D.I.Y. covered deck for outdoor spa

[Oreoprojects]

A new covered deck area for an outdoor spa.

• The project
• Tools and materials
• Steps
• How to build a low-level deck
• More inspiration for your decking project

The project

I built a fortified deck measuring 4 x 3m for our spa. I also installed an overhead patio cover over the spa and a secondary relaxation deck next to the spa.

My dog Oreo was my building inspector. He enjoys the outdoor area.

I also built fortified decking beams to hold the weight of the spa. I had no outside help to do this - I did it all myself with all materials purchased from Bunnings Botany NZ who have great staff who are helpful.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Decking beams 450 x 140mm
  
  
• Decking timber 140 x 19mm
  
  
• Coach bolts to fasten down decking
  
  
• Joist hangers and twisties.

Tools used in the project:

• Hole borer
  
  
• Makita sliding mitre saw
  
  
• Bosch drills and drivers.

Steps

Step 1

Clear area and remove old shed.

Step 2

Dig 16 holes 600mm deep. This was the most difficult part. Even with my hole borer it took three days to dig. I used 120 x 120mm house piles for the poles. As per the NZ Building Code, I cut an "L" shape at the top of the pole to accommodate the 140 x 45mm deck beam.

Step 3

Cement the poles in place. 

Step 4

Install the decking beams. I used the 140 x 45mm timber to makes the bearers. Used two 140 x 45mm on either side and a 100mm block in the middle. Then I screwed both with a 12 gauge coach bolt. This took a long time. Fortified beams for spa requirements. 

As per the NZ Building Code, I did not attach this deck to the house but buried the poles along the house - the spa deck is load bearing and if you attach to the wall and things go wrong, insurance will not cover you. 

My building Inspector.

Step 5

Install decking timber and fasten down with coach bolts.

The spa deck before staining.

Relaxation deck before staining.

Relaxation deck next to spa. I made the frame in the background.

Finally the spa - time to relax.

I installed LED downlights under the house eaves, which light up the whole spa and entertainment area. 

The whole project from start to finish took six weekends. The whole deck cost me a quarter of the price NZ builders quoted me. 

How to build a low-level deck

Experienced Workshop community member Adam has outlined how to go about completing your own project in How to build a low-level deck.

More inspiration for your decking project

Community member Lappa built a low-level deck over brick pavers.

Workshop member Backyardtradie built this low-level deck over concrete after getting advice from resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert Mitchell. 

You can find many more creative ideas from community members in our Top 10 most popular deck projects, Top 10 most popular low-level deck projects and Inspiring low-level deck builds.