Loading

Ledger Board Attachment to a Solid Concrete Foundation Wall

When attaching a ledger board to a masonry wall, you will want to first cut the ledger board to size and have two helpers hold it in place so you can drill two holes every 12” through the wood where your bolts will be installed. Mark these locations on the wall with a pencil. Now, you can drill the holes through the wall into the basement or crawl space using a hammer drill with a masonry bit. Then, just line up the board to the holes in the brick, and screw in the fasteners.

When attaching to solid masonry, you will have to install expansion anchors with a minimum diameter of ½” and set into the wall at least 2 ½”. Hollow concrete block can easily break when drilled and doesn’t leave adequate bearing support for anchors. If you are attaching to a hollow masonry wall, you can fill the cells with grout and use expansion anchors, or you'll need to install epoxy anchors in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions to a minimum depth of 4 ¼”.
 

Layout your bolt
PinterestSave
Layout your bolt

Lay out your bolt locations using a tape measure and construction pencil. Bolt patterns will vary depending on joist length. Bolts should be staggered between joists and located 2" from the top and bottom of the ledger board.

Temporarily support the ledger
PinterestSave
Temporarily support the ledger

Temporarily secure the ledger board to the correct location against the concrete wall using concrete screws or temporary supports. Use a wood bit to drill ½" pilot holes through the ledger board. Next, use a concrete bit to drill into the concrete wall.

Install your sleve anchors
PinterestSave
Install your sleve anchors

Install two bolts at the end of each ledger board. Hammer the sleeve anchor through the ledger board into the concrete wall.

Tighten the bolts carefully
PinterestSave
Tighten the bolts carefully

Hand tighten the bolts using a ratchet. Do not over tighten.

Run a bead of silicon
Run a bead of silicon

Apply a generous bead of silicone along the top the ledger against the house.

Ledger detail for foundation attachment
PinterestSave
Ledger detail for foundation attachment

Protect the opening by sealing with silicon caulking on both the inside and outside of the wall, or wherever necessary. Always consult your local building inspector before attempting to attach a ledger board to a masonry wall. In some cases, you may want to avoid the hassle and uncertainty of attaching to a masonry wall. Remember, you can always install frost footings and posts beside the house to support the deck without attaching to the house.


Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

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.

Deck Ledger Board

Removing Stucco Siding

Learn how to cut through stucco siding to prepare a house wall to install a deck ledger board.

Deck Ledger Board

what if my deck has no flashing

Our inspector discusses what you should do if you deck ledger board isn't properly flashed.

Next Step: Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

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!

Repairs

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.

Repairs

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.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Deck Ledger Board

Ledger Board Attachment to a Solid Concrete Foundation Wall

When attaching a ledger board to a masonry wall, you will want to first cut the ledger board to size and have two helpers hold it in place so you can drill two holes every 12” through the wood where your bolts will be installed. Mark these locations on the wall with a pencil. Now, you can drill the holes through the wall into the basement or crawl space using a hammer drill with a masonry bit. Then, just line up the board to the holes in the brick, and screw in the fasteners.

When attaching to solid masonry, you will have to install expansion anchors with a minimum diameter of ½” and set into the wall at least 2 ½”. Hollow concrete block can easily break when drilled and doesn’t leave adequate bearing support for anchors. If you are attaching to a hollow masonry wall, you can fill the cells with grout and use expansion anchors, or you'll need to install epoxy anchors in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions to a minimum depth of 4 ¼”.
 

Layout your bolt
PinterestSave
Layout your bolt

Lay out your bolt locations using a tape measure and construction pencil. Bolt patterns will vary depending on joist length. Bolts should be staggered between joists and located 2" from the top and bottom of the ledger board.

Temporarily support the ledger
PinterestSave
Temporarily support the ledger

Temporarily secure the ledger board to the correct location against the concrete wall using concrete screws or temporary supports. Use a wood bit to drill ½" pilot holes through the ledger board. Next, use a concrete bit to drill into the concrete wall.

Install your sleve anchors
PinterestSave
Install your sleve anchors

Install two bolts at the end of each ledger board. Hammer the sleeve anchor through the ledger board into the concrete wall.

Tighten the bolts carefully
PinterestSave
Tighten the bolts carefully

Hand tighten the bolts using a ratchet. Do not over tighten.

Run a bead of silicon
Run a bead of silicon

Apply a generous bead of silicone along the top the ledger against the house.

Ledger detail for foundation attachment
PinterestSave
Ledger detail for foundation attachment

Protect the opening by sealing with silicon caulking on both the inside and outside of the wall, or wherever necessary. Always consult your local building inspector before attempting to attach a ledger board to a masonry wall. In some cases, you may want to avoid the hassle and uncertainty of attaching to a masonry wall. Remember, you can always install frost footings and posts beside the house to support the deck without attaching to the house.


Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

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.

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.

Deck Ledger Board

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.

Next Step: Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

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!

Deck Cleaning

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.

Deck Cleaning

How to Pressure Wash a Deck

Pressure washing your deck is the best way to keep your investment looking like new. Learn how to properly clean your wood deck with these tips from Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic