Just wondered everyones opinion regarding building an attached deck vs. freestanding. With a freestanding you will have a few extra post holes to dig but you will save tearing into the siding to run a ledger board. I am a small ohio contractor and have done it both ways but I am looking for some of you with more experience to tell me what you think. Thanks.
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Fred, I build freestanding more often just for the reason you stated, also, if it isn't attached to the house (and not more that 2'6 above grade) we don't need a permit out here in San Diego.
Usually I only attach when the deck is pretty high up, or when the house side posts would be an obvious visual detraction.
Ground floor decks freestanding, 2nd floor and up attached. Hillsides are a special case, you have to consider height, direction of slope, possible ground movement, etc. On hills, decks that are part of the original design are more likely to be attached. In those areas, new construction on adjacent properties sometimes changes the view, and people decide to get rid of a deck.
-- J.S.
Thanks for the replies. You both echo what I was thinking but everyone on this board has unique experiences and knowledge that I wanted to tap into. I see quite a few people attach to the house on first level decks and I have found it easier to not do it this way. Plus, if someone every wants to tear down or change the deck the house is still intact.
My only problem is how are the joists attached to the box beam that replaces the ledger? I imagine you could install all the joist hangers to it and then slip the joists into the hangers. But then you would need to play with the joistd to make sure the box is straight.I may even try this on a beck I am going to start next month.
Yes you could use joist hangars. But this is only an issue if you run your joists perpendicular to the house. All the decks I have built freestanding have had the joists running parallel to the house. Therefore the beams and the decking run perpendicular to the house.
I have to agree with you. But all the decks I have done near a house have had a ledger and had the joist come off it, perpendicular to the house.Unfortunately, this deck hits 2 walls, in a corner.Should be interesting to see which way saves more time.