APA - The Engineered Wood Association

Publications Featuring Building Basics

In this section, you'll find information on how to incorporate engineered wood products into the construction of floors, walls, etc.

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2010 Architect Reference Literature CD

This Reference literature set is designed to assist architects by providing a host of product and design information, specification tips, application details and case histories of the use of APA engineered wood products in commercial applications. For more details, view the CD Table of Contents. Updated May 2010. (Form CD-A100)

$15.00 2010 Architect Reference Literature CD (Purchase Paper Copy)

2010 Contractor Reference Literature CD

This Reference literature set is designed to assist contractors by providing a host of product and design information, specification tips, application details and case histories of the use of APA engineered wood products. For more details, view the CD Table of Contents. Updated May 2010. (Form CD-C100)

$15.00 2010 Contractor Reference Literature CD (Purchase Paper Copy)

2010 Dealer / Distributor Reference Literature CD

This Reference literature set is designed to assist building material dealers and distributors by providing a host of product and design information, specification and troublshooting tips, application details and case histories of the use of APA engineered wood products in commercial applications. For more details, view the CD Table of Contents. Updated May 2010. (Form CD-D100)

$15.00 2010 Dealer / Distributor Reference Literature CD (Purchase Paper Copy)

2010 Engineers Reference Literature CD

This Reference literature set is designed to assist engineers by providing a host of product and design information, specification tips, application details and case histories of the use of APA engineered wood products in commercial applications. For more details, view the CD Table of Contents. Updated May 2010. (Form CD-E100)

$15.00 2010 Engineers Reference Literature CD (Purchase Paper Copy)

APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide

Updated 2007 edition. Comprehensive guide to engineered wood construction systems for both residential and commercial/industrial buildings. Revised September 2007. (Form E30 - 80 pages)

$8.00 APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide (Purchase Paper Copy) Free APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide (PDF Download)
5.2 MB

APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems

Updated 2007 edition. Section 5 of the Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30. A summary of special systems, including the Permanent Wood Foundation, outdoor decks, concrete forming, Structural Insulated Panels, panels over metal framing, and special floor surfacing. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Revised September 2007. ( - 19 pages)

Free APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems (PDF Download)
1.2 MB

APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Guide to Engineered Wood Products

Updated 2007 edition. Section 1 of the Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30. Includes product descriptions and specification recommendations for structural panels, glulam, I-Joists and structural composite lumber. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Revised September 2007. ( - 29 pages)

Free APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Guide to Engineered Wood Products (PDF Download)
2.0 MB

APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Roof Construction

Updated 2007 edition. Section 4 of the Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30. Includes application of structural panel sheathing for roofs, preframed roof panels, long span systems, soffits, and roof diaphragms. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Revised September 2007. ( - 15 pages)

Free APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Roof Construction (PDF Download)
1.1 MB

APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Wall Construction

Updated 2007 edition. Section 3 of the Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30. Includes application recommendations for APA structural panel wall sheathing, single-wall siding, and panel and lap siding installation over sheathing. Siding joint details, siding patterns and grades, exterior finish recommendations, and panel shear wall construction are also covered. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Revised September 2007. ( - 20 pages)

Free APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Wall Construction (PDF Download)
1.3 MB

APA Homeowner's Guide: Earthquake Safeguards

Discussion of how the proper use of wood structural panels help a house survive a major earthquake with minimal damage. Includes two case studies, a retrofit and new construction. Revised May 1997. (Form R240 - 16 pages)

$2.00 APA Homeowner's Guide: Earthquake Safeguards (Purchase Paper Copy) Free APA Homeowner's Guide: Earthquake Safeguards (PDF Download)
1.4 MB

APA Residential Construction Guide, Canadian English Edition

Pocket-sized guide provides recommendations for construction that conforms with Canadian codes and standards. (Form CE R200 - 48 pages)

$3.00 APA Residential Construction Guide, Canadian English Edition (Purchase Paper Copy)

APA Residential Construction Guide, French Canadian Edition

Pocket-sized guide provides recommendations for construction that conforms with Canadian codes and standards. (Form CF R200 - 48 pages)

