How to Build Hot Tub Framing
Hot tubs are different then they were 40 years ago, when they were made from plaster, tile and wood. Today you can find hot tubs in fiberglass, tough thermal plastics and acrylic. Hot tubs are found in any climate and are manufactured with built-in chairs, jets and drink holders.
If you are in the market for a new hot tub, shop around until you find the one suitable for you. With so many to choose from, you are bound to find a hot tub to your satisfaction. If you are considering building a wood frame around your hot tub, it's not a difficult procedure, any homeowner can learn. With a few basic steps, and a few easy to use tools, you can construct a frame and hot tub base to add charm and aesthetics to your home.
Things You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Stakes
- Hammer
- Chalk line
- Nine concrete piers
- 2-by-10 boards
- Table saw
- 16-penny nails
- 2-by-4 boards
Tip
Be sure that your hot tub frame is strong and secure to support the weight of the hot tub.
Warning
Keep in mind that 16-penny nails are stronger than wood screws. Make sure to place quite a few nails through the wood connections for maximum strength.
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Mark off an area where you will build your hot tub frame. Measure two sides 7 feet and two sides 6 feet. Of course it will depend on the size of your hot tub, but use these measurements for the sake of this article. Snap a line to make sure the lines are straight.
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Place a concrete pier in each corner, one on each side, and one in the center, for a total of nine piers. Build a frame around the bottom using 2-by-10 boards cut to size. Insert them in the concrete pier slots. Nail the corners together using 16-penny nails.
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Construct a base using 2-by-10 boards criss-crossed and nailed together at the connections. Insert the edges into the concrete piers when one is available. If there is not a pier slot at the end of a board, nail it to the end of another board.
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Install the baseboards between 17 inches and 20 inches on center. Thoroughly secure them to the frame for maximum support.
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Cut 22 2-by-4 boards 3 feet each and nail them vertically around the bottom plate 16 inches on center. Nail two boards at each corner perpendicular to each other to form the corners.
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Nail four 2-by-10 boards across the top of the vertical boards to create your top plate. Nail them together with 16-penny nails.
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Place an 18 inch long 2-by-10 diagonal support at each corner. Nail them in place.
The Drip Cap
- Hot tubs are different then they were 40 years ago, when they were made from plaster, tile and wood.
- Hot tubs are found in any climate and are manufactured with built-in chairs, jets and drink holders.
- If you are considering building a wood frame around your hot tub, it's not a difficult procedure, any homeowner can learn.
- Nail the corners together using 16-penny nails.
- Insert the edges into the concrete piers when one is available.
- Cut 22 2-by-4 boards 3 feet each and nail them vertically around the bottom plate 16 inches on center.
Writer Bio
Lacy Enderson is an Addictions and Recovery Counselor. She is Certified with the American Association of Christian Therapists and holds a Master's Degree in Biblical Counseling. She is currently enrolled in Liberty University's Master of Divinity Degree program with Chaplaincy. Lacy is a graduate of Rhema Correspondent Bible School and has completed the first section of Berean School of the Bible. Lacy is the author of, "Addiction: A Personal Story" and "So You Want to Lose Weight But You Can't Stop Eating." Her newest novel is a teenage Christian fiction titled, "Honey Sweetheart."
Photo Credits
- http://www.custombuiltspas.com/images2/Matt%20Borbi%20Finished%20Spa%202%20Georgia.JPG, http://www.diychatroom.com/showthread.php?t=8529
- http://www.custombuiltspas.com/images2/Matt%20Borbi%20Finished%20Spa%202%20Georgia.JPG, http://www.diychatroom.com/showthread.php?t=8529
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