A ledger is a load-bearing board bolted or lagged directly into the structural framing of a building's wall. It serves as the attachment point for floor joists, deck framing, or a roof structure. Because it carries half the weight of the attached structure, structural failure of the ledger connection is a leading cause of catastrophic deck collapses.
Heard on the job
We need to flash behind the ledger board before we bolt it to the rim joist.
Insider tip
Never attach a deck ledger over existing siding or stucco; it must be fastened directly to the structural rim joist and properly flashed to prevent rot.
Also heard as
- ledger board