Caul plates and related methods are disclosed herein. An example caul plate for use in a composite laminate layup includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The example caul plate includes protrusions extending from the first surface. The protrusions are disposed over a tool surface of the composite laminate layup. The protrusions are to define a gap between the first surface and the tool surface to limit a thickness of a preform disposed between the tool surface and the first surface when a pressure is exerted on the second surface.