BUILDING A DECK FOR OUR OFF GRID JUNGLE HOME!

[@karenwilliams3882]

Matt, I can't believe how many building contractors and building engineers follow your channel and give you advice on your big deck, I'm kinda getting a headache from rolling my eyes each time a read a comment that's giving you advice on big deck building. The only approval you need is the cats approval and it looks like they're liking it just fine so far. Congratulations to you both on the additions to your family 🐥🐤🐣🐣🐔🐓🐔🐓 I bet it felt nice to have something good happen on the farm. Stay safe, Hugs to you both 😊❤

[@Sign-of-the-Times]

Matt you should incorporate a kitty condo up towards the ceiling for a hide out for the cats in honor of your lost buddy. Lots of cool KZbin videos on Kitty condos. An escape condo from the killer dogs. ❤️👍

[@davidmecey7209]

For future reference throw a few 16 penny nails or bolts in the side of your post, under the soil line, leaving an inch or so exposed before filling with concrete, stopping any slippage of the post.

[@jride632]

I'm pretty sure he left the joist hangers off so if the cliff washes away, the cantilever will separate from the rest of the deck and not pull the camper over the edge. Well done. Give Matt a raise Kristen.

[@jimwilder5578]

Would be a beautiful place to build a nice cabin with glass outer walls so you can see everything...🍻🍻

[@roypoe1865]

Looks good, Don't forget to add pickets so your cats and loose chickens can get under the deck, but the dogs cant!

[@FirstPOTAU]

Be nice to see some video/photos of your wedding

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@@FirstPOTAU hell ye, we're working on it

[@Greg-pt7ur]

Old carpenter trick - when driving long screws like your lags, rub beeswax on them first. The wax will libricate the screw, easing driving it in. When it cools, the wax will set and hold the screw. If necessary to remove, the wax will lubricate on the way out. Also....joist hangers..

[@ACKCSC2024]

Preferably not Africanized bees

[@kelvinorourke1079]

@@Greg-pt7ur cool tip tnx

[@slider30189]

Beard looks good! Instead of joist hangers you can run a 2”x2” underneath the ends of the joists. May not be as strong but it’s an easy fix.

[@helmuthgeiser4103]

Hi Matt, as a seasoned architect and structural engineer, I have to agree with all the voices regarding to use joist hangers ! Nailing into the end grain of the joists is not an acceptable solution, and will make you regret doing so pretty soon, but you can still add joist hangers before you put the decking on, so it’s not too late yet.

[@bkbroiler8069]

it's also a good trick to put half the hangers on upside down on the house side. if you want an overhang.

[@additudeobx]

I second...

[@TimTimTomTom]

He clearly knows better than us lowly trained professionals, who have worked in the field for decades. It's a serious personality flaw of his. And it will catch up to them. Not a matter of "if".

[@rumblechick73]

Using mostly nails for all those joists in moist, wet air is just asking for trouble. Once the motion from walking on them starts to cause little wiggle spots it will be a matter of time before the entire platform area turns into a pile of pick-up-sticks.

[@freestyla74]

yesss do this.. the entire deck will form a single slab rigidity will be 5x

[@tomreid3244]

Matt - don’t forget that deck needs to hold 20 of your cage fighting buddies on holiday having 20 beers each doing some strange jumping up and down dance only known to cage fighters. Anyway I LOVE your deck building skills. You’re the boss

[@Bduh2]

Ah...my regular Sunday morning fix is here. A nice cup of coffee and watching your video. Life is back to normal.

[@jamessherland2344]

fabulous music choices

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@jamessherland2344 thanks James! Kristen loves finding the right music 🎶

[@winterwolf2012]

Get the feeling your trailer is going to be your forever home.

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@winterwolf2012 started in the trailer and I'm gonna end in the trailer I guess😅 maybe it's gonna be an airbnb someday. Or a spot for my dad or visitors

[@oregon1232]

@@SailingGoodBadandUgly And building a house takes a long time. No reason not to be comfortable during the process. Good job. Lovely setup.

