How To Make A LEVEL Floor System

This DIY exterior floor system is all about how to build a level floor system from start to finish. This floor foundation tutorial shows the step by step process of footings, beams, floor joists, sheathing installation and how to get it perfectly level. Bring Your Own Tools (#BYOTools 172).
HUGE thank you to Build Tuff for sponsoring this week's video. Get 20% off Tuff Block by using the promo code "BYOT" at check out (24 packs only through October 2022): buildtuff.com/products/tuffblock
Material List:
-Homestead Supplier Floor System: homesteadsupplier.com/?aff=3
-Tuff Block: buildtuff.com/products/tuffblock
-5/8" Crushed Minus Rock
-4x4 PT Lumber
-Wood Preservative: amzn.to/380DJLR
-Ground Cover: amzn.to/2Wb5YVJ
-Galvanized Nails: amzn.to/3tfRaCL
Tool List:
-Tamper Hammer: amzn.to/3GRDhA7
-Tape Measure amzn.to/3hrUYeG
-6' Level: amzn.to/37ZgT7x
-Small Level: amzn.to/3H5SKwV
-Air Compresser: amzn.to/3zq35Sa
-Framing Nailer: amzn.to/3GYqMTG
-Laser Level: amzn.to/3xjrsji
Apparel List:
-Georgia Boot (20% off with "BYOT"): bit.ly/395WxO6
-BYOT Shirt: bit.ly/36tsgE0
-Knee Pads: amzn.to/3y2T0XT
MUSIC:
0:00 - Venice Beach: Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
12:32 - Pata Pata: Miriam Makeba (Matt Cherne Remix) www.chernebeats.com
#byot #diy #howto

[@davidmc62]

I have been working in the building trades for 40 years, and I have never seen anyone lay the floor joists on their sides. In addition to that, I would not recommend using 2"x 4"s for your floor joists at any span. A minimum of a 2"x 6" should be used. The plywood sheathing should always be staggered, this adds much needed strength to the structure. Always anchor your structure to the ground. You don't want to be responsible for your structure blowing away and causing damage or death, this happens more than you know. Finally, the fabric used under structures is not to prevent weeds. It's purpose is to protect the underside of the structure from moisture. So it is very important to use a (vapor barrier) visqueen/plastic sheeting, and not a weed blocker. Most people are more than capable of building a quality structure, but I do recommend that you speak with the professionals in your area to better understand the correct way to achieve your goal. Good Luck and God bless

[@sampson1582]

100% completely agree and also, this is nowhere near "True Level", and if you think you can even approach it with your sad naked caveman eyeball, and a bubble of f****** air, you're the reason this species is a failure and it makes me angry. You want to put up a shelf, put up a shelf. you want to experience true level? Do You??? Anyway, you aren't gonna get anywhere near true level without picking your measurement point in the center, then using a laser level to set all the other points on the platform. Also you didnt set anything in concrete. I am guessing your building codes dont require inspections on anything under 200 square feet. Personally I balk at anything where the government is telling me what to do, but I would have at least set the floor joists vertically and used the proper sizes.

[@davidallard7998]

I agree 100 percent. I have never seen this before.

[@guysolis5843]

And as a result the floor is "bouncy". Great concept though. Laser levels are the way to go..

[@kevinzep01]

Thanks for the video. Yep - I agree with Mr. Allard. I've been designing homes and remodels for 25 years. I have never laid my joists flat. However, depending on the load conditions and the spacing and span of the joists a 2x4 on edge may be adequate but a 2x6 will definitely provide a better floor.

[@astranger448]

@@guysolis5843 Bouncy is good for your knees and hips. I have even bouncier for that very reason. I do without the 2 by 4, the sheathing goes right on the uprights. Load bearing is sufficient for normal house and kitchen stuff. I do admit that a floor standing cabinet for glassware would be a rattly affair but that's what walls are for. I borrowed the idea from the way office spaces with floating floors are made. Concrete floor with adjustable steel spacers 10" tall on a 24" raster. On top of that square tiles 2" thick particle board (offices are not yet up to speed on a bit of flex in a floor). It's extremely practical for everything piping and wiring, lift a tile or 2 and you can modify whatever you want.

