Not sure if I can word this properly so ya’ll understand but here goes:
I am rebuilding an 8’ x 32’ deck. It was “kinda” lagged to the Cabin (end joist was rotted).
i took the deck apart, and am replacing the rotten wood, but now I realize this end joist isnt perpendicular to the joists (can screw it into the floor joists ) but it’s parallel and is in fact the las floor joist that I would be lagging into.
‘’normally the joist has a subfloor above it, and a sillplate/foundation below it so lots of support.
but, this is a cabin on a pad and post foundation, so the last joist has the subfloor above it, but no sill plate below it. It is only supported by 4 beams across its length.
‘’I’m worried if I lag into it the deck could pull the joist unless maybe I use blocking to screw the joist into the blocking, and then into the second last joist.
‘’alternatively I could build the deck free standing. A bit more involved with x bracing, but less work with flashing the ledger, etc. I just don’t want the deck to pull the joist out.
Replies
What you are describing will not achieve code. The band joist to which you are attaching the ledger has to have solid support from below, can not be attached to a cantilever or rim joist with no foundation and sill below it. Doesn’t mean that you can’t attach it to the cabin, but you can’t rely on the rim joist for support. Will need to have posts and footings to support your deck. Or you can have an engineer determine an alternative option. It doesn’t happen often, but I’ve had decks engineered that do not relate to the wording of code, but are engineered, so deemed safe.
So basically I need a free standing deck then?
Yes, or can have an engineer approve something for you, but the cost of that will probably exceed installing a few posts and girder.
What jlyda said. Here's some info from this site you might find helpful. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/03/29/freestanding-decks-solve-ledger-attachment-challenges