Joist support for a spa [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

PDA

View Full Version : Joist support for a spa


just4funn
07-11-2004, 04:56 AM
I would like to put a small spa on the second floor. The floor joists are dimensional 2 x6 (sistered) spanning 12ft. The spa is 82" x60" and will weigh 1750lbs when filled, this includes the weight of the tub. Spa will be placed toward a corner of the room with two outside walls. The house was built around the 1940"s. Any advice or help is appreciated.

Rich
07-11-2004, 08:07 AM
You're looking at about 52 lbs/sf. Assuming a spacing of 24" o.c. your looking at a max span of around 9'. If you have 16" o.c. you can get a little over 10'. I would look at putting a pony wall or beam at mid-span.

just4funn
07-11-2004, 10:50 AM
You're looking at about 52 lbs/sf. Assuming a spacing of 24" o.c. your looking at a max span of around 9'. If you have 16" o.c. you can get a little over 10'. I would look at putting a pony wall or beam at mid-span.
The joists are 16"o.c. and there is an archway in the kitchen that is located in 5ft on the 12ft. span. The archway is directely under the room where the spa will be. Will this help with additional support?

Rich
07-11-2004, 12:56 PM
It will provide additional support if below the archway there is a foundation or another wall supporting that down to the foundation. Also a large enough header will be required above the archway to carry the load of the floor. I'm sure there is something there - but who knows how big it is?

just4funn
07-12-2004, 02:22 PM
Rich, thanks for your replys. One more question . Could I use an I-Beam, 3"h x 2!/2'w x 3/8" ,supported with 4"x4" posts. One post will be right above the the main carry beam and the other post will go through the floor to the foundation. The beam will be spanning 12ft. The 4x4 could then be secured to the arch and trimmed out. There is a suspended ceiling in the kitchen and only 3 1/2 to 4" to work in. The beam will be almost be in the center of spa if that makes a difference

Rich
07-12-2004, 05:30 PM
3"h x 2 1/2"w x 3/8"?? That's not much of a beam to support much weight. In principle it would work.. but as far as what is needed in/under/or over the archway to support the weight. Honestly I would go talk to an engineer - have one come out and look at exactly what you have.