How to Install Joist Hangers for a Deck

Joist hangers, metal fasteners that attach joists to ledger boards, are inexpensive and can save you time when you're building your deck.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Joist Hangers
• Markers
• Galvinized Common Nails
• Hammers
• Scrap Piece Of Lumber The Size Of Joist Hanger
• Joist hangers
• Hammers
• Markers

1. Mark where each joist will be placed on the ledger board, starting at the outside corner. (Joists should be spaced on 16-inch centers.)

2. Transfer markings to the beam using a storyboard. (A storyboard is simply a long piece of scrap lumber onto which you can pencil the distance between joists; use it to transfer the same design to the ledger board and any subsequent beams in a fraction of the time needed to repeat the measurement process over and over.)

3. Place a joist hanger at each marked space, setting the top of the joist flush with the ledger or top edge or beam (if joists are set on the side of the beam).

4. Insert a scrap of lumber into each joist hanger to hold the correct opening.

5. Nail the joist hangers in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Make an X to indicate the side of each mark where each joist will sit.
• Once the joist hangers are in place you are ready to lay the footing for your deck.

on 11/22/2005 I found a tool called the Hanger Hoister. This tool holds the joist hanger in the right shape for a 2" joist and allows me to use my hammer or nail gun while keeping my hand clear of the tools. It also keeps the joist hangers uniform and level. This tool has vastly increased my production time!