Deck Ledger Fasteners

ovahimba

I am putting in my first deck myself. On a lower level I am attaching a 2x10 ledger to 2x6 studs. There is no house band at that location, just blocking for the seam in the siding. The standard fastener seems to be a 1/2 inch lag bolt. Holding the bolt in my hand, its hard to imagine it shearing even with an elephant standing on it. Would it weaken the stud drilling out that much wood to accommodate the lag bolt? I might be more comfortable using 3/8 lags but using more of them. What are your thoughts.

Spike99

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See slide 11 within: http://www.awc.org/Publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6.pdf

As per its details, 1/2" thick lag bolts are used. One could possibly use 3/8 thick lag bolts (and double their amount) but do keep in mind, more "little lag bolts" into a vertical 2xN stud weakens it as much as less "larger lag bolts" in the same stud. Besides that, minimim code is probably 1/2" thick in your region. And like all minimum code, there's many proven reasons behind it. With this in mind, using 1/2" thick lag bolts is probably best.... Do call your local inspector to confirm if more "smaller thickness" lag bolts can be used for your Deck. After all, he/she will be doing its final inspection (hopefully).

Also... If you don't like using lag bolts, one might be able to use 1/2" thick galvanized threaded bolts and use large washers on each side. Both inner and outer sides. This is an alternative "Ledger board" attaching method on slide 11 as well.


Hope this helps...

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pavola

Is this above or below the top of the foundation?

ez-e

There is a product made just for this application called Ledgerlocks. Long skinny lags with a built in washer head. Check em out!

http://www.peoplesbuild.com/pc-95-85...rews-50bx.aspx

ovahimba

Thanks for the info. The area I am placing the ledger is part of a tall under story on the down side of a slope, not originally developed for flooring. There is no rim joist. I have no problem sinking a 1/2 bolt into a rim joist, but placing one into a 1 1/2' wide piece of wood (2x6 stud) makes me a little nervous. From what I gather on the internet, 1/2 bolts don't fail. Its the lumber around it that cracks and crushes during testing. Those LedgerLoks might be what I'm looking for but I guess the building inspector has the last word.

robertcdf

Bring the ICC report and unless they are stupid they will allow it.
Ledgerloks are one of the best things since the cordless drill.

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ez-e

If you've got a good healthy impact driver or even a hammer drill they go in like butta... Very nice product