How to Start Building a Deck by Fastening a Ledger Board

The most difficult part of starting a deck project is actually starting it and understanding where to start it. The design of a deck should start at the back of you house and move out. Obviously this deck building tip is for those building a deck off the back of you house. Everything on your deck depends on the ledger, your post position, your joist spacing and post height will depend on the ledger board. There are basically two different types of attaching a ledger board, one is to wood and the other is to concrete. It just depends on where your deck is and the material that exists on you home.

Your ledger board should be the same size lumber as the joists that will be attached to it. Position the ledger so the top of the decking boards will be at least 2 inches below the level of the interior floor. First of all the ledger board must sit directly against the house, so you'll need to remove any siding that's in the way. To be accurate, snap a chalk line to outline the ledger on the siding. Add 1-1/2 inches to each end for joists you'll attach later. Cut the opening with a circular saw, using a blade suitable for the siding and set to its thickness. One thing that you have to think about is moisture, you need to prevent moisture from entering your home by putting some flashing under the siding. Cut a piece of metal Z-flashing to length with a pair of tin snips then slide it into position under the siding. The flashing will prevent that moisture from pooling and getting into the wall of your home.

The first type of attachment is to wood, this is the easier of the two and is actually fairly simple. Level and prop the ledger in place or have someone hold it in place for you. Drill a 1-1/4 inch hole about 1/2 inch deep for a washer and the head of a hex-head bolt. In the middle of the 1/2 inch deep hole drill a 1/2 inch hole so the bolt can fit through. The purpose of this is to counter sink the bolt so it doesn't stick out and affect future building. Drill this same hole about every 16 inches and make sure you alternate the holes from the top of the board to the bottom. By doing this you prevent the ledger board from becoming weak and failing down the road. Next drill lightly into the house to make a mark, then remove the ledger and drill 1/2 inch holes at the marks. For added support you can add some caulk to the back of the ledger and into the bolt holes, this may add some support but I don't find it absolutely necessary. Attach the ledger with 1/2x6 inch hex-head bolts and washers. Once the ledger is attached you should go back and caulk around the edges and any holes that you see. Also fill over the hex head bolts that are recessed into the ledger.

The other type of attachment is to masonry and it is essentially the same process. Drill th ledger and mark the house the same way a you would when fastening the ledger to wood. Remove the ledger from the wall and with a hammer drill and self drilling anchor attachment, drive the anchors into the masonry until they're flush with the surface. It is really important to use a hammer drill in this step or you will be there all day trying to get holes in the masonry. Masonry actually gets harder the longer is sits, so if you are doing this on an older home this is essential. I have tried this step without a hammer drill and it not only ruins your drill bits but it will ruin your drill and your body. You should also apply epoxy to your anchors for added support. Then reposition the ledger on the wall and fasten it with washers and 1/2x5 inch lag screws. Caulk the gap where the ledger meets the wall and then seal the screw heads with caulk as well.

Well getting started is started and you are well on your way to building yourself a deck. Don't get too excited because there are many steps to go but at leas you have made the first step. Also something I forgot to mention, you should make your ledger board be treated or some other natural rot resistant wood like cedar. Your next step will be to lay out your posts and digging footings.