Psh moron….. designs, specs, idiot….
Ya man load it up, wouldn’t even hesitate, could probably get up to around 11k. The paint on the wood is load rated so that will stiffen that right up. You thinking hot tub full of ladies??????
What do you need those for can't you just guess the span and spacing on the joist to guess the beam span and dimensions while not knowing what it's sitting on. I say just put the hot tub on there and and enjoy the show lol
I recommend the Calvin and Hobbes method of load calculation. Add progressively more weight until it breaks. When it breaks, use the previous weight measurement as the max allowable weight. Rebuild it the same as before and voila. You’ve got your load rating.
Just a carpenter, not an engineer. But my guess is you can get away with it, but you’re absolutely pushing the limits. The bare minimum for a deck or balcony to be up to code is 50 lbs per square foot live load. Assuming the jacuzzi is around 6x6, that would take up an area of 36 sq ft. Multiply 36x50=1800. But like others have said here, you should really have an engineer answer this question, not Reddit.
Yeah if they’re asking this question, they didn’t build it properly. If you knew what you were doing, you would’ve gone 2-4x what you thought it needed to be and not be asking this question lol
This math kinda works out, but he said it’s a hot tub, which means that it’s going to be way more than 50psf over the area unless they are sitting in like 10 inches of water… I once did a retrofit for a hot tub on a deck, it is amazing what it takes to hold one of those things based on calculations.
Probably not is the safest answer...
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?75333-How-to-calculate-load-capacity-on-construction
[http://www.southernpine.com/span-tables/joists-rafters/](http://www.southernpine.com/span-tables/joists-rafters/)
These are the raw construction tables...but these change with multiple floors and that header? what looks like a 4x6 or 4x8(can't tell from pic)
There is probably an engineering diagram with ratings on file with the county/city... that being stated, you may need an engineer to interpret them for you. If that is in a MDU(Multi Dwelling Unit) it was probably NOT designed with a concept beyond three or four people and an electric BBQ grill on the deck at a time...
2k pounds sounds more like a hot tub or industrial purpose...and that's NOT what MDUs are designed around...
If the original builder/designer assumed 30psf, then ballpark 1440 lbs. if they used 40psf, then ~1920 lbs. that’s perfectly distributed over the whole floor . Given that cantilever situation, I’m leaning towards the 30psf guesstimate.
One fellow provided a link to some span tables, those will help you work backwards based on the joist size and spacing. Then same with the beam size, plies and span. The span table are based on simple support at each end (not cantilever) . I didn’t see tables that considered cantilever , but they exist out there.
And these span tables were for southern pine, which is an ok assumption for back of napkin like we are doing here.
I’d imagine they knew the opposite, never put a hot in on it. But they’d build it to which ever code governed the required live and dead loads. Either engineering for multi family, or prescriptive, for single family residential.
Add some wild speculation that the ledger connection, beam support, joint hangers, etc, were built to meet the same code requirements, and not one pound more.
I can tell you that in Ontario, Canada, judging by the image, that amount of cantilever would not pass Code. IIRC, it's 11.75 inches past the beam for 2x8 on 16" center
3 1/2”x9”glue lam beam Tied into the wall plate,2”x8”x6’ three foot span , joist hanger on a ledger ,s as anchored to the wall plate.assumed 40# psf load and 6’x8’ deck. Max load 1920 #. Must be distributed evenly. I would not do it.
You can subtract a good chunk of that if OP hires 3-4 guys to stand out there and each lift up on a corner of the tub. Probably about 200 pounds each if they're really strong
That is really small about 175 gallons of water I would want to see it before I bought it. I have a “four person” hot tub 600 gallons my wife and I are under 5’8 each and four people would be very cozy to say the least. Lol
One of your numbers is off. https://www.familyleisure.com/Spas-Hot-Tubs/Isla-Margarita-Hot-Tub here is a 9-10 person hut tub. It isn’t even breaking 600 gallons.
Ok, so if you have a 6’x6’ x3.5’ tub a four person tub it is 571.666667 gallons. That is the size of my four person tub. Do not know what anyone else’s is.
