Framing A Deck Around A Bay
Many houses are built with a door access projecting from a cantilevered bay. In most cases, particularly in older construction, these bays are not built from continuous floor trusses running through the house. They are instead simply applied or tacked on to the side of the house. This means you cannot directly hang off this section of house. If you are working around a canted bay, verify your house's construction by checking your house plans or the house frame itself if you have an unfinished basement. You can always cut beam pockets into the house to provide bearing support or install posts and footings beside the house. But, why the hassle? The best and least invasive technique is to frame an H around the cantilevered bay.
This is done by installing two beams running perpendicular to the house from either side of the bay and running a beam between them directly in front of the bay. In essence, you are transferring the load off of the cantilevered bay through the beam set in front to the two perpendicular-oriented beams and finally to a solid part of the house. Use the proper joist hangers and fasteners to secure the framing. Because of the long spans across the bay, you may need to use a 3-2x10 beam.
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.
Checking House Framing
Make sure your house frame is solid and in good condition before installing a deck ledger board. We list some problem areas to look for before building.
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 Fix Loose Deck Railing
Fixing a loose deck railing can be easy and it ensures that you and your family are safe. Learn more about why your railing might be loose and how to fix it.
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.
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
Framing A Deck Around A Bay
Many houses are built with a door access projecting from a cantilevered bay. In most cases, particularly in older construction, these bays are not built from continuous floor trusses running through the house. They are instead simply applied or tacked on to the side of the house. This means you cannot directly hang off this section of house. If you are working around a canted bay, verify your house's construction by checking your house plans or the house frame itself if you have an unfinished basement. You can always cut beam pockets into the house to provide bearing support or install posts and footings beside the house. But, why the hassle? The best and least invasive technique is to frame an H around the cantilevered bay.
This is done by installing two beams running perpendicular to the house from either side of the bay and running a beam between them directly in front of the bay. In essence, you are transferring the load off of the cantilevered bay through the beam set in front to the two perpendicular-oriented beams and finally to a solid part of the house. Use the proper joist hangers and fasteners to secure the framing. Because of the long spans across the bay, you may need to use a 3-2x10 beam.
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.
Types of Deck Flashing
Compare stainless steel, copper and vinyl flashing materials for waterproofing your deck ledger board.
Lateral Load Device
Learn about your options for providing lateral load support for your deck. We explain recent code changes affecting deck building.
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 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.
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