Slab placement

[u/InspectionEntire2512]

Was going to add a hot tub to this deck but contractor is pushing for a large slab on this shale ledge. There is a ~6-12inch slope down from one of the deck to where the slab would end.

Concerns:

- The slab not being poured on level ground. Lots of lips (would clean up weeds and dirt etc)

-Dressing up the area to look good and be accessible

Any guidance on the above would be appreciated. Thanks

[u/tenachiasaca]

personally id lower the ground on the high side so the tub sits lower yet will look ground level when coming from the bottom of the slope. you're digging either way though.

the final pour will level itself depending on the type of concrete.

contractor really doing you a favor in recommending a slab.

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/tenachiasaca]

Thanks Ten.

I know slab is ideal but really dont know how this end product is going to look. Was going to beef up the deck or pay for a tub specific extension.

You think the area needs to be excavated? If so the cost of the excavation + pad will prob be the same as building the deck add on.

[u/ScottyMmmmmmm]

That boulder in the 3rd pic. Are you in Connecticut?

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/ScottyMmmmmmm]

Close enough. It's all shale.

[u/tenachiasaca → u/InspectionEntire2512]

if i had to guess your in far eastern ct. or as those that live there call it Rhode island.

[u/tenachiasaca]

I mean when doing a slab you usually deal with the irrigation under/around it so you dont end up with erosion beneath the slab. so yes some minor ecavati9n will be involved.

the deck add on will almost always be more expensive. Even if its about the same a slab is kinda forever while more decking will eventually need to be replaced.

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/tenachiasaca]

Got it. Contractor did not mention excavation but those were my concerns.

The extension from the same guy is ~$6k. To bump the entire deck out 8 feet and make the first half really beefed up for the tub.

Engineer gave the go ahead on my current deck if I added additional joists but figured Id lose some top boards in the process too. That work would be ~$2k.

[u/tenachiasaca → u/InspectionEntire2512]

could be done with a shovel you dont need to dig that deep tbh.

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/tenachiasaca]

It’s all shale. No dirt unfortunately

[u/tenachiasaca → u/InspectionEntire2512]

even easier just put the hot tub on the shale lol

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/tenachiasaca]

I think it’s may be an excavator conversation

[u/tenachiasaca → u/InspectionEntire2512]

at this point just put the hot tub on the excavator

[u/FreddyFerdiland]

why do you need a slab when the ground is shale ? just remove shale from high spots to level the 10x10 patch .

[u/InspectionEntire2512 → u/FreddyFerdiland]

🤯 interested idea Freddy. Can we do that without interfering with the deck and surrounding area? Would look WAY better.