QA

Quick Answer: How To Build A Deck To Support A Hot Tub

Can a deck support a hot tub?

A hot tub on a deck is entirely possible, and it is possible your deck is already equipped to handle one. A deck designed to hold at least 100 pounds per square foot will support nearly any type of hot tub.

Do you need to reinforce a deck for a hot tub?

Decks come in all shapes and sizes. Hot tubs, however, are very heavy, especially when filled with water, and chances are that your existing deck can’t safely support it without additional reinforcement. Fortunately, reinforcing your deck in preparation for a hot tub is a relatively easy task.

How do you know if your deck can support a hot tub?

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 much weight can a 10×10 deck hold?

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.

Will joist hangers support a hot tub?

Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub deck.

How do I know how much weight my deck can hold?

To determine the maximum load capacity of your deck, start by calculating its total area and multiply by 50 psf. So, a 100 sqft deck would be designed to support 5000 lbs. Do not get confused with what weight you might think or want to load the deck with.

Can you reinforce a deck?

Reinforcing the deck requires solidifying existing columns or adding columns while installing additional support beams along the underside of the deck. The project is two stages but can be accomplished in one to two days with the proper tools and supplies.

How heavy is a 6 person hot tub?

There is no single standard hot tub weight. In general, a small two- or three-person hot tub generally weighs around 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled with water. A six-person model typically weighs approximately 1,000 pounds empty or 6,000 pounds full.

Can you put a hot tub on a Trex deck?

A hot tub or spa full of water can exert as much as 112 lbs per square foot of decking. A fraction of the 500lbs or more of concentrated load most composite decking can support. Making composite decking strong enough for under and around a hot tub.

Can you put a hot tub on pavers?

Patio Pavers Are The Ideal Support For Hot Tubs But before you run out to the hot tub store, consider where you’re going to place it, and what you’re going to place it on. Once the pavers are in place, they will sweep hydrostatic sand into the joints, and you can set your hot tub up as they leave your driveway.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck, also called a free standing deck, is simply a deck that’s not attached to any structure, including (of course) your house. Instead, you can put your deck’s structural members — posts, girders, and joists — on precast pier blocks set directly in the ground.

How do you build a base for a hot tub?

Gravel Base Dig out an area several inches deep and make sure the ground at the bottom is pressed flat. Fill the hole with gravel and press it down to make sure it will not shift or sink once it has weight on it. The gravel will conform to the shape of the bottom of your tub to hold it firmly in place.

What kind of base do you need for a hot tub?

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.

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.

How much support do I need for a hot tub deck?

Figuring Out How Much Your Deck Handle 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.

Can I use 2×6 for deck joist?

2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.

How many support beams do I need for a deck?

For a deck that is 15 feet wide with 2×10 joists spaced at 16 inches apart, you have two options. You can use two beams, one at 7.5 feet and one at 15 feet, to provide support.

How many support posts do I need for a deck?

The larger 12-foot side will have a post spacing of 6 feet at a minimum code requirement. That makes a total of eight posts that need to be installed on this average size deck. For aesthetic or symmetry reasons, more posts may be added.

Can 2×6 support a hot tub?

To use 2×6 you’ll probably need to be 8″ o.c. and the beams on 2′ centers, with piers @ 2′ centers… Hot tubs are no joke and 2×6’s should not be considered at ALL.

What is deck dead load?

Dead Load consists of the weight of the deck structure that sits on top of the posts. An average deck would be designed to handle a load of 50 psf (pounds/square foot) and is made up of 10 psf for the dead load and 40 psf for the live load.