Ledger
The ledger usualy makes the best starting place for laying out the whole new deck. Its a major supporting member, so it must be firmly attached to the house. See below:


Floating Deck
Some decks don't have a ledger and aren't connected to the house. An island deck, built right next to the house, gives the illusion of a standard deck but skips the ledger work and adds an extra girder near the house. See below:
