I Made This

So you probably don't know this, but I started hanging out with Robin because she told me she bought a hot tub.  While that sounds bad, it's true.  In fact, the first text I ever sent her was "When's your first hot tub party?!" 

After a few weeks of dating, I told her that she needed steps for her hot tub.  We priced them online.  Looked around.  Talked about it.  I told her that I might be able to make her some.  She put it on my honey do list.  

After taking numerous measurements, asking her exactly what she wanted a couple times, and finally doing a little shopping at Home Depot.. this is what I came up with.. (with the help of my friend, Google)!

I took my measurements to Home Depot and they were able to cut my wood for me.  Only after a 20 minute conversation with the dude about exactly what it was I was trying to build.  And then he turned around and pointed to the shelf and said "You want to build a small set of steps?"  I said, "Yea.. here's my rough sketch."  He said "why don't you just buy these?  It's precut so all you have to do is buy these already measured and cut treaded decking."  He got the infamous blank stare from me.  I told him that my way was cheaper and that if I wanted to build my steps.. my way.

So this is the bottom step.  Slapped a little wood glue on the joints.  Gave it a few screws and it's done.  After I set the first screw, the wood started cracking.  I ended up drilling the holes for the remaining screws. 

Bottom Step (Base) - 28"L x 30"W x 10"H

So after I got the bottom step finished, I felt pretty good about what I was doing.  I'll admit, this is my first actual wood working project that I've done since Jr. High shop class.  I was a little intimidated.  But, as determined as I was, I wasn't going to let this project defeat me.

Top Step - 14"L x 30"W x 10"H

The two steps are complete.  We decided to build it wide so that there would be plenty of room for two people to get in and out of the hot tub.  Or, in a drunken stupor, being able to have something support my fat ass stumbling out of the hot tub when it's time to call it a night.

A few more screws and it's looking a lot like steps!  I put some wood glue between the two steps and set 4 screws at an angle.  You should probably buy screws a little longer than 2" for this.  I used 2" deck screws and it seems to work fine.  I think a little more length on the screws that hold the two steps together would be fine.

The original idea was to put hinges on one of the steps so that we could store our storage bin of hot tub chemicals in the steps.  It is out of the way of everything else, it's cool, and it's dark.  Unfortunately, I miscalculated and the bottom step wasn't tall enough for the storage bin, and the top step wasn't wide enough.  So now, I'm either looking for a smaller storage bin to fit the exact measurements, or I'm probably going to lay some thick plastic on the ground so that they don't leak and no water gets under the steps.   

The Top Deck - Just two 2" x 8"'s.. I think.  Leaving just enough hang over, but not too much

The Final Product!

It was a fun little project that I was able to mark off the honey do list.  It only took me about an hour to do once I got started.  I added some self adhesive non slip tape for an extra layer of comfort.  Next fall, I'll be able to stain the wood.  This is definitely cheaper than any steps that you can buy in the hot tub store or online.  Depending on your measurements, expect to spend anywhere from $30-$80.  I spent $80 for the wood, tools, and tape.  Hoping that the steps and hot tub will get a lot of use this winter!!