What top plate means
The top plate is the horizontal framing member across the tops of the studs. Most walls get a doubled top plate whose joints overlap to tie walls together.
Also called double top plate, cap plate.
Where it matters on a carpentry job
Electricians and plumbers drill the top plate for every run, and those holes are air leaks into the attic. Sealing them before insulation is a quick win to offer.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Framing calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free carpentry resources