Make Your World More Relaxing – Create a Deck with Hot Tub
If you’re feeling a bit stressed and wondering if adding a deck with hot tub to your world may help, you’re not alone. A spa with flowing water may be exactly what you need for a sense of well-being and peace. In fact, Herman Melville acknowledges our intrinsic attraction to this liquid gold in Moby Dick.
“…whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can…”
Likely, the allure of water began with time itself. Initially, it was a matter of survival. Civilizations popped up around oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. The flowing waters within are essential to life. Moreover, water calms us; it invigorates us. Notably, the word spa comes from the Latin “salas per aquam”. Literally, this means “health from water.” Hot tubs of one sort or another have been used since ancient times, and the three ways in which they heal the body have remained consistent.
More importantly, the soothing effects of water keep us from “methodically knocking people’s hats off.” While Structurally Speaking certainly doesn’t agree with knocking accessories off of each other, we would like to knock your socks off with our creative hot tub deck design!
A Deck with Hot Tub is Delightful
Obviously, we can’t install the sea into your backyard. However, we can make your outdoor space delightful all the same. Trust us, if we could bring the ocean to you, we would. Although, if you combine a deck with hot tub fun, it makes your outdoor living space a soothing water wonderland.
Before we get into the details of designing a hot tub deck, let’s consider how a spa deck enhances your enjoyment of outdoor space. First, think about how you use your outdoor space. We find that many of our clients have three common goals.
The Real Way to Relax
Whether you have a patio, wood deck, concrete pad or just a small backyard, being outside seems to soothe the soul. Getting up early and heading outside to hear the birds welcome the morning is a peaceful way to begin your day. Similarly, it’s a fabulous way to decompress and end it as well. Lounge on your outdoor furniture as the sun sinks sleepily into the horizon. Let the stress and worries of the day set with it. Read a book; enjoy some music. Or, simply sit and watch the fireflies as the sound of nature plays in the background.
Enjoy Entertaining
Perhaps, you prefer to share these entertaining moments with others. Joining friends and family in your yard space is a great way to do that. Especially, this is true now that many more folks are gathering in their yard rather than indoors. Gathering on outdoor furniture and chatting is a safe way to enjoy each other’s company. Or, playing a round of cards, board games or yard games is a perfect way to enjoy your existing deck, patio or backyard deck. Adding an outdoor hot tub to that idea makes it even more entertaining and relaxing.
Beautify Your Outdoor Living Space
Sometimes, creating an outdoor oasis is simply about enhancing the beauty of your home. We tend to focus on the inside. Extending the ambiance outdoors creates an even more pleasing environment. Plus, adding aesthetics to your yard increases the value of your house. Therefore, if you ever wish to sell, your addition will pay off. Not only is it an investment that you can enjoy while you’re there, future homeowners will appreciate your efforts as well. Hot tub installation increases this value even further.
Creative Work Space
Moreover, we’ve also noticed a new goal our clients desire. Obviously, the trend of working-from-home is on the rise. Even when our world gets back to some sort of normalcy, many people enjoy this opportunity. Having the option to work outside on the perfect deck is a useful way to add a square foot or two to your work space. Better yet, a deck with hot tub waiting for you to hop in for a quick break is a fabulous job perk!
Common Hot Tub Deck Questions
Next, let’s address a few questions that our clients have about their hot tub deck. Foremost, can you put hot tub on decking? The short answer is absolutely! However, you do need a professional who understands how to properly reinforce a deck to support the weight of the hot tub once water is in it. An existing deck may have older boards that are rotting. Rotting wood could collapse under the weight. Additionally, your existing deck may not be built to code which means excess weight could be dangerous.
Fortunately, our team at Structurally Speaking has decades of experience in deck design and can find issues that may exist. Likewise, we use our expertise to adjust your existing deck if needed. While we thrive on creative design, safety is our most important goal.
Similarly, you may wonder what size hot tub will best match your needs? Often, this boils down to your outdoor space, patio or deck size. Personal preference and budget also come into play. Speaking of budget, that’s generally a good place to start and then you can work backwards. After all, once you know how much you want to spend, it’s easier to narrow down what may work best.
The Process of Designing and Building Your Hot Tub Deck
During our free consultation, we go over these questions and more. In fact, we have an entire process to make sure that we meet your needs from start to finish.