[@joesmith-yr4rm]

I read the entire Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 Plans and was able to make a shed plan. Using Ryan’s Shed Plans alone, the shed itself is great. Where I wish I knew more is with respect to ground preparation and foundations. Maybe that's beyond the scope of Ryan’s Shed Plans.

[@donaldmarlow488]

I’m a retired ironworker, before laser leveling aids we used a clear hose almost filled with water and put a cork in each end just to capture the water. We a transfer a mark given by engineer to any location on each floor on a story job. Just uncork each end and transfer a mark wherever you need it by holding water level on desired level to the water level on other end of hose. All finish ironworkers carried a rolled up clear hose with corks in their tool bag. If hose is not long enough just make a mark to transfer the elevation. When they came out with laser aided machinery I thought that’s nice, but we have that problem already put to bed !

[@jimmysteinberg1114]

Water hose level, yes they still use these but not in home construction...mitx mainly used in water works, pool building ect

[@robertsparling]

Yeah, I used one. You have to have a good partner to use them well. I bought a laser level.

[@robertgarrett7007]

I’ve also used a water level. It is extremely accurate.

[@mikebradley4245]

yes i used a water level setting scaffolding

[@drmachinewerke1]

Local #10 as a young man. Then 30 years as a roofer local #20. Early 80s bad for Ironworkers in Kansas City. Freaking Carter.

[@garynicholls72]

Hi Gary from the UK don't forget to tell people the 3x4x5 rule it will help people do this on your next video plus fit the joists on their EDGES not flat or the floor will have a bounce to it and it doesn't feel solid, very interesting and informative keep them coming

[@theresak4343]

I like watching these DIY videos because in another young life, I would have loved it if we had the internet with immediate access to such; sure, we went to the library, which is a pleasant experience in itself, but such enjoyment with my coffee in the morning is gold.

[@Campzzyzx]

Everybody on here saying you need to lay those 2x4s vertically have never built a trampoline. This is going to be the best wooden bounce house in the neighboorhood

[@anglosaxon244]

beautifull job!,....two things i do as well,is to spray all the wood downunder with anti-termite oil ,plus felt paper under the plates..its preety cheap and makes them buggers life harder.

[@mytubebobbie06h]

Just perfectly leveled. Good job

[@Brian18741]

Looking forward to seeing what's coming 👍

[@BYOTools]

Great to hear and thanks for watching Brian.

[@melvis2017]

Thanks for the great job and the good way to explain things thanks once again for the efforts and for sharing this with us. You make me ready for doing the same as you built. 🇩🇰🙏👍

[@carlpeterson8279]

Good job considering all of the varitibles

[@samhunt9380]

I built pole frame homes in Australia and I used a water level. The accuracy I was achieving was 1/16' across the entire floor system. And I never laid joists on their side. Thats a new one one me after 46 years as a builder....1966 to 2012....Cheers.

[@guysolis5843]

I like this guys enthusiasm and his video editing is stellar. I just watched his refinishing a hardwood floor video. He did it just right. Like most young carpenters, we all have a lot to learn. Taking measurements off of a drooping steel tape should be reconsidered and setting the post base in a hole invites puddling. His shed is less than 120 sf which means he wouldn't need an inspection. In my build I sank all for corners and two additional posts for the center in concrete. Ideally, the thing to do would be to get a Bobcat and excavate the location level. But over all, good project and I'm sure next time he'll modify the procedure like we all did at one point in out building careers.

[@TheRealDailyAnarchy]

Ive seen quite a few diy shed floors built this way, but they usually don't have any experience building. It leaves the floor feeling spongy and weak. Not rigid and stiff, which is how it is supposed to feel. Ive noticed they don't bear as much of a load either. The floor joists were always 2x6 or bigger, sometimes sistered if putting a heavy load on the floor. You know gunsafes and heavy objects like larger frame tools, cabinet saws, etc.

[@brandontucker2989]

Thanks for the video!!! I have a question the plastic on top gravel won't move in windy conditions? Thanks

[@cherylkitchen]

Miriam Mekeba....excellent choice.

[@DerekTJ]

Should you not have pit the joists on edge rather than flat, and your t&g flooring should be staggered?

