Ledger for Exterior Stairs – Attach to Existing Wood or Remove and Add Ledger

deckledgerstairs

I'm adding steps to the exterior of my house. I know the steps need to be attached to a ledger. However, I cannot decide what the white piece of wood that is already there:

  • Is it a ledger without the bolts; thus, I just need to add the bolts?
  • Is it just a cover that I need to pry off (it's nailed in pretty good)?
  • Can I just attach the stair hangers to?

Existing Wood

Best Answer

The board is a fascia board, which hides the rim joist. It's only nailed or screwed in. I need to remove it, so I can attach the ledger.