We begin with an initial free consultation. This meeting is the most important step — it allows us to lay the groundwork for a successful construction project. During this detailed consultation, we go through a series of questions and examples. Likewise, we focus on finding the specific functional and aesthetic goals you want to meet. Getting to know you individually helps us get a better feel for what you need and want.
After taking extensive measurements and photographs, we take a physical survey of the area and the home itself. This process also includes the impact the project will have on the interior view from the home. Then, we take time to discuss your budget, making sure all parties have a realistic idea of what to expect. If everybody agrees, we schedule a second meeting.
This second meeting is your design presentation. At this point, we complete a review of your functional and aesthetic goals of the building project, ensuring we meet your needs and desires. Our owner, Jim Brennan, offers you at least two design recommendations, which are scaled drawings that show all elevations and viewpoints.
These scaled drawings are done with a laptop computer which allows you to actually visualize the drawings in three-dimensional clarity. After discussing these recommendations, you choose the design you like the most. At that point, you and the designer will make any changes needed, until it is the exact design you envision on your home. Then, and only then, a decision is made as whether or not to do business and move to the next step.
Once you verify changes and agree on the design, we move forward to project construction. From the moment our specialists arrive on your property to the minute we leave, Structurally Speaking promises to be thorough, attentive and respectful of your property. We strive to minimize the intrusion that home construction projects are to you and your family’s lives — we will do everything it takes to expedite the creation of your deck.
Types of Hot Tubs
Finally, let’s get to the fun stuff! Before your meeting, it may help to have an idea of all the hot tub options available. You’ve probably heard of many of the manufacturers. Just a few include Bullfrog Spas, Jacuzzi, Caldera Spas and Thermo Spas. They each have a wide variety of thrilling choices to choose from.
Before you get too ahead of yourself in all these varieties, think first about what size spa you’d like to have. This depends on a few criteria. First, think about how many folks you wish to have in the spa at one time. Hot tub owners sometimes prefer a cozy 2-person bubbly addition or want to go for larger fun that fits up to 8 people at a time. Second, consider each square foot your spa will take up. Make sure you’ll still have room for other activities in your outdoor space. Third, your budget may affect how large a spa you wish to purchase. If you’re not sure what you want yet, don’t worry. We can help!
Then, decide on the shape and how your spa will rest on your patio or decking. The most traditional shapes are a square or round hot tub. However, more unique shapes are available. Next, determine what sort of hot tub platform you’ll use for your new hot tub. Will you opt for a sunken hot tub or do you prefer for it to rest on your main deck floor?
To spark some design ideas, be sure to check out our gallery of past projects!
Fun Additions to Your Deck
Similarly, think about your deck as whole and other enhancements you can make to the design. For instance, a pergola is a great way to add a little shade and class to your wooden deck. Or, a fire pit to keep you toasty when you hop out of the spa is a great addition for cooler months. Plus, it’s fabulous for s’mores, hot dogs and other delightful activities year-round. Similarly, built-in benches are a great addition. They provide extra space to place towels or guests who decide not to soak!
Think about the overall look as well. You may want the design of an elevated deck that not only adds space but breaks the visual monotony of a one-level deck. Deck lighting comes into play as well. Not only is it visually pleasing, it adds to safety. For instance, lights near each stair make walking safer in the evening. Especially, this is true with slippery, wet feet that have been soaking in the spa!
Finally, consider even the smallest touches. Add some speakers for surround sound. Or, hang some windchimes to sway and sing in the gentle breezes. Planters, string lighting, candles…there are all sorts of fun and useful décor items to enhance your space!
Now that you have all these fabulous ideas, it’s time to find the perfect deck builder!
Choose Expert Project Management in the Triangle Area
Structurally Speaking is one of the leaders. For over a decade, our owner Jim Brennan has provided Raleigh-area homeowners with exceptionally designed construction. His hands-on assistance and the quality of our carpenters is a hallmark of Structurally Speaking and our work.
Jim personally oversees every home improvement project we take on and our excellent builders have worked with him for years. He recognizes that he is responsible for design, construction and overall execution!
Additionally, our team also provides assistance to clients dealing with local homeowner associations and building codes. We help prepare any drawings and other necessary documents regarding materials or appearance. Needless to say, we also acquire all necessary permits.
So, give us a call at 919-786-4825 and we can help bring a little less stress and bit of “salas per aquam” to your world!