Establish Ledger Board and Main Beams

What happens here

The initial phase of deck construction involves establishing the primary structural connection to the house and setting up the main supporting beams and posts. This begins with preparing the house wall, often by removing siding to expose the rim joist or band board. A treated lumber ledger board is then precisely measured, cut, and securely fastened to the house's structural framing using lag screws or through-bolts and washers. Concurrently, or immediately after, support posts made from treated lumber are positioned and anchored in concrete footings (which typically need to be prepared beforehand by digging and pouring concrete). These posts are cut to the correct height, and then main beams (girders), also made of treated lumber, are attached to the top of these posts. These beams run parallel to the ledger board, forming the outer perimeter of the deck's main support structure. The video briefly shows workers assembling these larger structural components.

Goal: Secure the primary support structure of the deck to the house and foundation.