The Ontario Building Code | Plates
9.37.2.5. Plates
(1) Logs used in a vertical position shall have a plate at the top and a plate at the bottom and the plates shall be at least as wide as the largest end diameter of any of the logs.
9.37.3. Lintels
In Plain Language
For vertical log construction, this clause requires a plate at both the top and bottom of the logs, and both plates must be at least as wide as the largest end diameter of any log used, so the load transfers evenly.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.