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Photo credit: Skargards

How much does wood-fired hot tub delivery cost for a wood-fired hot tub in the UK and what is included? Can you add on a full installation service? What kind of delivery arrangements do you need to make in advance and how long does it take?

There are a range of important details you need to know when buying a wood-fired hot tub to ensure that you are well-prepared for delivery. As the delivery terms vary among the different hot tub brands, below is a summary comparing and contrasting what you can expect from each of the top brands selling wood-burning spas in the UK. Do you want a delivery with full installation as offered by Gardenvity and The Log Company, or would you be okay with standard kerbside delivery as offered by any wood-fired hot tub brand?

Skargards 

Skargards offers free delivery throughout mainland UK for their wood-fired hot tubs. Transport fees apply for hot tub shipments to the Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland, which as of October 2022 cost approximately £100. For those living in offshore regions, a quote is required to determine the delivery fee.

It takes 1–2 weeks for delivery to the UK after leaving the Skargards production facilities. Currently, the brand’s website shows that hot tubs can be dispatched one week after placing an order.

Upon delivery, the hot tubs are unloaded with a tail lift. However, Skargards does not offer final placement or installation in your garden, so you must plan ahead as to how you will move the hot tub to its final position. Due to its weight, the hot tub will need to be carried by approximately 4–5 people.

Gardenvity 

Standard (kerbside) delivery is available in most areas throughout the UK. The exact cost of shipping varies depending on location and is shown at checkout. According to our own research playing with postcodes, it may be between £134 to £434. 

Note that Gardenvity does not ship to the Scottish Highlands or offshore islands, but they do invite you to contact them to help you with organising delivery to any of these remote areas.

Gardenvity also offers the option of placing your wood-fired hot tob in its final spot in your garden, if you live in England or Wales, with their Placement & Assembly service. This costs an extra £379, but customers in Scotland will need to ask for a personalised quote. 

As for delivery time, the Gardenvity website guarantees delivery within 2–7 weeks. 

Hot tubs are delivered in a Luton type van with a tail-lift, and unloading the hot tub on your driveway is included as part of the kerbside delivery. 

Photo credit: Gardenvity

TimberIN 

TimberIN has three different zones when it comes to shipping costs: Green zone, stretching south from Leeds (€180, which equals £155); yellow zone covering the northern areas of Leeds, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Exter and Plymouth (€390, or £336); and the grey zone where a delivery quote is required for shipment to any other regions not otherwise specified. There are some products with shipping costs already included in the select offers.

Please note that VAT is not included in the prices stated above, just as it is additional to their hot tub prices. 

TimberIN typically delivers your hot tub using a large 40T truck or a flat-bed trailer, while a smaller 3.5T is available within the London area. It is the customer’s responsibility to unload the hot tub and any related accessories from the truck, as this is generally not included within the brand’s delivery service. However, drivers may be able to assist in some cases.

The lead time depends on models and varies from 6–8 weeks (for hot tubs with a fibreglass liner) to 8–12 weeks (for wooden hot tubs) and up to 12 weeks (for models with polypropylene liners). Models that are in stock are shipped more quickly in about 1–2 weeks on average.  

Note also that TimberIN does not offer a full installation service.

Royal Tubs 

Royal Tubs delivers their hot tub products nationwide throughout the UK, including Scotland, however the delivery price may vary depending on your location.

Delivery is kerbside only, and requires the customer’s own manpower to offload the tub and place it in its final spot. For delivery to more challenging locations, Royal Tubs will deliver the hot tub with their 4×4 vehicle or a van and trailer, but as the customer you will be required to organise a minimum of three other people to help you lift and place it. Alternatively, you can hire a delivery person, a crane or a vehicle with a tail lift at additional cost. 

Limited-time offer – Royal Tubs is currently offering free delivery on all Deluxe Special package orders only, for delivery to select mainland UK postcode regions, as of October 2022. See their website for details and to get an accurate delivery quote.

Royal Tubs’ delivery period is approximate 3–6 weeks from the date the order is placed, but this varies depending on the product. Models that are stock are shipped in just 1-3 days.

As of writing, Royal Tubs does not offer an installation service. 

