I am in the process of rebuilding a 16' deep by 42' long deck. Half of it is to be used for a hot tub. Now it has 2x6's on 24" center with 4x4's supporting it to the ground. It is 12 ft off the ground. I want to lower the part of the deck that will support the hottub useing 4ea 6x6's to 2x8" on 16" centers. The tub weights 5000lbs full. Will this be suffent?

ill just tell you what I would do and nothing less. Id use double 2x10s every 12" on center , also I would support that by double 2x12 beams bolted on a 6x6 post.

now this is just where the hot tub is setting, do make sure that the 2 2x12 beams are going the opposstite direction than the joists are so it is load bearing.


as far as code goes a 2x6 would never fly for a deck joist, 2x8 at a minimum

I suggest that you contact the manufacturer about installation requirements. Also contact local building code office. With that much weight at that height you may have to engineer or architectural drawings.

If you are rebuilding with a permit you'll find out pretty quick what's allowed. Are you saying the hot tub alone will load 5000 lbs? Your 24" on center for the rest of the deckis already pushing the limits, do not surface with 5/4" planks for the flooring, they will deflect.

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Originally Posted by twestling

I am in the process of rebuilding a 16' deep by 42' long deck. Half of it is to be used for a hot tub. Now it has 2x6's on 24" center with 4x4's supporting it to the ground. It is 12 ft off the ground. I want to lower the part of the deck that will support the hottub useing 4ea 6x6's to 2x8" on 16" centers. the tub weights 5000lbs full. will this be suffent??

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Good luck

I will totally agree with Glavine. Talk to your tub supplier or your building inspector. They will help you.
Mike