Checking the House's Framing Condition
As a general rule, it is best to attach the ledger board directly to the house rim board at the same level as the house floor by fastening through the solid house band into the house floor trusses. If the deck will be built at a different relative elevation than the floors of the house, it will be important to securely bolt into the houses wall studs. If the house has an unfinished basement, you can sometimes locate the floor trusses with a trip inside the house to eliminate any guesswork. If you can’t locate them or they are unsatisfactory for your application, you may need to reinforce the wall by opening the wall to add blocking to ensure a solid ledger connection. This is especially necessary when attaching to the side wall of a garage, which is generally constructed of weaker structural parts.
Once the house’s siding is removed, you will want to check out the wall for any signs of rot or decay. If the wall is obviously damaged, you will need to repair the house wall before proceeding with building the deck. Never attach a deck ledger to a rotten house wall because the fasteners will not be able to make a solid connection.
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.
Installing A Ledger Board Around A Corner
Follow our tips to properly install a deck ledger board around the corner of a house to keep water out.
Removing the Siding
Learn how to cut and remove aluminum, vinyl, wood and cement board siding for installing a deck ledger board to a house wall.
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!
How to Replace Deck Boards & Repair Your Deck
Deck boards can split, rot or come loose over time, but it’s easy to remove and replace deck boards without rebuilding the whole deck. Learn how from the experts at Deck.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
Checking the House's Framing Condition
As a general rule, it is best to attach the ledger board directly to the house rim board at the same level as the house floor by fastening through the solid house band into the house floor trusses. If the deck will be built at a different relative elevation than the floors of the house, it will be important to securely bolt into the houses wall studs. If the house has an unfinished basement, you can sometimes locate the floor trusses with a trip inside the house to eliminate any guesswork. If you can’t locate them or they are unsatisfactory for your application, you may need to reinforce the wall by opening the wall to add blocking to ensure a solid ledger connection. This is especially necessary when attaching to the side wall of a garage, which is generally constructed of weaker structural parts.
Once the house’s siding is removed, you will want to check out the wall for any signs of rot or decay. If the wall is obviously damaged, you will need to repair the house wall before proceeding with building the deck. Never attach a deck ledger to a rotten house wall because the fasteners will not be able to make a solid connection.
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.
Layout Of The Ledger
Learn how to plan ahead to avoid problems when installing your deck ledger board to the house wall.
Vents, Pipes and Spigots
How do you install a deck ledger board around vents, pipes and spigots? We offer two solutions that can solve your problem.
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!
How to Replace Deck Boards & Repair Your Deck
Deck boards can split, rot or come loose over time, but it’s easy to remove and replace deck boards without rebuilding the whole deck. Learn how from the experts at Deck.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