FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

Guide Home
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Make Any Deck Ledger Secure

Following code ensures a safe, strong ledger connection—but what do you do when the conditions don’t meet the code’s criteria? 

By Mike Guertin Issue Decks & Outdoor Projects 2010
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Synopsis: Code updates have made standard ledger attachments safer than ever, but you still need to judge when they can be used.


There are more than 10 critical connections that keep any deck in place and safe. The one that’s received the most attention by code officials and deck builders over the past few years is also one that I see done inadequately more often than done well: the ledger-to-house connection. There are two parts to any ledger connection that must be addressed when building a deck: the vertical load and the lateral load. My focus here is on the vertical load.

The cause for concern is obvious: An improperly attached ledger can lead to a deck collapse. While the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) is a minimum construction standard, in the case of deck ledgers it reaches close to the level of best practices for lag-screwing and through bolting, and it includes a prescriptive fastener table (table R507.2). This is good news provided you recognize where the prescriptive methods can be used and, more important, where they can’t.

When code doesn’t work

A prescriptive code is like a cookbook: Follow the recipe, and you end up with a cake. The code table for lag screws and bolts has limitations, however. It is applicable only for decks with southern-pine or hem-fir ledgers mounted to a house with a 2-in. nominal SPF rim joist or 1-in. by 9 1⁄2-in. Douglas fir LVL rim board. There are other qualifications listed in footnotes. Half of the last 10 houses I built decks onto had conditions that fell outside the IRC guidelines, so I had to look to other attachment methods. Still, the IRC is a good place to start an examination of ledger mounting methods because it includes some best practices that apply to many ledger-attachment schemes.

While I refer to the IRC for code references, keep in mind that your local official is the final authority, so check before applying any practices or alternative materials mentioned here.

Skipping the ledger altogether

Because of the cladding type or framing details, you sometimes can’t mount a deck ledger to a house without employing a unique engineered design. Veneer brick, stucco, and stone claddings aren’t structural, so the ledger either must be mounted directly to the frame of the house (which involves cutting through and then flashing to the cladding, and supporting the cladding around the ledger), or the ledger must be supported independently of the house. Balloon framed homes, open-web floor-trussed homes, and some engineered I-joist homes can’t support deck ledgers directly. Code doesn’t permit mounting a ledger to a cantilevered floor, because the rim joist doesn’t bear directly on a wall or foundation. In these cases, you can have an engineer design a ledger connection or employ another workaround, but it may not be worth the effort. In these cases, I often opt for a freestanding deck, which can be simpler to build and more cost-efficient when compared to the cost of curing a challenging ledger situation. Freestanding doesn’t mean the deck can’t be attached to the house; it just means that the deck frame must be self-supporting. As long as the deck has footings all around, you can bolt or screw it to the house frame.

 

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Page 32 – the hole drilled through the ledger board is not a ‘pilot hole’; the correct term is ‘clearance hole’.

Page 33 – The on center spacing and prices listed for the screws listed have changed and several other screw brands/models now have prescriptive spacing tables for deck ledger installation. Those include Big Timber, SPAX and MiTek. See manufacturers’ current information for proper spacing.

Page 34 – Attach-A-Deck is no longer available but there are new products on the market that space the ledger off the wall. BR Brick Bracket, MetWood Deck Bracket.

Page 35 – The website link to the Fairfax County, VA publication has changed. It’s now fairfaxcounty.gov/landdevelopment 

 

For more photos, drawings, and details, click the View PDF button below:

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Jigsaw

When it comes to fitting and installing decking, a cordless jigsaw is a must-have for custom cuts — especially around posts.
Buy at Amazon

Drill Driver/Impact Driver

Whether you're pre-drilling holes or driving screws, this Milwaukee® compact cordless driver is the way to go when it comes to building decks.
Buy at Amazon

Standard Marking Chalk

We like white chalk because it’s non-permanent and wears off easily — this is especially helpful when marks are exposed and need to disappear.
Buy at Amazon
View PDF
Previous: Deck Ledger Bolting by the Code Next: Flashing a Deck the Hard Way

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Framing a Deck

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Decks

Decks

Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Decks Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data