Top plate

top plate

[′täp ‚plāt] (building construction) The top horizontal member of a building frame to which the rafters are fastened. The horizontal member of a building frame at the top of the partition studs.

Top plate

Continuous horizontal piece of lumber across the top of an exterior wall that supports the foot of the rafters, or other framework above it.

top plate

top plate, 2 1. The top horizontal member of a frame building to which the rafters are fastened.