Simpson Bearing Plates

Bearing plates provide a larger surface area than standard washers, which helps spread the load more evenly at critical connection points. This prevents localized crushing of wood members, especially in sill plates where anchor bolts are installed. By transferring forces across a wider footprint, bearing plates improve the overall strength and safety of the connection.

Simpson Strong-Tie manufactures bearing plates in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and hole configurations, including round and slotted designs. Many models meet or exceed building code requirements for structural anchoring, and finish options such as standard galvanization or hot-dip galvanization allow contractors to choose the right level of corrosion protection for the environment.

BPS Bearing Plate with Slotted Hole

The BPS bearing plate is a solution for misaligned anchor bolts. Its slotted hole gives installers flexibility, letting the plate shift slightly to accommodate bolts that aren’t perfectly centered in the sill plate. This makes it especially useful in retrofits or jobs where drilling accuracy is limited.

Designed for use with 2x4 and 2x6 walls, the BPS eliminates the need for separate washers when paired with Titen HD® screw anchors, saving both time and material. For coastal jobs, outdoor construction, or projects using pressure-treated lumber, the BPS is available with a hot-dip galvanized finish, providing superior protection against corrosion and extending the life of the connection.

BP Bearing Plate

The BP model is a straightforward but heavy-duty option for transferring compressive forces between structural members. Its larger footprint gives it an advantage over washers, ensuring anchor bolts have a secure and code-compliant connection.

Available in sizes that match common anchor bolt diameters—3/8 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in., 7/8 in., and 1 in.—the BP is versatile enough for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Contractors often use the BP in foundation sill plates, beam connections, and situations where concentrated loads need to be distributed. When ordered with a hot-dip galvanized finish, the plate resists rust and deterioration, even when exposed to moisture or direct contact with certain treated woods.

LBP Light Bearing Plate

For projects that don’t require heavy-duty hardware, the LBP delivers a lighter option that still provides the benefits of a larger bearing surface. It is designed to work with 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. mudsill anchor bolts, making it a common choice in wood-frame residential construction.

Even though it’s smaller than the BP series, the LBP is still a code-compliant upgrade from standard washers. Each plate comes with a galvanized finish to resist corrosion in typical framing environments, giving contractors peace of mind that the connection will hold up over time without overbuilding the joint.

LBPS Light Bearing Plate with Slotted Hole

The LBPS combines the lighter footprint of the LBP with the adjustability of a slotted hole. This makes it well-suited for 2x4 and 2x6 walls where anchor bolts are slightly off center, a common issue during foundation layout or drilling. The slotted design allows for easier alignment without sacrificing strength or compliance with building codes. Its standard galvanized finish provides solid protection in indoor and general construction settings, and it’s an efficient choice for contractors who want to save time on install without sacrificing structural reliability.

Why Contractors Choose Simpson Bearing Plates

Contractors rely on Simpson Strong-Tie bearing plates because they solve real-world problems. Standard washers can deform, split wood, or fail inspection when codes require a larger bearing surface. Bearing plates not only distribute loads more effectively but also provide options tailored to different situations: slotted holes for bolt alignment issues, heavy-duty plates for high-load conditions, and light plates for everyday residential framing.

With galvanized and hot-dip galvanized finishes available, they also hold up in environments where moisture or treated lumber would break down lesser hardware. By choosing Simpson bearing plates, contractors know they’re getting tested, code-compliant connectors that save time in the field and deliver long-lasting performance.