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.
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.
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.
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!
What is Dry Rot and How Can You Prevent Your Deck From Rotting?
Dry rot is a serious problem for wood decks because it compromises its structural integrity. Learn the signs and causes for deck rotting, as well as how to prevent or fix it, at Decks.com.
Deck Post Repair: How to Fill Cracks in Deck Posts
The right kind of wood can resist rot, mold, and insects, but they can still split or crack. You can repair the posts before the problem causes structural issues. Read our guide on deck post repair to help your outdoor space last as long as it possibly can.
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
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.
Attaching the ledger board to hollow block
Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation wall.
Attaching the Ledger Board to Brick Siding
Do you have brick siding? You should never attach to just the brick. This is very dangerous.
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 Avoid, Prevent & Repair Deck Joist Rot
Rotted deck joists can cause homeowners headaches. Learn more about how to avoid, prevent and repair deck joist rot at Decks.com.
What is Wet Rot and How Do You Treat It?
Wet rot occurs when water or high moisture levels cause wood to decay. Learn how to recognize the signs and causes of wet rot and how to treat it.
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