What is the spacing of anchor bolts from ends of sill plates?

What is the spacing of anchor bolts from ends of sill plates?

• A. 6 inches minimum, 14 inches maximum
• B. 4 inches minimum, 12 inches maximum
• C. 3 inches minimum, 9 inches maximum
• D. 8 inches minimum, 24 inches maximum

Answer: (B)

Spacing anchor bolts from the ends of sill plates is about balancing hold-down strength with the wood’s integrity at the ends. You want bolts not so close to the edge that the wood could split or crush around the fastener, and not so far that the ends aren’t adequately anchored. The standard rule is to place anchor bolts at least 4 inches from each end, but no more than 12 inches from the end along the sill plate. This range ensures good transfer of pullout force to the foundation while preserving enough wood at the ends for strength. Choices outside this range either risk end splitting or leave the ends inadequately anchored, so the 4 to 12 inches window is the appropriate guideline.

Spacing anchor bolts from the ends of sill plates is about balancing hold-down strength with the wood’s integrity at the ends. You want bolts not so close to the edge that the wood could split or crush around the fastener, and not so far that the ends aren’t adequately anchored. The standard rule is to place anchor bolts at least 4 inches from each end, but no more than 12 inches from the end along the sill plate. This range ensures good transfer of pullout force to the foundation while preserving enough wood at the ends for strength. Choices outside this range either risk end splitting or leave the ends inadequately anchored, so the 4 to 12 inches window is the appropriate guideline.