How to Measure for a Deck Ledger

If you're attaching a deck to your home, you must measure your deck for a ledger, a piece of 2-by-4 lumber that you attach to the side of your house where the deck connects. It's the beam that supports any joists that you attach to it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find lumber that's just a little bit bigger than the joists you're using. If your joists are 2-by-12s, you might want your deck ledger lumber to be a 2-by-14 board.

2. Measure the side of your deck that is attaching to your home. The ledger will run the entire width of this deck. You want your deck to completely attach to your home.

3. Use multiple ledgers if you're building a deck that attaches to more than one side of your house. Have a ledger to attach to your home on each side that your deck appears.

4. Use a tape measure to determine the length of your deck ledger. This is the exact full length of the deck space that attaches to your home. Ensure your deck ledger piece securely attaches to your home.

5. Plan on two inches in width to attach the ledger to your home. Remember that this is the piece of wood that appears between your deck and your home.