Photo credit: freepik.com

The Log Company (Kirami) 

The Log Company (Kirami) offers free delivery throughout many regions in the UK. Additional charges apply for delivery to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, UK islands, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. If you live in any of these areas, a quote is required as the cost is not shown at checkout or on their website.

The Log Company (Kirami) uses a company vehicle to complete the delivery. If you would like an express delivery because you need to have your hot tub delivered within a matter of days, you can pay an additional fee for speedier shipping. 

You are also able to collect the hot tub yourself from their storage facility and head office based near Richmond in North Yorkshire, England.

When the hot tub is delivered, it is unloaded using the delivery vehicle equipment. If you will require further assistance with moving the tub to its final location and to carry out the installation, remember to add on the installation service at the time of purchase for an additional £200.
As of October 2022, The Log Company’s website estimates a delivery time of 1–4 weeks, depending on your chosen model and whether it is in stock.

Summarised comparison

Brand & delivery details	Kerbside delivery	Delivery charges	Shipping time	Free offloading (tail lift)	Placement in final spot and installation service
Kirami (The Log Company)		Free for many UK regions. Quotes for Scottish Highlands, islands and Ireland. Free collection from warehouse available.	1–4 weeks		£200
Gardenvity		From £134, depending on your location.	2–7 weeks guaranteed delivery time from date of order		£379
Skargards		Free in mainland UK. Fees apply for Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland (£100).	1–2 weeks after being dispatched from the production facility
TimberIN		€180 or €390 (£155 or £336)– check the zones for your location. Request a quote for delivery outside the specified zones	1–2 weeks for models in stock; 6–8 weeks for hot tubs with fibreglass liners; 8–12 weeks for wooden models; 12 weeks for models with polypropylene liners
Royal Tubs*		Individual delivery quote is required. Limited offer – free shipping to select UK postcodes for selected models.	3–6 weeks after ordering Models in stock are shipped within 1–3 days

Installation videos

All manufacturers provide user manuals with detailed instructions for how to assemble and install a wood-fired hot tub yourself, but we believe a video is worth a thousand words.

While we could not find any video tutorials from Skargards or TimberIN, Gardenvity, Kirami (sold by The Log Company in the UK) and Royal Tubs each have a YouTube channel that offers do-it-yourself installation videos. 

Preparing for delivery

Whichever brand and model you choose after reading our guide to the different delivery costs, lead times and services provided, there are a number of other matters to keep in mind. These are general rules that each hot tub manufacturer asks their customers to follow to prepare for the delivery:

1. Preparation of the base and power supply for your wood-fired spa is solely the customer’s responsibility. Even The Log Company and Gardenvity, which offer full installation services, will not undertake the groundwork or electricity installation in your garden prior to delivery. They will only complete the assembly work after delivery so that your hot tub is ready to be filled with water and enjoyed. 

2. It is your responsibility as the customer to inform the seller about access to your garden. If you have a narrow gate and a high fence, for example, let the delivery company know if they can leave the hot tub unloaded on the kerbside. In such cases, you should take care of dismantling the fence/gates before delivery day, or you could hire a crane to place your hot tub in its final destination. 

3. Hot tub brands may hire logistic companies to fulfill the delivery, and these delivery teams may have zero knowledge or understanding of wood-fired hot tubs. Do not expect them to help with placing the hot tub in your garden or advising on the assembly process or how to use your hot tub because it simply may not be part of their job. 

4. If you do not order an installation service if provided by your chosen hot tub brand, then you will be required to complete the assembly and installation process yourself after delivery. You would need to arrange for 3–5 people to carry the hot tub to its final location in your garden. Some sellers advise that you will need manpower to unload the hot tub from the delivery truck, so make sure to check with the seller and talk to your neighbours in advance to lend a helping hand. 

6. Upon delivery, before signing the delivery documents, ensure that you check to make sure all ordered parts have been delivered. You should also check for any damage that may have been caused during transportation. It is much easier to prove and address any issues while the driver is there than once they have left.

Photo credit: Gardenvity

After you have done your share of the work in the delivery, placement and installation of your wood-fired hot tub, it’s time to hop in for a dip and just sit back and relax. 

