load documentation | No project-specific FrameMax allowable-load table or evaluation report was supplied for this guide. Obtain the applicable report/design before specifying a rated connection. | Project input |
Gather your tools
Approved drawings and fastener schedule; tape and square; long spirit level or laser; lifting aids and temporary bracing; drill/driver and specified bits; clamps; required pilot tools; PPE and safe access equipment.
Choose the right size
FrameMax catalog options include 5/16" × 5-1/8", 5/16" × 6" and several 3/8" sizes. Select the exact diameter, length, head and installation detail named in the approved design. Confirm the selected product has the required connection data before using it; a similar-looking screw is not an approved substitution.
Compare the relevant productsStep 1: Obtain the plan and identify every connection.
Confirm the project’s permit and inspection requirements. Identify how loads move from roof or framing through beams and posts to the foundation. Find the detail for each connection; resolve missing details before ordering or cutting timber.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Approved drawings, pencil and connection checklist.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- Record each connection’s diameter, length, quantity, screw angle and minimum timber dimensions.
Step 2: Verify the fastener and timber together.
Check lumber species, grade, moisture/service conditions and actual sizes against the drawing. Match the fastener model and coating to the required design data and timber treatment. Request technical information if the scheduled connection is not documented.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Lumber stamps, tape, product technical data.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- FrameMax 5/16" and 3/8" products are catalog families; use only the exact scheduled size and length.
Distinguish screw length from useful embedment
Drawing explanation & numbered notes
A 4 in. screw through a 1-1/2 in. side member leaves 2-1/2 in. geometric reach. Only the approved threaded portion in the receiving member counts as effective engagement.
- Side member. Include washers, connector plates and any gaps in the stack.
- Main member. Verify species, grade, thickness and grain direction against the connection design.
- Approved engagement. Identify the unthreaded shank and tip; do not assume the whole geometric reach develops withdrawal resistance.
Step 3: Prepare foundations and temporary stability.
Check foundations, anchors, bearing and layout before erection. Plan lifting and temporary bracing so the assembly is stable at each stage. Follow the engineered sequence for setting posts, beams and supported members.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Long level or laser, tape, rated lifting aids and bracing.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- Foundation anchors and temporary bracing are separate quantities and may not be supplied by this screw series.
Step 4: Lay out the exact fastening pattern.
Transfer the scheduled end distances, edge distances, spacing and screw angles onto the timber. Clamp members in their required bearing position. Make the specified pilot holes without changing their size or angle.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Square, tape, marking gauge, clamps and specified drill bits.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- Copy the dimensions in inches from the approved detail. Count screw positions at every distinct joint type.
Set out the connection from its design
Drawing explanation & numbered notes
The center locations shown illustrate end distance, edge distance and spacing only. Their numerical values must come from the approved connection detail.
- Load direction. Identify lateral shear, withdrawal and any combined loading before selecting a pattern.
- Member boundaries. Measure edge and end distances from the fastener center, accounting for both members.
- Pattern verification. Transfer the approved locations to a template; stop if splits, knots or holes conflict with them.
Step 5: Install in the planned sequence.
Fit the correct drive bit or socket and use the tool procedure in the fastener instructions. Drive to the specified seating condition, avoiding crushed timber, damaged heads and forced alignment. Maintain temporary bracing until permanent stability is complete.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Driver, exact matching bit/socket and approved installation instructions.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- Use the scheduled screw count and sequence; example only: 4 at each of 12 identical connections.
Step 6: Inspect, document and calculate the order.
Check the installation against the connection schedule and record product lot, size and location. Resolve split wood, damaged heads or missed positions using an approved repair. Complete required inspections before loading or removing bracing. Use the calculator for purchasing quantities only.
- Tools for this stepTools
- Connection checklist, light, camera and quantity calculator.
- Size & quantity checkSize / count
- 12 × an approved 4 = 48; 10% extra rounds up to 53. Calculate each structural size separately.
Work through the numbers
Inches for connection dimensions. Feet only where shown. Round piece and pack counts up; never round required engagement down.
Check a member span independently
Reference: SP No.2 · 2×8 · 16 in. o.c.
Proposed 11 ft span < 11 ft 10 in. table value
Assumptions & calculation notes
This comparison uses DCA6 Table 2 and all of its wood-deck limitations. Bearing, cantilever, blocking, loading, local adoption and connections still require separate checks. It is not a house-framing design.
Take off an approved connection schedule
12 scheduled joints × 4 specified screws = 48
ceil(48 × 1.10) = 53
Assumptions & calculation notes
Four screws is an example schedule input, not a FrameMax recommendation. Keep connector nails/bolts and each distinct screw size on separate lines.
Inspect before you cover or load it
| Check | Accept when | If it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Design record | Exact screw/diameter, report or engineered detail, forces and pattern are identified. | Resolve missing load documentation before fastening. |
| Member condition | No split, decay or unsupported bearing at the connection. | Repair/replace as directed by the framing design. |
| Inspection | Required structural inspection is completed before concealment. | Keep connection details visible until accepted. |
Know how much to order.
Takeoff example only: if the approved schedule specifies 4 identical screws at each of 12 connections, buy for 12 × 4 = 48 screws; 10% extra rounds up to 53. This calculator counts an existing schedule. It does not determine loads or choose a safe screw pattern.
Not sure how the numbers work? Use this quantity calculator, or open the full size & selection calculator.
Open size & selection calculatorInstallation references & project-specific requirements
These resources explain general installation principles. Use the current instructions for your exact material, fastener and assembly. Referencing another manufacturer does not imply VERTEXA product approval or compatibility.
AWC DCA6 — Table 2 member span reference; 2015 IRC basis, not a proprietary screw approval
VERTEXA product listing — framemax-large-structural-washer-head-screws
Catalog options checked 2 November 2026. Worked examples are original arithmetic with stated assumptions. Material references apply to their named systems; they do not certify VERTEXA compatibility or capacity. Use the current issue for the exact assembly and local requirements.
Project questions
Is MultiGrip interchangeable with FrameMax?
Choose by the specified connection. General-purpose assembly and an engineered structural joint can have different fastener requirements.
Does this page give structural spacing or capacities?
No. Use the relevant product information and project design for connection capacity, spacing and fastening patterns. Contact the team with the connection detail if you need help identifying the product.
Find your fastener
Start with your materials and the connection you need to make.
Open the fastener calculator