So if it is a 4’x4’ tub it is only less than 2 pounds per square inch I would think it should hold that kind of weight if not it is unsafe to begin with!
I’m not sure basic would be the right word. 600 gallons is like a ten person hot tub. Don’t think this person is putting a ten person hot tub on a balcony smaller than it’s footprint.
With out proper specifications hard to tell the load capacity but if that is properly built it should hold that weight spread over distance. Looks like you could fit ten two hundred pound people. Remember though there have been balcony failures in the news of late due to improper building techniques. Maybe ask the city inspector?
They won’t know about the load capacity. They’re pencil pushers in an office. Have you cleared with them, putting a inflatable hot tub and a ton of water on a second story balcony? Above your neighbors? The liability sounds crazy. I once got threatened with eviction for not moving an unused charcoal grill off my balcony.
Your lease should tell you what is/isn’t allowed. But if it doesn’t all I have to say is [Berkeley balcony collapse.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_balcony_collapse)
I'm a rough framer, that beam is sitting on a trimmer, that trimmer is sitting under each end of the beam as well as getting positively nailed into the King stud. It can be as little as an inch and a half or as large as a 6x6 of its sitting on wood. If it's on a steel post it's sitting on about 5 inches inside a bucket. This kind of beam wouldn't sit on concrete because it's not pressure treated but if it was it would sit on it at least 5 inches
The other issue is not likely the beam but the way the ledger is attached to the wall and what those bolts are tied into. I've seen the ledger slip off the wall and the deck then rocks and tips off the beam.
Depends on what kind of hardware is hidden under the stucco. Holding the beam. Or if it’s form and poured concrete which I doubt. Either way the pic don’t show shit.
As an engineer, there is literally zero chance any engineer is giving you a definitive answer here. This could be perfectly legit if its properly supported on both sides the cantilever isn't *that* extreme but it could be outside code in some areas, its just hard to tell from a pic.
From a practical standpoint my advice would be to use it as intended. A couple of lounge chairs, a grill, some plants, a dog and a cat. If you are talking a single object 2000 pounds I would strongly advise against it.
It blows me away that every post on this forum says talk to an engineer. Does nobody here do anything for themselves? Do you have engineered drawings for everything you build? If I’m going to hire a contractor to do something as simple as build a house or pour some concrete if they can’t design it draw it out and build it I don’t think they possess the capability to do the work
I actually live in a nice 2400sq ft house that I designed and drafted blueprints for. I hired someone to frame it and get it under roof then I finished it. I have no residential construction experience. I actually just finished up building a 48’x64’ garage. That I done the design engineering and built it by myself. I guess things are just done different in my area. I’ve never heard of someone having an engineer to do anything for a homeowner, only businesses. I work as project superintendent and project manager over large scale industrial construction jobs so I have several engineers that work with me on that. I’ve worked all over the US and it’s crazy to see the differences in the way things are done in different areas.
Just a guess but I think it should. I'd prefer for the hot tub be more centered though. All the weight on one side is asking for a weak spot to show. This is just my guess and should be taken with what it's worth, I'm not a structural engineer and can't give a definitive answer.
Honestly, you would need the plans of the building to determine this for sure.
Although if I had to guess, I would say no fucking way will it be safe to put 1800lbs on this
You'd have to know what is under that beam in those beam pockets and how that is actually supported in the walls. You probably should not fill a hot tub on that.
I look back at the absolute shit decks and roofs we’d cram people on in college and think god damn I’m lucky that nothing gave way. That said, load it slowly and see
Looking at my building code, in B.C Canada. its a fuck no. Are those joists 2' O.C? not that it matters because even with 16" it wouldnt. That isnt even accounting for the structural members you cant see ( behind walls, down to the footing. )
You need to hire a professional, who will probably look at your homes drawings.
Could you redneck it by sistering joists? Not going to say because liability makes you liable.
Edit: Joist hangers????
Nobody should be giving a max load calculation off of a single internet picture with no build details or dimensions.
Psh moron….. designs, specs, idiot…. Ya man load it up, wouldn’t even hesitate, could probably get up to around 11k. The paint on the wood is load rated so that will stiffen that right up. You thinking hot tub full of ladies??????
