Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Ceiling Joist Ledger Board

I am building a screened in porch on my deck. I am in the process of getting the ledger boards up for the ceiling joists and rafters. What is the best way to attach the ledgers? Unfortuneately, the ledgers fall just above and just below the second story band joist. Do I need to just try and hit the framing studs with my lag screws or is there another(better) way? What is ideal size of fasteners? Any help is much appreciated.

My opinion is; No two ways about it, you got to hit something solid. If it's not the band board, then it's got to be the framing studs. That is, if you want the structure intact long term. Even if you have plywood sheating and want to bolt to it, my opinion is that it isn't solid enough to hold long term. I always look at it as it's better to take the time to do it right than to save a few moments cutting corners for a quicker job.

Thanks for the reply. I definitely plan on getting into something solid. My concern was more would the framing studs be solid enough. And if they were beforehand, how solid would they be once I drive a 1/2" or 3/8" lag screw into them. Wasn't sure if I needed to cut away the siding and sheathing and put blocking between my studs and screw into that. From other things I've read, that may be a bit of overkill.

Before installing the lag screws into the studs, pre-drill using a bit the size of the lag screw shank at the thread area. This is a smaller size than the outside of the threads. This will direct the lag screw in the right direction and will prevent splitting the stud.

Wirepuller's right on with that. Just locate the stud center for a better grip. If you don't have solid sheeting on the exterior, it's easier to find by locating the edges of the stud and centering between them.

Then again, you could go through all the work of installing solid blocking, overkill or not, a little overkill never collapsed a house, but it's really not worth it.

You only asked about attaching the ledger board to the wall, so I assume you have the other construction aspects covered. Like how the rafters will be attached to the ledger, the size/span of the rafters, the construction and support for the wall at the other end of the rafters, sheathing material, flashing, roofing, and so forth. Just checking.

Yes, my local building dept has been very helpful in those respects and confirmed what was posted here about attaching the ledger boards.