Consider mounting the hot tub on a concrete slab so that it sits close to the edge of the deck if your hot tub deck is or will be low to the ground. The hot tub can then be surrounded by deck layers to make it easier for people to enter and exit. You reach the hot tub's servicing panels, just be sure to leave space around it. Building a deck that can hold a hot tub is not difficult, but it must be built strongly, which necessitates understanding of joist spacing and footing location. Here is when information from local building authorities or guidance from a qualified builder can be useful. It's frequently possible to cut out a section of your current deck and install the hot tub on a concrete slab or other firm substrate for hot tub deck framing if your present deck is unable to handle the weight of a hot tub.
Step By Step Process Of Building A Deck For A Hot Tub
When creating a hot tub deck, there are a number of crucial considerations to make. It's a major project, so before you start, think about consulting building authorities and/or a qualified expert who understands how to create a deck for a hot tub.
Step 1: Prepare The Site
To find the utilities, dial 811, then remove any grass or plants from the area. Where you want to put a recessed or ground-level hot tub, remove all the soil, level it out, and compact it. To stop water from collecting under or around the deck, slope the ground in other places. To upgrade or install electrical service to power the hot tub, hire an electrician. You might wish to speak with experts who are knowledgeable with hot tub deck reinforcement.
Step 2: Set The Footings
Layout lines square to the house should be established using batter boards, and the footing positions should be determined using a measuring tape, line level, and plumb bob. Each footing point should be marked with bright tape, a landscape spike, or spray paint. Dig to the necessary depth with a posthole digger or auger, then place cardboard foundation forms within the holes. The forms should be level with one another and plumped. Have the forms inspected if required, then pour concrete into them and smooth the top. After the concrete has dried, affix brackets for connecting posts or beams to the footings.
Step 3: Establish The Hot Tub Pad
Hot tubs that are recessed or at ground level need to be supported by a 3 to 4 inch thick concrete pad. As you did with the footing locations, establish and label the pad's corners. Consider the overall height of the hot tub, the height of the finished deck, and the height of the hot tub above the deck surface to estimate the finished height of the pad. Using concrete blocks set on sand or a concrete form, install the pad on compacted, level ground.
Step 4: Attach The Ledger Board
Determine the finished height of the deck at the home, deduct the thickness of the decking, and then draw a level line. Utilize lag screws or self-drilling structural screws to secure the ledger board along this line. Keep the screws away from the area where the joists will attach. Make sure the screws are inserted deeply enough into the framework. Engineered trusses and joists probably need to be reinforced. Add metal flashing over the ledger, which can necessitate short-term siding removal from the house.
Step 5: Install The Support Posts And The Beams
- The Support Posts
Measure the distance between the top of the post bracket and the top of the ledger board at each footing, then deduct the height of the beam. The post will be this long. Small differences in post length don't matter. Make careful to pay attention to which post belongs with which footing. Screw the posts into the post brackets after plumbing them. - The Beams
Set the beams, centered from side to side, into the beam brackets on the footings or into the posts with the aid of a helper. The beams must be straight, completely in contact with each post or bracket, and wobble-free. Connect the beams to the posts with brackets or to the beam brackets at the ledger board after making sure they are square to the beams.
Step 6: Attach The Deck Joists
In order to install the joist hangers, draw vertical lines where the joists will join the ledger board and beams. For wood decks, the standard joist spacing is 16 inches, while composite decks often have joist spacing of 12 inches. The joists may be shorter or doubled up in sections where the deck must support a hot tub and there may be less space between them. Install structure for sunken hot tubs that can handle access hatches up to 30 inches wide. Use detachable joists to make the hatches sturdy enough to walk on. These joists are not nailed off; rather, they are put into the joist hangers.
Step 7: Install Blocking, Railing Posts And The Deck Boards
- Blocking
The joists' ability to twist is prevented by adding blocking in between them. Blocking along the edge serves two purposes: it stiffens the deck and supports the edge-boards. When constructing a deck or the area around a recessed hot tub, this is particularly crucial. For a stronger two-point connection, put more blocking where any railing posts will be installed. Blocking could also be necessary for stair stringers. - Railing Posts
Install the support posts for the railings if the deck will have them. Lag screws or self-drilling construction screws should be used to secure each post to at least two structural components. As you fasten the post, keep it in place with a trigger clamp. To maintain the post at the proper height, you can screw a cleat to the post's side. - The Deck Boards
To prevent rot, tape butyl-based tape like Trex® ProtectTM to the joists and beams. Install the boards from left to right, stagger their lengths, and place each end of each board on a joist. Make the ends long enough to dangle over the edges. Snap a chalk line and cut the boards to length once all of them are fastened. Keep the distance between the boards constant. To reduce pre-drilling, use self-drilling and self-countersinking polymer-coated decking screws. Hidden fasteners are still another excellent choice.
Step 8: Box Steps Or Stairs
Small platforms are layered one above the other to create box steps. They serve as both benches and tables, making them a fantastic option for hot tub decks. Stringer stairs could be preferable in small spaces. Whatever decision you make, abide by the construction code: The height of the steps must be between 4 inches and 7-3/4 inches. They should be uniform as well: The largest and smallest steps cannot be more than 1/4 inch apart in height. With the use of brackets like the Simpson Strong Tie L70Z, fasten the stairs or steps to the deck's structure.