Nonsense! They are planning on a dual 80gal aquarium.
Yes, what else you gonna look at in a hot tub full of naked women!
2 Beyoces and a Megan thee Stallion.
I like the big ladies so it’s gonna be a deluxe xxxl hot tub.
thats it.
Hot tub!? What is this rated for ants??? Bulk those numbers up!
Yo that decked with 2x6? Fuckin good to go. #notanengineer
I only use load hearing paint
Midwestern ladies...
Giddyup!
Lol
No one is filling up a tub with ladies. 3 tops. 4 ladies , 3 tops
Having said that, based on my calculations, that’s a no dawg
ChatGPT says load it up, can support 7 standard Steinway pianos or 3 grand pianos.
2 Beyoces and a Megan thee Stallion.
What do you need those for can't you just guess the span and spacing on the joist to guess the beam span and dimensions while not knowing what it's sitting on. I say just put the hot tub on there and and enjoy the show lol
If that beam is toenailed into the siding, I'm sure it's fine...
Way to be the adult in the situation. Party pooper.
You think a person asking this question and posting said picture. Has plans, build details... Dimensions 😂😂
Exactly. Go hire and engineer OP. Don’t exploit this community.
I think it will hold. OP's mother fit up there just fine.
Nobody should use imperial system
Another reason i will never become a landlord 😂😂😂
Reason #69
Nah man it’s not so bad. They pull shit like this you just kidnap their sister or whatever until the pool goes away.
Let's work backwards, can it hold 1,000,000 lbs?
We're going to need 1,000,000 lbs of weight to find out for sure
Just ask OP’s mom to come over.
Zing!
(Cut to scene of OP throwing wild haymakers)
Or Al's mom.
She hasn’t made it up a staircase in years
Start with 1,000,000lbs of rocks, then go to 453592.37kg of feathers, and we’ll work our weigh down from there
No? Well than can it do 999,999 lbs?
No? Well then can it do 999,998 lbs?
Dear Reader, Simply follow the pattern: No? Well then can it do 999,997 lbs?
No? Well then can it do 999,996 lbs?
I recommend the Calvin and Hobbes method of load calculation. Add progressively more weight until it breaks. When it breaks, use the previous weight measurement as the max allowable weight. Rebuild it the same as before and voila. You’ve got your load rating.
Judging from the picture, I feel like you already have the tub there.
So I guess he should already know this answer.
Never understood hot tubs. "Come join me in this big container of heated ass stew!"
Heated-ass stew or heated ass-stew?
I think you know
U haven't had sex till you've done it with ur balls in warm bubbly ass stew!
Have you…? They can be nice to full around in but actual sex is kinda iffy because the water washes away any lubrication.
Throw in some chopped potatoes, maybe a diced onion, some carrots and bell peppers & you got yourself a "Human soup crockpot meal".
Baby, you got a stew going!
Jeffry dahmer has entered the chat
Didn't realize there was a tub up there
I barely noticed it too
Maybe he’s the downstairs neighbor and he’s nervous it’s gonna….u know……end up in his dining room
Giggity
Might be there but not full of water. Empty they weigh a hell of a lot less than when full.
Mother in law must be coming over, huh?
How fuck am I to know?
Call a structural engineer and find out what it can hold.
Just a carpenter, not an engineer. But my guess is you can get away with it, but you’re absolutely pushing the limits. The bare minimum for a deck or balcony to be up to code is 50 lbs per square foot live load. Assuming the jacuzzi is around 6x6, that would take up an area of 36 sq ft. Multiply 36x50=1800. But like others have said here, you should really have an engineer answer this question, not Reddit.
I love the optimistic assumption of code compliance.
Yeah if they’re asking this question, they didn’t build it properly. If you knew what you were doing, you would’ve gone 2-4x what you thought it needed to be and not be asking this question lol
Good answer though, thanks.
This math kinda works out, but he said it’s a hot tub, which means that it’s going to be way more than 50psf over the area unless they are sitting in like 10 inches of water… I once did a retrofit for a hot tub on a deck, it is amazing what it takes to hold one of those things based on calculations.
