I have heard from the folks who have used pre-cast piers for deck footings, and I thank you. Now how about those of you who poured concrete footings and used 4x4 (6x6) to support your deck that you put a spa on.
What was the biggest challenge? How did you determine how far apart to put the footings/supports (along a single floor joist) and how far apart to put the joists?
Can you recommend a website that talks about in ground footings.
Anything you've experienced either + or - will be helpful.
Thanks for your help.
Ok, here's what little I know: (I'm an overkill freak, ok?)
We used the concrete with fiber reinforcement poured into 2' x 2' holes. We also added re-bar (not that you have to with this type concrete) The joist are 12" apart under the tub area and 16" on center for the remainder of the deck. Under the tub there are 6 footings with steel posts. The outer perimeter of the deck is more decorative with 6x6 wood supports. The deck planks are 2" x 6".
Now......we know this is overkill, however we are building an upper deck that will one day be inclosed with the roof extended over it. We are preparing now with our house grade footings to support the roof. Our deck can support 5000 PSI. I think only 150 PSI is actually required for our 650 gal spa.
You might ask one of the pro's here on this forum how much PSI is required for your particular tub.