Sizing up a deck for a hot tub...
Question:
"How do you recommend sizing up a deck to see if it's sturdy enough to handle the weight of a hot tub?"
Answer:
To determine the suitability (or structural integrity) of the deck, you need to take into account 3 dimensions; the size of the support joists, the spacing of the support joists, and the unsupported span of the support joists. These will help determine the load bearing strength of a deck. In most cases, it will need to support around 100lbs. per sq. ft., but you can get this requirement from the hot tub manufacturer.
This does not take into account the suitability of the wood (which could be rotten) or if the deck was built to proper building specifications (some decks barely support their own weight due to improper construction), therefore, there is no “guarantee” that a deck will be sturdy enough if you determine this on your own.
However, most reputable hot tub manufacturers offer a hot tub site inspection (often for free), so you should really take advantage of this. Most technicians are pretty accurate and if they have any doubt at all, they will let you know (the last thing they want is to have your deck come crashing down after they install your new hot tub). Also, if you need a guarantee, you would need to hire a licensed structural engineer, but a free hot tub site inspection is definitely a great way to start.
: )
"How do you recommend sizing up a deck to see if it's sturdy enough to handle the weight of a hot tub?"
Answer:
To determine the suitability (or structural integrity) of the deck, you need to take into account 3 dimensions; the size of the support joists, the spacing of the support joists, and the unsupported span of the support joists. These will help determine the load bearing strength of a deck. In most cases, it will need to support around 100lbs. per sq. ft., but you can get this requirement from the hot tub manufacturer.
This does not take into account the suitability of the wood (which could be rotten) or if the deck was built to proper building specifications (some decks barely support their own weight due to improper construction), therefore, there is no “guarantee” that a deck will be sturdy enough if you determine this on your own.
However, most reputable hot tub manufacturers offer a hot tub site inspection (often for free), so you should really take advantage of this. Most technicians are pretty accurate and if they have any doubt at all, they will let you know (the last thing they want is to have your deck come crashing down after they install your new hot tub). Also, if you need a guarantee, you would need to hire a licensed structural engineer, but a free hot tub site inspection is definitely a great way to start.
: )
posted by HotTubSource at
3:12 PM
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