How to Guide

Wall Construction
ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
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FORM NO. B360P
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© 2011 APA – THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION
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WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
58
FIGURE 18
PANELING NEW INTERIOR WALLS
Leave 1/32"
spacing at
panel edges
Note:
If applied horizontally,
block all unsupported edges.
FIGURE 19
PANELING EXISTING INTERIOR WALLS
Leave 1/32" spacing
at panel edges
Block all
unsupported edges
Install 1x2 furring strips
horizontal and/or vertical
with nails into studs,
expansion bolts, concrete
nails, powder-actuated
fasteners, or adhesive as
necessary. Use treated furring
strips if in contact with
concrete or block walls.
Use vapor retarder on either
side of furring with concrete
or block walls
Panel Backing
Wood structural panels are excellent backing for wall coverings such as rare hardwoods, vinyl surfaces and decorative
fabrics. Panels with Performance Categories smaller than 15/32 should be applied with strength axis perpendicular to
studs and with 2x4 blocking at horizontal edges. Thicker panels may be applied with strength axis parallel to studs. For
thin coverings subject to telegraphing of underlying surface texture, only sanded plywood is recommended. Plywood
panels should have C-Plugged or better faces. Use 6d nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches on
center at intermediate supports. A 1/16-inch space should be left between panels. Where moisture may be present, use
nonstaining nails and either Exposure 1 or Exterior type panels. A 1/4-inch clearance is recommended at the bottom
edge of the panels.
Wood Structural Panel Wall Bracing and Shear Walls
Wood structural panel wall bracing and shear walls are used to resist racking forces caused by lateral loads from wind
or seismic events. Wall bracing and shear walls serve the same purpose, to resist wall-racking forces, but they have
distinct differences as explained on page 60. While all of the wall systems presented here will provide sufficient wall
bracing strength under normal conditions in residential and light-frame construction, engi neered shear walls may be
desirable or required in areas of the country with frequent seismic activity or high wind loads. Shear walls are also inte-
gral to commercial and industrial construction.