Anyone Use Ledger Strips?

DavidC

Back before Xmas I was holding down the couch while the flu ran it's course through me. So I got to watch more TV than normal. Danny Litford (sp?) was showing us all about building decks with various materials.

What I noticed is that all of the decks shown they used no joist hangers at all. Instead a ledger was installed inside the band joist and the joists rested on it and were nailed through the band into the ends. At least one deck used a larger band joist and the joist sat on the ledger top. Others notched the ends of the joists to keep the tops flush. The decking material was the topic so this wasn't discussed at all, I just noticed it.

I've worked on enough old porches to know that this was an accepted and often used method (at least around here). Just wondering if this is still an accepted method and is anyone still using it.

Good Luck
Dave

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Greg Di

No. No. And no.

2009....we use metal hardware. ALWAYS.

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Brock

That is how I was taught in late 70's. It doesn't fly today though. I like the idea of a larger rim and I suppose after that is bolted on to code and the appropriate hangers are installed you can then apply a ledger under the joists and ofcourse that would pass any code. But why bother?

jcalvin

Ledger strips all the way, all the time. I do use a larger band than I do on the floor joists. If I need 2x8 for the joists, I use 2x10 for the band. Much faster, cheaper, easier, and better than steel in my opinion. I feel that be the time you put a nail in every hole in the joist hanger, you have almost mutilated the band and the joist.

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Cal


You hired WHO

jcalvin

By the way, this does pass code in my area as long as you have three nails through the ledger strip and within an inch and a half from each corner of the joist. May not in yours though.

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Cal


You hired WHO

neolitic

I always hate to disagree with Greg
but, I have done, and I just did.
A low deck (7" above grade) that
intersects with a higher deck at a
30º angle, I've got 5 joist 12"oc
spanning @1' - @4' from beam to
ledger.
I've used ledgers in other situations
and can't see a problem if everything
is sized and attached with care.

Again, no disrespect.

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D.Foster

I stayed at a beach house in the outer banks of your state and ALOT of deck work in that area, and i saw these ledger strips on alot of the decks. Pretty new too, wont fly up here tho.

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Brock

It may be more about the band seperating away from the joists than actually supporting the load. I'm sure someone on here will chime in shortly with all kinds of studies from Simpson. I like many others just comply with the inspectors in my area who are Gods that you must worship.

DavidC

But why, why or why? You're suggesting that erroneous material would be allowed on TV?

It has worked well in the past and looks to me like it would save labor. One thought I had was that glue would be a good idea. Bolting might make it more acceptable to the inspectors. I tend to see notching as decreasing the size of your joist though.

I'll try to remember to ask at the code enforcement office next time I go in. Thanks for the respected input form both sides of the fence.

Good Luck
Dave

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DavidC

Truly where the rubber meets the road.

Good Luck
Dave

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deckman22

I have seen guys still doing that here. 2x12 ledger, 2x8 joist, 2x4 nailed to 2x12 under joist. I don't think they'll pass with notched joist & 2x2 strips deal anymore like they used to tho.

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Greg Di

I've seen it done too. In fact, the deck I just replaced had it. It held up and worked for 20 years, no doubt. However, a metal hanger with 10 nails in it, 4 of which are diagonally toe nailed into the joist and the ledger is bombproof compared to just sitting on a ledger strip. There is significant outward force on the joist system at times. I'll sleep better knowing that I used hangers and I am sure as shlt not going to argue with a building inspector about it. My time is too valuable to worry about saving $20 on hangers and nails.

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precisionbuild

R502.6 Bearing. The ends of each joist, beam or girder shall
have not less than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of bearing on wood or
metal and not less than 3 inches (76 mm) on masonry or concrete
except where supported on a l-inch-by-4-inch (25.4 mm
by 102 mm) ribbon strip and nailed to the adjacent stud or by
the use of approved joist hangers.

A ribbon is a ledger. And most places a ledger has to be nailed with 3 nails under each joist.

That is IRC Code.

precisionbuild

R502.6.2 Joist framing. Joists framing into the side of a
wood girder shall be supported by approved framing
anchors or on ledger strips not less than nominal 2 inches by
2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm).

Again IRC.

jcalvin

I just want to take a minute that I do not just set my joist on the ledger strip. I use a double band around the deck that it notched into the 6x6 post that run continuosly from the footing to the top of the handrail. I will only put in one of the band board so I can nail straight into the end of the joist. Once all the joists are in and secured well, then I put the ledger strip in. I have taken down too many deck that didn't use ledger strips or joist hangers that were in fine shape for me to spend any time or money on a piece of metal that any ole' fly by nighter can use to hide a floor joist that isn't cut square or cut too short.

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Cal


You hired WHO

SLSTech

Ledger strips on decks = another good place to collect rain & debris = quicker rotting However, it is better than nothing

Needless to say I use hangers - unfortunately for most HO's around here they hire the guys that just use a couple of nails for the joists (no strips or hangers), bury the 4x4 posts anywhere from 6" to 18" in the ground, slap on some decking & call it a day

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jeffaah

I agree

/thread

SNC

I have had to do it on rare occesions wheere they dont want to look at any ugly metal connectors.

Greg Di

Take your hangers to a powder coater and the problem is solved. The last job I did, I had 20+ powder coated in for $75 in one day. You can have any color in the rainbow.

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Tom Struble

now that's a great idea Gregwould look much better under a raised deck