How many anchor bolts should be placed in each sill piece?

In typical masonry practice, it is standard to place two anchor bolts in each sill piece to ensure proper structural integrity and stability. The use of two bolts allows the load to be distributed more evenly, which is especially important as it helps to securely fasten the sill to the foundation. This placement minimizes the possibility of lateral movement or displacement due to environmental factors, load stress, or seismic activity.

Using two anchor bolts provides sufficient resistance against forces that could cause the sill to shift, while also conforming to general building codes and industry standards that often specify this number for proper anchoring in various structural applications. Placing more than two could be unnecessary in most cases, as it does not significantly enhance the connection strength beyond what is provided by two well-placed bolts. This strategic decision balances structural strength with material efficiency.