Installing The Ledger Board
		Before you bolt your ledger board, you will need to understand a bit about the structure of your house. The interior floor system of your house will usually support decks that are built to the same height. In such cases it's easy to bolt the ledger to the rim joist or the blocking of the house floor. If you have a single rim joist (1½" stock), use machine bolts or carriage bolts with nuts on the inside. If you add blocking behind the rim joist, or if your house has a doubled rim joist, you can use lag screws. Ledgers that are located at a level other that that of the interior floor will probably be bolted to the wall studs or masonary.
Transfer Floor Height
		You can transfer the floor height or stud layout through a window frame or nearby doorway. If you plan to create a doorway for your new deck, you'll find it easier to take measurements for the ledger if you first cut a rough opening for the door.

Drilling The Ledger
		Drill ½" holes, top and bottom, one inch in from the edge of the ledger, on 16" centers.The first pair of holes should be no more than six inches from the end. Adjust the bolt layout so that it's out of the way of all joist hangers. If your ledger will be lag-screwed to studs, prop it in place on the wall, and mark out the stud locations on the ledger.
Marking the Wall for Drilling
		The easiest and most accurate way to mark bolt locations on the wall is to use the drilled ledger as a guide. Prop it in place at its intended height, and level it. You can tack the ledger in place temporarily before you mark. Use a narrow felt-tip pen or pencil, or use a drill with a ½" bit.The bit will automatically center itself in the hole.

Fastening the Ledger with Lag Screws
		Lag screws are big screws with hexagonal heads. Like all screws, their withdrawal strength is far greater than that of nails. Use lag screws if you can't reach behind to tighten a nut. For decks, 3/8 or 1/2" diameters are a good choice. Drill two holes to install a lag screw. Remenber the unthreaded shank of the screw has a larger diameter than the threaded portion. Make the hole fit the threaded portion equal to the diameter to the solid core of the screw between the threads. Use a socket wrench as your driving tool. Rub soap or paraffin on the thread to make screws easier to drive.
Spacing the ledger: The Washer Method
		Here's a simple technique that prevents moistire from building up betwee the ledger and the house siding. Stack about four washers on the lag screws before you install the ledger. This way you can tighten the lage screws firmly, and still leave a 3/8" air gap. If your siding is beveled, use fewer washers on the top or bottom to keep the ledger plumb. Before installing the ledger, lay a thick bead of silicone caulk around each hole on the wall.

Fastening the Ledger with Lag Screws
		Lag screws are big screws with hexagonal heads. Like all screws, their withdrawal strength is far greater than that of nails. Use lag screws if you can't reach behind to tighten a nut. For decks, 3/8 or 1/2" diameters are a good choice. Drill two holes to install a lag screw. Remenber the unthreaded shank of the screw has a larger diameter than the threaded portion. Make the hole fit the threaded portion equal to the diameter to the solid core of the screw between the threads. Use a socket wrench as your driving tool. Rub soap or paraffin on the thread to make screws easier to drive.
Spacing the ledger: The Washer Method
		Here's a simple technique that prevents moistire from building up betwee the ledger and the house siding. Stack about four washers on the lag screws before you install the ledger. This way you can tighten the lage screws firmly, and still leave a 3/8" air gap. If your siding is beveled, use fewer washers on the top or bottom to keep the ledger plumb. Before installing the ledger, lay a thick bead of silicone caulk around each hole on the wall.

Expansion Bolts
		To attach framing securely to an existing solid masonary wall, use expanding anchor bolts. Install an anchor bolt by drilling a hole of the proper size with a hammer drill. Blow out the dust in the hole before inserting the anchor bolt. Use plastic tubing that is narrow enough to allow the dust to escape aroud it. A three foot piece of tubing is long enough to keep your face away from the dust that sprays out of the hole.