Laying a Concrete Block Wall | Framing the Seed Room

[@katiebowen2194]

I live in South Carolina, was born and raised in Ohio by two Tarheels, I learned to garden very young but for the life of me i cannot get anything of substance to grow here. So last year because you inspired me i bought a small greenhouse and this year i had cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash. Now i know what I’m doing because of you I’m going to attempt to build a larger greenhouse from pallets and i must say this my poor husband is one of those guys that don’t know a flat head from a Phillips head, so I’m attempting this as boss and him as my employee and we are both in our 60’s but you two are so inspiring. I love your videos, your love for the land, the fact that you don’t cheat or take shortcuts and your love for each other. Thank you for being here and inspiring this old lady to get off the couch and enjoy a little life.

[@marylouise890]

Your words are So Inspiring! It’s not often that a man will allow a wife to guide the way💕 🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@SJC49]

😍🇨🇦

[@valentinagusuk6631]

I live in SC . And I have big garden.

[@ashleyhall6287]

Fellow South Carolinian- I’ve found Fall to be the easiest time to get anything to grow here. Summer is full of pests and disease. ❤

[@gailday7566]

What fun! You go girl

[@svenkarlsson4335]

I’m the composer of the intro song of this video. Thank you very much for using my music! I’m also a big fan of your channel btw 😁

[@terraranch1459]

Beautiful! Hugs❤

[@MK-ti2oo]

It is really awesome that you watch them and hear your work by surprise!

[@svenkarlsson4335]

@@MK-ti2oo Yes it really is! 😁

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you so much for creating such beautiful moving music. We try to pair our footage with the songs and tell a story through editing. It really means a lot you reached out ❤

[@kathymc234]

Beautiful music!

[@josephshade2037]

Y'all need a hot tub to relax in. All of the hard work you two do, you owe it to yourselves!

[@thelegion_within]

hot tub + sauna!

[@Mindy-fd9lt]

I so wish I was 30 years younger I would definitely embark on this kind of life and adventure. You two are the BOMB ❤

[@marylouise890]

Mindy I also wish I could REWIND my LIFE! I’m 73. Kind of hard to look ahead when our clocks are winding down. I find myself extremely depressed every morning I wake up. And the state of our world for sure ant helping me at all 😢 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸

[@tonyhash1174]

Boy..me too!

[@grannykimmy]

Me too

[@lauramason9250]

It's always a good day when y'all post a new video! Thank you for making this day even better!

[@Tomhohenadel]

In your opening shot, hard to imagine you still have dragonflies. Always appreciate your gardening videos

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

We don't 😄 that was a really cool clip I liked from the summer. There are hundreds at night!

[@kellyhawes9293]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska we have them here in NH from August till the end of September. We don't have any ponds around but we get " the squadron " of dragonflies every year to eat the bugs from the garden and lawn. They started coming around 24 years ago when my dad died, he loved his garden so I like to think he sends them every year to help me garden 😊

[@corndog5251]

I was a bricklayer for 40 yrs. I give you alot of credit for getting it done as well as you did.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

It's tricky stuff for sure 🙂

[@canmelim]

I'm curious, do u have to fill the cmu holes ?

[@corndog5251]

Not every core. We usually filled every 4ft.

[@lynn7463]

I would say they need a row of ublock and rebar the whole length.

[@ewjorgy]

Hi Guys, I suspect that you will find that the block walls are going to be very cold in the winter. You might consider installing some external insulation (similar to foam board but made for the purpose) over the exterior followed by some kind of siding. That way you will still have the benefit of the thermal mass but without the massive heat loss from the low R-value block and concrete. Otherwise it looks great! All the best from California! 🧡

[@MrAwsomeshot]

alternatively ICFs are pretty dope...

[@EastRiverHomestead]

@28:29 She explains your concerns.

