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Smart Deck-Framing Strategies

Ledger brackets, flexible flashing, and a joist-hanger jig are a few field-tested tricks for overcoming construction challenges

Fine Homebuilding contributing editor Mike Guertin loves building decks. Here, he shares his expertise and some lessons he's learned over the years in a series of challenges and strategies for building the best deck possible. Among the lessons Guertin shares are the use of brackets to separate the ledger from the house; the proper installation of flashing to isolate galvanized joist hangers; the need to set up a straight rim beam on temporary supports; the time-saving importance of using a joist-hanger jig; the need to install deck posts in the right place; and finally, the proper way to work safely if you're building a deck that's not at ground level. This article includes a sidebar on using footing forms.