Can You Put A Hot Tub On A Wooden Balcony?

A hot tub is a must-have item for many homes. A balcony would be an ideal location for a hot tub, as it is near the door and easily accessible. It’s simpler to enjoy your hot tub when you don’t have to travel far to get in it, but can you place a hot tub on a wooden balcony?

You are able to put a hot tub on a wooden balcony. There should be no problem as long as your wooden balcony is built to code and is strong enough to support the weight of the hot tub with water and people included. Before installing a hot tub on any balcony, always consult an expert.

You may wonder what type of hot tub best suits a wooden balcony or if wood is even the best material option. Continue reading to discover more about having a hot tub on a balcony and determining if your balcony can withstand the extra weight.

Can You Put A Hot Tub On A Wooden Balcony

Is It Possible To Place A Hot Tub On A Wooden Balcony?

The most crucial factor to consider when thinking about having a hot tub on your wooden balcony is weight. Hot tubs typically weigh thousands of pounds when filled with water and accommodate several people. You must make sure the balcony can support the weight, whether you are building a brand-new balcony for your hot tub or intend to put one on an existing balcony.

Many hot tubs can easily be supported by a balcony that is up to code, but you’ll need to calculate the total weight of the hot tub in pounds per square foot and find out how much weight (in pounds per square foot) your balcony can support.

Using the following formula, you can quickly determine how much your hot tub will weigh at its heaviest: Total Weight of Hot Tub = Dry Weight + Water Weight + Human Weight.

Manufacturers will list the hot tub’s dry weight. This is the weight of the hot tub empty of any water.

The weight of the water is calculated by multiplying the number of gallons the hot tub can hold by 8.34 pounds, which is the typical weight of 1 gallon of water. You can calculate the human weight by dividing the maximum number of people the hot tub can accommodate by an average adult’s weight. A safe bet in this situation is 175 pounds.

Once you’ve determined the maximum total weight of the hot tub, divide that figure by the size of the hot tub in square feet. Your balcony’s proper construction/reinforcement for the hot tub will be guided by the final number you come up with.

For instance, if the hot tub is 50 square feet in size and weighs 4,000 pounds when full, it weighs 80 pounds per square foot. Make sure your balcony can support at least that much weight.

We have more articles on hot tubs in your outside spaces on the site we have a few listed below to help.

Seek Advice From An Expert Before Installing A Hot Tub

You should consult a structural engineer before installing a hot tub on any balcony. They will inspect the balcony to ensure it can support the hot tub in question, and if you want to construct a new balcony, they will ensure it is built to standard.

Yes, you will likely spend more money than you would if you bought the materials and reinforced/built the structure yourself. However, by getting professional help, at least you won’t need to worry about your balcony collapsing every time you use your hot tub. Your balcony may require additional support joists and beams to increase the weight it can support.

In addition to the balcony’s structural support, it’s crucial to ensure your balcony is perfectly level. The hot tub’s inner layer should not be subjected to excessive water weight on one side.

A balcony can typically support 50–100 pounds per square foot, which is usually sufficient for most small inflatable hot tubs. However, this is an issue that must be taken seriously. After all, even if the balcony was initially constructed to support 100 pounds per square foot, several aspects could change that figure, such as:

The kind of environment in which you live
The age of the materials
Wear and tear
The quality of the original construction
The usage of the balcony
Water damage or dry rot

Is Wood An Ideal Material For A Balcony With A Hot Tub?

Wood is a popular material for building balconies because it is strong and, if properly maintained, can last for a long time.

A wooden hot tub deck needs to be painted, stained, or sealed; otherwise, the wood will become discolored by moisture. But more importantly, moisture will make the wood warp over time and may even cause it to rot.

And just painting or sealing it once won’t be sufficient; you’ll need to repaint and reseal regularly. But first, you’ll need to sand away the old paint or sealant.

Even though it takes a lot of work, natural wood’s look may make it worthwhile. However, no matter how meticulous you are with maintenance, you’ll need to replace some or all of the wood eventually.

What Other Materials Are Available For A Hot Tub Deck?

The materials that can be used for a balcony deck are numerous. Regarding a hot tub, some of these materials perform better than others.

Using a composite material consisting of wood fibers and other materials for your balcony deck is a low-maintenance option. It only needs to be washed three times a year, but the downside is that it is damaged easily. This material cannot be sanded or recycled, but newer composites are considerably better for keeping cool if you have a full-sun balcony deck.

Pressure-treated wood is a cost-effective solution. This type of wood lasts only about 15 years and is prone to warping but can be recycled after use.

Western red cedar wood is recommended for a hot tub deck. Because it is softer, there is less likelihood of obtaining splinters. It has a 30-year lifespan and is also resistant to fungus and insects.

Ipe wood has a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years, making it one of the most durable types of wood. It simply requires oiling it once or twice a year for maintenance.

It can be challenging to choose a material for your balcony deck; to find the best option for you, you should speak with a professional planner. You might not even be aware of something that would be ideal for the environment you live in.

Having a water feature from a hot tub to a pool is an awesome addition to your outdoor space, we have a a collection of articles if you are thinking of adding one to help you get started linked below.

Conclusion

For many people, putting their hot tub on their balcony is their first choice or only option. A hot tub balcony deck is better suited to certain types of wood, and other material options are available. However, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to put a hot tub on a wooden balcony if you take the appropriate steps to ensure it is up to the task.