QA

How To Build A Deck To Hold A Hot Tub

Can my 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Do I need to reinforce my deck for a hot tub?

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.

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.

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.

Can I use 2×6 for deck frame?

In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.

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 do you calculate deck load?

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.

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 my balcony support a hot tub?

If you’re placing a hot tub on a balcony, inside a high-rise apartment, or even on a rooftop deck, you’ll have to make adjustments for proper drainage. Because high-rise buildings are reinforced with a combination of cement, masonry, and steel, outdoor surfaces shouldn’t be vulnerable to hot tub steam.

How heavy is a full hot tub?

How much does a hot tub weigh? 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.

How much can a 2×6 hold?

The amount of weight a 2×6 on edge can hold depends on the wood species, its characteristics, duration, and span. The Codes allow for a 2×6 joist to support 53lbs per linear foot, which means an 8.5-foot length could support approximately 450-pounds across that length.

How much weight can a pressure treated 4×4 hold vertically?

The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

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.