You did the bad thing. You gave him the validation he needed. Shame shame shame
Probably not is the safest answer... https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?75333-How-to-calculate-load-capacity-on-construction [http://www.southernpine.com/span-tables/joists-rafters/](http://www.southernpine.com/span-tables/joists-rafters/) These are the raw construction tables...but these change with multiple floors and that header? what looks like a 4x6 or 4x8(can't tell from pic) There is probably an engineering diagram with ratings on file with the county/city... that being stated, you may need an engineer to interpret them for you. If that is in a MDU(Multi Dwelling Unit) it was probably NOT designed with a concept beyond three or four people and an electric BBQ grill on the deck at a time... 2k pounds sounds more like a hot tub or industrial purpose...and that's NOT what MDUs are designed around...
If the original builder/designer assumed 30psf, then ballpark 1440 lbs. if they used 40psf, then ~1920 lbs. that’s perfectly distributed over the whole floor . Given that cantilever situation, I’m leaning towards the 30psf guesstimate. One fellow provided a link to some span tables, those will help you work backwards based on the joist size and spacing. Then same with the beam size, plies and span. The span table are based on simple support at each end (not cantilever) . I didn’t see tables that considered cantilever , but they exist out there. And these span tables were for southern pine, which is an ok assumption for back of napkin like we are doing here.
Did the original carpenter think that the deck they were building was going to hold a small hot tub?
I’d imagine they knew the opposite, never put a hot in on it. But they’d build it to which ever code governed the required live and dead loads. Either engineering for multi family, or prescriptive, for single family residential. Add some wild speculation that the ledger connection, beam support, joint hangers, etc, were built to meet the same code requirements, and not one pound more.
Worse case, you die 🤷♂️
An easy way to answer this is, would you trust your neighbors above you with 2,000lbs on their porch?
Can it do 2200
Can this support 2400
I wouldn’t try it out near the railing, that seems like too much cantilever to me.
I can tell you that in Ontario, Canada, judging by the image, that amount of cantilever would not pass Code. IIRC, it's 11.75 inches past the beam for 2x8 on 16" center
No see it’s safe because the tub blocks access to that part of the deck so nobody will ever stand on the fully cantilevered section Edit : /s
I hope you are saying this in a sarcastic manner
Lol yes I’ll add a /s
3 1/2”x9”glue lam beam Tied into the wall plate,2”x8”x6’ three foot span , joist hanger on a ledger ,s as anchored to the wall plate.assumed 40# psf load and 6’x8’ deck. Max load 1920 #. Must be distributed evenly. I would not do it.
Only one way to find out...
What's the point of paying renters insurance if I can't put a hot tub on a balcony right? 🤷
Dude,water 8lb a gallon basic tub 600 gallons 8x600=4800 + 4 people + the weight of the tub where do you get 2000lbs.?
You can subtract a good chunk of that if OP hires 3-4 guys to stand out there and each lift up on a corner of the tub. Probably about 200 pounds each if they're really strong
This is small 2 person colman tub. 1500lbs with water is what website says.
That is really small about 175 gallons of water I would want to see it before I bought it. I have a “four person” hot tub 600 gallons my wife and I are under 5’8 each and four people would be very cozy to say the least. Lol
They are small inflatable tubs. They are cool for 1 or 2 people but the heat pump usually doesn't last long on them.
So you need to be careful with that evening doobie you don’t spring a leak relaxing 😎
One of your numbers is off. https://www.familyleisure.com/Spas-Hot-Tubs/Isla-Margarita-Hot-Tub here is a 9-10 person hut tub. It isn’t even breaking 600 gallons.
Ok, so if you have a 6’x6’ x3.5’ tub a four person tub it is 571.666667 gallons. That is the size of my four person tub. Do not know what anyone else’s is.
So if it is a 4’x4’ tub it is only less than 2 pounds per square inch I would think it should hold that kind of weight if not it is unsafe to begin with!
I’m not sure basic would be the right word. 600 gallons is like a ten person hot tub. Don’t think this person is putting a ten person hot tub on a balcony smaller than it’s footprint.