[@billwaters8937]

There are two types of people in this world. Doers and critics. The doers go out and do while the critics sit on their bar stools (or comment section) and talk about what the doers are doing Wrong! Keep being a Doer! All the Best.

[@seekthetruth1485]

@@SailingGoodBadandUgly Not without it being insured...just like the boat.

[@kablah777]

@@billwaters8937doers learn things by doing. Then when they see other doers trying to do things, they try to save them future headaches.

[@Daryl-qf5cu]

Hi! If Matt is half the good soul he seems on video, he's a true keeper. Buy some hangers as suggested. You can install them anytime, but sooner is better. Overall, though, I'm impressed with what you have accomplished. 👍

[@josephsimonic6946]

Matt.. your love for all animals is truly wonderful.

[@jasonharris3873]

Pouring in the cement first is good to keep bugs out of your pasts. Looks pretty solid.

[@jimmarshall5453]

In addition to another vote for joist hangers, let me ask that you use a lose nail to create a small gap between every plank for water drainage and rot reduction.

[@deedeeneri8202]

Of course you’ll love another animal… black cat does his part coming around you . P loves ya always and forever !

[@eagle-t4g]

Please Kristen, give Matt a bonus, he's a good, hard worker.

[@xMoonz-m5b]

Hi Matt, also to prolong the life of those posts in the future they really should be painted with bitumen which will prevent rot. Although these are pressure treated, rot will still happen.

[@David_VanOsdol]

Nice deck Matt, I would suggest you add at least a 2 x 6 each side of the outboard 4 x 4 posts to carry the load of the deck down to the ground. Now you are relying the 2 x on the outboard side to carry the entire load. That is normally a trim piece rather than a support. If it fails the deck is going down. That way your big deck will be strong too.

[@robbypatrick8464]

Sounds like you are going to have a great deck.

[@tomastoro3645]

Brother! From an actual Engineer to another, please plant some bamboo or something on that slope. The extremely steep slope, the clay soil, no vegetation cover, and the river down below are the best ingredients for a massive mud slide that could take your deck and trailer for a ride. I was born and raised in Barranquitas. I've seen this before. I'm genuinely worried. Feel to DM me if you want some advice. Take care.

[@biskienator]

I was just about to say something similar. those posts seem WAAAAAY too close to what amounts soft soil next to a river just waiting to erode/collapse during the next big storm. would had to see all that work washed away.

[@Philc231]

I’m looking at that too . Going to be a fun slide into the river in very bad weather . No gravel In the holes ,no joice hangers . It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Bamboo adequate to stabilize that hill .? Seems to me , at least some drainage in that hill to get the water out and away .

[@markmartin7562]

Life is full of learning g experiences! Lol

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@tomastoro3645 it's a different type of soil with a very thin layer of clay. The soil underneath is very hard. I'll try to show it in a later video. Plants will be going 8n for sure to stabilize that top layer though

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@Philc231 it's wild how m8llion dollar homes with the finest engineers in the land have been lost to landslides.. if the land goes away I don't think joist hangers would make much difference 😅😅 that river bank has been through every hurricane since the dawn of man and it's still there.

[@jerryfarmer9401]

It not too late to use joist hangers. It will increase the vertical and lateral strength by 100%. I learned the hard way!

[@david_davidson]

He may not listen, but I'll remember your suggestion if I ever find myself, or am in the company of someone else building a deck! Thanks.

[@joshuaprince898]

I was wondering why he wasn't using hangers.

[@billwilliams9527]

Hangers would have been the better option, but I think it will be fine.

[@Cheers_Warren]

Matt’s thinks joist hangers are a scam for faster nail gun use….

[@billwilliams9527]

@@Cheers_Warren Matt has done a load of carpentry work, so I don't doubt his methods.

[@rickcreel3657]

the deck is stacked

[@nealsivie5874]

Joist hanger comments are valid. Also you should have used butyl tape on top of every joist before planking. The rain will cause decay and wood rot in no time. And you will be starting over in a year.

[@nealsivie5874]

And the dry pour vs wet pour concrete will fail in half the time. Dry pours are convenient and will begin to show spider cracks. The cracks then begin to allow water entrapment, which rots your posts and the entire assembly fails. Be careful.