[@MomoBar91]

Northern Europe here and I would do the same. Our houses are often built similar to the small wall they made and we put insulation on the outside and the inside. For a seedling room one would properly be enough, but I think is definitly needed in this cold climate and it´s properly cheaper in the long run regarding the costs to heat the room.

[@deanhatch4179]

@@EastRiverHomesteadshe did explain thermal mass, unfortunately in cold climates it must be very well insulated to work. That uninsulated exposed wall will suck the heat right out of that room, just like leaving the windows open.

[@CorrectHorse126]

Thermal mass is like a big rainwater tank - it's the right solution for storage if the source of the heat/water is intermittent, like rain is intermittent water or a wood stove is intermittent heat. But neither thing is any use if your nice storage just leaks straight to the outside!

[@heydo8393]

I can not tell you what joy your videos bring my 93 year old father . Me too. They are the highlight of the week. ❤

[@puirYorick]

All the steps on your journey are educational to me. I admire that you don't hesitate to take on entirely new concepts that neither of you have even dabbled in before.

[@jennbama]

Concrete workers make it look so easy but for the unseasoned it's very hard work. Good job guys!

[@brandybellmann7513]

You 2 are a great team. You can tackle anything. Love following the process and progress. 💚

[@NenneSez]

I think you should keep in mind a little sitting area, because this is going to be so lovely for people as well as plants. Amazing job, Eric and Ariel.

[@arefhijjawi60]

800,000 Your channel deserves much more. You give me joy. Thanks.

[@Tjo-s6y]

🔵🔴🇺🇸🔵🔴🇺🇸👍👍 I for one want to thank you two for your service yes service I don’t know if you are inundated with the negative news up there but it is like someone turned down the lights down here. It’s dark and I look forward to the light your weekly blogs bring us . The beauty of your photography, the matching music. The content and how you work at working together . Our citizens could learn from you two. You’re a place we can breathe and enjoy. So Thank You for sharing a peaceful moment with us..🔵🔴🇺🇸👍🔵🔴🇺🇸👍🔵🔴

[@genetic80]

A beautiful life and journey! Thank you!

[@rosagurke]

Hello Ariel and Eric, I've been watching your channel since you drove to Alaska and I'm always happy about every new video you make. You have inspired me so much that I have been preserving our own fruit and vegetables for the last two years; I never did that before. You're great! Keep it up :-) Best wishes from Germany from Silke

[@initialfaust6888]

watching you both learn as you go reminded me of learning from my grandfather and great uncle how to lay brick and block as a kid. my great grandfather owned a construction company and he mainly did masonry so they learned as kids and taught some cousins and i... that looks a lot better than our first walls haha.

[@mitzibud6908]

Two videos in less than a week...I am sooooo spoiled!! These are never long enough!! Thank you for your thoughtful presentation of your amazing life adventures in Alaska! Looking forward to the next installment!!

[@user-sn7dw7yl2f]

You have a great eye when it comes to all of the wildlife you share in the beginning. You two are amazing.

[@billmartin4845]

Eric, you can use a concrete sealer on those blocks and it will prevent any moisture issues and prevent the mortar joints from cracking and causing a gap that can cause rain and snow damage. Just an FYI. Love the way you two work together.

[@dan2545]

If I had any of your talent my front porch would be outstandingly gorgeous 😊

[@dfoltz268]

Wow that is a TANK of a seed house! That will be around far longer than anyone of us! Nice work as always.

[@stephenstephenson4594]

The two of you work so well together you are an inspiration for all couples thank you so much for your wonderful videos

[@productofcharleston]

Photography just keeps getting better and better. Y’all are amazing!

[@baskervillebee6097]

You two are very canny about the machinery that you buy, but that mill has been worth every penny. It is marvelous, and I'll bet the pioneers would be green with envy to have such a miracle.