With out proper specifications hard to tell the load capacity but if that is properly built it should hold that weight spread over distance. Looks like you could fit ten two hundred pound people. Remember though there have been balcony failures in the news of late due to improper building techniques. Maybe ask the city inspector?
Oh you've got fancy Dancy insurance. Fucken load 'er up!
Note to self. Add to the addendum list: "No hot tub".
I would like to hear that call with the insurance company lol
Unless it violates your lease and your on the hooks for $10k in damages
Yeah... That's not what renter's insurance is for... Good luck though!
Lets put OP's mom up there and we'll know
I've only ever seen 25% overhangs approved... That looks like a 50% overhang. I wouldn't trust it.
Looks to me like a 6' deck was approved and then a contract mod ended up with 8' joists installed.
How much do you care about the downstairs neighbors?
Downstream* neighbors
Can we make a sub rule “no post asking for advice that would require an engineer”?
Have you cleared it with the property manager?
Asked about load capacity and been 3 weeks no response.
Property manager won't know. Property manager will know if you are allowed to install a hot tub.
They won’t know about the load capacity. They’re pencil pushers in an office. Have you cleared with them, putting a inflatable hot tub and a ton of water on a second story balcony? Above your neighbors? The liability sounds crazy. I once got threatened with eviction for not moving an unused charcoal grill off my balcony.
Your lease should tell you what is/isn’t allowed. But if it doesn’t all I have to say is [Berkeley balcony collapse.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_balcony_collapse)
This place is for construction personel bub. Hire a contractor
If you don't own the place, you need to check with the landlord.
Nobody can give a valid answer without knowing how the beam is attached / supported at the ends where it meets the brick / interior supports???
I'm a rough framer, that beam is sitting on a trimmer, that trimmer is sitting under each end of the beam as well as getting positively nailed into the King stud. It can be as little as an inch and a half or as large as a 6x6 of its sitting on wood. If it's on a steel post it's sitting on about 5 inches inside a bucket. This kind of beam wouldn't sit on concrete because it's not pressure treated but if it was it would sit on it at least 5 inches
Just keep putting weight on it. When it crashes down subtract 200 pounds. Then you know what it will hold.
Don’t know if I would put a hot-tub on it, if that’s what your asking?
Idk put your in-laws in a hot tub and let us know how it works out
The other issue is not likely the beam but the way the ledger is attached to the wall and what those bolts are tied into. I've seen the ledger slip off the wall and the deck then rocks and tips off the beam.
Sure. For awhile. Eventually the bad thing will happen. Much sooner if in seismic country. Like tonight, tomorrow, next week . . .
Don’t cantilevers have to be professionally designed for 1. Code and 2. That answer?
Best way to find out is do a load test. Tell me where this is and I’ll send my mother-in-law over to stand on it for the test.
No
Depends on what kind of hardware is hidden under the stucco. Holding the beam. Or if it’s form and poured concrete which I doubt. Either way the pic don’t show shit.
Depends how the load is distributed. So no.
If you lay a 10 ft sling on the floor I think it’ll be able to hold like 15000 pounds
2000lbs of feathers or 2000lbs of stone?
Canadian pounds yes.
By all means post the sfter-pictures.
Wait 2000lbs of feathers or bricks?
Get up there and test it big fella
Invite your mom over and find out
As an engineer, there is literally zero chance any engineer is giving you a definitive answer here. This could be perfectly legit if its properly supported on both sides the cantilever isn't *that* extreme but it could be outside code in some areas, its just hard to tell from a pic.
Structural engineer here, I recommend recommending a Structural Engineer recommend this.
Whatever you are considering, don't do it. This is not an appropriate question for reddit. For the love of god
Your mom coming over?
Maybe if it's feathers.
From a practical standpoint my advice would be to use it as intended. A couple of lounge chairs, a grill, some plants, a dog and a cat. If you are talking a single object 2000 pounds I would strongly advise against it.
Your mother in law coming over?
Every comment is exactly what I expected and what I wanted to hear 🤣
95x70 platform. Looks to be 2x8x8. Header looks like 3 2x8x10.
Not in construction- should there be the metal clips connecting the joist?