[@diverdave4056]

I started working with laser levels 35 years ago installing computer flooring - raised flooring . 99% of the construction workers rely on the laser levels to give a perfect level mark BUT they never ever check their laser level , to make sure its working correctly every time they use them ! Many get kicked - bumped and take a rough ride on the roads in the back of a pickup truck . I bought a new PLS laser and it was out of calibration ( the company mailed me a new one ).

[@philgreen2932]

Nothing beats a water level

[@tpep1693]

Before I even watch the video, WATER LEVEL. They work great.

[@computerz009]

looks nice! great job! im guessing he did so many footings for such a small structure because he used 2x4s for joists?

[@TerryBone-yd7pq]

Agree totally. And also in my Country you can not build lower than 225mm to stop moisture rising. What holds it down and not blowing away?

[@junkremovers5825]

DO NOT EVER PUT FLOOR JOISTS ON FLAT BUT INSTEAD STAND THEM ON EDGE SO YOUR FLOOR DOESNT BOW WHEN YOU WALK ON IT.. Watch Larry Huan or builder brothers if you want the right ways to build. This would be the laughing matter of all construction sites, i tell yah .

[@astranger448]

Great to hear you mention Larry Haun, he taught me all I ever needed to know about framing. I also have bad knees and hips so all my floors have a bit of bounce using a system very similar which is common here in office buildings with floating floors (without the bounce). The maximum span is 36" between supports, a 2 by 4 flat will do just fine.

[@Buildtuff]

Awesome video! Glad to be part of another project :) Can't wait to see what you put on top of it.

[@BYOTools]

Thanks so much for all the support BT! It was a great experience to be a part of this project with you and the foundation is as solid as can be :)

[@-First-Last]

A vaccination center.

[@mike60521x]

$219 for 24 pieces of plastic - I hope they paid you enough for this commercial

[@eltonapplewhite5236]

@@BYOTools 3. ? My iok l.p.

[@adamnonnenmacher8730]

Hopefully he doesnt put much on top of it since he built it completely wrong. You never use 2x4 joists and you never lay them flat hahaha

[@monsantofungaro5704]

My pull out strength is pretty significant as well

[@gslavik]

How come you didn't alternate seams on the sub-floor to get rid of the seam intersections?

[@BYOTools]

GREAT question and thanks so much for bringing this up. I should have mentioned it in the video but here goes. It’s because of the floor joist spacing and the fact that the panels come pre-cut. I would’ve had to stagger one of the floor joists in a different layout in order for the seams to work out correctly. I didn’t account for that ahead of time and by the time I realized it it was too late since everything was nailed down. Those ring shank nails are hard to pull out that where in the floor joists. Thanks again for bringing this question up.

[@TheSabine2005]

This book is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to create various types of garden buildings. The book provides clear and detailed instructions with numerous photos. kzbin.infoUgkxBE-xSmFU7PIaMFUmmhnFxE035s5svtxeAs a novice, I appreciated the book's step-by-step approach to the basics of building. The book also appeals to the more advanced DIY enthusiast with projects ranging from simple to complex. The book is up to date with the latest trends, such as solar panels, green roofs, and sweet chestnut shakes. The book has inspired me to pursue more projects in the future.

[@dannelu8791]

hi, can you post the link for the book again

[@jlocke62]

Given how short the span was between the 4 by 4's, I can see using 2 by 4's for "floor joists". But they were clearly installed wrong; they all should have been installed with the "4" inch side up and down, sitting on the "2" inch side for maximum strength.

[@JAW88]

Floor joists should not lay flat and when putting down the flooring sheets they need to have the seams offset like a brick pattern would lay out. Good video though.

[@elizerlaguna3713]

I agree. Floor joist should be in standing position to make it stronger and support heavy load and vibration.

[@curttuundra]

Not to mention the post&beam method requires the post to be buried and properly secured in the ground to prevent uplift and movement of the aboveground structure during high winds. Some basic engineering principles need to be applied to every construction project in order to be safe and long lasting.

[@PRLcafe]

Martha stewart voice is the absolute winner

[@johngate4715]

Great job, I want to do something like. I want to move a old shed on a new slab like this

[@gaynde5316]

Very professional thanks

[@danielg.1707]

That's going to be a squeaky floor good buddy 👍 flat no Bueno.

