The most common mistake committed in deck design is simply attaching a deck to fit the position and length of an existing ledger board. This approach can severely limit your options and stifle the creative process. You must recognize there are some site conditions that you have control over and others you do not.

More often than not you can and should adjust the length and position of the ledger board in response to other factors. Surprisingly, home builders often add ledger boards as an afterthought with little or no planning at all. It may not even be attached properly. It is not so difficult to move a ledger board that you should let it dictate your design. The ultimate position of the ledger board will determine your decks relationship with the rest of the house. This will be very important as you move forward with your design. At this point try to keep your options open.