Photo credit: Royal Tubs

Photo credit: Gardenvity

A water-filled wood-fired hot tub is a heavy unit on its own, let alone when occupied by its users (approximately 2,000 kilograms). When buying a hot tub, you have to think about also setting up a suitable base for it to sit on before it gets delivered. There are quite a few options to choose from, but one thing is clear – don’t place it directly on your lawn. 

So, what makes the best base for a wood-fired hot tub? What are the most effective as well as the least expensive options? How much space do you need to plan, and what electricity installation is necessary for the power supply? 

Each seller will advise you on the above questions with slight variations. In this article dealing with the most popular questions people ask, we’re going to combine the information available online with what we know from the practical use of wood-fired hot tubs to provide a summarised review. Here we go! 

Choose the right location first

Survey your property first to pick the best location for your wood-fired spa. Make sure that the ground is level and firm enough to serve as a foundation for a unit that weighs upwards of 1,500 kilograms when filled with water! One to two-seater units or all-wood and off-the-grid models will be closer to a weight margin of 1.5 tonnes, whereas bigger models with spa systems and water filters can go up to twice that figure. The total weight should be displayed on the product pages on most brands’ e-stores.

Keep in mind that your wood burner will produce some smoke, and sometimes flying hot ash. That’s why a minimum of 3 metres’ distance from any objects must be adhered to. Chimney extensions are always a good idea to spread the escaping smoke as high as possible.

Please remain considerate of your neighbours and, if at all possible, keep the hot tub as far away as you can from their windows. Even if your neighbours don’t complain about your garden parties, they might feel uneasy about being unable to open their windows or hang out the laundry on a sunny day when the water in your hot tub is heating up.

Can a wood-fired hot tub be installed under a roof?

For their own peace of mind, most wood-fired hot tub manufacturers will allow unit installation under a roof to be completed only by authorised safety specialists or wood-fired hot tub installers. There are strict requirements for placing a wood-burning unit in pergolas, gazebos, roofed terraces or other structures. Generally, a wood-fired hot tub is intended for outdoor use only. Even sinking it into the decking is permitted only by a select few manufacturers. 

How far should a wood-fired hot tub be located from the house?

It is essential to install your wood-fired hot tub as far away from any flammable objects or buildings as possible, but no less than 1-1.5 metres away. Take note also that the chimney top must not be closer than within 3 metres of any nearby object. Many specialists recommend chimney extensions to raise its height. Be mindful of where you drain the water too, and keep in mind that fire risk is not the only concern to consider when picking a spot for your spa.

How much space is needed around a hot tub?

It can prove to be very helpful to have enough space for you and other people to move around the hot tub for doing maintenance work, for example. The general recommendation is to leave at least 0.5-1 metre around all sides of the unit for easy access. Of course, the sides of the hot tub where the steps are located for getting in and out, and where the wood-burning stove is located, will need even more space around them for convenient access. 

Prepare the base

The more solid the surface on which your hot tub is going to sit, the better. A concrete pad or stone pavement is ideal, and wooden or PVC deckings are similarly fabulous for the purpose and will provide an attractive look. Make sure to check with hot tub manufacturers to see whether they offer hot tub designs that can be sunk into the decking, and you should refuse if your chosen model cannot be recessed in the deck.

A major no-no when it comes to hot tub placement is to put it directly onto your lawn. This is because the vegetation underneath the unit will prevent proper ventilation. Most wood-fired hot tubs have a foundation structure made of wood, which tends to get affected by mould, and it can rot fairly quickly. Ensure you avoid this if you are planning on using your spa for more than one or two years. When you’re making such a big investment, no doubt you’ll want to enjoy it for many years to come!

The quickest and cheapest way to avoid this issue with base placement is to prepare your chosen foundation with gravel and then raise your hot tub on concrete slabs or bricks so as to leave the proper gap underneath the hot tub to facilitate the free flow of air for good ventilation.

What is the best base for a wood-fired hot tub?

Concrete, gravel and wooden deck are the top base choices to rest your wood-fired spa on. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages which can be briefly summarised as follows.

