Laying Out the Deck Ledger Board
Before driving the structural screws to firmly attach the ledger, be sure to draw your joist locations onto the face of the ledger. The reason for laying out the joist locations is to prevent placing a joist on top of a structural bolt holding the ledger in place. In the case of a rectangular deck, you could lay out the joists on the ledger (on a set of sawhorses) before you install it. But if the deck will have a number of angles or is very long, it is easier if you lay out with the ledger installed on the house first.
SaveRead this article to determine your joist spacing. (In our example, joists are 16" on center to support 5/4 pressure-treated decking laid perpendicular to the joists.) Joists are usually installed “on center,” meaning the spacing number – usually, 16" or 12" – falls in the center of the joist’s thickness.
SaveAt the end of the ledger, the outside joist will butt into the face, rather than the end, of the ledger. Here, the ledger is marked for an outside joist that will be doubled. This double joist will require a double-concealed joist hanger. You cannot use a standard joist hanger at the end of a ledger, as it's cut flush with the edge of the ledger board. A standard joist hanger requires an extra 1.5" of space to nail to the ledger.
SaveWhen laying out after the ledger has been temporarily attached, measure and mark as described above. Use a framing square to measure and mark the joist centers along the ledger board.
SaveIf you plan on installing your railing posts on the inside of the deck frame, you will need to adjust the joist layout to allow space for the rail posts.
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.
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.
Framing Around a House Cantilever
Learn a technique for framing around a cantilevered house bay to properly support your deck.
How to Stain a Wood Deck
Staining your deck, porch or patio can help maintain the longevity of its appearance. Learn how to stain your deck with these easy to follow steps 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.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
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Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
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Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
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Design
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Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
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Care
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Materials
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Attaching the ledger board to hollow block
Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation 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.
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 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.
How to Seal Your Deck & Best Deck Sealers
Once you clean or stain a deck, it is ready to be sealed. Learn how to properly seal your deck in order to protect it from damage caused by harsh climates and weather 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