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Recessed Hot Tub In Deck

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Minimalist Japanese Spa Deck

Pouring A Concrete Slab For a Hot Tub and Building A Deck Around It

When it comes to minimalist design, this deck embraces it. Its a simple rectangle with an unobtrusive railing, causing it to all visually recede and the surrounding landscape to stand out.

In the middle of the deck is a Japanese soaking tub. The natural wood of the spa mostly blends with the surrounding decking, making it feel like a cohesive part of the modern aesthetic.

The hot tub sunken into the deck, with the bottom resting on a concrete pad underneath. This makes the spa incredibly accessible, particularly since its deep.

Create A Modern Hot Tub Deck Design With A Rooftop Patio And Sofa Seating

Photo via Nick Leith-Smith

Privacy and shade are other big considerations that can be tackled with a rooftop patio and hot tub that takes advantage of clever screening. Of course, anyone considering a rooftop hot tub installation should seek professional expertise to ascertain if special structural considerations are required. Tip provided by Nick Leith-Smith, Architecture and Design, London

Calculating Deck Weight Capacity

Before you calculate how much weight your deck can hold, you first need to understand how much weight per square foot it can hold. Most decks will hold more sometimes significantly more than 50 pounds per square foot. That number is simply a minimum requirement.

The average homeowner does not have the tools available to determine how much more weight your deck can hold than the code minimum of 50 pounds per square foot. However, you can determine if your deck is overbuilt, which can give you an idea of how much more weight your deck can hold.

One of the best tools in your arsenal to determine deck weight capacity are and max span calculators, widely available online. If you find that your deck joists are 2Ã10, but the deck load calculator only mandates 2Ã8 joists, then you can safely assume your deck is much stronger than 50 pounds per square foot.

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Wood Gives Your Outdoor Space Warmth

Photo by Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture via Houzz

Use wood to give the space warmth and rhythm while also distracting the eye from the different window heights. Interest is created by building out off of the existing walls, which have given depth to the space through the use of light-box windows. Tip by Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture, California

What Needs To Be Considered When Installing A Hot Tub Deck

Deck with recessed hot tub and benches

When installing hot tub deck ideas into your landscaping scheme, there are a few things that should be considered, as Karl Harrison from Trex decking explains.

‘The safest construction method is to create a padstone of concrete for your tub to sit on,’ he says. ‘You should then create your decking up to it.’

If your decking is raised and you need to sit your hot tub directly on top, then there are a few important things you need to do, he continues. These include consulting a structural engineer or specialist decking designer hot tubs are heavy and your decking will need to be able to support it safely.

Also, ‘consider where the water will go from rain, water splashing, and waste you don’t want to rot the timbers of your decking frame or flood your garden,’ he says. ‘Consider water pipes directly fed to your tub,’ this also removes the need to reel out hoses during a water change.

Remember to create access hatches large enough for easy maintenance, too.

‘Most important is to have one contractor responsible for the whole project,’ Karl says. They will need to ensure that everything is structurally sound, for instance, that the concrete foundation sits perfectly in line with the decking, and that any retaining walls are signed off by a structural engineer.

A sleek setup from Hydrolife

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Build Wide Or Cascading Steps To Complement Your Deck Design

Photo via DIY Advice

Wide steps and cascading steps are a popular stair design which can bring a stylish look to your deck design. When constructing cascading steps, or just wide steps, be aware of the heighth of the steps as they may become awkward and turn into a hazard.

Key insights:

  • If the drop requires more than 5 steps, a more traditional staircase might be the best option for you to explore.

Add Plenty Of Potted Plants To Your Hot Tub Decking

Colorful blooms up the appeal of this space

Decking is a great base for container gardening ideas, so be sure to stock up on planters for your hot tub deck ideas.

Colorful blooms in timeless terracotta totally transform the surroundings of this sunken tub, and we like the addition of trees, too, which add an element of height to the mix.

Switch them up with the seasons to keep the display inviting all year round. Our winter planter ideas are full of inspiration, while spring bulbs will offer plenty of cheer as the weather begins to warm.

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Drainage And Moisture Damage

One of the most common concerns for people who are considering putting their hot tub under the deck is that moisture may build up and cause damage to the entire structure.

Most decks are made from wood and it doesnt take us to tell you that wood exposed to moisture will rot over time.

The most obvious way to prevent too much damage is to coat the wood with a waterproof treatment. Of course, this can only be done on the surface of the deck.

