BUILDING A DECK FOR OUR OFF GRID JUNGLE HOME!

[@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.

[@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. ❤️👍

[@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 😊❤

[@callmebigpapa]

The only thing worse are the concrete nerds ....

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@mmoore102]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jimwilder5578]

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

[@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

[@roypoe1865]

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

[@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.

[@Bduh2]

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

[@eagle-t4g]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FirstPOTAU]

Be nice to see some video/photos of your wedding

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

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

[@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).

[@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 😢😢

[@josephsimonic6946]

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

[@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. 👍

[@jamessherland2344]

fabulous music choices

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

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

[@Damon-l6h]

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

[@GaryRupp-fe6ly]

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

[@benkanobe7500]

I love the drone intros and the music with them.

[@alejandrovanags4948]

Piling on: Joist hangers my friend

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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…..

[@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.👍

[@ScubaDrew]

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

[@paulcrane2010]

Hail to the king of free hand tool use. Looking great guys!! Missing your sliders on the boat Matt? Latest boots looks like bordering on safety wear 😂😂😂

[@jasanders-6886]

The deck is looking awesome. Don't fire him yet. I'm sure you have more plans for the homestead.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@benkanobe7500]

A simple rule for canti levers is 3 feet back for every one foot over.

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@jamesheidema]

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

[@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

[@Actrealsurprised]

A whoopin and just an employee 🤣🤣 keep him girl. He’s a hell of a worker

[@mikethompson2137]

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

[@countrywoman973]

Bamboo furniture with homemade cushions would be cool.

[@mikepelz7004]

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

[@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.

[@andrewwatkins1561]

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

[@williamhiley2598]

Hi guys, I am #2 BUT I try harder. Love you guys

[@g.willikers7712]

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

[@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 .

[@jrciv67]

Matt, I see a lot of comments on joist hangers. I live in VA right on the James river in my historical French Huguenot 3,600 sq ft Farmhouse built in 1790’s. I can tell you there is not one single joist hanger, lag bolt or screw on it. A lot of wooden dowels and-square homemade forged nails. That’s it and it still stands strong and beautiful to this day! Keep building and having fun! P.S. no concrete footers or poles set in concrete just huge boulders brought up from the river!

[@daveamies5031]

Kristen, that Matty boy worker you got, he's a bit of a slacker that one, you gotta keep the whip up to him 🤣

[@freedomwanderer]

Looking good.

[@peterlang5985]

opening explanations?? ppfffttt...you guys just make me smile!! art of the story telling😊

[@richardfults2148]

Infinity deck

[@ramiromarin4002]

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

[@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.

[@jorgefantoni3182]

You guys are doing a great job 👏 🎉

[@charleswashburn1857]

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

[@FireyFlyman]

Rock on Larry!

[@jasonharris3873]

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

[@bms3716]

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

[@valeriefrench9405]

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

[@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.

[@MrFroglips69]

WOW! Another totally groovy episode. Your building skills are wonderful. The deck is really coming along, and it is going to be great when it is done. The new babies are amazing, and whatever they turn out to be, you will love them, despite what you said in this last video. Stilly man, you are critter crazy. Really love your weekend episode.

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

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

[@troothseeker7312]

Matt your a legend your Work Ethic is key to keeping Kristen happy, your a fabulous Husband! Your Deck is l👀king incredible🥰🌈Congratulations on the new additions in the Chicken Coop - Watching you from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Stan_L]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@emmanuelgaviero5669]

Hey people, I agree with your dear friend Ricky, the #1 Priority on deck building are the metallic joist hangers or braces, that is a MUST, my dear almost Engineer friend. I truly admire all the things that you do, and as the Latinos say: "I admire your COJO,,$#%..ES", but friend PLEASE put your hangers to avoid a FOR SURE future accidents, besides, the IDEA of planting bamboo in the slope is going to build strong RHIZOMES that will hold the soil together, and avoid slides. you do not have to let them grow high, but if you keep them close, is like a grip-bar of natural roots. Good luck, your Project is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!God Bless You Guys!!

