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Attaching Decking to a House Wall -  Decking project 3 -

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.

Fixing a Ledger Board to a Wall

M12 rawlbolt for fixing the deck ledger to wall of houseThe 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.

Anchorage and Wall-Fixing Bolts and methods

Ledger fixed to wall of houseThere 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!

Basic Method and Procedure for Fixing Decking Ledger Board

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.

  • Make sure it is the same length as the width of your envisaged deck. It is a good idea to fix your galvanised joist hangers before the board is fastened to the wall. These would normally be fixed at maximum 600mm centres.
  • Once that is done, offer the decking frame ledger board to the wall where it is to be fixed, and pencil mark between each joist hanger – halfway or so – depending upon any wall obstructions or weak points etc.
    You can then pre-drill the deck plate with a hole to correspond to the dia. of the bolt to pass through it. (12mm+ in our example).
  • Again offer the board to the wall – you will need help – and pass a soft-leaded pencil through the holes to mark the position of the holes for the sleeve anchor (or other fixing)

The sub deck progressesUsing 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.

  • Once the wall plate is then provisionally fixed to the wall, tighten the bolts alternatively – using a good sized washer on the outside so that tightening does not crush the timber, or - worse – force the nut into the timber. Rectangular galvanised plate washers are ideal for this 50x50m. Apply exterior grade silicone gel around the washers and bolts – sealing the whole unit from water.

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