[@faithrada]

My thoughts exactly. I was just thinking.. which pieces of equipment are most valuable.. in decending order. That mill is a game changer. Of course that tractor 🚜 is a total necessity. Let's face it... everything is well thought out on this homestead. 👍

[@diannebayley4644]

Just love your ingenuity and willingness to give things a try. So looking forward to your seed room. Whoo hoo!!

[@richardclaus4751]

Thanks!

[@jenniferwilson3489]

Bandit looks like site foreman! Great job

[@canadianoffgridwife4107]

My husband and I look forward to your videos. We learn so much and can’t wait to put it to practice on a property we bought. By the way we drool 🤤 every time you bake and cook those amazing meals ❤

[@yeah4me1]

I love the sounds and sights of your activities…no voices, just the sounds- feels like I’m right there with you. Thank you for the great photography.

[@yeah4me1]

Your descriptions are great too.

[@Paylala]

I am so excited to see how this room looks early next spring when all the cute lil seedlings have started and have their own home.

[@IamNasman]

What a lovely intro, music and videography spot on. The rest of the video is as usual excellent.

[@RickC-sr]

Your attention to detail and no shortcut approach is inspiring. That room will be a great seed room and maybe a nice winter escape sunroom. Cant wait to see how you finish and make use of it. 👍👍 To A&E Construction 😀

[@riff2072]

4:32 The second block is upside down, but it looked like the masonry crew laid them the right way up. You needed to start at the corners and the building, then pull a string to fill-in the blocks in the middle. You did not have to do each core, start the coroners and then every fourth core is ok. It came out looking good.

[@PSSKDerby]

Great video Eric & Arielle! You two are simply amazing. Seeing all the stuff that you guys take on, sometimes for the first time,is really inspiring. God bless! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@dbickel5877]

love your videos, hi from switzerland 🇨🇭

[@Charlie-cs1yl]

You two are doing some great work. Enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@3.0dmax]

The intro almost had a 40yo dude in tears. Very beautiful.

[@bushpushersdaughter]

This intro Did bring me to tears. I had goose bumps all the way to my scalp. I love these people and all the joy they bring.

[@marylouise890]

AMEN 🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@luminyam6145]

Agree, it was something else.

[@danamama6766]

:) it really was

[@Pinkdaliah82]

The intro was absolutely stunning 😍 Great video and edit, thank you for sharing

[@thomaspaxton935]

I was a laborer for my grandfather one summer who was a brickmason. That was enough for me. I became a sheetmetal worker for my career retired now but love watching you guys try all these things .Ya,ll did ok you got it done. Hope your lives stay full filled may God bless..

[@angelahagood3639]

Love the opening sequence with that beautiful music! Can’t wait to see how you will use this awesome structure!

[@tedclement5320]

Thank you Eric and Arielle for the hours of entertainment. The filming/editing/music and content are top shelf.

[@sashcraft51]

Gosh golly it’s fun to watch these vlogs.

[@PatArvid]

Love your films and to see your lifestyle.

[@susanmorris9790]

Beautiful photography! Always enjoy the projects you work on.

[@guslonesomedove]

You are getting more and more art into your work. And I love the pictures of the geese departing for points south.

[@guslonesomedove]

Beautiful intro.

[@kingrafa3938]

Another great work guys. Looking forward to the finish product of the build.

[@marleneboyd7754]

What a beautiful ending to my day! After a long week attending my Local Community Fair. Thank You! So looking forward to this build.

[@gailbrault9251]

You could sit out there in winter and drink coffee. So happy for you, both! Love building videos.

