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Decks

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Chapter
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Attach a Deck Ledger Over Brick, Foam, and Other Thick Claddings

A trio of hardware options for installing a ledger-supported deck over non-structural claddings.

By Mike Guertin

Jump to all the videos in this series

Building decks on houses with shingles, clapboards, or other thin, lightweight types of siding is a relatively straightforward task–you merely omit the siding and attach a ledger directly to the framing through the sheathing (but be sure to flash it in properly). Thicker or heavier siding types, such as brick veneer and cultured stone, make the job a lot more complicated. You usually can’t bear directly on these types of claddings, so you need to find some other way to support the deck framing adjacent to the house. The video above outlines several acceptable ways to get the job done.

Can you build code-compliant decks on houses with masonry claddings?

Two sections of the 2018 IRC (R507.9.1.1, R703.8.3)  prohibit attaching a deck ledger to the masonry or stone veneer cladding a house.  The only prescriptive option the code provides for building a deck on a house with stone or masonry veneer is to construct it to be self-supporting.  That usually means installing a line of footings, posts and a beam along the house side of the deck as well as the outside of the deck so it is completely free-standing.

Freestanding decks are not the only option

There are other options using proprietary hardware or engineered details.  Not only do these options work when the house has stone or masonry veneer, they also work for homes clad with stucco, EIFS, or have thick layers of exterior insulation.

Most of the systems involve a bracket  or stand-off that spaces the ledger off the wall sheathing by the thickness of the cladding or insulation.  And most are best suited to installation before the veneer cladding or insulation is installed – though they can be retrofitted by cutting out the veneer or insulation and then filling back in after the hardware is installed.

One system is designed to install a deck ledger to an existing house with brick or stone veneer.  It will also work on homes with thick exterior insulation.

Several of the systems have an ICC Evaluation Service Report or an IAPMO- Evaluation Report.  These reports are usually recognized by your local building department as qualifying products for their intended purpose as an alternative to method of attaching a ledger to a building.  Check with your local building department before using a proprietary product to ensure they will approve you to use it.  This is especially the case when a product is unfamiliar to the local building official.  The local official may require the ledger attachment be designed by a licensed professional.

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Videos in the Series

  • installing and flashing a deck ledger

    How to Install and Flash a Deck Ledger, Start to Finish

    Follow the complete deck ledger installation process from prep to fastening to flashing.

  • Options for Fastening a Deck Ledger

    Options for Fastening a Deck Ledger

    Learn the pros, cons, and proper placement of ledger bolts, lags, and structural screws.

  • attaching deck ledger to brick

    Attach a Deck Ledger Over Brick, Foam, and Other Thick Claddings

    A trio of hardware options for installing a ledger-supported deck over non-structural claddings.

  • Types of Deck Footings

    Deck Footing Options

    Mike Guertin provides a comprehensive overview of code-approved solutions for supporting the structure and loads of a deck.

  • deck post and footing fasteners

    Options for Fastening Deck Posts to Footings

    These hardware and fastener options are as much about lateral loads and uplift as they are about solid bearing surfaces.

  • deck beam

    Options for Fastening Beams to Deck Posts

    Get an overview of post-to-beam hardware choices for single, double, and triple beams.

  • how to install deck joists

    Installing Deck Joists

    With joist hangers, it’s all about placement, flange style, and proper fastening.

  • deck lateral load connection

    Lateral Load Deck Connector Options

    Get to know the options for this structural insurance policy, meant to tie the deck to the house without relying on the ledger.

  • deck railing fasteners

    Options for Fastening Deck Guardrails

    See all the fastening options for rock-solid deck railings: inside the rim, outside the rim, and surface mounted.

  • Support and Connect Stair Stringers

    Building Strong Deck Stairs

    Learn several fool-proof methods for supporting and connecting stringers and guardrails when building an outdoor staircase.

Previous: Mounting Deck Ledgers to Engineered Floor Systems Next: Deck Ledger Mounting System for Masonry Veneer (and Other Challenging Cladding)

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Framing a Deck

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Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

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