We are considering buying a hot tub! In order to get it, we need to build a level patio or deck to place it on! We want to go the cheapest route possible, but also want it to look good and last long! The area we want the deck/patio is 12 feet by 9 feet (may do 12x12, depending on price difference)! Keep in mind there will be a lot of weight on it!
Would we be better off with treated wood? Do we actually need to cement posts in the ground and build a deck on that, or would we be ok with a wood frame directly on the ground and building on that?
What about pouring cement or bricks or cement blocks? Keep in mind we will be doing this ourselves and aren't the best of handpersons, but we can do basic work.
So based on lower cost and average skill what would be the best route? Any details would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2006-09-07 08:45:17 · 8 answers · asked by Jaylyn 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
One more thought too, with concrete, how thick should we make it?
2006-09-07 09:18:40 · update #1
If building with wood try sticking to modular lengths like 12x8 or 12x12 or 8x8 if possible, if you use dimensions like 9' that aren't normally stocked in lumber yards or your local home depot you will waste a lot of wood and money buying 2x12's to cut 3' off to make 9' lengths. If you can do 12x8 that will be cheaper anyways.
YES you should definitely pour footings, or you could put posts into the gound and once you get the deck built and square and level pour concrete into the oversize holes your posts are sitting in. Either way you want treated wood to resist rot from moisture cycles. You could try getting non treated wood and painting it, but after time the paint wears and the wood rots anyways.
If you are pouring concrete you want to lay a gravel base down (preferably 3 to 4" thick) and then pour the concrete slab (4" would work) on top of that. You have to reinforce the concrete either with reinforcing bar or with wire mesh and both should be locally available at your hardware store.
Your hardware store will also carry how to book that are worth their price. As for cost, if you do it the right way, a wood deck will look great and be easier to build. The concrete may be cheaper but if you have to rent heavy equipment or have a truck come out it may be more expensive. It depends on the method and how correctly you do it.
2006-09-07 09:32:43 · answer #1 · answered by David W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based off of your question.. I would say pour the slab.. the sentence of we are not the best handy persons concerns me for the technical side of building a deck sturdy enough to hold a hot tub. Slabs are not very technical, a lot of back breaking work yes but technical no. Also there are many stains and stamps for concrete now that are very stylish and look really good. Concrete... long lasting, can be very stylish, will def hold the weight. Seems to me that's the way to go!
P.S. four inches thick
2006-09-07 09:20:12 · answer #2 · answered by miked1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-03-17 09:59:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either pour a patio, or pour concrete footings for a deck. Or just put the hot tub on a poured patio.
2006-09-07 08:46:49 · answer #4 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have built many of both.....
Based on what you ask I would suggest you pour a slab. There is so much more you need to know to frame one.
Get a book on how to pour slabs at your home store.. You can rent most of the tools you will need to finish it. Only takes a little lumber to make the frame.
The big cost will be the cement and how you will get it into your back yard. You may have to wheel it which will require you to hold a "PATIO POURING BBQ" and invite your friends. To hire a pump truck will be spendy..
GRAND LUCK !!!
2006-09-07 08:52:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Concrete is less maintenance, paver bricks are also a good option but need yearly sanding. Both can hold the weight. A deck needs, stain, paint, and could warp from the water, or crack from the weight. Hope this helps.
2006-09-07 08:55:30 · answer #6 · answered by Lady X 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-02-10 20:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
poured concrete will be cheaper and last longer.
just dont try to build a wood frame on the ground without concrete footings. it looks bad, will fall apart soon, and isnt sturdy enough for a hot tub.
2006-09-07 08:47:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HOME DEPOT!
You can do it, they can help!
2006-09-07 08:46:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