I'm planning to build a large deck. approx. 28' x 12'. i've built decks before but on a much smaller scale so now i have a few questions. the ledger board will be 28' long. does this need to be one solid piece of wood or can it be put up in 2 pieces? if it can be 2 pieces do i need to lag bolt all of the ends with 2 bolts or are two only needed at the ends of the 28'? do i need two lateral load tensioners on each board or is it two per deck no matter how many pieces the ledger is.

also I plan to have the piers 11' from the house. if i'm using 2 x 8 lumber for joists, do i need a girder in the middle of this span?