The dream of a starlit soak in a steaming hot tub, nestled in my Santa Fe backyard, was a powerful motivator. And what could be more enchanting than a natural cedar hot tub, handcrafted with my own two hands? As a seasoned DIYer, with a completed home under my belt, I dove headfirst into this project, certain I could build a classic cedar hot tub for a fraction of the cost of a pre-fabricated kit.
Let me tell you, this journey was a rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let me share the lessons learned, the triumphs celebrated, and the ultimate satisfaction of a dream realized – my very own cedar hot tub.
The Design Phase: Envisioning My Backyard Oasis
My vision was clear: a circular cedar hot tub, five feet in diameter, and about 40 inches deep. The warmth of natural wood, the gentle curves, and the promise of countless relaxing evenings fueled my enthusiasm.
Cost-effectiveness was a key consideration. Opting for 2×6″ select tight knot (STK) red cedar from my local Home Depot over the pricier clear cedar saved a considerable chunk of change. Sure, a few knots added character, and hey, who doesn’t love a bargain?
Tackling the Joinery: A Test of Patience and Precision
Now, the real head-scratcher: the joinery. After much deliberation, I settled on the cove-and-bead joint, a technique used for centuries in boat building. It seemed simple enough – a router, a couple of specialized bits, and voila! Little did I know…
Each of the 40 staves needed to be meticulously cut at an angle to form the circular shape, then milled with coves and beads to interlock perfectly. This is where things got interesting. My trusty jobsite table saw and router, while sufficient for past projects, were no match for the precision required here. Imagine feeding each stave through the router multiple times, adjusting the depth with each pass, hoping against hope everything would line up perfectly in the end. Let’s just say it was a crash course in patience, and I gained a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of professional woodworkers.
Platform Building: Laying the Foundation for Success
A word to the wise: a five-foot cedar hot tub, filled to the brim, weighs a ton – literally! To avoid a soggy disaster, I built a sturdy brick platform, ensuring it was level and capable of handling the weight.
Sourcing Materials: A DIY Scavenger Hunt
Gathering the materials was an adventure in itself. Sourcing enough quality cedar boards within a reasonable distance turned into a multi-store quest. The spa pack, a system of pumps, heaters, and filters, was ordered online after much research and comparison shopping.
Assembling the Tub: From Staves to Satisfaction
With the platform prepped and the staves prepped, assembly began. Each stave was carefully slotted into place, forming the circular walls of the tub. To combat any lingering doubts about the integrity of my joinery, I applied a generous bead of silicone caulk between each stave. Better safe than sorry, right?
The Moment of Truth: Filling the Tub (and Discovering a Few Leaks)
The moment of truth arrived – filling the tub. Anticipation hung in the air, quickly replaced by a sinking feeling as water seeped out from seemingly every seam. Despite my best efforts, the leaks persisted.
To add insult to injury, the cedar leached tannins, turning the water a murky brown. It resembled a giant cup of over-steeped tea, not the inviting oasis I had envisioned.
Overcoming Setbacks: A Testament to DIY Resilience
Disappointment threatened to engulf me, but I refused to let a few leaks and some cedar-infused water dampen my spirits. After much head-scratching and internet scouring, I found a solution: a custom-made vinyl liner.
The liner, while an added expense, solved the leaking issue and eliminated the tannin problem. It wasn’t the purist approach, but it got the job done.
The Final Touches: Functionality Meets Aesthetics
To complete the project, I built a weatherproof cedar box to house the spa pack and crafted a sturdy cover to retain heat. The cover, while aesthetically pleasing, proved to be quite cumbersome. I later replaced it with a lightweight, insulated vinyl cover and built a simple rolling rack for easy removal.
Reflecting on the Journey: Lessons Learned and Cedar-Scented Memories
Building my own cedar hot tub was a labor of love, full of valuable lessons. Would I do it again? Perhaps not. Sometimes, it’s best to leave certain tasks to the professionals. However, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and ultimately realizing my dream is immeasurable.
If you’re considering embarking on a similar DIY hot tub adventure, my advice is this:
- Consider a kit: Pre-cut kits eliminate the headaches of joinery and ensure a watertight seal.
- Factor in a liner: A vinyl liner simplifies construction and solves potential leaking and tannin issues.
- Invest in quality tools: If you’re set on building from scratch, professional-grade tools are a worthwhile investment.
And most importantly, approach the project with patience, perseverance, and a healthy dose of humor. The journey may be long and winding, but the reward of a relaxing soak in your very own cedar hot tub is well worth the effort!