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Hot Tub Deck

A new deck and portable hot tub provide the ideal vantage of the lake.

From "Grounds for Improvement"
episode DGFI-310

(Continued from page 1)

Next the crew removes the sod from the deck area and packs down the dirt base with a plate compactor. They bring in a layer of gravel as the second base and go over it with the plate compactor.

After the base is done, it's time to lay out the deck supports, or pedestals (figures E and F) to map out the area of the new deck. The crew checks that the pedestals are level and then places the decking tiles on top and secures them with screws (figure G). For additional deck support, they place a pedestal under the center of each tile, or under any section that will be used more than another.

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

They screw a spacer board to the outer framing of the deck pedestals to keep the area flush for a facia board. Cedar is used for the spacer and facia boards to accent the Ipe decking tiles (figure H). Finally, they add cedar steps (figure I) to connect the new deck to the old patio.

Figure H

Figure I

Decorating the Flower Pots

To decorate the new deck, Jackie Taylor helps Rebekah paint some colorful flowerpots. They use bold colors for a greater visual impact but make sure the color schemes do not clash with each other.

Materials
terra cotta pots
painting tape
exterior acrylic paint

Plants
3 cubic yards mulch
6 hydrangea
6 Loropetalum
6 Miscanthus

Jackie and Rebekah use painting tape to separate different sections of the pots for different colors (figure A). They apply at least two coats of paint for each color, using exterior acrylic paint so that the pots will be easier to clean. After the paint has dried, they fill the pots with colorful flowers (figure B). For larger pots, they plant a couple smaller plants in the same pot. The crew also spruces up a planting bed near the new deck with an assortment of perennials and a layer of mulch (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Assembling the Soft Tub

After the new Ipe tile deck is built and the flowerpots painted and planted, it's time to assemble and inflate the portable hot tub, or soft tub.

Soft tub kits come with a set of instructions and a power pack that serves as the inflator and pump. Jackie and Rebekah inflate the soft tub and attach the outer cover (figures A and B). Then they set it on the deck, connect the pump and fill the tub with water. The relaxing soft tub provides the perfect vantage of the lake (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

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