Can I attach my deck to a hollow block concrete foundation?
Yes, there are products available for anchoring a ledger board to hollow concrete block foundations (concrete masonry unit, CMU). There are a handful of manufacturers that produce epoxy and other adhesive anchors that are tested for use in hollow CMU. These adhesive fasteners must be installed in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Generally, these fasteners will provide much lower-load resistance than those connecting to solid concrete. Be careful to install a sufficient amount of fasteners based on the loads generated by the deck design. The fasteners must be approved for a wet-use, exterior environment and must provide appropriate corrosion protection.
Most builders prefer to build a freestanding deck rather than attach to a hollow concrete block house foundation wall.
Attaching the Ledger Board to the House Rim
Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings.
Ledger to engineered floor joists
Explore your options for building a deck onto a house with engineered floor joists.
Framing Around a House Cantilever
Learn a technique for framing around a cantilevered house bay to properly support your deck.
How to Remove Paint from a Wood Deck
Aiming to refresh your deck with new paint or sealer? Learn the easiest and fastest methods of stripping paint from your wood deck with Decks.com.
Deck Inspection: Checklist for Framing, Footings and More
Concerned that your deck no longer meets safety regulations? Want to know how to spot signs of trouble for your deck? Review our checklist for inspecting your deck at Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Ledger to engineered floor joists
Explore your options for building a deck onto a house with engineered floor joists.
Flashing the Ledger Board
You should flash your ledger before you install your decking. Over time, the house frame behind the deck will rot if it gets wet.
Attaching the Ledger Board to a Concrete Wall
Step-by-step instructions on how to install a ledger board to a concrete house foundation wall using expansion anchors.
How to Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Composite Decking
Removing scuffs and scratches can help make your composite deck look like new. Learn how to fix and prevent your composite deck from future scratches.
How to Restore & Refinish a Deck
Decks need maintenance. A twice-yearly cleaning is needed at a minimum. But wood decks—even with good upkeep—can still warp, rot, or get termites. Plus, no stain or paint job lasts forever. Fortunately, you can reset the clock by restoring your deck and refinishing it.
How to Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber
Ink stamps seen on pressure treated wood represents where the lumber came from and its grade. Learn a few tricks to remove this ink from your wood at Decks.com.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights