Framing Walls in an Off Grid Mountain Cabin. Solo Build…Again!

I wouldn't call framing and raising walls a job that's easy to do by myself, but I do what I have to do. The high temperatures add another layer of challenge; they eventually subside only to make way for heavy smoke and ashy air. Ugh! What's next...a sharknado when I set rafters?! Please no!
The off grid mountain cabin is taking shape! Despite the struggles, the end of this episode shows real progress, and progress is all we can hope for under less than ideal conditions.
Thank you for tuning in to ‪@LifeontheMoose‬ ! Be sure to check out my other build videos of this Mountain Cabin, and the Ridge Cabin that we finished earlier this Spring.
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PRODUCTS: Viewers ask me all the time what product I may be using in a particular video, and where one could get that product. Below is a link to some of my most used/oft-inquired products. The list will grow and change over time as I add more products.
PLEASE NOTE: I would never recommend a product that I personally don't or wouldn't use.
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Mr. Heater Big Buddy (in Ridge Cabin): amzn.to/42emFxc
[Check my latest video for updated product links.]
Tags:
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[@joqlady888]

man ,i'm proud of this work we have done .

[@LifeontheMoose]

You should be! 🙏

[@jamesdeluca6657]

Ya I am tired, boss we need a break 😅

[@LionessDK]

this may not be a how-to channel but I find your way of explaining the process easy to understand and the carpentry terms finally make sense to me! Thanks and keep up the great work

[@LifeontheMoose]

That means so much! Thank you!

[@battlecreek1432]

I like how he said this is not a "how to" channel but a "how I" channel. He doesn't claim to be a professional but he does good work.

[@etchediniron4249]

So inspiring. I just bought a sawmill and have no experience. I’m building a cabin with the lumber I’m cutting, and have no building experience. And it’s freaking fun!! I love watching you and I’m always picking up tips from ya. Thank you!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Those are very kind words! It IS freaking fun. Appreciate you watching.

[@rubenrivera1932]

Stumbled onto your channel, I find it great like your style. Sort of like a bob Ross of cabin making. Keep it up it's great. In an age when teaching our kids to read a ruler and be self sufficient is gone I find it enlightening.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Those are kind words! Thank you so much.

[@CptnSavage]

Patrick, can't tell you how much I love watching your videos! I haven't explored enough of your list of videos to see if you included one about your barn and main cabin, or about Red Moose Ranch. If you have them I can't wait to watch them. Thanks for inviting all of us along on your building adventure. All the best to you and your lovely wife Karen. Keep the videos coming we are all watching. Brian

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! I hope to have a barn build video out in the spring, which will be mostly photos and voice-over, since I didn’t video back then.

[@Ianbond21]

Well done. I raised a 12 x 16 shed this way. Sectional walls are a life saver

[@LifeontheMoose]

Indeed!

[@bigjared8946]

William H. Macy's prowess as an actor overshadows his carpentry skills.

[@dougstripp7522]

You’ve got the best idea live away from life as people understand it in the cities. Your doing a great job!!! Cheers🍻

[@LifeontheMoose]

Cheers back, and thanks!

[@tlvdatsi12]

I am thinking of buying land and building something like this. I have not done carpentry in years and even then I considered myself as a novice. I am enjoying watching your videos. Thanks

[@LifeontheMoose]

I would say DO IT! You won’t regret it. I appreciate you watching!

[@DavidWaine60]

❤ great video really enjoyed it. I even learned a lot and I’ve been building for 20 years either. I’m very poor you’re very good but it’s just super I like your show my wife and I watch it every week and keep up the great work I built a tiny house, a seating house, and a greenhouse and now I’m building a cabin so it’s great that we can learn from each other and I like your style. Best regards David from Vancouver Canada.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hi to Vancouver! Thank you so much. Let me know how the build goes.

[@ABBABEER]

Just want to say thanks gor sharing your adventure.People have their own quirks on how to do but watching someone else helps us analyse our own methods and helps improve. So Thanks again,Great Job!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@philipheinhold5340]

I’m having just watching you man, not as much as if I were there with you but fun none the least🙏

[@PerpetualMan22]

For those heavy walls I bolt a post on the outside of floor frame and use a winch to pull the wall straight up then take the post away after the wall is secured ...

[@paulhaney9712]

I am laid up with a knee replacement and watching your has given me a lot of satisfaction

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’m honored! Get better quickly!

[@rhinothumping]

So glad your videos popped up in my feed. Starting with the build of the insulated floor. Loved how you handled it. I’ve been thinking about how to do floors in my own small cabins, and that looks like a great way to go, particularly for keeping out mice.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’m glad, too! It’s a very solid way to go. I will eventually treat the underside…just because. I should have done it from the beginning, I was just too much in a hurry it slipped my mind at the time! 🙄 I’m not concerned in this climate tho… Thanks for tuning in! 🙏

[@timothyvincent7371]

I discovered this series this morning also beginning with the insulated floor episode. I would use 1/4" galvanized mesh on the bottom to keep the mice out and vapor barrier insulation (turned up of course). Mice will go through OSB without slowing down.

[@MIKESWILDWORLD]

I like what you are doing. Awesome work! We’ll done video editing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! That means a lot.🙏

[@blackterminal]

Thanks for sharing.

[@oklahomesteader]

looking great!

[@davidb7699]

Another great cabin video,,Good Work Moose can’t wait for the next one,,

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@CogentConsult]

As far as construction goes, you’re doing an absolutely fantastic job, real professional work! I’m the same way. There are only a couple things I’d have done differently: One, I would’ve painted the ground-facing OSB with an oil-based Marine paint. This would repel moisture rising up from the ground and would help resist rot and critter infiltration from underneath. Two, I would’ve replaced the tarp on the floor at the end of each day. Three, those two center concrete floating piers that you say will help prevent deflection could potentially cause upward deflection of the floor when the ground freezes and expands upward. Even a seasonal lift of 1 inch will put a crown in the center of your floor during the winter and will weaken all the joist connections. But, if you are confident that the soil there is mostly sandy and has excellent drainage, then no worries. But if that soil has any amount of clay or even compactible soils, it may be best to remove those piers. Just a suggestion.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great points! Well thought out and considerately posed! No real ground moisture here, especially under that cabin (top of a hill and mostly sand). So I’m not concerned with upheave. That said, I may spray the bottom in the near future for pest deterrence more than anything. The top of the sheathing was sealed and tarped, just in case. I appreciate the comments and you watching!

[@jonathonchalk6603]

what great views!

[@tracymiller1715]

You know,My Mom would watch me build stuff , and say " It's sure fun to watch someone who knows what their doing!" Now I know what she meant! Your teaching us a lot of tricks we didn't know, (well me anyway) Thank You!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Your mom was wise! Not sure it applies to me…but I truly appreciate it. Thanks for watching!🙏

[@MrRain-hk4zi]

I enjoyed this. We purchased a place in the middle of nowhere. As a matter of fact if I stood in the center of the property, stepped in any direction I would be closer to somewhere. Plan on developing and doing something similar myself.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Let me know how it goes. I appreciate you watching!

[@johnmeier270]

That's some terrible conditions to work in. You make it look easy. I know exactly how much hard work that was by yourself

[@LifeontheMoose]

Looks can be deceiving! I appreciate you tuning in.

[@Dan-58]

Another great video thanks

[@DavidJones-jm2ik]

Just found your channel.👍Like the style and the simple straight forward explanations. Watching from the UK impressed with the progress.😀

[@LifeontheMoose]

Cool! Thanks for watching. I’m glad you found me! 🙏

[@donnavickery9623]

Looks great !!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thanks!!

[@mofolk8896]

I bet you make watching paint dry fun. 😁

[@LifeontheMoose]

Heck I’ll give it a try! 🙏

[@mikemccollum4521]

Smoke is a killer. You did a great job framing. Load bearing or no. Headers are worth the effort.👍👍

[@petebaldwin6661]

Fairly new to your channel, i like how you play to the audience, and don't sell yourself short, you have some good carpentry skills

[@LifeontheMoose]

Why thank you!

[@billm5433]

Thanks for taking us with you on your journey of building the cabin. Appreciate you.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Kind words! The appreciation is mutual. 🙏

[@jannikschou4700]

Interesting and a pleasure to be in your company.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@cameronbalfe241]

so at 21:50 where you take the channel locks to bend the twisted board as you nail. Another way is to drive a timber lock screw and use a crowbar. to lever it straight works in lots of situations.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea!

[@lauristandley4359]

Looks super!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!🙏

[@christawilliams9116]

Grandpa called 'em ratshoe and topplate. I love your videos! They bring back fond memories.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! Thank you!🙏

[@kelisurfs247]

I’m jealous, I wish I could make a cute little cabin like you have done!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

You can .

[@thehazelnutspread]

I was rooting for you the whole time. I admire how much cleaner your language is than mine would have been.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Sometimes I edit…🙏

[@jimmyweaver7395]

Four walls, on to the roof. Great videos. The Goldilocks of videos: Not too much, not too little, but just the right amount of information.

[@LifeontheMoose]

That’s a nice thing to say! Appreciate you watching.

[@laruedouglas7972]

Love watching your videos, because you make people laugh and smile 😊. Stay safe with all the smoke there.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Very kind, thank you!

[@paulmonk7820]

Something that would make raising a wall easier is to fasten boards to the floor in a step pattern for the brace to catch on as you lift it.😊❤

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea!

[@deborahswanberg6144]

My husband and i are planning on building a log cabin, 1100 sf. Great idea on the floor build.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Let me know how your project goes.

[@I_must_get_a_van]

Thank you..cheers Steve from Australia

[@Jazz1959]

I’m tired of all the smoke. Everyday smoke alerts. Your place is looking good so far. Glad we could help you🤣😂🤣

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’m glad as well! Thanks for tuning in.

[@ninakennedy7497]

Such a pretty little place. I now have another thing on my bucket list, LOL.

[@panlomito]

These 8x8 headers are overkill when you add 1 inch OSB and make them work together like a box construction. I have made a roof span of 20 ft wide this way with a box height of 16 inch. Two 2x8 on top and on bottom, short studs every 16 inch and two sheets of ½ inch plywood glued to each side with overlapping seems. The roof is bearing solar panels with heavy concrete tiles as ballast and took 20 inch of snow with minimal deflection.

[@thefirstmissinglink]

Love your work! For those thinking ahead, put the header at the top of the wall since it is for supporting the roof line. That way when you expand it is easier to put your door through.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@JohnAmes]

Looks like you're making a lot of great progress my friend

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Slowly but surely…as they say.

[@shlyrod883]

Ha! Loved that "how I channel." Good one!

[@jamesoncross7494]

Smart move on the 3, 2x8s for the headers. I would suggest doubling up the top plate. Nice job!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that! I may have taken care of the second plate between episodes. Glad you noticed!

[@maryloulynch1988]

Learning about building just watching you. Thank you.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@RobertWood-y4o]

Following along episode by episode with my kids. Thanks for posting. Can't wait for the next one! Let's get a roof on this thing!

[@LifeontheMoose]

That means a lot! I hope your kids enjoy it. 🙏

[@wymple09]

That header will support like 10 feet of wet snow. I love overkill. It's what I go by.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ah thanks!

[@rudyfisher7660]

I did like the video where you built the big wooden post gate without any hinges. I made it all out of wood.

[@smwon1]

I just found your channel. You are very entertaining, informative and practical too! ❤

[@LifeontheMoose]

Well thanks so much!

[@christopherstinnett1234]

You must be built like the granite that makes up those mountains!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! Kind, but less than accurate!

[@theruralranger]

Wow. Nice work! The conditions weren't optimal.... (no help, high temps, smoke and ash...) But you made it happen!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@robertmayfield8746]

I like the tips to fix those small inaccuracies.

[@eugenecbell]

We are building our own cabin in the spring. Your video is answering so many questions I have had. Thank you.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Excellent! Let me know how it goes. I appreciate you watching!

[@greenwolf401]

You make me wish that I could actually be there to help you build that.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Well it would be handy sometimes! I appreciate you watching.

[@davidwalesby2426]

i do love the sense of humor and your ability to entertain us as well, like im still waiting for the gloves lol

[@rutgershenk]

Just new here. Like what you do. Beautiful environment.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Glad to have you. 🙏

[@AMcho]

I think you did great. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for watching!

[@toddcaskey9984]

If your looking for inspiration on videos , take one of your barn . Inside and out. Looks nice.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks! A video is certainly planned on building the barn. Hopefully it will be released in the next few months. 🙏

[@WanderingWiley]

Love seeing others working solo. Lol. Can be tough but enjoyable

[@LifeontheMoose]

Tough but rewarding. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesspry3294]

Love your work mate. But you should try doing that on Australia. We call days like that Tuesday... 😅😂🤣🥵 Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

[@LifeontheMoose]

😂 outstanding stuff from Australia! Appreciate you tuning in.

[@colstace2560]

It's pretty satisfying building something, hey ? I've been building things since I was 5, (with my dad's help) from mouse cages to 4000 Sq ft houses, pride of workmanship is a great thing. 👍🙂

[@LifeontheMoose]

Yes, building is a satisfying task for sure. Appreciate you watching!

[@colstace2560]

@LifeontheMoose I'm a cabinetmaker by trade but have built a few houses and sheds in my day, it's fun 🙂👍

[@jerryf609]

Nice

[@rikiray3370]

I love watching your videos

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching them!

[@ludovicmarcourt7118]

you deserve more subs &views I had a great evening watching you, we worked very well

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much!

[@joqlady888]

I've been looking for ya to come back..glad to see ya. lov from south alabama.

[@edro3838]

Nice guy, seems strange he doesn’t have any friends 🤣 Stay safe out there man!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Exactly! I appreciate you watching.

[@666goats]

@@LifeontheMoose I would Sub- But just Too Much Chatter Sorry NotSorry. love Ur content BTW, Get a Decent Framing Hammer, Plzz

[@wescos25]

The View!!! Awesome!!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasoneckhart1997]

Just a thought for the future. Instead of using Channel lock pliers to twist the boards, I use a pipe wrench also known as a Stillson wrench.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Indeed there are better tools! Just using what I had. Thanks for tuning in!

[@terryflora9268]

Glad I've found your channel I really enjoy watching the progress of this cabin build.. not to mention the view that goes on for miles all around Definitely going to be binge watching on this really cold day here in KY

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hi KY! I’m glad you found us as well. I appreciate you watching!

[@Donerightprepper1]

I have to say it's a beautiful picture there behind you of course you said it was breezy but I'm dont see no leafs or nothing moves and for it to be hot you sure dont sweat.😂😂😂 Im just busting your balls. Also i need to take a nap after this..😂😂 great job your doing..

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha thanks for watching!

[@Donerightprepper1]

@@LifeontheMoose you bet and I will check more out great job.

[@Benmelech]

Great job. I am a first time viewer and was attracted to your channel because I’m doing the same thing, at 81 years old, also by myself--building a 15 x 30 ‘shed’ with 10 foot walls for my daughters vacation property in the beautiful mountains of Idaho. I am at the stage of installing ceiling joist and laying 5/8 OSB (eventually roof sheeting) down as a floor to build my rafters and stand them up as a unit/truss. I also look forward to the great comments that folks have made and hopefully I can utilize a few tips to make my job easier…. being a one man crew such as yourself, i’m really concerned about handling 40+ pounds worth of 5/8 OSB. (Lumberyard will deliver the OSB and use a forklift to place it on the floor joists, 1/2 on the east side, and the other half on the west side). Looking forward to see how you deal with the roof application.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@chrisbillmeyer8344]

Owweee my big toe. That hammer toe technique saves the lower back, but takes it’s toll on the toe. 😂 You can always mark a straight line at 5.5 inches off framing build the wall set the bottom plate the the line, set a toenail in the plate, & it won’t try to run away from you on the bottom when lifting. Loving the content.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea! Appreciate you tuning in.

[@smoke5620]

Great video, really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to seeing the next episode on your 12x16 Cabin on the Moose and yes I did have fun!! Wish I could just step into the video and give you a hand when you need it. I like your style…pretty original!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@southerncomfort971]

Looks great, love the journey. stay well

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@DockWhoosie]

"Ron Spomer music…, ""Bob Ross of cabin building" haha. Love it. Thanks for sharing your work. It's great to see the process in action. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for next week to see how you manage the wall corners, and what you plan to cover the interior walls with! Cheers

[@LifeontheMoose]

Lol. I appreciate that! Next episode we’ll take a short break from cabin building and dive into something different. Stay tuned!