$3.00 APA Residential Construction Guide, French Canadian Edition (Purchase Paper Copy)

APA System Report: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind

Designs for utilizing wind uplift resistance capabilities from wood structural panels, in addition to resisting lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall. Updated January 2010, SR-101B. (Form SR-101 - 12 pages)

$1.00 APA System Report: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind (Purchase Paper Copy) Free APA System Report: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind (PDF Download)
532 K

Build Energy Efficient Walls

Provides five basic steps to construct energy-saving wood wall systems that meet code, are durable to the forces of nature, and save homeowners money. Issued December 2008. (Form J440 - 16 pages)

$2.00 Build Energy Efficient Walls (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Build Energy Efficient Walls (PDF Download)
1.6 MB

Build Profit with Wood Walls

Introductory piece to APA's series of wall bracing materials highlighting building design, construction and efficiency advantages of fully sheathing with wood structural panels. This brochure provides tips and resources on how to meet all of these demands and build profitability into your residential construction project. Issued December 2008. (Form J435 - 6 pages)

$1.00 Build Profit with Wood Walls (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Build Profit with Wood Walls (PDF Download)
2.4 MB

Builder Tips Complete Set

Custom folder contains all twelve Builder Tips. (Form T100 - 20 pages)

$1.00 Builder Tips Complete Set (Purchase Paper Copy)

Builder Tips: APA Panels for Soffit Applications

Recommends panels and spans for open and closed soffits. Updated August 2007. (Form N330 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: APA Panels for Soffit Applications (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: APA Panels for Soffit Applications (PDF Download)
145 K

Builder Tips: Cut Callbacks with Proper Spacing and Nailing

Includes spacing and nailing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor, and APA 303 Siding. Updated December 2008. (Form M300 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Cut Callbacks with Proper Spacing and Nailing (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Cut Callbacks with Proper Spacing and Nailing (PDF Download)
135 K

Builder Tips: Finishing APA Rated Siding

Describes recommended finishes and application recommendations for APA Rated Siding. Updated June 2007. (Form Q350 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Finishing APA Rated Siding (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Finishing APA Rated Siding (PDF Download)
101 K

Builder Tips: How To Minimize Buckling of Asphalt Shingles

Describes procedures to minimize buckling. Updated July 2010. (Form K310 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: How To Minimize Buckling of Asphalt Shingles (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: How To Minimize Buckling of Asphalt Shingles (PDF Download)
399 K

Builder Tips: Minimize Nail Pops

Describes how to reduce nail pops through recommended fastener selection and installation. Updated December 2008. (Form S300 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Minimize Nail Pops (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Minimize Nail Pops (PDF Download)
135 K

Builder Tips: Proper Installation of APA Rated Sheathing for Roof Applications

Step-by-step instructions for roof sheathing installation. Updated December 2008. (Form N335 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Proper Installation of APA Rated Sheathing for Roof Applications (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Proper Installation of APA Rated Sheathing for Roof Applications (PDF Download)
194 K

Builder Tips: Proper Selection and Installation of APA Plywood Underlayment

Includes information on selection, handling, installation, and fastening. Updated July 2008. (Form R340 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Proper Selection and Installation of APA Plywood Underlayment (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Proper Selection and Installation of APA Plywood Underlayment (PDF Download)
193 K

Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs

Lists factors that contribute to accidents and provides safety recommendations. Updated August 2007. (Form S200 - 2 pages)

$0.10 Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs (PDF Download)
84 K

Canadian Edition, Builder Tips: Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels

Edition specific to Canadian construction job sites. Describes recommended handling for shipping, storage, and on the job site. Available only as a downloadable PDF. Issued March 2009. (Form U450 CN - 2 pages)

Free Canadian Edition, Builder Tips: Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels (PDF Download)
254 K

Canadian Edition, Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs

Edition specific to Canadian construction job sites. Lists factors that contribute to accidents and provides safety recommendations. Available only as a downloadable PDF. Issued March 2009. (Form S200 CN - 2 pages)

Free Canadian Edition, Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs (PDF Download)
186 K

Data File: Installation and Preparation of Plywood Underlayment for Resilient Floor Covering

Installation and preparation guide for the use of plywood underlayment for resilient floor covering installations. Includes grade chart and fastener schedule. Updated February 2008. (Form L335 - 6 pages)

$1.00 Data File: Installation and Preparation of Plywood Underlayment for Resilient Floor Covering (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Data File: Installation and Preparation of Plywood Underlayment for Resilient Floor Covering (PDF Download)
313 K

Guide to 2009 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions

Explains how to use the IRC to provide the bracing necessary for a residential structure to resist the lateral loads that can result from wind and seismic events. The illustrated guide, the result of a publishing agreement between the International Code Council and APA, is 255 pages in length and features more than 200 figures, tables and photos.

