What is the bottom piece of a wood wall that vertical studs are attached to?

The bottom piece of a wood wall to which vertical studs are attached is known as the Base Plate. The Base Plate serves as the foundational component that anchors and supports the vertical studs, providing stability to the wall structure. It is typically positioned directly on the floor or foundation and serves to distribute the weight of the wall load evenly to the floor below.

Understanding the function of the Base Plate is crucial in framing construction, as it is essential for establishing the alignment and integrity of the wall frame. Other components, such as the Top Plate, which caps the studs at the top, and the Sill Plate, which is used in conjunction with foundation walls, do not serve the same foundational purpose as the Base Plate. The Header is used in openings like doors or windows to support the load above the opening, further differentiating its role from that of the Base Plate.