Had to pick between a 2x4 and a 2x6 for a deck ledger in a wet climate

I was framing a deck in Portland last month and the plans called for a 2x4 ledger. I got a bad feeling looking at the old, damp siding it was going against. I went with a 2x6 instead for the extra strength and to get the deck surface further from the house. It cost about $40 more in materials and an extra hour of work, but I sleep better knowing it's solid. Has anyone else had to make a call like that against the written specs?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_perry16d ago

You really think a 2x4 ledger is that weak? Pressure treated lumber is made for this. That extra two inches isn't doing much except moving your deck board gap. If the framing is done right and flashed properly, the size of the ledger is the last thing to worry about. You just spent extra money and time for peace of mind, not actual building code.

ryan_kim6316d ago

Honestly, specs are written for a reason. A properly flashed and bolted 2x4 ledger is code for a reason, it holds up tons of weight. That extra height on a 2x6 isn't adding much real strength against rot, just moving the deck out. If the siding was the real worry, the fix is better flashing and a gap, not just bigger wood. Feels like overkill unless the deck is huge or something.

nelson.gavin8d ago

Exactly, the whole point of code is to set a safe minimum. Going bigger on the ledger is like putting a bigger lock on a door with a weak frame. The real failure points are almost always the fasteners pulling out or water getting behind it. A 2x6 just gives you a bigger piece of wood to rot if the flashing detail is wrong. Seen decks fail because lag bolts were put in wrong, not because the ledger board itself snapped.