Introduction
The ledger attaches to the house framing or a masonry wall. It serves the same function as a beam, except that the load carried by the ledger is transferred to the house foundation. Installing a ledger first creates a reference point for the rest of your deck. Using a ledger reduces costs and labor by cutting the number of postholes that must be dug and filled with concrete.
However, attaching the ledger can be a time-consuming chore-one of the most difficult steps in building a deck. On houses with beveled siding, you may need to cut away some siding to create a flat surface for the ledger. This opening must then be flashed carefully to keep water out of the wall. The ledger should be of the same dimension lumber as the joists and 3 inches shorter than the width of the deck to allow room for the overlapping end joists.
|
Locating the ledger on the house
The finished deck surface should sit about 1 inch below the bottom of any door threshold. Add this figure to the thickness of the decking material to determine the location for the top of the ledger. Thus, if you are using 2x6 decking (1-1/2 inches thick), measure 2-1/2 inches below the bottom of the threshold, then draw a level line at this height to represent the top of the ledger.
|
|
|
Attaching a ledger to a masonry wall
Cut the ledger to size and have a helper hold it in place against the wall. Make sure the ledger is level, then drill bolt holes through the ledger every 16 inches. Insert a pencil through the holes to mark their location on the wall. Remove the ledger and drill holes for expansion anchors at the marked locations. Insert the anchors, then attach the ledger by inserting lag screws, with a washer, through the ledger and tightening them.
|
|
|
Attaching a ledger with spacers
An air space between the ledger and the wall helps keep both dry. Your building supplier may stock plastic or aluminum spacers manufactured for deck use, but you easily can cut your own out of pressure-treated plywood. Position the spacer diagonally so it sheds water. Other choices for spacers include galvanized or stainless steel washers or sections of plastic or metal pipe cut to length. If you use pipe, add washers on either end to keep the pipe from digging into the ledger and flashing.
|
|
|
Fastening a ledger direct to the house
This section view shows a ledger properly installed on a clapboard wall. The siding has been removed and flashing added to keep water out of the house. The ledger is bolted through the rim joist.
|
|
|
Removing siding
To make even, vertical cuts through uneven siding, use a 2x4 as a flat surface for the saw. Set the blade just deep enough to remove the siding without cutting into the sheathing.
|
|
|
Adding flashing
Slide the flashing under the siding an inch or more (cut a notch around the door threshold if necessary). After the ledger and joists have been installed, bend the flashing over the ledger edge to allow water to drip off.
|
|