The structure and wooden joists underneath are still going to be exposed to moisture.

But all is not lost and you can still install the hot tub under your deck provided that the air flow under there is sufficient.

This will prevent water and moisture from building up and will therefore protect against mildew, mold, and rot.

It is also a very good idea to place your hot tub near to an existing drain. If you dont have one, it might be worth considering having one put in.

This will allow water to drain away without clogging up the underside of your deck. Its also possible to install a deck drainage system but we will look at that in more detail later on.

Can A Deck Support A Tub

Should I drop my Hot Tub in a deck?

Lets get the basic question out of the way first: Can you actually install a hot tub on a deck?

Judging from the many examples of hot tubs on decks you can find at any home design catalog, its safe to say the answer to that is yes.

Of course, there are a few buts you will need to be aware ofafter all, thats why we even have this guide in the first place.

Some of the factors that can make installing a hot tub on your deck difficult or otherwise not feasible include:

  • the weight of the hot tub
  • the load capacity of your deck
  • the cost of reworking your deck
  • the accessibility of electrical and plumbing paths

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Framing For The Design Load

A standard 2Ã8 softwood lumber needs spacing at 16 o.c. spacing to meet the 50 psf design load. To compensate for increases, youll need to use 2Ã10 joists at 12 o.c. spacingmore weight means the joists need to be closer together.

Next, youll have to figure out the tributary areas of your deck to get the total load.

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Woven Outdoor Privacy Screen

Photo via Lowes

Weave cedar slabs of wood to create a lounge area with a stylish privacy screen. Incorporate plants, lanterns, and cozy chairs to make the place more inviting. Have fun with the space by adding colorful pillows and plants. This woven privacy screen is also a fun way to give your hot tub some privacy while youre soaking.

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Custom Stain And Being Recessed 1/2 Way Into A Deck Hot Tub Backyard

This project was done 10 years ago in 2002. While the jacuzzi butts up next to the deck, itâs set on a concrete pad below. Recessed hot tub in deck. Dig out, level, and compact the soil where.

You may even consider recessing your hot tub into your deck if the idea of reinforcing it costs a lot of money or takes too much effort. Not something you want to. Thatâs what your hot tub needs to be. This project was done 10 years ago in 2002. Our client had an unusable sloping rear yard.

Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Beyond style, landscape lighting adds an element of safety to your hot tub deck, keeping people from falling as they move up and down the steps. This recessed hot tub is spacious, but thereâs still lots of room on the deck for lounging and mingling. Recessing spa into existing deck? The inner post of the stairs is the extension point.

The stairs are concealed between the house and the bottom deck. Dig out, level, and compact the soil where. Setting a hot tub on material that can settle over time, like gravel or timbers, is not a good long term solution. The inner post of the stairs is the extension point. Keeping your hot tub covered when not in use will save energy, prolong the life on the spa and avoid unnecessary hot tub maintenance.

Simple Hot Tub Deck Ideas

Custom stain and being recessed 1/2 way into a deck.

Small Hot Tub Deck

Just because you have a small outdoor hot tub does not mean you can’t build a deck around it. With a wrap-around deck around your small hot tub, you can create a particular hot tub area in your backyard, making it look much more integrated than it would stand alone.

This kind of hot tub deck can give the illusion of more space as well.

Simple Hot Tub Deck With Pergola

If you want to add a structure to sit atop your hot tub deck, then you have a few options. However, we believe pergolas are best for two reasons:

  • First, building one yourself is easy as long as you have the right tools.
  • Second, pergolas do not have closed tops like some structures, allowing for ventilation.

Pergolas can add a stylish design to your hot tub deck, allowing you to hang lighting for ambiance or curtains for privacy. However, it’s important to remember that pergolas require solid foundations. If you don’t have a solid foundation to build your pergola on, you could end up damaging it.

Elevated Two-Stepper

If you want to have an elevated deck without putting too much effort into your deck design, then you can create a simple two-step deck design to give your spa deck a more modern feel.

Not only does this hot tub design look luxurious, but it also makes getting in and out of your hot tub

much more effortless. If you have a drink or a towel that you want to keep with you while you’re soaking, having these extra steps around your hot tub can be super convenient.

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Slightly Sunken Japanese Hot Tub

With this approach, the features of the Japanese soaking tub are visible. You can see the metal banding and side slats, both of which are great contemporary features.