The guide is available for purchase for $41.00 ($33.00 for ICC members) from the ICC store. Visit www.iccsafe.org for more information. (ICC Product 7102S09 - 255 pages)

Introduction to Wall Bracing

Provides a basic bracing how-to guide that explains why bracing is important and shows how to meet basic requirements for wall bracing in accordance with the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC). Updated December 2009. (Form F430 - 16 pages)

$2.00 Introduction to Wall Bracing (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Introduction to Wall Bracing (PDF Download)
2.5 MB

Raised Wood Floors: Case Studies in Progressive Home Construction

Raised wood floor construction is a proven building method for most any location and soil condition. By combining traditional architecture with progressive building techniques, builders are constructing raised wood floor homes that are durable, attractive and fast-selling. This publication showcases builders and their best practices for designing and constructing raised wood floor systems. Updated April 2010. (Form K110 - 16 pages)

$2.00 Raised Wood Floors: Case Studies in Progressive Home Construction (Purchase Paper Copy) Free Raised Wood Floors: Case Studies in Progressive Home Construction (PDF Download)
5.0 MB

Technical Note: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction

Defines decay fungi and conditions that support decay. Provides an overview on preventing and minimizing the degradation of wood through proper design, storage, construction, and maintenance details. Revised December 2009. Available only as a downloadable PDF. (Form R495 - 6 pages)

Free Technical Note: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction (PDF Download)
651 K

Technical Note: Fire-Retardant-Treated (FRT) Plywood

Provides the required treating standards and locations within the building codes where the standards are referenced, as well as where fire-retardant-treated FRT plywood can be safely used. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Issued January 2009. (Form K320 - 7 pages)

Free Technical Note: Fire-Retardant-Treated (FRT) Plywood (PDF Download)
241 K

Technical Note: Understanding the Importance of Structural Wall Sheathing as a Wall Covering

Provides information on wind loads and minimum wall design wind pressures. Updated November 2008. Available only as a downloadable PDF. (Form J430 - 6 pages)

Free Technical Note: Understanding the Importance of Structural Wall Sheathing as a Wall Covering (PDF Download)
335 K

Technical Note: Water Vapor Permeance of Wood Structural Panels and Wood Wall Construction

Because moisture vapor can move through exterior wall systems, care must be taken with respect to the design of the wall to prevent excessive condensation and minimize moisture-related problems. This document addresses the water vapor permeance of structural wood panels, vapor retarders and their role in wall-system design. Issued February 2009. Available only as a downloadable PDF. (Form J450 - 6 pages)

Free Technical Note: Water Vapor Permeance of Wood Structural Panels and Wood Wall Construction (PDF Download)
248 K

Videotape: Quality Floor Construction

Shows how to reduce floor squeaks, buckling, and nail-pop with simple construction techniques. 15 minutes. VHS format. (Form VT-0003)

$25.00 Videotape: Quality Floor Construction (Purchase Paper Copy)

Videotape: Quality Roof Construction

Shows how to avoid roof complaints with proper framing, sheathing, and roofing techniques. 15 minutes. VHS format. (Form VT-0005)

$25.00 Videotape: Quality Roof Construction (Purchase Paper Copy)

Voluntary Product Standard, PS 1-09 Structural Plywood Pocket Guide

Condensed, pocket-sized (3-3/4" x 6 1/2") edition contains excerpts from Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09, providing expanded and updated requirements for producing, marketing, and specifying plywood for construction and industrial uses. (Form L875 - 88 pages)

$4.00 Voluntary Product Standard, PS 1-09 Structural Plywood Pocket Guide (Purchase Paper Copy)

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