[@mikepelz7004]

Happy Wife, happy life we all take our knocks to keep harmony in the love nest !

[@daviddeboer9061]

Matt, loving the great lakes shirt.

[@charleswashburn1857]

Matty... you should treat the under joists and posts with Green Wood preservative for preventing moisture rotting the wood below the deck surface

[@papachuck6007]

big deck energy

[@kristytriantafilu9729]

😊🎉❤ looking nice guys!

[@trevhedges]

Thanks guys! 😊

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Great work ethic and positive values for both of you! I very strongly agree with the other commenters regarding strengthening the foundational slope and the use of joist hangers and would also recommend using wood that is borate treated and then (before installation) painting each piece with additional deck paint (as an added layer of protection)....and finally, fasten everything using "deck" screws. Trust me, I live on Kauai in the homesteads (near Mount Waiʻaleʻale). Best wishes.

[@Damon-l6h]

Wow matt, the two of you are doing a brilliant job.

[@usabayermicha6178]

I'm only in the intro right now... just as a fun thought...: make the overhang long enough to allow for bungy diving...🙃

[@countrywoman973]

Bamboo furniture with homemade cushions would be cool.

[@Will-ko1fw]

My name is will carpenter and you are doing what I've always done well done

[@dazfromnz01]

You should have used joist hangers Will😢😢

[@mmoore102]

The disadvantage of living your life in front of all the experts. Everyone has an idea of a better way. Live your life GBU and ignore all the naysayers. Have seen dozens of decks built and have built a few myself. They all differ, and materials used vary. Have seen nailed decks last for decades and have seen screwed and hangered decks last too. Please ignore the negative, you both are awesome, Thanks for sharing your lives with us. Blessings from Indiana.

[@GaryRupp-fe6ly]

That said Kristen it’s working so keep the laborer and keep designing. Love your dream home off grid home. 👌❤️❤️❤️

[@ramonperez-rl4ws]

The original length was perfect you can always add a brace from the extra post cut in angle and screw to the post.

[@BPratto]

Kirstin, please keep him around, hard worker and loves the bugs out of you

[@RodneyCordeiro]

love the great lakes shirt. TO

[@terrymedina7893]

Great job

[@Stan_L]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@ScubaDrew]

That's a HUUUUGE deck, Matt. Well done, sir!

[@luciamarin1638]

Good job god bless..from moca puerto Rico

[@joannedevine2473]

Great job!

[@bms3716]

Everyday is a blessing...life is good on Sailing GBU!!! 👍👍

[@rickkyriakopoulos1103]

Mat you know I love you guys and we have been friends from the beginning of your KZbin channel. All I need to say is one thing and it is very important on the deck build......... Joist hangers especially in that tropical weather.

[@TimTimTomTom]

Yes they need hangers. But they won't help much when the beams supporting the joists are half of what they should be. Those 2x10 beams should be two ply, not one.

[@ACKCSC2024]

Crown up right?

[@TimTimTomTom]

@@ACKCSC2024 bro that is advanced beyond any hope for ole unky maddy (who's younger than most of the viewers here, but okay uncle).

[@benkanobe7500]

I love the drone intros and the music with them.

[@jamesheidema]

Matt you are a hoot! Poor Kristen ... just think you have 50+ years with him! Love ya both!

[@badpirate2326]

Hi guys, just throwing an idea out there. I put ground cover under my deck to keep the weeds from growing. Matt, you need a greenhouse next for your garden to keep the critters out. Great video guys!

[@seekthetruth1485]

I think they are making a nesting area for snakes and iguanas...and of course other animals...Much like the car port roof that is not pitched and will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

[@fireby4070]

Shout out for Mackinac Island on your shirt! 😮

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

@@fireby4070 lovE the UP!!!

[@alfredrogers6845]

I concur about the joist hangers. It may be a blessing in disguise. Being close to the cliff like they are with what appears to be an all dirt cliff that in a heavy rain could slide down in a heavy rain. So without joist hangers the deck may pull apart and not pull the whole thing down(trailer) when the cliff (mud slide) goes down.

