This guide shares building a deck for a plug and play hot tub, without cutting any wood! It creates an easy-to-build strong, attractive and cost effective, long-lasting deck or hot tub platform that can be used for many different things! No deck stairs nor handrails required.

I would rate this DIY deck build perfect for beginner builders and up.

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When we got our very first inflatable plug and play hot tub, (read full hot tub story in Part 1 HERE) we tried setting it up on a tarp on the lawn.

But what a messy learning experience that was. When it rained, of course the water pooled on the tarp. And it was a soggy and somewhat messy walk trying to get from the sidewalk to the tub.

So we reasoned, if we ever got another inflatable hot tub, we’d do it right and build a simple wood deck using proper pressure-treated wood deck material for it!

I’m ecstatic to say we not only now have a larger 6-person inflatable hot tub we absolutely adore, it also now houses a perfectly durable new size deck that couldn’t be easier to build for our new water-filled outdoor living space!

Since this was our first attempt with deck projects, we wanted it simplified. So we came up with a strong and sturdy DIY ground-level platform deck that was made even easier to build since we didn’t need to cut any wood whatsoever!

Impossible you say? Not at all. It’s all in the planning and dependent on what size you require. 

So if you need a small deck but are overwhelmed with the steps and cost, today we are breaking down how to build a simplified hot tub deck or platform in easy steps you can build in a few short hours!

 

Building a deck as a hot tub platform without cutting any boards! – Part 2

 

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Read the entire plug and play Hot Tubs series:

 

Inflatable hot tub: Choosing, unboxing and inflating – Part 1

Building an easy inflatable hot tub wood deck – Part 2 – you are here!

Plug and play hot tub installation, accessories, chemicals and rain protection – Part 3

Visit the entire hot tub series to-date HERE

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So let’s get to building a deck!

But so simple, you don’t even have to cut wood, and beginner builders can manage it… just like us!

Supplies you’ll need for building a deck:

 

This tutorial will build a deck platform measuring 96″ x 98″ with no floor overhang on any of the sides.

Treated lumber: for an 8′ x 8′:

• 8 treated 2x6s x 8′ for frame and deck beams (9 would be better)
• 17 treated 5/4″ x 6″ x 8′ rounded edged deck boards for the top (mine are from Rona in Canada)
• we did not add interior joists

Concrete blocks or pavers for footings: (you will likely need 8-10: we used 3 11.5″ blocks because we utilized part of the sidewalk)

3″ deck screws (for the frame)

2.5″ deck screws (for the top deck boards)

Cordless drill (I’m partial to Makita)

Bosch miter saw if you are cutting the boards to size

Wood shims as spacers

Torpedo construction level

Half moon edger garden tool

Good digging shovels

First of all, I’d like to put a disclaimer out there that I am not a pro builder by any means. I’m simply a homeowner who isn’t afraid to try building new things I’ve never built before.

There are so many ways to build a small deck to use as an inflatable hot tub platform, so I am hopeful our ideas used in this tutorial will help serve as an overall guideline on what worked for us, so you can adapt your build to suit your own installation.

This build is simple, strong, attractive, and can be built in a matter of a few short hours. And that works for us!

Note: I would advise to check with your own local building codes and such before you build in case you need a permit.

Choosing your location

 

1. Decide on your platform location based on your square footage needed.

The spot we chose to build our platform is located in our backyard behind the house. The house offers some weather protection, as well as this positioning offers us the most privacy from road and neighbourhood views. 

Plus it leads right off the sidewalk so there’s no need to step on the grass if we don’t wish to.

This spot also determined what size we’d have to stay within as we wanted the deck to fit between the back doorway and the side of the house, which measures 9 feet wide.

Decide on the size

 

2. Decide how large you want your platform to be.

• Ours is 8′ x 8′

Since our hot tub measures 80″, I had hoped for a 9′ x 9′ platform to maximize the space we had to build it in. However, the lumberyard was short on 10′ pieces, so we chose 8′. This actually saved us a lot of time as we didn’t have to cut down any lumber! All planks were used in their original 8′ length for this tutorial.

Building code suggests interior boards should be positioned at a maximum 16″ apart from each other.  You could even go tighter right under the tub area for added support if desired. We were short one board so we chose to improvise. We did not insert additional joists, but you certainly could nearing the center for added support.

Purchasing the lumber and screws

 

3. Shop for the lumber and screws.

• 8 treated 2x6s x 8′ (frame) (9 would be better)
• 17 treated 5/4″ x 6″ x 8′ rounded edged deck boards (top)
• 2.5″ deck structural screws for the top
• 3″ deck screws for the frame
• average cost of materials landed at approximately $350.00 Canadian

While there’s loads of deck material options to choose from, including composite decking and cedar, we decided on standard treated lumber from a local hardware store. I like the look and it’s more affordable to work with.

The challenge was that the wood was stored outdoors, making them exhibit huge warp potential. So we took our time, and held each and every board lengthwise to our nose, then rotated the board in all directions until we found the straightest boards possible.

We chose to use treated 2×6 lumber for the frame, and treated 1 x 5 deck boards across the top so the deck has appropriate outdoor durability.

Protecting the wood

 

It was suggested to not treat or protect the lumber with any additional sealer for several months to ensure the original treatment is completely dry first.

Update 1 year in: The following spring we sealed the wood with water-based Thompson’s Water Seal in Natural to further protect the wood. The water now repels beautifully, making this a good low-maintenance choice! It toned the wood a little on the orange side, so I suggest to do a small test strip first.

