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This seems to be the best forum to get answers. I asked a question a week ago about placement of LVL beam, it was answered in a matter of minutes.

So I am placing this 13ft (12.8ft) Versa-Lam LVL beam as header for a 12ft patio door. You can see the opening I have. I will be adding 3-1/2 by 3-1/2 Versa-Lam LVL posts as Jack studs on each side against the King studs that already exist there once I build up the support wall.

Right now, the king stud that exists on the left side is right at a corner wall. It the very last King stud right at the corner. And I have no access to the opposite side of the King Stud for nailing the beam to it.

Once I place the beam, how do I nail it to the king stud? Do I just toe nail it?

I appreciate any comment. Thanks

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Toe nailing should provide sufficient strength. A method I often apply in such situations is to not only nail it both through the header and into the king stud but to also toe nail it from the king stud into the header. You can also put some nails up through the jacks and into the header. If you lack confidence in your nails, a few well placed screws should do the trick as well.

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  • thanks for the reply. Would it pass inspection? I guess what i mean is, would there be a certain number of nails required for inspection purposes? Thanks
    – alemiss
    Commented Feb 17, 2019 at 16:44
  • Do you have inspection where you live? This is something that you can always improve on later. If you put in a reasonable amount of nails it shouldn't be a problem. One thing you could always add is a thin metal strap from Simpson's. It reaches from the top plate down across the header and onto the jacks and gets fastened with nails.
    – BlueJay
    Commented Feb 17, 2019 at 16:54
  • Yes, inspection will be done after framing it.
    – alemiss
    Commented Feb 17, 2019 at 17:15
  • I am speaking from experience and so far there was never any problem in such a situation concerning the structural integrity or the inspection. However, maybe there is someone on here who knows what the building codes say about nailing headers into king studs.
    – BlueJay
    Commented Feb 17, 2019 at 17:37
  • Thanks Bluejay, it seems sufficient to me as well; i’ll see if others comment on code requirements.
    – alemiss
    Commented Feb 17, 2019 at 20:34
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The 2017 ICC Residential Code calls for 5-8d box, or 4-8d common, or 4-10d box nails for fastening header to stud. (Toe nail application.) See Table R602.3(1) Fastening Schedule, Item #11.

BTW, generally we don’t worry about this nailing pattern because the exterior sheathing will have many more than 4 or 5 nails in both the header and stud that secures the two together with nailing in shear, rather than toenailed. However, in your case, I doubt if you’ll go back and renail the sheathing.

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  • Thanks Lee, I appreciate the input. What are your thoughts on using Fasten Masters flat lock instead of nails? fastenmaster.com/product-details/…
    – alemiss
    Commented Feb 19, 2019 at 23:48
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    The Code does not “directly” approve them as a substitute, but the manufacturer may have an approval. I’d check their website. I prefer a metal clip in a situation like yours (not secured with exterior wall sheathing) like Simpson A-35 clip.
    – Lee Sam
    Commented Feb 20, 2019 at 2:09
  • Thank you Lee, Bluejay mentioned the Simpson clip as well. Great help here. Thank you all.
    – alemiss
    Commented Feb 20, 2019 at 4:06

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