[@Coaxel1]

Never seen floor joist laid flat like that. And the flooring should be staggered

[@finn.hermansen]

Clever system, but how do you secure the shed to the ground so it doesn't blow away in a storm / High winds?

[@JO3BID3N-is-a-P3D0]

shoulda woulda coulda

[@willbillyheaven]

You can do the same thing with a traditional concrete block just dig down to get the block tops to the height you want the top to end up at. I trust the concrete won't crack or settle over time. You should also stagger the joints on your flooring.

[@terryharris3393]

CMUs piers are cheaper and more reliable than plastic and are able to be shimmed after settling. The idea of using 4x4s for rim joists is strange, especially when using a 4 and 8 footer to span 12 feet. Doubling up 2x4s and staggering the joint would make more sense but not as much as a single 12 foot 2x6. I hope no one is persuaded to construct a deck like this including the incorrectly oriented floor joists.

[@johnbarbuto5387]

If you were building this in snow country don't you need to put the foundations below the freeze level to avoid "heaving"?

[@lizzapaolia959]

Definitely don't use these if you're in a high wind area. The idea is good for certain small projects. Thank you for sharing.

[@user-dj9qi9jt1b]

Whole project can be ruined in seconds if base not properly secured to the ground. Any strong wing gust or tiny tornado make your structure had a flying experience. Also cross boards (joists) must lay vertical, and floor sheathing sheets must be staggered. And of course, these plastic boots must be completely covered from sun uv rays. Good luck!

[@AtoMicEyeScream]

I was hoping your method didnt require expensive equipment most people dont have. A great video would be how did the old timers do such a thing without laser lvls and specialty blocks.

[@jhguygih]

Doesnt it sink? If the frost line is like 3 4 ft. This plastic base is still recommended or better concrete.

[@noyopacific]

A simple, reliable and inexpensive alternative to a laser level is a water level. It is a length of clear flexible tube or hose long enough to reach between diagonal corners. Fill the tube with water and food coloring, lower the center of the tube and raise each end to allow air bubbles to escape. The colored water in the tube will reach the level point at both ends.

[@johnnothegreat8907]

Do not trust moving the clear tube by raising the ends of the tube to remove air bubbles. A container with water should be used and place one end of the tube in the container of water then with the other end of the tube syphon water to flow out the lower end of the tube. Water will flow out of the tube (gravity) when water is flowing without bubbles block end tightly with a thumb and raise end of tube about the same level as the tube in the container. DO NOT BLOCK THE ENDS OF TUBES WITH CORKS ETC WHILE USING THE LEVEL AS IT WILL GIVE FALSE READINGS. THE ENDS MUST BE OPEN. Determine a datum at the required height and do not move from that datum until all points are marked. Never if using some one to assist trust that person! Always after marking the new level level point ask your assistant to look at the datum point mark and tell you when the water in the tube reaches the original datum mark as you are raising/lowering the tube at your end you just marked. When the water reaches the original datum mark and the assistant indicates it is on the original datum mark check the new mark coincides with the datum. Any discrepancy will show that your assistant cannot be trusted. It is far better to fix the tube very lightly at each end without crushing the tube and walk back and forward adjusting the tube at the datum end and when the water is at the datum mark go to the other end of the tube and mark the water at the new level. You can check that the two marks are the same level by placing the water on the new mark and going back to the datum to see if it coincidence. Standing on the tube will give false readings so will strong winds. REMEMBER NEVER TRUST YOUR ASSISTANT!!!!!! While moving the tube to each level point place your thumb on the end of the tube to prevent loss of water. Never flick the tube over obstacles as this will put air bubbles in the tube as well. Good luck regards Johnno

[@noyopacific]

@@johnnothegreat8907 Excellent explanation and tips for using a water level. Another thing I learned (the hard way) was that it's much easier if you use 1/2" or larger clear tubing than 1/4" tube. I think with the smaller diameter it's harder to overcome the friction inside the tube and maybe the surface tension of water. With small diameter tube the water moves slowly and takes a long time to settle on your mark. You are constantly moving the tube up and down and waiting for the water level to settle. Thanks again!

[@timmoore9736]

Nice cut of Miriam Makeba!

[@GeneralRock114]

So the foundation would have the same dimensions as the shed??? I’m asking because I’ve seen videos of other types of foundations where the foundation is 1 foot longer.

[@juandelagarza7605]

Is that short wall 7'? Or is the door a. 8" door?

[@danielmanziuc8244]

Extremely professional NOT JUST the work itself but your presentation + editing, but I do have a question /concern regarding the footings, yea, the process/steps followed are out of tge book but isn't the freezing depth a worriessome to you ? And especially that all footings are spread across wide area /surface, in some portions footing heights will change ( pushed up in winter ), thus some corners will be higher than heights setup in summer! The 4 feet freezing free depth is a rule I have followed up here in tge moose land (😂), thus no natter if a small, large shed or even a platform is built, the main footing support height never change

[@webslingernz]

It's not anchored to the ground? Where does the water escape that lands on the floor escape to? I'm not a pro builder but these two things would greatly concern me during windy/rainy conditions.

[@rafaelchan8497]

Leveling a small area is easier than leveling bigger area. Leveling bigger area is a challenge but you can do it lot easier through the help of appropriate tools.

[@lechatbotte.]

Excellent video as always Brent. There a lots of ways to do a build and just as many reasons why you don’t do them in every application. The basics apply no matter what!,

[@BYOTools]

Well said and thanks so much for watching. Greatly appreciate the support :)

[@cristianondarza7824]

I luv it!

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

It looks really really good. Thanks for the incredibly helpful video :)

[@BYOTools]

Thanks so much! Keep up the amazing work on your channel as well :)

[@corashy1950]

You must tamper the footing and have 6"gravel tampered then you poor your foot. (Flat part of footing) then you set your post gravel backfill tapered agian.1' foot of dirt after gravel. This will give you 2 feet and stop upheaval of the post.

[@prerecordedresponse9884]

These look cool. I've been wanting to build an 8' x 10' shed for a while but my backyard is slightly sloped. These look like they will do the job with minimal excavation and ground leveling.

[@barrylitchfield8357]

How do you plan to anchor this structure to the earth? High wind during thunderstorm conditions can and will blow this structure and roll it into something that is properly anchored!

[@Dressagevids]

Really good video, helped me no end thanks... I hope your pole dancing bar is a success

[@robertsparling]

No, don't follow this guy's video. He's not a carpenter.

[@bastiaoemmiami]

Here in Brazil it is rare to find these "metallic joints" for wood and when you find one, they cost $50, $60, $80 each!

[@paulbee4803]

Would have been easier with auger and just dropping the post in the ground

[@Shift1dwn5up]

A water level works well for getting the tops of the posts at the same height.

[@brianburnssailorslife5383]

I'm a retired union carpenter and in making any type of box all legs have to be the right dimension and to achieve square there's 3 methods possible. 1) measure the diaganol dimension both ways and square the box or rectangle till measurements are equal both ways. 2) 3,4,5 method a perfect 90° corner or aka right angle is made the 3', 4', 5' method or multiples of same numbers, for example: 3,4,5 can be multiplied 3x10, 4x10,5x10= 30,40,50 or any number as long as the base numbers are relevant. 3) pyagrathems therom is the mathematical way to find the exact diagonal dimension to make an exact 90° corner.

[@johnnothegreat8907]

Goodbye mate from Australia. Thanks for your reply on tube size. Good point. I also use a plumbob to get things vertical. I found to my dismay that using a level and aluminium straight edge to put in Door Jambs to suit Mirror doors on a walk in wardrobe did not work due to the spirit level having a tiny degree of error in the level. In other words the head of the door jamb I put in with a water level was dead level but the floor to ceiling mirrored door 8 feet high (2.4 metres) which was made perfectly square did not close on the vertical door jamb due to the margin of error stated on the level. That slight margin of error in the spirit level although not great was sufficient enough to alter the distance across the diagonals and the ********** mirrored doors just did not fit truly. My employer of the time said I did not get the jambs plumb. I gave him the spirit level and straight edge I had used and of course they showed plumb but a plumbob showed the margin of error over 8 feet was a factor in causing the jamb to not be truly vertical. My pride was restored I did have the jamb plumb after all albeit spirit level plumb. It won't happen again if I get a job with glass door panels. Regards Johnno

[@royblackburn1163]

Plumb bobs and water levels take some beating.

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

Don't you think you should have staggered the 4' and 12' sections?

[@derek1216]

“Sheer strength” 2/4’s always used on edge when building anything on the planet.

[@danielbarry1849]

There are nails for the gun you used in the size needed to nail the plywood down you don't need a separate nail gun and why didn't you stagger the joints on the plywood it makes for a much stronger platform

[@Justthemow]

The easiest way is to use a water level just like the Egyptians did get a long hose preferably clear at both ends and put a mark on them one inch from the end the marks have to be exactly the same distance from the end of the hose then fill it with water and go around checking g level as the water will always try to find a level inside the hose at both ends it will be lvl compared to the distance from the end of the hose even over things around corners under something or any which way you stretch it

[@bonesrhodes3762]

--- learn to set and use batter boards if you want a level and square base

[@brandonmcmillan8820]

Homestead supplier makes me think you’re gonna do some kind of garden or greenhouse

[@CannibalSheepQc]

Yeah, might as well convert that ting into a raised garden bed idk

[@glpdrum]

Post set two feet deep in concrete is the only way to go.

[@paulcaine2603]

Floor joists on the flat and not on their edge. Never seen that before. otherwise a smart build

[@jasenrock]

Very common to save height but probably not up to code

[@nicholasadams6343]

That's not common . The only time lumber is laid down flat, is for the decking, which goes over upright beams. I have an auger with a 6 inch bit, 3 ft deep. I paid about $250 for it. Never lets me down. I string, I drill all the holes for my fences, decks , etc in minutes. I drop the posts, brace, level , attach some beams temp, to keep them in line , faced and spaced. Concrete all the posts at once. Clean up go home. I use a laser and cut the posts to height. After the rims and joints, I run my Makita power planer over it. Plywood on an outdoor floor,? Dear God

[@eszyx8062]

How to make my day? A new video uploaded!

[@BYOTools]

Haha! Great to hear and thanks so much for watching. I was sick the last couple of days and my voice was rough! Better late then never this weekend right :)

[@eszyx8062]

@@BYOTools yeah! Have you recovered yet?

[@BYOTools]

@@eszyx8062 Getting there. Much better then yesterday so thats a positive :)

[@angellas.1314]

How does this base hold up in higher winds?

[@jay62nz]

I was wondering the same thing, or earthquakes.

[@menchelke]

This looks like how to make a level floor with as much work as possible tutorial. You should have put each corner post, then took your 10 ft board, stand it on edge, and tack it to lowest point (highest elevation of ground, your 2 inches or whatever above the ground on your 1 corner,. Tack it on the side of the post, then put your level on the side of it, raise other end until level screw to post, now go around full perimeter. Then it's a simple matter to mark each corner and cut the posts flush with level, and then every other post you add, you just get it plumb, tack it to the level board, and cut it flush with level.

[@guysolis5843]

Exactly. True carpenters have the best time saving tricks..

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

that's what I was looking for - basic common sense, making life easy. thanks!

[@mcmullaj1]

My vote is for a greenhouse!

[@BYOTools]

Now that is a very good guess Jeremy :) Who's with him?

[@bonesrhodes3762]

----- with an OSB floor ? I should hope not

[@krzysztof_wu]

wouldnt it be easier to use 4 strings, move away into 2 directions from each corners around 2-3 feet, adjust the level of the strings on eg. 8 steel bars and then just adjust each posts to those strings without all those double measures, checks etc? Thats how its done here and it works perfectly - definitely faster and still as accurate. cheers

[@soisaidtogod4248]

Quite obvious that you do not get real winters by the depth of those posts. Easy to look pro.

[@Blue1Sapphire]

Do u have termites in your area, as those posts are vunerable to attack.

[@BYOTools]

Luckily no but good question. Thanks for watching

[@BYOTools]

If you have termites in your area what do you do about it with structures like this or even a deck?

[@Blue1Sapphire]

@@BYOTools well one never knows with termites when they will arrive. So measures to prevent is always good. With a structure like yours where u cannot see under the deck that well a chemical barrier would be advisable under those posts. There are some very good low tox chemicals available on the market that would do that. Personally I like physical barriers where u force the termites to go over an area where they can be seen and then eliminated. To do that in your instance u would raise the posts off the ground forcing the termites to climb up the structure to attack the posts & thereby being able to see them.

[@Lp-ze1tg]

What if the whole neighborhood is a slope from North to South?

[@mannihh5274]

Every level and every laser comes with some deviation. Depending on their quality it may be 1/1000 =1mm/m or 0.5/1000 = 0.5mm/m (Look at the nameplate, usually it's written on there). With a water hose level you can get it down to 0.1/100,000 = 0.1mm/100m - nothing can beat that. The bigger your structure is, the better the water hose level is for levelling. The Great Pyramids at Kairo/Egypt were probably levelled with water, though they had no hoses - they encircled the whole area (250x250yds !) with a dirt wall and filled it with water, then put several posts in it and carefully marked the water level, drained the area and started building (2,600-2,500 B.C.)

[@MaddieLivingston42069]

They’re way older than that bub

[@scottschultze124]

How do these numbers take into account for the capillary action?

[@wayneque2101]

I put a slight slope to the back yard, so the rain will not run into the basement. Perfectly level, not a good idea!

[@robperkins2674]

2x's on the flat???

[@andrewf2630]

Why is there water pooling up beside the gravel? Nothjng to prevent the fence from rotting out, id give it 5 years before the bottom is all rotted out.

[@CW1116]

One more note : You dug the holes (not very deep but I don't know how far south you are) but those plastic bases should have been put on about 1"-2" of the tamped gravel and then the rest of the gravel should have gone on top to ground level. Rain will fill the holes and the freezing temps will raise those plastic blocks quite a bit and possibly unevenly. If the plastic pads were only an inch above the hard packed, undug earth there wouldn't be much room for water to heave the pads. 2x4's laying flat? Not done anywhere that I know of. No strength that way. You are going to have a bouncy floor with no way to fix it.

[@briardan9226]

I believe he's in the pacific northwest.

[@melainelee]

this is a shed .. not a house

[@photographe06]

I don't see anything holding this to the ground: a kick on the side and I have the feeling everything would move and immediately not be level :) Add walls and you have a kite surf ready to lift off :)

[@iskandar6548]

i love build something out of wood but in country termite love the wood more 😂

[@capecodder04]

It's a good thing you have those safety goggles and gloves on.

[@kepprr]

Hey BYOT or anyone else in the comments. What’s to stop this thing lifting up? The tuff blocks are just sitting on the dirt. There is nothing preventing uplift. Also joists on the flat with no joist hangers? I’ve never seen that before. Other then that, looks neat.

[@BYOTools]

The video shows that they are not resting on dirt. By digging down to solid soil and pouring 8" to 12" of crushed rock and compacting it provides an extremely durable foundation. And I love me some joist hangers but they are not needed in this type of application since the 2x4's are laying flat. If this was a build for a garage or house that is taking a tremendous amount of weight I would have the same concerns as you but that's not what we are building here :) Thanks so much for bringing these questions to light and thanks for watching. Hope you tune in for the next video to see what is being built.

[@shogunr8633]

@@BYOTools In PNW, I think we don't have to endure with hurricanes or tornadoes, so we don't have to worry about things flying away. I was wondering the same thing about what's keeping the tuff blocks on to the ground. I'm assuming the weight of the structure will take care of it, but I guess we'll see when you post the second video.

[@videogame1291]

between the "heighth" and everything being a system (instead of just the thing) this guy drives me up the wall

[@BYOTools]

But what did you think of the rest of the video? haha! Thanks for watching.

[@AlishaLouise]

@@BYOTools i love the quality and the explanations. I really do. And i watch and even recommend for that. But i have to be in the right frame of mind because of the heighth thing, i agree, and i warn the people i am sending to. Not expecting it to change of course. Your videos to do with as you wish. If you've ever watched a chef john video, i would say it's the same part of the brain screaming, and he's my favorite creator.

