Where does it go?
I'm trying to decide where I'm going to put the hot tub and I'd like your help.
My first inclination was to put it catty-corner to the patio. Considerations:
1) Significantly more privacy. Line-of-sight to only one neighboring window.
2) Simple 8'x8' deck foundation is both relatively inexpensive (~$200) and quick to build
3) About $100 cheaper for 240V cable than alternative placement
4) Shorter distance to run naked to the hot tub in winter/rain
5) It may make the patio area too busy and make the yard seem overall unbalanced.
The other option is to build a deck at the back of the yard and put it there.
1) Space would be utilized far more efficiently (right now the purpose of that area is for me to mow it, nothing more)
2) The deck could be built up, such that the hot tub would be recessed, giving a more finished look
3) Surrounding area on deck would accommodate additional seating for those who have not received a Hot Tub Invitation
4) If/when I get a bigger/better hot tub, the deck would accommodate it
5) Yard may look far more balanced
6) Line-of-sight to several neighbor's windows; Will have to build an awning, further complicating the project
7) Project cost for the deck alone would be about 5x more- around $1000
I just had an epiphany- If I built the full deck and recessed the hot tub, I'd need a platform to put it on. What would probably be the smartest thing to do is to do the project in phases. Build the mini-deck (i.e., foundation) catty-corner to the patio and hook the hot tub up. The only thing I'd lose is $30 worth of cable. THEN, I can start working on the full deck in the back, which probably wouldn't happen for another year since I've got so many other projects.
Brilliant. Thanks, Internets!
And because I already did the CAD work (well, technically Visio), here's the current plan:
Phase 1
I'll build the 8x8 deck using DekBlocks, so it's a temporary foundation and can reuse it for the full-size deck.
Phase 2
I'll build the deck in the back, utilizing the otherwise abandoned space. Fast-growing trees will be planted for privacy. A winding pathway will lead to the deck. I'll lay stones in the grilling area for the foundation. Just below the grill (on the image) I'll have a small herb garden.
Phase 3
What did you expect?
I'm still open to any suggestions/comments, provided I get to Phase 3.
My first inclination was to put it catty-corner to the patio. Considerations:
1) Significantly more privacy. Line-of-sight to only one neighboring window.
2) Simple 8'x8' deck foundation is both relatively inexpensive (~$200) and quick to build
3) About $100 cheaper for 240V cable than alternative placement
4) Shorter distance to run naked to the hot tub in winter/rain
5) It may make the patio area too busy and make the yard seem overall unbalanced.
The other option is to build a deck at the back of the yard and put it there.
1) Space would be utilized far more efficiently (right now the purpose of that area is for me to mow it, nothing more)
2) The deck could be built up, such that the hot tub would be recessed, giving a more finished look
3) Surrounding area on deck would accommodate additional seating for those who have not received a Hot Tub Invitation
4) If/when I get a bigger/better hot tub, the deck would accommodate it
5) Yard may look far more balanced
6) Line-of-sight to several neighbor's windows; Will have to build an awning, further complicating the project
7) Project cost for the deck alone would be about 5x more- around $1000
I just had an epiphany- If I built the full deck and recessed the hot tub, I'd need a platform to put it on. What would probably be the smartest thing to do is to do the project in phases. Build the mini-deck (i.e., foundation) catty-corner to the patio and hook the hot tub up. The only thing I'd lose is $30 worth of cable. THEN, I can start working on the full deck in the back, which probably wouldn't happen for another year since I've got so many other projects.
Brilliant. Thanks, Internets!
And because I already did the CAD work (well, technically Visio), here's the current plan:
Phase 1
I'll build the 8x8 deck using DekBlocks, so it's a temporary foundation and can reuse it for the full-size deck.
Phase 2
I'll build the deck in the back, utilizing the otherwise abandoned space. Fast-growing trees will be planted for privacy. A winding pathway will lead to the deck. I'll lay stones in the grilling area for the foundation. Just below the grill (on the image) I'll have a small herb garden.
Phase 3
What did you expect?
I'm still open to any suggestions/comments, provided I get to Phase 3.