Expert: Dan Griffin - 8/8/2011

Question
I am building a free standing (next to an existing deck) support for a 7' x 7' hot tub, about 5000lbs full. My problem is that bacause of the elevation from the ground I can't stack joists on top of beams. Can I use beams at the outters edges (say the North and South sides) and them use joist hangers on those beams to install the East West joists? Also, if that is ok, then what size beams/joists would I use? What is the frost depth for southern Ohio?  (I'm just full of questions) Is 4" x 6" posts a good size?

Answer
Nick, you are talking about supporting over 100#/SF.  This will require some serious framing.  You do not indicate the deck height, nor do you tell me what is under the proposed hot tub location (is there a concrete patio, dirt and grass, ?????

Here is a span calculator to play with:
http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/reversecalc/reversecalc.asp?species=Southern

I plugged in 10' on 16" centers.  I'm guessing you want some deck beyond the tub to be able to walk around it, 10' is not enough.  It says that 2x10 would work.  The beam load is also subject to span.  I think I would be more comfortable creating  multiple bearing beams with smaller joists or even just 2x decking on the beams.

Give me some more information about the heights and clearances.