Advice centre

31 Mar 2026 · 3 min read

Structural plywood sheathing resists racking (lateral wind loads) in timber stud walls. Here's why it's needed, how it works, and when single-sided vs double-sided is required.

31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read

Where rafters don't overhang the gable wall, a windpost needs to be tied to the floor structure above. Here's the accepted connection method using mild steel restraint straps and noggins.

31 Mar 2026 · 4 min read

A reference guide for the standard PorthouseDean timber specification — grades, treatments, fasteners, bearing requirements, and restraint provisions for domestic structural timber.

31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read

How joists and rafters connect to steel beams is a construction detail — not a structural engineering item. The builder or architect decides, within broadly accepted practice.

31 Mar 2026 · 3 min read

Notching and drilling floor joists is acceptable within defined zone limits. Outside those limits, the joist capacity is reduced and may need replacing. Here's what you need to know.

31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read

The structural specification for flat roof boarding is typically set by the architect, not the structural engineer. Here's what LABC recommends and how to verify requirements with Building Control.

31 Mar 2026 · 3 min read

A steel post at a corner window needs to sit under the beam for structural load transfer — but this can conflict with the glazing line. Here are the options for resolving the clash.

31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read

External masonry corners need a minimum return length to provide adequate lateral stiffness. Below 665 mm, a structural post may be needed. Here's the rule and what to do if your corner is tight.