Selecting your footings

 

4. Decide what kind of footings you’ll use.

• we picked up 3 12″ square concrete blocks for footings

There are so many types of deck blocks! However, since we wanted our deck to float, be movable, and use part of our sidewalk as a base, we used 3 small concrete flat blocks as footings because they were easy to work.

After moving everything out of the way, and roughly position the footings, it was time for the real build.

Both my son and I started around 6:30 pm and ended around 10:30 pm, so in all, this somewhat simple build took both of us newbies approximately 4 hours with both of us working on it. 

Dry-fitting the deck

 

5. Dry-fit your design with footings and main frame roughly in place.

After some fiddling, we decided to make this build as easy as can be so it didn’t need any cutting. I wanted a boxy look so I had the option to attach a rail afterwards (vs. the top being slightly longer than the frame) so this idea worked well for us!

Building a deck – outer frame

 

6. Build a no-cut platform.

• Position a 2×6 at the front and back of the deck.
• Place a 2×6 on each side of the frame to create a square shape, making sure the side boards fit inside the front and back boards for a neater appearance.
• Attach the corner joins together with 2 3″ deck screws at each corner.
• Position the footings roughly into place.
• Check that each frame corner is square. Then reposition the footings perfectly, making them nice and square with your frame.

Preparing and leveling the footings

 

7. Level the footings.

• Cut the sod around each footing with a half moon edger.
• Removing footing and sod, then replace the footing inside the cut under the frame.
• Adjust footings until the frame sits completely level in all four directions.

Leveling the complete frame was the hardest part! But it’s important if you don’t want the water to lean in your inflatable hot tub.

Level or slope?

 

When building a deck, some builders add a slight slope down away from the house for water run-off purposes. Since this is a tub filled with water, I played it safe and kept it level which is what the tub guidelines suggest.

Since the sidewalk wasn’t completely level, I used shims to adjust, then slipped a heftier support board in its place for more adequate support.

Adding the inner framework

 

8. Add the inside 2x6s 16″ apart to create the frame.

Since we were one board short, our boards measure around 20″ apart. Good enough for our needs!

You can also add some joists for added strength if you feel you need it. I asked a pro builder and he felt this didn’t need that since it was only 8′ x 8′.

HERE is a sample of adding joists, which is what I did for our shed deck since I used 2x4s.

Attaching the top deck boards

 

9. Starting at the outside side of the platform, attach decking boards perpendicular to the framing for the best stability. Attach with 2 screws wherever the deck board meets the frame board.

Leave a small gap between each board for airflow and water drainage. We measured consistent gaps by inserting the thick side of a wood shim as we worked.

Note: We started attaching the top deck boards against the house first, when we realized we would likely have to cut the last outside board to fit. So we switched gears quickly and started at the edge of the decking on both sides, then shuffled the interior board spaces a little to make it work.

As you can see, we ran well into the evening with this build. But we wanted it done since we were so close! So we went full tilt until 10:30 pm and got it done!

The finished deck!

 

And the next morning, we woke up to a fabulous new deck! We were so proud of ourselves!

The deck is also a nice size for a sitting area.

Basic building a deck plans

 

The above photo shows how the deck was basically built. Here’s hoping if you too need a simple platform for either a hot tub or sitting area, this can work for you.

These plans are based on an 8′ x 8′ ground level platform for an inflatable hot tub. If you build your deck larger, you’ll need to look into how to properly adjust the size and brace the frame that will be appropriate for your intended use and weight load.

 

Annual maintenance and repair

 

Update 1 year in: Each spring after the hot tub comes out of winter storage, I pressure wash or use a cleaner to remove any mold and mildew off the deck. Then check the hardwood for splinters or needed screws. And once fully dry, to seal the deck once a year to hopefully extend the deck’s pressure-treated lumber. Plus it’ll help keep up the aesthetics of a new wood look too!

I’m also considering a deck cover of sorts to protect the hot tub from the hot sun.

Future yard plans

 

With the hot tub deck now in place, I’m already dreaming up add-ons to enhance the hot tub area with added flower beds or planters, a possible pergola, a walkway around the platform and a sitting area complete with propane fire pit!

The above photos are a quick sketch I shared on my Instagram stories (drawn with my finger in Instagram LOL) so I could visualize the potential of a simplified version.

In a perfect world, I dream of a much larger wood deck running the entire length of the back of the house with a lot more depth, including removing the sidewalk and rebuilding the stairs.

However this size got the job done quickly, and provided an affordable way to test things out right away. And who knows… maybe it’s all we’ll ever need once I enhance it like my drawings!

Video – building the deck

 

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Visit above to watch a short clip of us building a deck. It isn’t in tutorial form, however it is part of our story and shares our excitement of our first deck build!

Next up in the series:

 

I use to be afraid of the upkeep of a hot tub. But I’ve found it isn’t anywhere near as difficult to maintain as anticipated. You can read all about it in Part 3!

Visit Part 3 here with the tub fully set up with hot tub chemical tips and our fav gear!

Things are about to get a whole lot prettier…

Update: after a summer of using the deck, we are in LOVE! The only thing I wish we had done is build the deck a little larger since our tub was so big. (80″ tub on an 8′ x 8′ deck is tight). But being that there was just enough room to walk around the tub while staying on the deck when we close the cover, we are ok with it.

All-in-all, we are very pleased with the outcome! 

Visit the entire hot tub series to-date HERE

Learn how to build a simple front porch for a garden shed HERE

Check out other creative outdoor projects to make HERE