Hello All,
I am building a 12×12 deck and started by attaching the ledger to the block foundation of the house with lags and sleeves. Well, I laid out a level line to line up the top of the ledger and had pre-drilled holes for the lags. When I went to mark the holes on the block the pencil I used didn’t mark it to well. So we put the board back up to the line and….I know better than this…..didn’t re-check for level(helpers aren’t too experienced….re-marked the holes using spray paint. Drilled the holes and attached the board. Low and behold the board is an inch out of level across the 12′ width.
My question is this….When I attach the joists(using hangers) can I leave them proud of the ledger so that the tops of the joists are in a level line? This deck is only a few inches off the ground and it’s just a very plain deck. The bottom corner of the deck that the unlevel part of the ledger would be exposed will not be seen.
Seems like a fairly simple solution but I am overlooking something?
Replies
An inch off over 12' really isn't too bad and could even be a good thing. I always build decks with some pitch in them so water will flow off. Ideally, the deck should pitch in the long direction of the deck boards so if your deck boards will be parallel to the house, your "mistake" will actually work for you.
Our Motto: "Better lucky than good"
What you could do is sister another board onto the ledger that is level.
Yes, you can also shim under each joist hanger. I did this a few years ago when the ledger was level from end to end, too high in the middle because of excessive crown. I should have either used a straighter piece or saw the crown out before bolting the ledger.
mike
Just snap a level line for the bottom of hangers install the joists and start decking. If necessary you install a ripper to level out the top of the ledger to support the inside piece of decking.
Owen Roberts Group
10634 East Riverside Drive # 100
Bothell, WA 98011
http://www.owenrobertsgroup.com
I agree. This would be my approach.
Rip a 1" to nothing strip and nail it on top and then nail your joists flush at the top and put your hangers last. I never nail hangers on first because all the joist are different in height. Keeping the joist flush at the top is the most important thing.
another vote for fixing it with the hangers ...
unless as mentioned ... the pitch isn't already working in your favor.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I know better than this.....didn't re-check for level(helpers aren't too experienced....
Rule number one of being the boss.....never blame your help.
The fellas have give you some good advice although it sounds like you've figured it out on your own. I like Joe's solution the best myself (Framer). Good luck with the rest of the project.