[@markmartin7562]

Part of learning is dealing with the mistakes you create by thinking you know when your younger...lol I just hope that trailer never gets a flat or needs to be moved. At least the trailer should have been set on blocks so when those tires go flat it wont be a problem till it has to be moved. Trailer trash tips 101!

[@mwatkins2464]

You made me think, what if the tires went flat which would lower the door below the deck level??? The door won’t open, that would be bad to get up one day and have to break out of your home 😂😂👍🙏

[@seekthetruth1485]

@@mwatkins2464 They are too busy with clicks and likes to deal with reality. Such a shame...I used to love watching this channel.

[@dazfromnz01]

@@mwatkins2464doesn’t it have self levelling feet, do you think they sink into the ground when the tyres go down 😢😢

[@freedomwanderer91]

Looking good.

[@uxbman]

Simpson screws (e.g., ties, ledger, timber, etc.) or FastenMaster products (TimberLOK, LedgerLOK, etc.) are stronger than nails but agree that the joist hangers should be added. If you can crawl under the deck, it's not too late. In that moist environment, I'd expect to see separation/sagging sooner than in a dry climate. I'd recommend adding blocks between the joists too for added structural strength/reducing shifting.

[@mmoore102]

Thanks!

[@dougjeffers7571]

Matt you are doing a great job. You might want to look at Simpson just hangers. They are cheap. I know you like cheap and they would speed up the process and make the deck much stronger. It would be great to learn about them now because you will want to use them when you build your house

[@jackwill3578]

FUN WATCHING YOU GUYS ! BRINGS BACK GOOD MEMORIES !

[@ivettediaz3271]

Hola, Love the deck idea we wish you could had finish it all in one video, but knowing the tropics weather its difficult to plan all in one day. Proud of you both enjoy your new deck with a good cup of cafe.

[@garyweiss1876]

Porch looks good -- nice job as always and I guess Kristen let you stay for awhile longer. Thanks Kristen -- Matt's entertaining. Thinking the bamboo and other negation must be taking over you property since you've been focusing on the porch for a couple videos now. Chop, chop.

[@alejandrovanags4948]

Piling on: Joist hangers my friend

[@robwhyte1005]

battery impact is your friend you rock

[@g.willikers7712]

Love and prayers. We moved to EASTERN North Carolina two weeks ago. TY🙏

[@dazfromnz01]

If they don’t have any joist hangers you could use sky hooks. 😊

[@remainfaithful]

Hey Mat, I noticed the palm tree growing in the midst of the deck, plan now for the tree will become larger so it does not come an issue later on. You work is truly amazing. You are motivating a lot of more people out there I am sure. Great job GBU.

[@JM-ze1bv]

Great job! On the previous video…not sure if you thought about this. You framed around the tires and to me it did not look like you left room to change a tire if you needed to, or to be able to inflate them unless you dissasembled part of the deck. I am sure you have a plan for that. You guys are doing a great job…..

[@michaelconner524]

OMG!! Matt, you just said minutes into the vlog something I do personally to deal with my own depression. You said “fun engineering”. Before my recent divorce, my ex and I would watch y’all’s vlogs together, homestead and take care of my 128 year old house and property. I can and do relate to your statement. Note I’m selling my home here in the Seattle, WA area, returning home to St. Thomas (I once gave y’all guff about something no longer relevant), buying a boat and starting the next chapter of my life. I’ve also got family in Fajardo that I plan to reconnect with. In my darkest days, the thing that’s kept me moving, thinking, planning, is y’all’s journey with the dead dolphin, the switch to on shore living and this latest iteration of your younger lives. Like sailing Uma, I’m not buying another couch. Rather I’m incorporating a lot of the things I’ve seen you, Uma and others do and are doing that closer fits the person I am as West Indian. Good job on today’s posting.

[@TimTimTomTom]

When setting posts in concrete (which you really should not do, but I know you will) you should always set some galvanized nails in the bottom 12" of the post. On each side, like you're making a spiked bat. The wood will shrink in size, making it vulnerable to being pulled out in a storm. The nails give the concrete something to grab onto, so it can't lift out. But double those damn 2x10 deck beams! And use hangers. You need an impact driver man. Like months ago.

