Can Composite Decking Hold A Hot Tub?
Composite decking is a fire-resistant material that uses layered materials such as wood and mineral fiber to construct a floor surface coated with a protective layer of resin.
The resulting product is more resistant to fire and heat damage than the sum of its parts would otherwise achieve without composite decking
Yes. Composite decking is a more eco-friendly option that should last you decades.Its much more resistant to warping and cracking than other types of lumber or wood.The lumber comprises recycled materials, so it’s much less expensive than the traditional wood options on the market.
Just like any other outdoor project, I recommend you take some time to consider how well your home’s foundation can hold a hot tub before making this decision.
Composite decking is an eco-friendlier option that should last you decades. It can be a great option if you’re looking for cost savings for your hot tub.
Composite materials are resistant to warping and cracking and hold up to all weather conditions.
Can Trex Decking Hold A Hot Tub?
Yes. Trex decking can hold a hot tub. Just make sure you shovel the hot tub into the ground with plenty of earth and elevate it on an angle so water doesn’t pool.
Trex decking is typically a granular composite material that allows for drainage, so water should drain through the decking to keep your hot tub safe.
Installing some more Trex reinforcements will increase its durability. Trex is a durable, easy-to-clean composite material made from recycled tires.
The recycled material means your hot tub will have a zero impact on our environment, so you can sit back and enjoy your Trex deck for years to come.
Installing a hot tub on top of a deck is a great way to use the outdoor space fully. Coordinating the decking with a hot tub can be tricky, but there are different harmonizing options.
The most popular is installing planking or planks in a chevron pattern. This pattern allows for more even drainage, essential for hot tubs.
Another option is installing the Trex decking instead of using boards.
This presents fewer problems, as it’s more difficult to weave through the posts, and installation will be easier since the repetition won’t be so noticeable.
The best hot tub to go with your decking will work well beside your pool or Spa. For this, I recommend a Jacuzzi hydro-massage Spa.
The powerful system will provide a soothing massage with built-in water jets. The ambient lighting and onboard media storage will make it easy to unwind at the end of a long day.
How Does One Reinforce A Deck For A Hot Tub?
You can reinforce a deck for a hot tub by using a concrete overlay. Then you will need water to dilute the concrete for this method, and it’s easier to work with if it’s warm.
You will also need a mix of cement and sand, which you can buy at a local hardware store. Powder-coating is another option for making decks more durable and attractive.
Still, this process is more pricey than concrete overlays and requires hot tub removal during the application of coats.
- After removing any loose and damaged boards, pour 3 quarts of water into your mixing bin (this is for a 5-gallon tub that is PVC primer-painted first).
- You will now add 2 cups of sand with the ratio of 1:1:1.
- Mix all ingredients until the loose powder has completely disappeared from the top and it looks like a fine thick paste.
- Next, you will allow the mixture to sit for about an hour and stir it every 20 minutes.
- Cover the entire deck area with plastic sheeting cut to size with duct tape along its perimeter.
- You will now spread about 1/4 inch thick layer of concrete over the existing deck using a notched trowel and leaving 1/8 inch around all sides of the hot tub (“toe space”).
- Once you apply the concrete, use a putty knife to smooth it out and remove any small chunks of concrete left behind.
- You will now allow the deck to cure for 24 hours and then thoroughly wash down the area before you prepare to hang your tub.
- Place deck boards along each side of your hot tub wall with plywood spacers between every board, as this will act as a shock absorber if the tub falls over during installation (“plumbing” in cement masonry).
- Next, turn the hot tub to face you, and then place a 2×4 along the left side of the tub and lay it across the deck boards.
- Position your tub correctly and then use a level to ensure a complete level on all sides. (If needed, you can use shims to level out your hot tub).
- Once you have correctly positioned your hot tub, you can use a hammer with a nail to mark the four holes for the lag bolts into the wood deck.
- You will now set the tub aside and drill these holes out slightly wider and deeper than your lag bolts (this will allow for any error during installation).
- You will now place a washer over each lag bolt using a wrench to secure it in place.
- You will now tighten down each lag bolt into the wood deck using an Allen wrench.
- Next, you will spray a water hose over the surface of the concrete to help with any air bubbles that may be present in it.
- Now, you can fill up your tub with water and then add chlorine to start the chemical reaction needed to sanitize your tub water.
- You now have a reinforced deck for your hot tub.
How Do You Build A Deck For A Hot Tub?
You can build a deck for a hot tub by following these four steps:
First, locate the hot tub. The best place to put the deck is where there is level and even ground and where it will not be susceptible to many problems, such as leaks.