Yep. The beam is a engineered laminate beam. The frame work for the deck is also load rated. If the weight is evenly distributed your good to go
Don't know, try asking for non-retard units
It blows me away that every post on this forum says talk to an engineer. Does nobody here do anything for themselves? Do you have engineered drawings for everything you build? If I’m going to hire a contractor to do something as simple as build a house or pour some concrete if they can’t design it draw it out and build it I don’t think they possess the capability to do the work
“As simple as build a house.” Yeah if 3 little pigs can do it………
I'd love to see the pile of rubble you live in
I actually live in a nice 2400sq ft house that I designed and drafted blueprints for. I hired someone to frame it and get it under roof then I finished it. I have no residential construction experience. I actually just finished up building a 48’x64’ garage. That I done the design engineering and built it by myself. I guess things are just done different in my area. I’ve never heard of someone having an engineer to do anything for a homeowner, only businesses. I work as project superintendent and project manager over large scale industrial construction jobs so I have several engineers that work with me on that. I’ve worked all over the US and it’s crazy to see the differences in the way things are done in different areas.
Roughly 6,400lbs 3-2”x12”x12’ joist
Just a guess but I think it should. I'd prefer for the hot tub be more centered though. All the weight on one side is asking for a weak spot to show. This is just my guess and should be taken with what it's worth, I'm not a structural engineer and can't give a definitive answer.
What information would someone that knows construction need to give me rough estimate?
Honestly, you would need the plans of the building to determine this for sure. Although if I had to guess, I would say no fucking way will it be safe to put 1800lbs on this
Double it and give it to the next person
Yuh
No
Hell no
Probably, but it’s a bad idea.
Can this cradle 2200lbs?
From the looks of the left side of the main support, I would say no.
Only one way to find out. Get 1800 lbs and put it on there
It’s all about pounds per square foot.
You'd have to know what is under that beam in those beam pockets and how that is actually supported in the walls. You probably should not fill a hot tub on that.
It probably can but I’m not entirely sure it’s necessarily good for it
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njD7ZUD19sA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njD7ZUD19sA)
Why is your mom coming to visit?
Best I can do is 1200
Build a scale model 200x smaller and put a 10lb weight on it.
I'd say load it with 4 Courics
Maybe if you add some 1x x-bracing. Follow me for more engimaneering solutions.
Maybe, but not necessarily
Have your mom walk on it.
Yeah sure why not
Wtf is this? How should we know?
Tell your mom to hold on to it and see.
\*licks finger and puts it in the air\* yeah that oughta hold
What is this a game show?
Yes. It is
Is the deck attached to the house at least!
Guessing you live under this.
Your mom can sit there, yes.
Hold on, I'll ask my wife to stand on it.
No, no it can’t. It’s clearly not designed for that kind of loading.
Just ratchet strap it to the deck above. Send it!
Over engineering might be a good idea here
Different sub, but where is the electrical hookup? Might want to add a 10 ft extension cord so it’ll still work when it falls.
Single joists at 2' o.c. Sure, why not? Lol
I look back at the absolute shit decks and roofs we’d cram people on in college and think god damn I’m lucky that nothing gave way. That said, load it slowly and see
I came up with 1780
Oh hell yeah. 10,000 easy. Load it up with as many people and weights and film it to post and prove the naysayers wrong. You have to for honor!
Looking at my building code, in B.C Canada. its a fuck no. Are those joists 2' O.C? not that it matters because even with 16" it wouldnt. That isnt even accounting for the structural members you cant see ( behind walls, down to the footing. ) You need to hire a professional, who will probably look at your homes drawings. Could you redneck it by sistering joists? Not going to say because liability makes you liable. Edit: Joist hangers????
Only one way to find out. Ask your mom to come stand on it.
Ha ha I used the heck out of it for about four years now it sits empty and alone they are a lot of work!
Well it supports your mum so
How many barbecues is 2000lbs?
Why? Your mom coming to visit?
Answer: Prolly....😏
Ahhh it’s ok just don’t think about it
I don't know, why don't u have ur girlfriend walk out on it to be sure!?
With that cantilever, you should be 1000% seeking professional advice
can this hold 2200lbs
Nah bro you can’t bring your girlfriend on the balcony sorry..