Type of base	Pros	Cons
Concrete Photo credit: Gardenvity	• Extremely sturdy and long-lasting  • Inexpensive	• May crack and form puddles or a slope if not installed correctly • Takes a longer time to install
Concrete slabs or pavement Photo credit: Royal Tubs	• Most sturdy and durable	• Expensive
Gravel (shingle or pea gravel) Photo credit: The Log Company (Kirami)	• Offers the best drainage • Least expensive • Easiest to install • Will not crack over time	• Cannot guarantee structural integrity over time if placed on relatively soft soil
Wooden/composite deck Photo credit: Skargards	• Most attractive • Solid and fairly durable	• Most expensive  • Requires specialists to install  • Requires maintenance to ensure durability

How heavy is a wood-fired hot tub?

A popular six-person model typically weighs approximately 280 kilograms, and around 2,000 kilograms when filled with water (exceeding the 2-tonne margin fairly easily when occupied by the maximum number of people). The total weight of the hot tub unit depends mainly on the size of the hot tub and the technology features used. For example, if the hot tub features steps, a cover and a water filtration system enclosed in a separate wooden cabinet, this may add some 70-100 kilograms to the weight of the hot tub itself. 

Is my deck strong enough for a hot tub?

Construction specialists have commented that, in general, a deck should be able to support approximately 100 pounds per square foot (45 kg per 0.1 m²) if it’s not raised higher than a couple of feet, so it should be perfectly safe to place your wood-fired spa on a deck.

Does a wood-fired hot tub have to be placed perfectly level?

Yes, it does. Any difference in the height of support at the hot tub contact points can cause unwanted structural changes over time. Make sure that each contact point is equally supported so no point is higher or lower than any other point. If the difference in height is visible to the naked eye, the water level at the opposite ends of the hot tub will be unequal too.

Can a hot tub be placed directly on grass?

This would be the worst thing to do. You should not place a wood-fired hot tub on a lawn or soil as it does not provide a solid base. Even slight differences in the height of support at the hot tub contact points can cause unwanted structural changes over time. In addition, when exposed to wet soil and grass, the wooden components can become damaged due to dampness and restricted ventilation, which will eventually promote quicker decay and rotting. Exposure to insects and other pests is also significantly higher when the hot tub is placed on grass, so it should be avoided.

Check your mains connections for your hot tub’s power supply

Wood-fired hot tubs tend to be upgraded with systems that add comfort and ease of use, as well as combined wattage on the electric lines. Therefore, you must make sure to carefully check the requirements with your hot tub manufacturer.

Usually, a wood-fired hot tub with a spa system and water filter will not require any special electric facilities, and you’re good to go with a domestic mains outlet with 13 Amp cabling.

However, with more technology packed into the modern units, you may find yourself using a 2.2 kW hydrotherapy pump, a 700 W air jet compressor and a 3 kW electrical heater working simultaneously (that’s 5.9 kW of combined power). These cannot be plugged into a simple extension cable, and instead will require a stronger supply, which is typically 32 Amp. In such cases, it is essential to consult an authorised electrician to discuss your requirements and the electrical supply in your household. Even so, the power demand for your hot tub will not be as much as what an electric hot tub uses.

Ideally, you should contact the seller and ask about what is required. The next step would be to hire a qualified electrician to install the necessary electrical circuits and switchboard to ensure you comply with all safety requirements.

Preparing the base is all your responsibility

Make no mistake in thinking that a full hot tub installation service includes base preparation too. The reality is that preparing the space in your garden is all your responsibility to arrange. This requires a range of skills and tools to properly set up the spot for your hot tub compared to those involved in installing the tub itself. While some brands do offer a full hot tub installation service (such as Gardenvity and The Log Company), none will prepare the ground for you, so it is important that you do it first.

If you require assistance to prepare that space for your tub and need to hire someone for this, you can check out local contractors and find one who fits your needs.

Non-negotiable steps that can’t be skipped

Before getting a wood-fired hot tub, you must first check whether you live in a Smoke Control Area. If you’re unsure, you can check out this map on the Defra website for assistance. However, Defra also advises you to check with your local council for up to date information, since the data on the map is indicative only. If you live in the UK, you can find your local council here.

We hope that this article has provided you with the information you need to help you choose the right location and base for your wood-fired hot tub. Wishing you happy soaking to come in your new steaming and bubbling wood-fired spa!