Ensure it is not near a fire pit in case of an accident or near a pool or waterfall that can cause moisture damage. Next, figure out what you want your deck to look like.
You can even use a photo. Please think of the area you want to put it in and the amenities you want to provide. This way, you will not look stupid when you install it.
Sketch out where you should place the deck once you decide on your basic look and size.
Do not just think about putting it in whatever spot you desire; remember that there will be things such as well boards, pipes, and electrical wires that need consideration.
Done sketching the area? Good. Now, you can move on to step two.
Second, you will need to buy all the materials that you need. This includes materials such as lumber, screws, nails, and even a bit of cement or some other fixative.
Once your materials have arrived, you can start building the deck itself.
Before doing so, make sure that an electrician has correctly identified all pipes and wires and well boards marked so that it is where you should place the deck.
The outer perimeter of the deck itself should be at least a foot away from these things to avoid any damage.
After you finish, you can start the actual building process. Make sure your lumber is the right size and that there is enough to go around.
You may measure twice and cut once if you plan on doing it yourself or ask for help if you will do it with other people.
Once you cut all of your lumber, please place them in the proper spots. Ensure you level your ground and pour the proper amount of mortar.
As you are constructing the deck, remember that there may be some obstacles to keep in mind, such as an uneven or sloping yard or a branch from a tree that can cause problems.
You should consider the water heater, hot tub, and sauna while placing your deck to avoid accidents.
Once you assemble your deck, you can begin using it. First, make sure that all wires are correctly terminated at the right place to prevent any accidents.
Safety is always crucial here as well. Use a waterproof sealer on your pipes to help prevent leaks.
Finally, make sure your deck can support the weight and structure of your hot tub and sauna, which will probably weigh a lot more than what you’re used to.
This is what a deck for a hot tub should look like. Once you have done the three steps above, all you need to do is install the hot tub itself.
What Size Deck Do I Need For A Hot Tub?
It would be best to have a 20-foot x 20-foot deck to support a hot tub.
If you have an area with multiple levels, the first level needs to be at least 10 feet x 10 feet to provide adequate clearance for the door, allow access for maintenance, and provide room for seating.
The second level of the deck should be 12 feet x 12 feet to accommodate seating.
The height of the deck railing depends on who will use it but usually ranges from 38” – 42” high.
The railing is unsightly if it is not high enough. Also, it would be best if you didn’t have to stoop over.
- How To Calculate Your Deck Size:
Take the total area of the deck, including any deck room on either end and multiply it by 1.5.” (This makes a 50’ x 60’) Take that number and divide it by 3 (20’ x 20’).
That is the total square footage of one side of the deck.
The second number is the same, except that you add together how much room you want on both ends.
So, for example, if you want an 18” wide end (which allows for a door) and a 12” wide end (for chairs), then add those two numbers together to make 30. Then follow the same formula.
- Justification For Hot Tub Deck Size:
You need at least a 20’ x 20’ deck to be safe. If you make it any smaller, you won’t have enough room to provide good safety around the hot tub.
If a user falls and lands near the tub, this can be dangerous. The user may slip into the hot tub water (not good) or, worse, hit their head on the edge of the hot tub, causing injury or death.
Any deck less than 20’ x 20’ won’t be large enough to accommodate seating and a hot tub adequately.
A more common problem with decks is that they are too small. If the deck is smaller, you won’t have enough room for people to sit comfortably around the hot tub.
The maximum amount of seating for a hot tub is six people. If possible, this should be on different levels rather than clustering all the chairs together.
The chairs will be very close or even touching on a small deck. A comfortable distance between chairs is 18 “-24” apart, which means about 2-3’ for each chair.
Most people are uncomfortable sitting too close to each other, and you may even find it difficult to get around to service the hot tub with so many chairs in the way.
There may also not be enough space for additional seating, tables, or other accessories on some decks if the deck is too small.
One way to increase seating is to add a bench seat on one side of the hot tub at least 8” deep (the optimal depth for sitting on a bench).
You can then add a second bench seat on the opposite side of the hot tub if you have enough room.
This provides two additional comfortable seats, but they may not be convenient because they will be on different levels.
Can My Flat Roof Support A Deck?
Yes. Your flat roof can support a deck as long as you don’t plan on driving cars on it and will work with an architect to adjust your home’s structural design.
Ensure you space the deck 12-18 inches away from the roof’s edge to buffer water runoff.
Otherwise, as long as you have pillars holding up your deck, there should not be any issues with drainage or pressure differentials.
You’ll want to work with your architect and builder to determine the number of loads needed for your deck.
