Ledger installation questions ...

18 years ago

I'm about to build a deck and although I've embarked on just about every aspect of home improvement, this will be my first deck.

The deck I'm building is *single* level with a 18'x 16' square and one 11' x 11' square that has stairs into the yard. The deck is only 32" off the ground. The framing will be PT using a ledger and beam construction (one beam for each section) so my longest joist span will be just under 14'. I'm going to use 2x10's - 12" OC (overkill, I think). The decking will be TT Tropical Walnut Floorizon.

Ok .. now the ledger question. This 29' ledger installation scares me for some reason. The problem is the house has two levels of rim joist. The deck will span the outside of my kitchen and family room and there is a 6" step down between the two. My thought is using a 2x12 for the ledger. I don't want to step down more than a few inches to the deck.

Sorry for all the background. Appreciate and thoughts on how best to accomplish this?

Chad

Ashburn, VA

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Comments (4)

pauleyc
Original Author
18 years ago
Another question ... since this will be attached to the house, any reason to make the ledger boards as long as possible? Can I go with 3 ten footers rather than a 20 and a 10? I can go get these in my van and get started before the other lumber arrives, which is why I ask.

Also, I was going to use copper flashing over the top lip of the ledger, but for the back flshing .. considered a much more wallet friendly pvc. Thought process is the top lip is probably most critical and the back flashing should hold up since it is not exposed to the sun (UV).

Thanks,
Chad
builtbymac
18 years ago
Dude, it's less than 3' off the ground? Make it a freestanding deck. No house tie-in necessary. The less holes you put in your house, the longer it will last.

Build it solid, use lateral bracing to make sure it doesn't sway. You say there are two doors that open onto this deck that are 6" different in height? If it makes sense with the respective doors, install the deck to the sill of the lower door and have a 5'x5' single step up landing in front of the upper door...

Mac

Here is a link that might be useful: My website
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deckman22
18 years ago
Not sure if they build homes with basements, block foundations, or slabs there in VA. If a basement or block foundation then go with Mac's advice, if on a slab then bolt it to the slab, easier to build than free standing. Solid advice on the landing.

No reason you can't use 3 - 10's for your ledgers. Make sure to drop the ledger a little so decking is not flush with your door threshold.

Never heard of pvc flashing.

Al
pauleyc
Original Author
18 years ago
Yeah, I've considered a dual-beam freestanding deck. Can I also attach that to the house with a couple lags for lateral support if I caulk the holes? I would leave a space between the band and house for drainage. Originally I was leaning away from this b/c its 6 more footings; however it does reduce my joist span on the large section to 12 ft. I can then step down to 2x8's (12 OC).

The house only has a exit from the kitchen, the upper of the two levels. The foundation is poured concrete and yes there is a basement; however its fully finished.