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

It’s truly beautiful to watch you two building your dreams ❤. 😊

[@michelebushnik2874]

Your big deck is looking amazing Matt! I'm so impressed with your progress! Keep employing him Kristen!😂😂 Sending love and we'll wishes always!

[@scottmarkham9466]

Also you should put some anchors maybe 2 on each side then buy either metal or chain straps over your pagola for when a hurricane comes you won't lose your roof .

[@neutonrenda2303]

That overhanging section of the deck is going to be magical. Great idea and it looks super strong. You are going to have to find a way of using it after you build your house. It would be a shame to see it taken down again.👍

[@UptoBasement]

Bring that Big Deck Energy, Matt!

[@FireyFlyman]

Rock on Larry!

[@andrerivera3746]

Okay, good job! I can see the beginning of a base for a nice cabin like future home. Also, wood keeps the home cooler than Cement bricks. Dude, You’re officially a Bonifide “Jibaro”. Which is an honor, and Im very proud of your guys accomplishments. My mom who grew up on the Eastern part of the Island loves watching you guys. Currently, she’s going through a tough time, but being updated of your guys works satisfies her. Continue your great work!

[@thadcalvert7466]

Build what you want. You got the skills and experience to build what you want to.

[@jorgefantoni3182]

You guys are doing a great job 👏 🎉

[@russelltullis2570]

Man i enjoy seein tha progress you dooin on the place .hopefull things will get better with you an tha boss

[@KDLBOX]

Well after watching you two do your thing and the success of the restoration of your sailboat I give you a thumbs up on your projects Good Job Matt and The Boss i will continue to enjoy watching your adventures. Buen trabajo, los amo chicos

[@valeriefrench9405]

You’re doing a great job Matador now wide steps. Kris you’re amazing too. Love you both.

[@Cameron-ur2tk]

Bro you need a nailgun and impact, get a gas paslode, and whatever impact. Make your life easy and it'll be put to good use considering all the future building in your feature. Also put some hangers in, many would double up the outside rim boards that the joist are nailed into for decks.

[@donaldmackinnon5779]

Looking great what a lovely job you have done.😅😅😊😊

[@tonyrmathis]

The deck is going to make living in the camper much more enjoyable by freeing up room inside.

[@ramiromarin4002]

Lovely to see you again, and GOD BLESS you Both. Great job my friends 🧡. And have a great recovery from your loss.

[@andrewwatkins1561]

Damn, that decks not going anywhere!! You can definitely cantilever the whole thing 😊

[@mikethompson2137]

I’m happy that you’re finally going to get the big deck you have wanted for so long! 🤣

[@JWW60]

Looking good. Out there doing all that by yourself can be peaceful. Much respect doing everything at your own. When your done the boss will find more for you to do so your job is safe for awhile.

[@boatman5151]

Love your channel for some 3 years now. Keep it up. Suggestion: Purchase a socket driver for your drill. Makes driving those bolts in a snap.

[@GraemePeers]

Nice deck

[@MrPeyregne]

Great job Matt. Everyone has made the main issue with the deck. I love y'all and wish both well.

[@robfraley4210]

Very N1CE guys It’s looking great 🎉

[@woop2235]

You sure can make a mean deck young man!👍🏽💯🥰🌴🌴🌴 Kristen married you for your beauty and brawn😉👍🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@frederickfernandez1510]

Deck is looking awesome👏👍

[@aniabrandt7]

Kristen u looking more& more beautiful this day's, i don't know if is the weather there and your hair changing colour ...

[@JWalker-FireFrost]

You all were in a video done last week about the youtubers that didn't make it sailing , you , sailing Atticus, a bunch of people I watch . Just a heads up ❤

[@jimfisk4474]

Hey there you two, Matt and Kristen, longtime follower and enjoy your videos so much. You are so unique. When you miss a video or two I am grinding my teeth and twisting my knuckles😂 thanks so much and God bless you!❤❤

[@davidedellorto2882]

Veranda, well done so far.