Ledger Board Fastener Spacing Schedule
- Ledger: 2 x pressure-preservative-treated No. 2 grade Hem-Fir lumber or better. Douglas Fir-Larch, Southern Pine.
- Sheathing: 15⁄32" or 7⁄16" OSB sheathing.
- Rim joist: 2 x _ Spruce-Pine-Fir lumber or 1" minimum Engineered Wood (EW) Rim. EW Rim material must be solid LVL, LSL or PSL.
What is a ledger board used for?
What Is A Ledger Board In Construction? (Question) In construction, a ledger board is a horizontal wooden beam affixed to an existing wall that is used to connect various building elements, such as porch roofs and decks. During the installation of the deck frame, it is necessary to install a deck ledger.
How big is a ledger board for a deck?
Usually, its size is 2" by 10" or 2" by 12" piece of sturdy lumber. Also called a ribbon board or strip, the ledger board is used to attach the deck to the frame of the house. It provides a strong and solid surface where floor joists, posts, and deckings can be attached.
How are deck joists attached to the ledger board?
The deck joists are attached to the exposed face of the ledger board using metal joist hangers. The ledger board transfers roughly half of the weight of the deck and the live load on the deck to the framing of the adjoining building that is supported by the building’s foundation.
Do Ledger boards need to be notched?
For most decks, ledger board carries the weight and acts as primary support beam. Therefore, it is very crucial for ledger boards to be properly positioned and firmly attached to the house. Ledger boards are not usually notched, because it will weaken its structural integrity.
How thick should a ledger board be?
The finished deck height is 1 inch below the bottom of the sill. The decking is 1-inch thick, so the top of the ledger is 1 1/8 inch below the bottom of the sill.
What do you use for a deck ledger board?
0:142:19How to Install a Ledger Board for a Deck - DIY Network - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore installing the ledger board into place there's one very important step which is to waterproofMoreBefore installing the ledger board into place there's one very important step which is to waterproof the houses rim joist using a rubber membrane. This will keep any water running down the exterior.
Does a ledger board need to be pressure treated?
Installing the Ledger Board The lumber for the ledger and all framing members must be pressure-treated for exterior use. The ledger will establish the height of your deck. This is an absolutely critical connection and must be installed properly to ensure the strength and safety of the deck.
What size board is used for a ledger board?
Ledger shall be a minimum of 2x8 nominal. Where guards are required, outside joists and rim joists shall be a minimum of 2x8 nominal.
Can I use 2x6 for ledger board?
Trex recommends 16" OC at most, 12" if running the boards diagonally. This is fine for 2x6 spacing. For the ledger, it's worth replacing so it's the same size. You might not be able to fully secure the larger hangers to the smaller ledger.
How much weight can a ledger board support?
The ledger is 10' long so every foot of ledger must be designed to carry at least 200 lbs of load.
What should I put between wood and concrete?
Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.
Why is pressure treated wood cheaper than pine?
An obvious advantage of untreated lumber is its price; it's much cheaper than treated lumber. Since CCA-treated lumber was taken off the market, new treatment techniques use high levels of copper, which is more expensive. As a result, the cost of treated wood has risen considerably [source: Morrison].
How long does untreated wood last outside?
Untreated redwood, depending on it's age, has a projected life span of 50 years or more when exposed to the elements. Pine varieties have a projected life span of only 5 to 10 years.
Should ledger board be same size as joists?
As a general rule, you should use the same size of board for the ledger as you plan to use for the joists. You can use a larger board, however, if it allows for a better connection to the house framing. Calculate the length as 3 inches less than the width of the deck framing.
How many lag bolts for a ledger board?
The International Residential Code lists two fasteners for directly attaching ledgers to a house: 1/2-inch-diameter hot-dip-galvanized hex-head machine bolts and 1/2-inch-diameter hot-dip-galvanized lag screws.
How far apart should lag bolts be on a ledger board?
The bolts or lags must be placed along the ledger in two rows-one row along the top and one along the bottom-with the fasteners staggered between the two rows at the spacing indicated by the IRC table. For example, on a deck with a joist span of 15 feet, the lag screws are spaced 11 inches apart.
What is the most inexpensive deck railing?
pressure-treated lumberWhat is the most inexpensive deck railing? Typically, pressure-treated lumber (wood) is the cheapest deck railing material, though vinyl (PVC), polyurethane, and composite materials all make for affordable deck railing.
Do you have to use a ledger board for a deck?
A freestanding deck will not require a deck ledger, even beside your house. But an attached deck will be attached to the house using a ledger board. I have seen decks built without ledger boards. The hangers nailed directing to the house's rim board, but this is not good construction practice, which we will get into.
Does a ledger board have to be one piece?
