16×24 deck built of Yellawood.

Back in October I built a 7×7 hot tub platform with utility pole posts, 2×8 joists and 2×6 decking. It is about 11” high on the short side and 19” on the high side. We set the hot tub up and allowed it to settle over the winter (all that water really helps it settle!). Once spring arrived, The deck was built around it.

The deck was framed up in two sections. First section was 16×16 butted up against one side of the hot tub, then extended 8’ past and around it. The inner post of the stairs is the extension point.

4×4 posts at 8’. 2×8 joists at 16”. 2×8 beams. 5/4×6 decking and top rail.

I decided to make the rails “backwards” from what you would normally see simply because I like the idea of having some “knee area” when you’re leaning on the rail, and I think the balusters look a little slicker this way. Just personal preference.

The wife loves it and is very glad that she doesn’t have the rickety old steps that were there before, or have to climb up and down out of the hot tub any more!

Things I learned while building this project:

My level isn’t perfectly level

My square isn’t perfectly square

Just because this board was straight yesterday doesn’t mean it is today

18 year old helpers are great until you have to keep up with them.

-- Bandsaws love thumb meat...