[@livinginthenow]

Nice tips with the channel locks and the crow bar. I'm really enjoying this series. It's boosting my confidence that this is something I could do myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@allencummings7564]

You definitely could do it :) this building style is really good, even for amateurs.

[@LifeontheMoose]

You can! Thank you so much for watching.

[@carsonc1272]

I'd love to offer to help in person and then show up and never leave the camping chair. 🙂

[@LifeontheMoose]

That sounds like smart volunteer work! I appreciate you tuning in.

[@lynnlegault985]

I don't mind helping but cold beer once in a while. I'd work a little harder

[@LifeontheMoose]

I can’t argue that logic.

[@travishall67]

I recently found/subscribed to your channel. I'm enjoying your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share. You're making me want to go build something in my back yard like a small setup for all of my grilling/smoking stuff. But... I think I'll wait until fall when the temperatures drop a little. 🍻

[@LifeontheMoose]

Mission accomplished! Let me know how it goes. I have ideas of outdoor “kitchens” coming up.. 🙏

[@williammaxwell1919]

It's interesting how construction methods and timber sizes used vary arround the world. In Australia, I'm used to framing house with 2 3/4" x 1 3/8" (75 x 35mm) studs, sized per Australian standards. 6 and 8 by 2s are typically used for floor joists and rafters.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Fascinating! I appreciate you tuning in.

[@Hilliorm85]

Great job and video. Thank you

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglasthompson2740]

Grab a couple lengths of the strapping used on units of lumber and plywood. Cut a couple of lengths for each wall section you are standing. Slide it under the bottom plate and with a couple of roofing nails drive one into the top of the bottom plate the end under the plate is nailed to the deck. The idea is when the wall is stood the bottom cannot kick out past the deck. The plate gasket will take up any tiny space the roofing nail will have. Saves a wreck when single handing.

[@patrickpowell8098]

Love watching these videos! Thanks!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Love that you’re watching them!

[@Maxid1]

24:00 Since I don't have a spiffy nail gun and still swing a framing hammer or use structural screws, I even up the 2xbys with a clamp. Those Dewalt clamps will compress to 600 lbs or more.

[@tammyfinch5469]

You crack me up😂. You could be my 4th brother. They also crack me up. They're all builders, and I'm their architectural draftsman. What a fun time we have. Love your work...😅

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! That’s outstanding. Thank you for watching!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

your cabin is looking Awesome! Love watching your videos. :)

[@LifeontheMoose]

I really appreciate that!

[@ohiofarmer5918]

We could frame and place OSB on the exterior of 8 foot walls by using a cable winch on a twelve foot pipe. It had a ratchet action and a catch hook on top. Where the pulley was The company that makes them also makes the Little Peavey to tweak them into place.. I could make the same thing with a ratchet cable and a pulley but OSHA would not be pleased with using framing lumber as a substitute

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’m sure they wouldn’t. Thanks for tuning in!

[@vernhedeen9807]

MISS LEE HERE FTOM NC SITTING IN MY WHEELCHAIR ENJKYING THEX SEE PUR CABIN BUILD. I LOVE WATCH8NG YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP. YOUR LAND IS BEAU T IFUL. ENJKY EVERY MINUTE OF LIFE ON THE MOOSE. THANKS FOR THE VIDEOS.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hi to NC! I appreciate you. 🙏

[@deandielschneider7813]

And top plate. 😊 and you're right about what the studs are called above the header. They are called cripple studs.

[@dendara6102]

Great job !! all the way from Sweden !!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you, Sweden!

[@marvoDmarv]

A cripple in wall framing is any piece cut for above or below an opening, so you were correct.

[@paulmonk7820]

Need to set up a canopy (tarp) to work under. 😊

[@88s10Durango]

So close to being closed in , getting exciting .. :)

[@LifeontheMoose]

Me too! Appreciate you watching.

[@allansturgis5401]

Great content. Enjoying your video. Keep it going.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much! And I will! Every Friday…