[@NikClinton]

Thank you guys for sharing this part of your lives with us. You are wildly inspirational. Your videos draw courage to the surface of my mind from a place that put off my dreams at a young age. I pray God blesses your family with many years. 🤙🏻

[@annalinekennedy1027]

Great job. Another skill under the belt with brick -laying. Stay safe seeing you next time❤

[@joannevdm6437]

Aw man, a video!!!!! Yay!! Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦 😀 ❤❤

[@annetjievz]

Ditto!! ❤ 🇿🇦 🤟🏼

[@DDL2728]

Not only are your videos great, but your opening scenery & background music are the best! Your channel is fun, interesting & educational! 🌟👍♥️

[@diana839831]

Very excited for you guys to have a seed room

[@gailvicente6854]

I find myself saying, "Aw shucks! Is that the end of the video? I want more!" You guys are amazing!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you for watching ❤

[@katz5434]

Great job as always guys! Can’t wait to see the finished project!❤🙌

[@joanwilliams346]

Love the tenacity you both have for trying new things. Your videos are always interesting and honest.

[@0Hillbilly]

It's looking great. Great job with the masonry. If you want to use the block wall as a heat mass, you'll need to put foan board insulation on the outside. That will stop thermal bridging. Otherwise, you'll lose all your heat in the walls.

[@anderjonswe]

Thank you for sharing your life with us❤

[@rebeccasiegal7824]

The two of you could run the world!❤

[@carolewarner101]

Without putting foam insulation or something on the outside of that concrete block wall, all the heat will get sucked out of that building unless you're going to burn 20 cords of wood non-stop just to heat that space. Even then it will be impossible to keep the temps throughout the space uniform. You've simply got to insulate the outside of that wall...do it now as it will be harder to retrofit later!

[@daves4391]

I will agree with that comment. Concrete block exposed to extreme cold weather will never warm up. Great work and tremendous courage to take this on.

[@carolewarner101]

@@daves4391 All you gotta do is look at the way their pet door has a bunch of ice all over it in the winter even though they keep their house over 80 degrees inside. Maybe put 2 layers of 3" foam board with staggered, taped seams onto the outside of the block wall using construction adhesive (making sure it's not the kind that will melt the foam) and then make a set of "storm windows" to add to the outside over double pane windows for added insulation, or at least put in heavy duty insulated curtains for when the sun isn't out (I'd do both).

[@revens-j3k]

I agree, block stays cold,it would almost be worth taking it down, ouch but it isn't worth the chill in a seed room.They did a really good job though for first timers.

[@carolewarner101]

@@revens-j3k If they have a thick enough close cell foam thermal break on the outside of it, it actually could act as thermal mass inside once it's heated up. Unfortunately, there's no insulation under the slab for the room either, so even though they're running their radiant floor heat in there, that too will suck out a LOT of heat given the climate.

[@dmounts9999]

I love seeing the flora and fauna of your immediate area(s) in addition to all of your projects.

[@bruceriley5981]

Thank you both! Once again you show us how hard work, wise planning, and joyful teamwork can accomplish so much.

[@garywright5556]

Your opening montage of photos and videography is amazing every video.

[@rocketmom60]

Not many people could make weeds look pretty but you managed it in you opening shots. Well done.💕

[@erikowren7894]

As someone who has never laid a block wall, I think he did a terrific job. Thank you for sharing everything you guys have a wonderful channel😊.

[@patti3447]

Love Eric’s commentary what a great voice .. enjoy you both immensely been a fan from #1 video

[@journeywithnichole]

I was thinking of building my tiny home in this manner. Thank you for showing the process. The good and the challenging!!

[@normagwilliam8160]

There’s nothing you can’t do! You are an amazing team!

[@helenpoulos6701]

Absolutely amazing what both of you are capable of doing. Love love love your videos. I truly cant get enough of your videos. Love you guys also. Australia 🙏🙏👏👏👏🥰. You were meant for each other ❤️❤️❤️

[@FIL357]

Been watching for a very long time - not quite from the beginning - I am always staggered by your energy driven alongside careful thought, no doubt research, and attention to accuracy. Brilliant. Thank you for troubling to make so many clearly explained videos. 👍😁 Phil, Suffolk, u.k🇬🇧

[@theresaconrad6608]

I am so happy that you both caught up everything ready for winter. I know you both are so busy gathering your work schedule done before winter season comes very soon. I hope you all are doing fabulous job all year along. Very impressive to see what happens with that? 😊

[@goredknight3017]

Best part of my week

[@process-stories]

I wish I was a few decades younger so I could dive into this amazing adventure too! You both are absolutely incredible!