You’ll also want to determine how your home’s structural design works with a deck. For instance, is the roof supported by 3, 4, or 5 columns?
If it’s only 1 column support, you may need to add additional beams between the roof and columns.
If you do this, you’ll want to ensure it’s done per the International Residential Code.
Last, if your home is “new construction,” you can probably design your deck for support by the home’s columns (called a cantilever deck).
You don’t have to worry about any structural design considerations.
How Much Weight Can A Rooftop Deck Support?
The rooftop deck can support a weight of 50lbs per square foot, so a 20 square foot deck will be able to support 2,000lbs.
This is great for those considering doing weight training and has the option of using weights without risking injury to themselves or their family members.
However, note that this is not safe for infants and toddlers because their design is not to hold such much weight without having it crush them.
Rooftop decks are typically located on the flat roofs of homes and apartments.
This gives people an exceptional alternative for a backyard without spending much on it because they no longer have to fill up their yards with grass; they can build a deck instead.
These decks will be good for exercising and provide grand entertainment for the family and friends during summer by having barbecues and parties, especially if one likes to host parties.
The thing about these decks is that they are very durable and can support a lot of weight without breaking or causing damage to the home.
Building A Hot Tub With Composite Decking- Guide
A hot tub is one thing that most of us only seem to think about during the cold winter months, and it’s mostly a result of not having access to a hot tub during those months.
Now that it’s summer, you may consider building your backyard oasis and installing a hot tub.
So, let’s explore the process of planning and building a hot tub with composite decking.
Composite decks are very popular in the skirting and overhang sections, providing greater flexibility when designing and building your backyard hot tub area.
To begin this project, you will need to:
- Mark out the area you wish to build your hot tub on and remove any paving, plants, or weeds.
- Add a layer of weed-suppressing membrane on the ground if you’re installing a hot tub over grass.
- Mark out your hot tub area with stakes and spray paint.
- Dig out approximately 12 inches to the soil level inside your marked area. It’s essential to ensure that you dig below the frost line and check to see that there aren’t any buried pipes or electrical wiring underground before proceeding with this step.
- Clear any overhanging trees and branches. If you have a tree-house or play structure, remove it and dig the wood.
Once you’ve removed all the debris, soil, and roots from your hot tub’s front area, replace that area with a skirt or decking.
I recommend using 3/4 inch composite decking for this project.
Create the concrete footings for your hot tub by working back from the skirting and using a level to create level ridges.
Working from the top, place one piece of decking across each ridge, filling the gaps between each board with 3/4 inch composite decking.
Ensure no gaps or areas that are entirely open. Install Cross Railing if you’re using a railing or a liner if you’re not.
Connect the deck to your home structure by ensuring that the deck is level with the house and extending a piece of composite decking into each corner underneath the roof.
With any hot tub project, it’s essential to follow all your local codes and regulations.
Can One Put A Hot Tub On A Floating Deck?
Yes. One can put a hot tub on a floating deck by building it on a floating foundation.
The most common type of decking is wood decking. You will need to place the hot tub’s inflatable platform on the wood decking with wood decks.
The inflatable platform will be rigid enough to hold the hot tub’s weight and provide a stable foundation.
The next most common decking is floating decking. Since floating decks do not need to support large loads.
You can build a floating deck directly on top of your wood deck with no risk of sagging or causing your hot tub to tip over.
How To Build A Hot Tub On A Deck
Here are the steps to build a hot tub on top of your floating deck:
Step 1: Set the wood decking directly onto your floating platform. Since I recently built my home, I bought wood composite decking boards instead of pressure-treated wood.
You will find these boards at your local lumberyard.
Step 2: Install the hot tub’s inflatable platform. I used an Inflatable Hot Tub Foundation Kit from Inflatable Hot Tubs.
It gives you everything to build your floating deck and inflatable platform.
Step 3: Attach some support beams to your floating deck. This provides the extra rigidity to hold up the weight of the tub- a crucial factor for a hot tub’s stability.
Step 4: Install your hot tub on the inflatable platform. You can place it in any place you like, but I recommend building it right in the center of the floating deck for a more secure connection.
After laying down the inflatable platform, I drilled six holes through the plates and onto my decking boards.
Then I inserted bolts and washers (the ones provided by Inflatable Hot Tub Foundation Kit.
Conclusion
Composite decking is an excellent material for swimming pool decks because it’s very low-maintenance and can reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do to your deck.
It also provides the aesthetic appeal that one is looking for and is available in different styles.
Composite decking comes in various colors, finishes, and textures, so you have many options for picking out the perfect one for your hot tub deck.
