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

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

attaching deck ledger to house (TJI)

| Posted in Construction Techniques on December 8, 2003 02:53am

Talked to the sales rep. who sold me the TJI’s Im using for the floor system. I was concerned about attaching the deck ledger to the TJI. He stated that I shouldpack the web of the floor joist with 1/2 or 3/4 osb and that would be sufficient. My concern is a bit late, being that the house is dry and Ill be putting the deck together this week. Ive considered putting some 2by blocking behind the joist so the lags have some real meat to lag into. Anyone have advice?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. BUSTER | Dec 08, 2003 04:09am | #1

    Hey..

    You might want to use a minimum size 5/8" carriage bolt w/ as the rep. stated installing a web stiffiner (if possible..I would use solid-sawn 2x for this).

    As for the spacing of the bolts, you may want to contact a local of your jurisdiction.

    Good luck.

    Tony

    1. jacobuilt | Dec 08, 2003 02:54pm | #5

      Blocking at every bolt seems to be the way to go. Possibly from mud sill to bottom of subfloor. The code states 3'6"on.c for bolts doesnt mention lags. This may be a real good place to use blots instead of lags. Thanks for IT. Bobby

  2. LarryG | Dec 08, 2003 06:03am | #2

    you might want to check with the building dept. lags are not code in many places through bolts are called for and I agree with the 2x

  3. MojoMan | Dec 08, 2003 06:16am | #3

    What kind of sill do you have? Double, solid 2x? Can you lag into that?

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

    1. jacobuilt | Dec 08, 2003 02:48pm | #4

      The TJI is 11  7/8'' wide so unless I drop the deck down Ill miss the sill plate. Lags a kosher here in WNC. Could cut 2x material and sandwich the TJI between the deck ledger and the 2x. Thanks for thoughts. Bobby 

      1. Framer | Dec 08, 2003 03:02pm | #6

        If you used a TJI as your outside box and not a rimboard or a microlam for a box which I use a microlam for a box when I know there will be a deck bolted to it, you have to have vertical stiffeners 16" o.c. following your studs above anyway. You can't just use a TJI for a box/rimboard without stiffening it up.

        Did you get a manual with your TJI's because it shows you how to do all this?

        Is the deck running perpendicular to the joists or parallel to the joists?

        Joe Carola

        Edited 12/8/2003 7:09:40 AM ET by Framer

        1. jacobuilt | Dec 09, 2003 02:26am | #9

          The ledger or deck band against the house is running perp. to the joist. Listened to the salesman and obviously did not look at the booklet well enough. Oops. thanks Bobby

          1. Framer | Dec 09, 2003 02:53am | #10

            The ledger or deck band against the house is running perp. to the joist.

            Instead of using a rimboard, did you use TJI's for blocking in between the full bearing TJI's?

            Is this house sheathed yet? You probably mentioned it above but I didn't go back and read all the posts tonight.

            Joe Carola

          2. jacobuilt | Dec 11, 2003 03:17am | #12

            Oh, the TJI's are running parallel to the deck band. The deck joist are perp. to the band(obvious),SSSSSSSSorry. 1/2" osb wall covering, 1/2" osb web stiffener and 1/2" web gives me 1 1/2 ". Enough to keep the bolt from pulling through? Bobby

          3. rasconc | Dec 11, 2003 05:43am | #13

            Where in WNC?  I am really surprised at the number of folks on this forum from NC.  Old Fort here.

          4. jacobuilt | Dec 12, 2003 03:34pm | #14

            Living right up the mountain from you in the heart of Asheville. Bobby

          5. dIrishInMe | Dec 12, 2003 05:15pm | #15

            I'm down the (big) road from you both just south of Raleigh.Matt

          6. jacobuilt | Dec 13, 2003 03:10am | #16

            Originally from Fayettville. Way to hot in the summer to stay there. Although, it must be nice to build on flat ground.

          7. decornut | Dec 10, 2003 12:46am | #11

            I'm very confused.  Your original post talked about packing out the web with OSB, which, to me, makes it sound like the ledger is parallel to the joists.  But now you say the ledger is perpendicular to the joists ?  Sorry if I'm just being dense.

      2. dIrishInMe | Dec 08, 2003 08:38pm | #8

        Bobby:

        I went through this same thing some years ago, only with LP I-joists.  The recommendation of the manufacturer's "tech support" was as you said - pack out flush the outside of the I joist with OSB sheathing.  Nailed and glued.  It sounds like our situation was a bit different as the engineering drawings that came with the floor systems specified rim board around the entire perimeter.  I have seen some I-joist floor systems installed where rim board was only used on the joist end sides of the hose though.

        BTW - You said "Lags a kosher here in WNC."  Can I translate that to mean 'Lag bolts are kosher here in Western North Carolina'?  If that is what you meant, check the NC state code!!!  Although they are acceptable in many states, Lags are *not* acceptable in NC, nor have they been for at least 10 years.  Gal 5/8" bolts with washers on each side and nuts are required.  36" o.c. for deck <8' wide, 18" o.c for decks >8' wide.  Some local code enforcement officials may not enforce it, but it is the state wide code, and they do not have the authority to *reduce* code requirements.   If you want more info, let me know, and I'll see if I can find it in the *incomplete" online NC code book.  Personally, I think lags are adequate for small decks or low decks, but are needed for large and/or high ones - remember the recent Chicago porch collapse?  Not that it was necessarily found to be directly attributed to the use of lag bolts, but from the pics you could see that the ledger board came off the house...

        To reinforce your end I-joist at the point of bolting up your deck, If you have some extra rim board, rip it down to the width of your I-joist web, and glue/nail it in place on the  inside.  IMO the use of washers on the inside helps a lot too. Matt

  4. User avater
    BossHog | Dec 08, 2003 03:41pm | #7

    I'm also curious about what "Framer" asked - Is there no rim board?

    Bumpersticker: If you must burn our flag, please wrap yourself in it first

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting up an exterior isn't just about ambiance— it's also about code compliance. Here is what the code says about safety and efficiency when it comes to outdoor lighting.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

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

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

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

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

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