Installing Ledgers
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Tools and Supplies You'll Need
Screws or Finish Nails — use screws or nails that are long enough to go through the Ledger and firmly attach to the wall behind it. If using screws, we recommend a narrow head screw (such as a #1 Roberson head trim head screw) to make touch-up easier and less noticeable. If the application is on the exterior or in a wet location we recommend exterior grade fasteners.
Construction Adhesive/Glue — we recommend either PL® Premium Construction Adhesive, PL® Premium Advanced 4X Construction Adhesive (which has 4X faster bonding), or Great Stuff Pro.
Screw gun with the appropriate tip for the screws being used. (if applicable, and necessary)
Hammer and nail set (if applicable)
A saw for cutting the Ledger to fit – a circular saw, jig saw, band saw, table saw, or hand saw, it is your preference. Any woodcutting blade used with these saws work great and cut smooth and easy.
Tape Measure
Caulking gun for applying the Adhesive/Glue and Caulk.
FauxPanels™ color coordinated textured caulk (if applicable)
Touch-up Kit (if applicable, and necessary)
« Click to hide list of tools Directions:
The Ledger can be installed indoors, or outdoors, on any reasonably flat surface that is clean and in structurally sound condition. The Ledger should be installed after any FauxPanels so that the Ledger can placed on top of the FauxPanels as a finishing trim.
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1. Begin the Ledger trim installation by making sure the surface it will be attached to is clean. Wipe the surface with a rag. Use a wire brush on harder surfaces. Wipe clean the back of the Ledger as well.
Acclimatize the Ledger to roughly the same temperature and humidity as the installation surface for about 24 hours. Avoid storing trim in direct sunlight or close to heat sources. |
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2. Plan the layout of your decorative wall trim to best suit your needs. Decide how you would like to address going around corners by mitering the Ledger at the corners. |
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3. Measure, mark, and cut the Ledger to fit. If a visible grout line is wanted, cut an extra 1/16” off of each mitered end of the Ledger to create space the for the caulk to form a grout line. |
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4. Dry fit the Ledger to insure a proper fit. |
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5. Apply two beads of the Construction Adhesive to the back of the Ledger as shown. |
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6. Apply a generous bead oftextured caulk to the top edge of the FauxPanels where the decorative wall trim is to be installed. |
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7. Apply the Ledger to the wall. Use a slight twisting motion to help ensure good contact with the adhesive, the caulk, and the wall. |
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8. Begin fastening the Ledger to the wall with screws or finish nails. Use these fasteners approximately every 16” or as needed. All screws or finish nails should be very slightly recessed below the surface of the Ledger. Do not over tighten the screws. Use a nail set to recess finish nails. Use exterior grade fasteners if the Ledger is being installed in high moisture areas. |
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9. Add the textured caulk to the seams where the Ledger pieces meet. This is very important to ensure a weather-tight seal. Use caulk to fill the screw or nail holes. (You may want to use paint from the touch-up kits to help conceal the caulk that has filled the screw and nail holes.) |
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10. Before the texture caulk dries be sure to use a damp rag to wipe off any excess caulk, especially where it may have squeezed out from between the joint between the Ledgers and where the Ledger and the FauxPanels meet. The Ledger Trim Installation is now complete.
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Alternate Installation Method Using Glue Only (no screws or nails)
Follow the directions 1-4 as stated above.
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5. Apply a bead of the Great Stuff Pro Adhesive to the back of the decorative wall trim. Wear gloves when using the Great Stuff and follow the directions on the can. |
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6. Apply a generous bead oftextured caulk to the top edge of the FauxPanels where the Ledger is to be installed. |
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7. Apply the Ledger to the wall. Use a slight twisting motion to help ensure good contact with the glue/adhesive and the wall.
Resume following steps 9 and 10 as stated above. |
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Tips...
Be sure to follow and obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers. Always follow any, and all, local, state, and federal building codes.
Always comply with any specified clearances set forth by the manufactures of stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and any other heat sources, as well.
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