Ledger Board
A horizontal board bolted to the house framing to support one end of deck joists. The most critical and failure-prone connection in deck construction.
In Detail
Ledger boards must be attached to the house band joist (rim joist) using 1/2" lag screws or through-bolts per IRC Table R507.9.1.3. Nails are never acceptable. Self-adhered membrane flashing behind and Z-flashing above are essential to prevent water intrusion. The ledger must be positively connected to resist both gravity loads and lateral pull-away forces.
Related Materials
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is dimensional softwood (typically Southern Yellow Pine) infused with preservative chemicals under pressure to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. The most common decking and structural lumber for outdoor applications.
Anchor Bolts
Anchor bolts secure sill plates, post bases, holdowns, and steel connectors to concrete or masonry and are a core part of the structural load path between wood framing and the foundation.
Structural Screws
Structural screws are engineered fasteners designed to replace or outperform lag screws, carriage bolts, and common framing nails in many wood-to-wood structural connections.