If the studs in a bearing wall are not acting as columns, how should the wall be capped?

When capping a wall where the studs are not serving as columns, using double top plates is the appropriate method. This approach enhances the structural integrity of the wall by distributing loads more evenly across the top of the studs. The double top plate method also provides a solid nailing surface for the roof or ceiling structure that will be applied above, which is essential for transferring loads effectively.

Using double top plates also allows for better alignment of the walls in a larger frame structure. It creates a more rigid framework, which can help prevent issues like racking or warping over time. This design choice is particularly beneficial in residential construction, ensuring that the walls remain straight and can support future modifications if necessary.

While pressure treated lumber, galvanized steel, and wider headers may have applications in specific contexts, they do not serve the same function as double top plates in capping a wall where the studs are not acting as columns. Pressure treated lumber is primarily used for areas where moisture is a concern, galvanized steel might be used in unique structural applications, and a header wider than the wall is typically used for door and window openings rather than for capping the wall itself. Thus, double top plates provide a well-rounded solution for capping non-column bearing walls.