Building deck for height higher than inside floor joist ledger board
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I am wanting to build a deck along 20 feet of my 2 storey house. It would only reach out for a 4 foot depth. But my problem is where I attach the outside ledger board. I want it to be attached at the second floor level, to the floor joist ledger on the other side of the wall so I can bolt it.
But in doing that, the deck would end up being only 5 feet from the ground. I need it to be higher, at least another foot.
So how do I still proceed attaching the outside ledger to the inside ledger but end up with a deck, say, 6 feet from the ground?
I thought of proceeding to build it 5 feet from the ground and then a second series of deck joists 1 or 2 feet on top.
I think that would work and if done right be structurally sound but I’m concerned about the appearance.
Of course, building it freestanding would work like a charm but I don’t want to be digging near the foundation for post footings.
Any suggestions?
Replies
You’ll need to confirm w/ your building inspector, but I’ve been able to do a ledger to stud connection using Simpson SDS screws. In general, I’ve found that if inspectors see the Simpson label they are more likely to approve the connection. I’ve attached info that Simpson provides for ledger attachment. The inspector will most likely make sure you followed Simpson’s requirements. Simpson has a solution for just about every wood connection you can imagine. Check their online sources for guidance.
No, not wanting to attach outside ledger to studs. My question again was: "So how do I still proceed attaching the OUTSIDE ledger to the INSIDE ledger but end up with a deck, say, 6 feet from the ground?"
How would you install the tension ties to studs? Might not be a practical issue with a 4 ft. deep deck, but if your inspector is a stickler it could be an issue.
No, not wanting to attach outside ledger to studs. My question again was: "So how do I still proceed attaching the OUTSIDE ledger to the INSIDE ledger but end up with a deck, say, 6 feet from the ground?"
I was confused by your wording, I apologize. I thought you were asking how to attach deck higher than location of interior rim joist (assumed you were calling interior rim joist a ledger as well). Are you asking how to make a multi-level deck? Maybe a quick drawing would help?
Sounds like this deck will be connected to the house for structure only, with only access from outside the house.
I think your idea of making a deck two feet thick (more or less) makes sense.
the deck (or the end attached to the house) needs both lateral and vertical support. you could double up the ledger and make a short wall to rest the deck on, but this will not easily provide the lateral support to keep the deck from moving away from the house.
You could engineer some steel to tie the deck joists to the ledger board, or use cross braces to keep the deck from departing the house.
What might be easier is to double up the joists, but angle one set. that is, use joist hangers on the ledger board, install joists at an angle to these, like you were cutting roof rafters. these would just hold to the house, so would not need to be so large as the deck joists. then make a higher ledger for the deck level, and rest it on the lower ledger.
Are you going to use 6 by posts and an ouside double or triple ledger for the outside of the deck?
How much do you care about looks, or are you trying to keep head room under the deck?
Not sure if this would fly but could be interesting to consider.
Build a double or triple beam to be tied into the second floor rim using structural fasteners and tension ties...Then run 2x12 ledger and joists on top of this. I’d fasten the single ledger into the studs with structural screws and use hurricane straps to connect joists to beam below to add uplift strength. It’d be a lot of flashing; however, it’s the same concept as a double frame but without using so much lumber.
I have exactly this problem, except that my house is concrete basement wall to brick veneer (can't put ledger board over the veneer) and I want my deck to be about 8" higher than the ledger board - did you ever work out a solution to this that worked well?