Cheap Way to Build Enclosure for a Hot Tub

If your hot tub needs more privacy, build a simple lattice screen.

A hot tub is a relaxing addition to almost any living environment. With some simple tools and easy-to-find lumber, you can build an attractive, cost-effective enclosure to enhance the enjoyment of your hot tub. No major construction is required. Mastery of simple, basic skills and materials and standard tools will allow you to create a useful privacy structure. Embellish it with paint, hanging baskets or flowering plants and climbing vines.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 4 wooden stakes
• Post hole digger or sharp spade
• 10 pounds of pea gravel
• 4, 5-pound bags of cement
• 2 pounds each, 2-inch galvanized nails and screws
• Electric drill
• Hammer
• 4, 10-feet-long, 4 inch by 4 inch pressure-treated posts
• 4, 10-feet-long, 2 inch by 4 inch pressure-treated boards
• 16 pieces of 8-feet long, 2 inch by 2 inch pressure-treated lumber
• 24 pieces of 3-foot long, 2 inch by 2 inch pressure-treated lumber
• 8 sections, 8 feet by 3 feet wooden lattice
• 5, 12-feet-long, 2 inch by 4 inch pressure-treated boards

Instructions

1. Measure a 10 feet by 10 feet square and pound the stakes into the four corners.

2. Dig a 5-inch wide, 2-foot deep hole at each corner and pour 2 inches of pea gravel into the bottoms of the holes.

3. Position the posts in the holes and fill with cement. Allow the cement to dry overnight.

4. Nail or screw the boards at the top edges of the posts, on the inside of the posts.

5. Assemble eight frames from the 2-inch by 2-inch pieces of lumber. One frame consists of two 8-foot pieces connected by the 3-foot pieces at the top, middle and bottom.

6. Position two frames on the outside of each post and screw them to the posts to form the corners of the enclosure.

7. Nail the lattice sections to the outside of the frames.

8. Nail or screw the 5 12-foot boards, equally spaced and parallel to each other, to the top of the enclosure.

Tips & Warnings

• Embellish the structure by painting it with weather-proof deck paint.

• Plant climbing flowers such as clematis, climbing roses or honeysuckle at the corners to grow up the lattice and over the top of the structure.

• Drape weather-proof canvas over the boards on the top of the structure for more shade and dramatic effect.

• Hang baskets of flowers from the ends of the boards on the top of the enclosure.

• Build shelves for the inside corners of the structure to hold potted plants or flowers.

• Check with local utilities before digging to avoid damaging buried power, gas and water lines.

• Check with local zoning authorities before beginning construction about requirements for permits.

References

• "Building Screened Rooms: Creating Backyard Retreats, Screening in Existing Structures, A Complete How-to Guide"; Editors of Sunset Books; 2004"Building Screened Rooms: Creating Backyard Retreats, Screening in Existing Structures, A Complete How-to Guide"; Editors of Sunset Books; 2004
• "Backyard Idea Book: Outdoor Kitchens, Shed & Storage, Fireplaces, Play Spaces, Pools & Spas"; Lee Anne White; 2004
• "Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations"; Debra Prinzing and William Wright; 2008
• "Easy-to-Build Backyard Projects"; Monte Burch; 2009