Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 9.23 — Wood Frame Construction
PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

9.23.9.8.Support of Walls

(1) Non-loadbearing walls parallel to the floor joists shall be supported by joists beneath the wall or on blocking between the joists. (2) Blocking referred to in Sentence (1) for the support of non-loadbearing walls shall be (a) not less than 38 mm by 89 mm lumber, and (b) except as required for the fastening of walls constructed with required braced wall panels, spaced not more than 1.2 m apart. (3) Except as provided in Sentence (6), non-loadbearing interior walls at right angles to the floor joists are not restricted as to location. (4) Loadbearing interior walls parallel to floor joists shall be supported by beams or walls of sufficient strength to safely transfer the design loads to the vertical supports. (5) Unless the joist size is designed to support such loads, loadbearing interior walls at right angles to floor joists shall be located (a) not more than 900 mm from the joist support where the wall does not support a floor, and (b) not more than 600 mm from the joist support where the wall supports one or more floors. (6) Loadbearing and non-loadbearing walls constructed with required braced wall panels shall be continuously supported by floor joists, blocking or rim joists to allow for the required fastening. (See Table 9.23.3.4.)

This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.

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Common questions about this part of the code

What stud size and spacing does the Ontario Building Code require for walls?What are the notching and drilling limits for floor joists in Ontario?What are the wall bracing and sheathing requirements for houses in Ontario?

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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.