How do I build a deck strong enough for a hot tub?
A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger tubs may require something more substantial.
What decking is best for hot tub?
ASA and other types of PVC decking will likely cost more up front but are the best option for keeping your hot tub deck structurally sound and visually preserved.
How strong does a deck need to be for a hot tub?
A deck designed to hold at least 100 pounds per square foot will support nearly any type of hot tub. However, many decks are designed for only 50 pounds of weight per square foot – this will not support some hot tubs and you’ll have to modify the supports beneath your deck.
Is it OK to put a hot tub on decking?
Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Decks built ground level up to 2 feet off the ground can support up to 100 lbs per square foot; sufficient for most hot tubs. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete.
How do I know if my deck will support a hot tub?
As a general rule of thumb, if you have a deck that’s raised only a couple feet or less, it can support about 100 pounds per square foot. So, if the spa is less than 100 pounds per square foot you likely have nothing to worry about.
What is the best base to put a hot tub on?
A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. If you have an existing patio made of concrete bricks, make sure it’s in good condition and is level (not angled for drainage). A customized poured concrete pad is an even better choice.
Is composite decking strong enough for hot tub?
Composite decking can be built frame-within-a-frame which is a building method dedicated to handling the additional weight. This can be used when building a hot tub to make sure it doesn’t fall apart or collapse under the inclusive weight of the hot tub, water and people that sit in it.
Will a hot tub rot my deck?
Having a hot tub is one of the great treats in life, but the unfortunate truth is that splashing and treading of wet feet can lead to a very wet deck. This water, along with the chemicals in it, isn’t good for a wood deck, and can cause your decking boards to deteriorate much more quickly than they otherwise would.
How do you build a platform for a hot tub?
The easiest way to construct a hot tub platform is to pound stakes at the corners of an 8 by 8 foot square. Make a smaller square of 9 stakes in the middle. Replace each stake with hole that’s 1 foot deep, and fill the holes with a few inches of sand. Place a footing on top and set a short wooden post in each footing.
Is a hot tub too heavy for decking?
In general, most decks can withstand 100 lbs per square foot. So if a hot tub like the one in the example is under that weight, the average deck should be able to support it.
How do you frame a hot tub deck?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: With 12 inch or 305 millimeter centers between each joist. And a maximum span of 800. Millimeters. Between each foundation pad supporting the joists.
How much weight can a 12×12 deck hold?
A 12’x12′ (144sq’) deck properly supported can hold 5 760lbs on it. you build. All floating decks, in fact, all decks built to code, can support no less than 40 lbs per square foot of deck.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level, or grade.
Can a deck hold 2000 pounds?
In short there’s no one right answer to “how much can my deck hold?” However, one rule of thumb to keep in mind while answering the question is that the answer commonly is that if a deck is properly designed, it’s built to hold 50 lbs. per square foot.
How far can deck joists span?
Depending on the size of the deck itself, whether your joists are spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches from the center, and the framing materials and size of deck boards used, deck joist spans may vary. With this in mind, the joist span can range between 6 ft, 10 inches, to 18 ft.
What size wood is best for decking frame?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
Are 2×6 strong enough for deck joists?
You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9’0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9’10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).