[@deedeeneri8202]

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

[@usabayermicha6178]

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

[@MrPeyregne]

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

[@gsftom]

Great build. Great video. Cool dude and beautiful wife. Enjoy watching you guys do things however you want to do them!

[@davidedellorto2882]

Veranda, well done so far.

[@GaryJones2012]

Well, Matt is no Bikini Kitchen Kristen, but he is an amazing Bob the Builder, so, yeah, keep him around. Congrats on the new life on the SBU Farm. Love you guys! 😍

[@BPratto]

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

[@darmst9940]

Greate job, but what about when the trees grow and push against the decking supports. ❤

[@BackyardBeeKeepingNuevo]

I highly recommend pressure treated wood where you live. I used to live and work for a construction company in Veracruz, MX. In every project we did we would use pressure treated wood. Also, we didn’t let it come in contact with the ground because subterranean termites and wood eating carpenter ants were everywhere. I know you like to do things in typical GBU Ghetto Style but trust me when I say it is easier to spend the money now to do it right than to spend the money again and do it twice especially as you get older. Also, I agree with the other people who advised you on placing a good 12” of sharp 3/4” rock in the base of your post holes. Lastly, soil stabilization is crucial where you live in the tropics. We got 8” of rain one night and it took out 100’ section of stream bank from the previous edge back 20’. Just gone and it was hell stabilizing it again and it took an excavator and a D8 Dozer to cut it back at a greater angle and then tons of rock rip rap to stabilize the section that slid plus cut an additional 50’-100’ of bank on each side of the slide. It was at about the same slope and height as your slope from your bank edge to your river. Best of luck with your projects and please don’t delay in your bank stabilization project.

[@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.

[@ariehalali]

Hi Matt even though you are not a professional person, you are a wonderful worker .

[@Najitaka]

I loved the cringe on Kristen's face at the big deck jokes! LOL. Way to go, Matt.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

The time-lapse game is strong

[@gaiabreeze]

I think you're progress is amazing. Time will tell if nails instead of screws were a mistake

[@tracytesmer7033]

Matt, I hope I am not too late, you really need to use joist hangers on your deck. Nails are only fasteners they are not designed to carry load. The cantilever portion of your deck is destined for failure. I am a Civil engineer and build decks and structures everyday. Your deck would not pass inspection because it does not meet any building code. Please, please install joist hangers. I would hate for you or Kristen to get hurt.

[@statter1994]

Don't fire him hrs worth keeping 😅😂

[@2romote]

I would 💯% agree with Tracy for what it's worth, may I add that I ❤ how you both continue sharing your journey of tackling any and pretty much all dilemmas you encountered on your life raft the dead dolphin😂. Anyway, keep up the good work, BEST WISHES 🇺🇸

[@2romote]

ya might look on the web for the weight ratings on each specific sized piece of lumber, also to my knowledge it is correct to use screws but never nails without the hangers I think Tracy mentioned 😎

[@Davidhamnett]

I was thinking joist hangers.. and to stop any twisting of lumber you may want to look into using nogins between joists, this is very common practice here in UK

[@briannelson6220]

Have you considered using the space on the top of the roof to put solar panels it's a ideal place for them

[@UptoBasement]

Bring that Big Deck Energy, Matt!

[@daviddeboer9061]

Matt, loving the great lakes shirt.

[@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.

[@mykgrauss9872]

It's going to be a nice deck when you finish it. Hope the rest goes smoothly. Love you both and as always, be safe. Myk

[@jackwill3578]

FUN WATCHING YOU GUYS ! BRINGS BACK GOOD MEMORIES !

[@donaldmackinnon5779]

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

[@PamSharma-fu7lm]

Don't know guys, I built my deck nearly 30 years ago and no joist hangers and deck looks like ready to go for another 10 to 15. Love you guys.

[@GaryRupp-fe6ly]

Hey you guys, I tune to your content for the total off grid experience, I mean I could watch this old house, or any commercial program and see the inspections and codes and proper on grid props. I’m good just watching the True homestead start to finish dream come true 👌 and you do it you’re way witch has been epic so far. Your beautiful designer does a great job. No for me it’s authentic realism you being you 👍✊❤

[@robbypatrick8464]

Sounds like you are going to have a great deck.