[@davidbarnett4246]

Omg you 2 are the DIY queen and king. I believe there is nothing you 2 couldn't do

[@VernonBoone-s5m]

I really admire you guys I mean you are so precise at what y'all do, i love to watch you work 👍🏽👍🏽

[@henrynehring9950]

I’m convinced you two can do anything that needs to done. You work so well together and definitely are Alaskan Sourdoughs.

[@shellybielawski1773]

What an amazing job as usual bless your hearts for thinking ahead knowing what direction you’re headed in, y’all could do anything. You will definitely get your use out of this. Time to take another break and go on another adventure. Love ❤y’all!

[@altheaherbst4226]

Thank you. Cool Hello from South Africa 😊

[@PandJsHomesteadAdventure]

Your new grow room is looking fantastic. Great team work as always. Hope you two have a great week.

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

You 2 are quite a team. Problem solvers to the max!! Outstanding seed room. Looking forward to windows. I live in Wyoming and am making my husband watch this one😂. 👏👍👏

[@lorealh.5250]

My husband and I always look forward to your new videos, so we can watch them together ❤

[@susiereed1147]

We watch this from Tasmania Australia and your channel is a lot of fun. It was good to see that Keith finally cracked and bought a Stihl Chain saw!

[@mouse2696]

You capture some beautiful scenes of Alaska, thank you for that.

[@donnawells7987]

You guys are awesome!! Such hard working!! Everything looks good!!

[@Buzzbuzz11]

Thank you for sharing! I bet next year's garden will be awesome!

[@salonisalvi3484]

Guys ,, your videos ‼️‼️ I’m smitten with all of your videos ‼️‼️

[@eileenbrooks-laitinen9778]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again... you two never cease to amaze me. Great job! And the geese are flying south...winter's coming.

[@junioresquivel4140]

Another awesome vid. Thanks for your weekly content. Long time fan sending luv.

[@belieftransformation]

Thanks for sharing your epic scenery & building of your homestead! Blessings to all 🤗🇨🇦

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

You both are rock stars in My book,,,Always here to watch your videos 💖

[@christinefox9075]

I love watching you 2.... everything about your videos is fantastic. 800 members! You're so close!! ❤

[@leekyle7237]

i always love the start of your videos the landscapes flowers animals just settle you in for the great content keep it up god bless you all

[@DQ2you2]

Haven't finished watching yet, but rest assured Eric will have it ANCHORED to maximum perfection!....back to the video

[@waynesellers9929]

If you put the water in first, it mixes much better without sticking to the mixer.

[@jaypipken7444]

It. Looks awesome . Eric your talents amaze me .

[@dropshot1967]

I saw you using the angle grinder to cut of the excess of the j-bolts, but without the shield. In the last three weeks, I have seen two videos of KZbinrs that were doing the same kind of thing and who were lucky they could make it to the emergency room. Please be careful when using an angle grinder and use all precautions. FYI. the videos were on the channels "hometown acres" and "this off grid life" Both ended up with a serious wound to their abdomen and could also have lost partial use of their arm or bled out. Since you are a lot farther from medical help things could easily go even worse for you. Please be careful.

[@brendablaser1523]

Another awesome project!!! My husband and I started back at the beginning of your journey for about the third time. Just watched you two put up your old hoop house and start your garden at your old cabin. The comparison of all the intense physical labor to your new garden is astounding. You did a lot of hard work both places, but having your tractor now is such a game changer from the shoveling out all the rocky soil that you lined the outside of the hoop house , the top soil, the manure, spent barley, straw, Timothy hay….that was a lot!!!!!!!

[@gayeknight]

What a wonderful place to sip your coffee this winter and absorb what little sunshine you get!