How do I fix a deck ledger to cement board?

[dwblack]

Hi, I'm building a small step deck onto the side of my existing undercover area at the rear of the house.  I understand I could fix a ledger board although wondering if I should.  I'd be going into fairly thin cement board and there's also a tile retaining strip thats degraded and I'm thinking of removing so I could butt the decking up to the tiled surface of the existing deck.

The first set of posts/bearers would be about 500mm out from the board.  Couple of questions...

• Should I try a ledger board and whats the best way to fix to cement board?
• Would it be better to use posts and have the deck essentially free-standing?  The issue here is the house foundations would be in the way of ideal post placement.

Thanks in advance!

Dave

[Jewelleryrescue · Accepted solution]

Hi @dwblack 

Steps  take a pounding  so any stair stringers will have to be bolted to a solid structure under the cement sheeting.

Or you can buy steel or  timber strings and attach them to posts in the ground beside your decking making them free standing .

Freestanding steps

Sorry @dwblack  have you noticed the rust around the metal deck support I would use wire brush on a drill and clean that up, Then rust convert and then galvanised paint then final paint color.  If that one is rusty what do the others look like?  I would give that metal post another 5 years before  possible collapse

[dwblack]

Thanks for the reply @Jewelleryrescue!  This is more of the build I'm looking to do though - except slightly higher drop and length.  Thanks for the tip on the rust tho... these are actually the house footings - only 6 years old 😬.  I'll maybe check with a builder and possibly QBCC.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/building-construction/decking/how-to-add-a-step-to-your-deck

 

[EricL]

Hello @dwblack

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about mounting a deck ledger for your steps. 

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. I totally agree with the recommendation of using independent posts as this will not affect the steel foundation of your house. This also saves you from having to modify the area where it is being installed.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @dwblack 

I like your planned full length step the hardware I proposed you use can still  be used to make your  full length step modified  slightly.  and the posts trimmed to a usefull height under the boards  Or that video will show you another way ,

Sorry to raise the issue about the rust but  you are better forwarned I as its cheaper to fix now. 10 x more later