Real job example
Freestanding deck beside a house
Model a deck that sits against the home without relying on a structural ledger connection.
9 minUpdated July 28, 2026
What you will accomplish
- Choose the correct freestanding attachment type
- Review rear support and house clearance
- Avoid ledger hardware and takeoff assumptions
Choose the freestanding condition intentionally
Use Freestanding Against House when the deck remains beside the home but does not receive structural support from a ledger. Use Freestanding Platform when the deck is independent and should not carry a house-wall relationship.
Freestanding Against House can retain the physical house wall for layout, openings, trim, and presentation while removing ledger structure and hardware.
Provide the rear support the ledger no longer supplies
Review the rear beam or support arrangement, post locations, footing sizes, cantilevers, and clearances. The continuous rear rim is not a structural ledger.
Confirm the output changed with the attachment
- Ledger hardware and tension ties should no longer be treated as active structural components.
- Foundation should show the complete freestanding support system.
- Elevation should make the house relationship and rear support understandable.
- Takeoff should reflect rear beam, post, and footing requirements instead of ledger hardware.
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