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

Deck Ledger problem

TheDudeAbides | Posted in Construction Techniques on May 3, 2006 06:30am

I’m not sure how to install my 2×8 deck ledger to my house.  On top of my stone and mortar foundation, all I have to nail into is a 4×6 and then the wall studs.  I can run a bolt through to the basement on the bottom half of the ledger where I can drill through the 4×6.  How should I attach the top half of the ledger?  I was thinking lag screws into the studs?  All of the wood is old, but decent shape.

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

Replies

  1. User avater
    AaronRosenthal | May 03, 2006 09:29am | #1

    This will help get the thread up to where it's still visable.
    Why not see if you can post a picture?
    I have some ideas, but would rather see the area.

    Quality repairs for your home.

    AaronR Construction
    Vancouver, Canada

     

    1. TheDudeAbides | May 05, 2006 03:09am | #12

      Here are some pictures of what I'm talking about......

      http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS048.jpg

      http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS047.jpg

      http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS045.jpg

      http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS046.jpg

      http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS044.jpg

  2. mike4244 | May 03, 2006 12:03pm | #2

    First thing, if you can,do not install a ledger at all. Instead ,put footings and piers next to foundation wall. Header on joists takes the place of the ledger,leave a 1/2" or so space between the deck and wall. This eliminates the need for flashing,lets water thru to the ground.

    The framing cantilevers a little over a beam that sits on the piers.Might seem like more work but on the long run it is about the same amount of time as installing a ledger thru bolted and lagged and flashing.If you decide to install a ledger, thru bolt where you can, lag screw into the studs elsewhere.

    mike

    1. TheDudeAbides | May 04, 2006 01:14am | #5

      I've thought about a free standing deck, but I'm a little worried about digging four foot deep holes so close to my foundation.  The foundation isn't in the greatest shape.   I also think the holes for the posts would be deeper than the foundation sits, although I'm not positive on that one.  I just have visions of my foundation crumbling in a year.

      1. xosder11 | May 04, 2006 04:19pm | #8

        Also consider that you can dig the holes a little ways away from your existing rubble foundation and then cantilever tyhe deck joists over a beam in order to get the edge of the deck up to the house

  3. davidmeiland | May 03, 2006 04:33pm | #3

    If you attach the ledger into the studs, won't the deck be higher than the interior floor? Or maybe this is a balloon framed building?

    1. TheDudeAbides | May 04, 2006 01:27am | #6

      I've already replaced the sheathing, but I think I might remove it so that I can post pictures of my situation.  It's hard to explain, but once you see pictures you'll understand.  The old ledger was attatched with about a thousand nails across the bottom of the ledger, and a few into the studs.  I dont want to do it that way...

  4. xosder11 | May 03, 2006 05:00pm | #4

    I would consider doing as mike reccomends, have a freestanding deck that nearly abuts your existing house. IMO it is a lot better than messing with the old construction and flashing etc.

    1. DoRight | May 04, 2006 07:27pm | #9

      This may sound weird, but in some locals a deck attached to the house becomes part of the accessed value of the house, but a free standing deck does not!

       

      1. xosder11 | May 04, 2006 07:39pm | #10

        Actually, it doesn't suprise me at all. I've seen some things in different areas that are pretty out to lunch.

  5. Frankie | May 04, 2006 03:12am | #7

    Stone foundations certainly are a PITA. I don't have a solution for you but -

    Acording to VA. Bldg Codes:

    FOOTINGS
    See FIGURE 11 for footing size, footing thickness and post attachment options and requirements. All footings shall bear on solid ground; bearing conditions shall be verified in the field by county inspectors prior to placement of concrete. DECK FOOTINGS CLOSER THAN 5'-0" TO AN EXISTING EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL MUST BEAR AT THE SAME ELEVATION AS THE FOOTING OF THE EXISTING HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    LEDGER ATTACHMENT REQUIREMENTS

    GENERAL: Attach the ledger board, which shall be equal to or greater than the joists size, to the existing exterior wall in accordance with FIGURE 13 through FIGURE 15. When attachments are made to the existing house band board, the band board shall be capable of supporting the new deck. If this cannot be verified or conditions at the existing house differ from the details herein, then a free-standing deck is required.

    his can all be found at:

    http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/decks/

    Hope this helps,

    Frankie

    >Pfont color=#61B2E0B/B/font—Hunter S. Thompson

    from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

  6. chascomp | May 05, 2006 01:32am | #11

    Like mike4244 says - don't use a ledger. You can cantivlever 2 to 3 feet to the house which keeps the post footers out of you foundation drains. You won't have a rot problem at the ledger. If you do decide to use a ledger keep it a 1/2 inch or so from the house by using washers between the ledger and the house (like 5 or 6 on each bolt)this allows water to flow thru and not sit and rot your house rim joist or studs as most studs are not PT.

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

Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot

When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

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 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
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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