However, it is slightly sunken into the surrounding deck. This makes it easier to get into and out of the spa, which might be a necessity for some homeowners.

The surrounding foliage creates a sense of tranquility. Plus, it provides users with a bit of privacy, making the space more relaxing.

Give Your Guests A Getaway Of Their Own In A Sunken Stone Lounge

Photo via Garden Shop of Homewood

Sunken lounges are all the rage right now, so why not include them in your outdoor space? This stone patio with an inground spa is perfect for leisure and relaxation. Include greenery for some privacy, as well as lamps and other decor features to make the space pop.

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What Is Drop In Hot Tub

  • Drop-in HotTub. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hottub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises,…

Traditional Hot Tub Deck

Recessed Hot Tub Deck Plans – Gif Maker DaddyGif.com (see description)

This expansive deck has a more traditional feel. The railings and lattice, all made of cedar, create a classic look while enhancing safety and providing a degree of privacy.

Since the deck is so large, it could easily support a lot of seating. Theres enough room to wander that entertaining here would also be a breeze.

The hot tub itself is more of a side feature. Its tucked to one side, near the lattice, with a simple staircase to increase accessibility. If youre looking for an approach that ensures the spa isnt the central feature, this could definitely be it.

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How Much Does It Cost To Sink A Hot Tub

Sinking a hot tub is certainly an added expense on top of the retail price of a home spa.

If you want to sink your home spa into decking, youre looking at hundreds of pounds to do it yourself and thousands to bring in a contractor to do it. And unless youre a dab hand at DIY, we strongly recommend hiring a professional for the job, as its crucial you build in enough service space. Your best bet is hiring your hot tub dealerships recommended contractor, as theyll know exactly what theyre doing when it comes to sinking a hot tub.

If youre looking to sink a hot tub into the ground, the landscaping costs will obviously depend on the size of your garden but its safe to say theyll be in the thousands. Wed strongly recommend you leave sinking a hot tub into the ground to the professionals, so be sure to ask your dealership for recommended landscapers.

So, sinking a hot tub certainly isnt cheap. But, if youre already having decking built or landscaping work done its well worth making a sunken hot tub part of your plans, as the added costs will be negligible and the end results completely eye-catching.

Choosing The Right Deck Materials

Composite Decking

Most modern decks use the composite deck design. A composite deck is an excellent choice if looking for longevity and durability. Plus, composite decking looks great! Some of the best manufacturers for composite decking include Maryland, Fine Decks, and Clemens Jellema.

If you’re trying to determine what kind of composite deck to use for your backyard space, you should look at the differences between capped and uncapped composite. Capped composite is more expensive, though it’ll protect your deck against harmful UV rays and harsh weather. The material found atop capped composite is very similar to what you find wrapped around a golf ball.

Pool deck resurfacing costs vary based on the material you choose. You could save money going with uncapped composite but expect to have more maintenance down the road.

Natural Wood

Wood is a great option to give your backyard retreat added warmth. There’s no question that wood looks great. However, you’ll spend the most money on wood and will have to perform more maintenance throughout the lifetime of your deck.

If you want to use wood, though you don’t want to pay as much, you can mix wood with bricks to create a more industrial look. The blend of wood and stone still retains a natural feel, though it’s a much more durable choice for longevity. Even if you choose to go with brick in full, you can build a wood trellis to get that warmth and privacy.

Travertine

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How Heavy Is A 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.

Related

Transform Your Backyard Deck Into The Hottest Spa In Your Home

Custom deck with recessed hot tub, new home, Brewster, MA, by REEF ...

It doesnt take much to turn your deck into a spa-friendly place for the ultimate luxury and leisure. However, its important to speak with a professional before moving on to any of the steps in your backyard plan. There are lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration before a hot tub can be safely elevated onto a deck or built into one.

Depending on the shape, size, and weight per square foot of the hot tub, you will have a number of options to build it into your deck. And if you can only place it on top, you can build extra accommodations to make it look like the tub has existed there all along.

Its easy to do this in an affordable and reliable way with Sebring Design Build. If you are looking to get started, but you still have more questions about the backyard deck and spa building process, you can start with our free eBook: Remodeling 101: A Free Homeowners Guide. It will set you up with everything you need to know about your backyard, kitchen, or bathroom remodeling project before you get your hands dirty. Reach out to one of our professional staff members with additional questions or concerns!

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies and their amazing work. To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

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