When building a raised deck – even if only slightly raised –
there are two basic methods of ensuring that the deck is stable.
Stability of the deck frame is a major factor with any deck that
is not resting on the ground. Unless the deck frame is well
anchored and secured, lateral movement can take place over years
– especially with the shrinking and expansion of timber in the
different season.
Free-standing raised decks have to be well supported and diagonally
braced in the frame to ensure rigidity. It is the main construction
technique to ensure that your deck fulfills its function for many years,
and above all is safe from possible collapse.
A
raised deck abutting a wall has the advantage of being held fast on at
least one side to help with this stability. Fixing a deck to a brick
wall demands additional work in to sub deck frame construction, but it
will be well on the way to stability, longevity and safety. This
involves the attaching of a timber wall plate or ledger board to the
wall, upon which the normal way forward is to use joist angers from
which to support the raised decking joists.
The attaching of the ledger board to the house or other wall is a job for two people for ease of procedure.
There are
additional tools required, and this operation is best
carried out with someone who has good building skills and
also comfortable with the power tools to be used and
knowledgeable as to the type of fixing bolts to be used.
Once the ledger board decking wall plate has been affixed
to the wall, decking proceeds at an easier pace and with
the full knowledge that the deck is not going to move from
where you put it.
It is very important to get this part right, for the only way you can remedy a faulty ledger board fixing, is by removing all of the deck boards to enable access. Read the points below and fully understand before you proceed. Any doubts whatever. Stop the work and get a professional or at least experienced building workman. You are providing for the long term stability and safety of the raised deck. Here we are talking of a relatively low raised deck, but the same procedure should be followed as for a high raised deck.
Not all walls are suitable for supporting a deck, either because they are not strong enough, or not straight.
There are several types of wall anchor bolts available. It is best to
seek the advice of your local supplier who will have information and
knowledge of local building types.
The type of ‘sleeve anchor’ bolts in the images allow for easy fixing
of the pre-drilled wall plate deck ledger board which can then be slid
onto the protruding bolt screws via the previously drilled holes in the
ledger board.
With weaker walls or this with soft bricks and mortar, it is possible
to use a straight threaded rod, which can be secured into the wall by
way of impregnating the hole with epoxy resin which will then grip into
the hole surrounds and hold the bolt rod securely. Much depends upon the
actual strength of the wall. Seek advice, don’t assume!
Make sure that you are aware of the Damp proofing course and aim to have your deck at the recommended height ‘below’ the DPC – unless it is considerably above that level as in a semi-balcony situation. There is no hard and fast rule as to how to go about this task. The end result of a suitable ledger board securely fastened to the wall is what we are aiming for.
The ledger board is ideally the same dimensions as the joists to be affixed later – ideally 6x2in (150x50mm) It needs to be straight and not warped or have undue splits. C21 grade timber would be ideall. It will of course also be pressure treated Tanalith. It will be virtually impossible to re-treat at a later date.
Using
a hammer drill, drill the holes to the RECOMMENDED depth
and insert the anchors. This should leave the actual screw
thread available to push the wall plate over.
IMPORTANT
### make sure the fixings you use have a
protruding screw thread which is several mm longer than
the depth of the wall plate. In case of a 6x2in 150x50mm
there will need to be at least 2.5in or 70mm of thread
available.
Identify Weeds in The Garden - How to deal with weeds. Diseases and Pest which harm your garden and plants, learn how to prevent, deter and erradicate your garden problems.
Garden ProblemsPruning Guide. Shrubs flower better with correct pruning. Many illustrations and examples of what to do - and when. Includes evergreens, roses, flowering shrubs, spring flowering shrubs and pruning for stem effect. This is our most viewed and comprehensive section,
PruningGardening Businesses listed in the UK counties and USA states. County and State Listings of businesses involved in Garden supplies and services. If you wish to be added to the Directory, please send us your information. Having problems, use the search box
BusinessesIn this section you will learn about Gardening Basics, Containers, Landscaping, Propagation and Soil.
GardeningGardening Gifts and Reviews, Read Before you Buy