How to Connect a Deck to a Brick Veneer Block

Mark the future joist locations along the length of a 2-inch by 8-inch ledger board. Deck joists are typically placed every 16 to 24 inches.

Drill pilot holes through the ledger board for attaching it to the wall. Use a drill bit with a diameter that is equal to the diameter of the carriage bolts. Place pilot holes every 16 inches, alternating the holes so half sit near the top of the board and half sit near the bottom. Place the pilot holes outside of the future joist locations.

Measure and mark the desired height of the ledger board on the brick wall. Make several marks along the length of the wall with chalk.

Set the ledger board against the marked location on the brick wall. Place a level on top to ensure it is straight. Outline the top edge of the ledger board and mark the pilot hole locations on the brick wall. Remove the ledger board.

Drill pilot holes through the brick and concrete. Use a hammer drill with a carbide hammer bit that is at least 12 inches long to go though both layers.

Replace the ledger board. Insert carriage bolts through the corresponding holes in the wall and the ledger board. Use carriage bolts that are at least 16 inches long so they can go through the ledger board and the layers of the wall.

Slip lock washers onto the ends of the carriage bolts on the other side of the wall. Tighten hex nuts onto the ends of the carriage bolts to secure the ledger board.

Apply a bead of silicon caulk along the top corner of the ledger board, where it meets the brick wall. Smooth the caulk bead with a finger.