New Whirlpool Tub Install

Hello all-

I was wondering what the opinions are out there on raising the support height of a tub deck I am building for a new whirlpool bath. My dillema is that the tub sits at approx 20" in height out of the box, but I want the set height to be 24" so the granite deck can "flow" into the shower area to form a comfortable height ledge top for seating.

Can 2 2x4's nailed together and spaced 12 inches on center across 3/4 inch substrate provide the type of new support I would require - or should this puppy absolutely sit on a floor of some kind (like adding a concrete base, or more 3/4 ply layered to raise the height)?

Rick

Keep in mind the tub may hold 600-800 pounds of water plus the one or two people sitting in it (or more!). A structural platform should work fine if it is built properly.

Your tub should have installation instructions which will include where support beams should be placed. It is not necessary to have a complete floor under it. You should remember that 2x4s are neither 2" nor 4". I would use treated outdoor wood timbers. As Jim stated, there is a lot of weight involved even with a small tub. Water weighs something like 8 lbs per gallon. My small spa hold 250 gallons. so that's a ton of water!