Hot Tub Deck Tile??

[jackie]

We are in the planning stage (well, actually just talking) of re-doing the hot tub deck. The sides are made of wood--but we want to do the top in tile. Not something that will be glazed and slippery. We'll put down plywood and concrete backer board on the supports, as on a floor, but what would be the best tile to use? The hot tub is out of doors; but we live in the Portland, Oregon area, which seldom sees temperatures below freezing for any amount of time. Any recommendations?? Thanks!

[John Bridge]

Hi Jackie, Welcome.

I'm familiar with the type of hot tub you have (I think). I've never tried it, so I have zero experience, but I would be afraid that the sides of the tub might not afford a top that is stable enough to tile. I think the wood (redwood?) might move about a little as the tub is used. Don't know. Let's hear what others might have to add.

[tileguytodd]

Hi Jackie,welcome to Our home away from work
Perhaps if you could post a picture of the tub,we could plan a little better on how many of us will help you
Kidding.A picture would help us to see what type of structure you have though.

[cx]

Yep, gotta see a picher first. We like pichers.

Plywood and CBU for an exterior installation just doesn't sound like such a good idea to me, though.

[Scooter]

I wouldn't have a problem at all doing this IF the base was mud. I'd use no more than 2 inch mosiacs so the base wouldn't be slippery. Quarter round mud trim to conceal the edges.

[leeshuck]

Check out http://www.pacificclay.com/.

They have several tile lines made for pool decks - I've seen it and it's quite nice. Was considering the Quarziti or Technoquartz for for my bathroom, but I think it's texture is a little too much for that.

[jackie]

Okay, here is a picture of the hot tub. I can understand what some are saying about the base not being stable enough...but perhaps there is a way to brace it up, much as floors can be stabalized??

Now you know why it needs re-done :-)

[John Bridge]

Hi Jackie,

I would do a reinforced mortar bed, and I would waterproof it on the surface. Then tile it. I think it could also be done with cement backer board if the top is very, very sound.

[jackie]

How do you waterproof the mortar bed?

[bbcamp]

A paintable/trowelable membrane can be applied. The tiles can be set on the membrane.


Do I see a cut out in the deck for a filter or some part of the plumbing?



BTW, I rebuilt my entire cabinet using pressure treated pine for the top frame and cedar for the sides. I don't have the flat surfaces in the corners that you have, and mine stays under a roof on my patio. The original cabinet was not built with water resistant materials and practically fell apart.

[jackie]

Ah, thanks for the info. on the membrane--although that's about all I know about it for now.

Yes, there is a "door" on the foundation that gives access to the pump and filter. I suppose just about everything will be re-built. Or maybe I'll forget the tiling idea completely; don't want to put it under roof, you can't see the stars at night that way :-)

Thanks for everyone's input.

[Bill Vincent]

The hot tub is out of doors; but we live in the Portland, Oregon area, which seldom sees temperatures below freezing for any amount of time

Jackie-- One thing to think about if you're going to do this in mud, which is actually the best way to do it, and that is to put in a drainage membrane under the mud. The problem you might have otherwise is that fact that although it's seldom for any length of time, it DOES get below freezing, and all it takes is a couple of hours, if there's any water or moisture in the mortar bed. If you put in a drainage membrane under the mud bed, the water has a place to go, rather than being trapped in the mud, and the installation won't fail.

[John Bridge]

Jackie,

Sorry for being so tight with information. We have to know where you're going before we write a book.

Laticrete makes a good surface applied waterproofer called "Laticrete 9235." They also sell a smaller version at Lowes.

http://www.laticrete.com

You either do the mud or the backer board and then put on the waterproofer. Thin set mortar, which is what you glue the tiles on with, will stick to the waterproofer.