[@tnuggitz]

I like his work and his videos but his voiceovers are unbearable sometimes. This guy either needs to go back to grammar school or hire a writer.

[@videogame1291]

@@tnuggitz I totally agree

[@videogame1291]

@@AlishaLouise you put it perfectly

[@markcrawford8876]

I must assume the unknowing can sell product to the unknowing!

[@user-on8zd2cg3o]

Just when I thought I could do something like this lol

[@Pseudify]

It is not true that equal diagonals ensures your structure is square (see isosceles trapezoid). One additional step to ensure squareness is to verify that *both* sets of opposite sides are equal in length. But many times, such as hanging a window, measuring diagonals alone makes sense because we assume the manufacturer made opposite sides equal. As an alternative to verifying that opposite sides are equal, you could also verify that any 1 of the four angles is 90 degrees. But at 6:20, it does not appear from the video that he has any assurance that opposite sides are the same length or that any of the angles are 90 degrees. Maybe I missed something?

[@pdloder]

Why did I put the joists on their sides?

[@jasenrock]

all outdoor platforms should have a slight slope

[@BYOTools]

If they are exposed to the elements you may be correct but not when this is going to be completely covered by a structure. Stay tuned for next week. Its a fun one :)

[@Glock274Jimmy]

I guess there are never tornadoes or high winds where you built that.

[@nemod3338]

floor joists on the side is cowboy building unless you are building FFW ring.

[@bufunga]

oh yeah! you're the one with the head bobble

[@chevyvangundy4290]

Why lay fj flat?

[@njwebwiz]

Not sure where you're located, but here in the northeast US, those footings are not to code. An "outbuilding" that size would require a permit, and to get final approval, the footings would have to be in concrete at least 42" below grade. Also, the floor joists would not be code-compliant unless the longer width of the cross section was vertical rather than horizontal and (as others mentioned) attached with hangers. I wish I could build things like you do but we have very strict building inspectors here (and tax assessors looking for any improvements)!

[@joniboulware1436]

There are a lot of places where a backyard shed of small dimensions do not require permits and do not need to meet usual building codes. These small structures are considered temporary and have no real estate tax impact. Yes, freedom is a good thing.

[@guysolis5843]

Here in Colorado, anything greater than 120 sf needs a permit and inspection. I build that size just to keep inspectors out of my yard. Once there, they like to look at everything you own but I always sink a steel anchor into a 4 foot tube of concrete to install my posts. Not willing to have my shed full of tools blowing over in the middle of winter.

[@terryharris3393]

Dido to the comment. So many things wrong with this ‘how not to’ video. I live in Kansas and this size building would not need to be permitted in my town. This structure wouldn’t last a single Fall’s wind.

[@guysolis5843]

Whats the code for a structure under 120 sf. Here in Colorado there is none.

[@terryharris3393]

@@guysolis5843 I am unsure of Colorado law but from an understanding and experience with several states all have a similar implementation: State law will adopt the IRC but list all the exceptions or deviation (there are very few) and allow for counties to make the other modifications by filing a document with the state outlining them. There will be very few of these, if any. Then your local municipality will have a building department where building permits are filed and at least one building inspector. Call the office and ask about the need to file a permit for your project. A good department will have a website with this information but will always respond to your request and I have never not been able to speak with the actual inspector. They actually respect anyone that call for advice. The limit for a structure’s square footage requiring a permit is anywhere from 100 to 400 sf.

[@selbalamir]

Some useful trades comments on here

[@ct4074]

great! thanks. but why did you put the 2x4'' down flat instead of upright or strong side up?

[@contractor556]

Bounce housw

[@nextjin]

Even if this is not a habitable building, why wouldn't you layout a vapor barrier? Isn't the point to prevent moisture from the ground always coming up 24/7? His shed is on a slope, it should just run off and keep ground moisture from coming up. It's the same reason even in crawl spaces with open venting a vapor barrier is laid down.

[@aarone7248]

not supposed to blow the ring shank nails 1/2" into stud. your air nailer has adjustments for this, or perhaps air pressure was too high

[@poedameron8198]

I would have waterproofed those particle board sheets just as an extra precaution. 🤔🤔