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.
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.
Attaching the Ledger Board to Brick Siding
Do you have brick siding? You should never attach to just the brick. This is very dangerous.
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 Remove Paint from a Wood Deck
Aiming to refresh your deck with new paint or sealer? Learn the easiest and fastest methods of stripping paint from your wood deck with Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
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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.
Ledger Board Fasteners
Compare types of deck ledger board fasteners like lag bolts, through bolts & structural screws. Learn how to choose the right fastener for your ledger board.
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Compare stainless steel, copper and vinyl flashing materials for waterproofing your deck ledger board.
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 Restore & Refinish a Deck
Decks need maintenance. A twice-yearly cleaning is needed at a minimum. But wood decks—even with good upkeep—can still warp, rot, or get termites. Plus, no stain or paint job lasts forever. Fortunately, you can reset the clock by restoring your deck and refinishing it.
Deck Maintenance Checklist
Wondering how to best care for your deck? Download our comprehensive deck maintenance checklist to ensure your deck is safe and lasts for years 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