The ledger board doesn't have to be one continuous board. It can be a series of broken sections if it is solidly attached. This will require extra bolts and installing a 2x nailer across the top of the vent to secure the decking along the house wall.
How do you waterproof a ledger board?
11:3212:31How to Install and Flash a Deck Ledger, Start to Finish - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce. I put the fasteners on we'll be bringing our water resistant barrier over the top of thatMoreOnce. I put the fasteners on we'll be bringing our water resistant barrier over the top of that leaving our appropriate clearance space above the top of the decking to the bottom of the cladding.
What is ledger board?
Ledger board is a structural member that is mounted to a vertical frame. Usually, its size is 2" by 10" or 2" by 12" piece of sturdy lumber. Also called a ribbon board or strip, the ledger board is used to attach the deck to the frame of the house. It provides a strong and solid surface where floor joists, posts, and deckings can be attached.
Why are ledger boards notched?
Ledger boards are not usually notched, because it will weaken its structural integrity. They are mounted in one whole piece using lag screws and bolts.
What bolts are used to anchor a band board and ledger together?
In this second method, 1/2" through bolts are used to anchor the band board and ledger together.
What is the 5th ledger board?
The fifth ledger board technique involves mounting to a cinder block foundation. Cinder blocks are not as common in residential construction today as they were years ago and because they are hollow connecting a deck to them requires special attention.
How many lags should be on a band board?
It is one of the most common ways of connecting the ledger to the band board. In this instance, minimum 1/2" lags are staggered along the length of the board. The lags should pass through by at least 1/2" on the back side of the band board.
What type of bolts can be used in a sandbox?
Either expansion bolts or epoxy can be used in this scenario.
How far from the wall should the deck board be?
On site the first board would be positioned within 1/2" from the wall flashing.
How much space between ledger and exterior sheathing?
The third connection method uses a maximum 1/2" space between the exterior sheathing and the ledger.
How far below the door sill can a deck be set?
Then the deck can be set as much as 7-3/4" below the top of the door sill.
How long should a bolt be for a 2x ledger board?
You will usually need the length of the bolt to be at least 4”- 6" to penetrate through the 2x ledger board, the house sheathing and into the solid house rim. Never counter sink bolts. This will significantly weaken the ledger board.
How long should a lag bolt be?
You will usually need to pre-drill a 5/16” pilot hole into the rim joist if you are using ½” lag bolts. Your bolts or screws should be long enough to extend at least ½” past the board you are attaching to. They are usually installed in a zig-zag pattern.
Be Aware of Local Code Requirements
For decks that are partially supported by an adjacent structure, such as a house, the connection between the deck and the structure is vital.
Enjoy Compliance Flexibility with the Simpson Strong-Tie DTT1Z
The DTT1Z deck tension tie is an easy, economical solution for attaching a deck to a home and reinforcing its resistance to lateral movement.
Know Your Options for Different Framing Conditions
The IRC prescribes particular methods, but it does not represent all common framing conditions. When other conditions are encountered, Simpson Strong-Tie has a technical bulletin that describes alternative methods of construction. Always be sure to consult your local building official for approval before using any methods not prescribed by the IRC.
How to make ledgers longer than flashing?
Where the ledger is longer than the flashing, overlap the flashing pieces by at least 4". Overlap the flashing in the corner. At an inside corner, slide the first piece in so its bottom lip slips in between the two boards.
Can you cut out siding to install ledger board?
If you cut out your siding to install a ledger board, careful steps must be taken to ensure that moisture cannot reach your house. Infiltrating rainwater can travel downward, sideways and even upward, so special flashings must be used. In the past, metal flashing and extra layers of roofing felt (tar paper) were often used, but nowadays, ...
What type of wood is used for outdoor decking?
There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance requirements, and price and availability vary by region. As Bob Mion, of the California Redwood Association, points out, “In the Southeast you’ll find lots of Southern yellow pine; in the North Central Midwest, ...
What wood is best for a deck?
Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting.
Why is cedar wood hardy?
This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood will actually change its moisture content to closely match the atmosphere.
How long does redwood last?
Premium woods like red cedar and redwood offer comparable levels of durability and longevity, lasting an average of 20 years.
What is the difference between cedar and redwood?
Both woods are naturally resistant to shrinking and warping. The primary difference between the two woods is color: Redwoods range from light to dark red, while cedar hues run from light brown to salmon pink. Advertisement. Photo: southernpinedecks.com.
How long does a wood deck last?
Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood deck will last for years. And unlike petroleum-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested.
Can you use redwood for a deck on Cape Cod?
You can certainly use redwood for a deck on Cape Cod—if you pay to ship it there. Now that you know that where you live and how much you can afford to spend will probably be the deciding factors, here are the most common natural-wood choices for deck building:
