I BUILD A VINTAGE BARN WITH DIY SKILLS E31

We are deep into teh final timber section - the annex. Today it's cutting three very large trusses into shape.
FYI: Alex embarks on ambitious building projects. Whereas most builders rely on proven skills and experience, Alex prefers a potentially calamatous combination of optimism and youtube-based research.

[@JohnSmith-gs2rv]

I know this might sound flowery, but your videos documenting the build are as much of a treasure and legacy to the world as the beautiful architecture you’re constructing. Thanks for both.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hi John. What a nice thing to say - I really appreciated that when I read it. I often think that this build (and who knows the videos) will probably outlast me by quite some way! Imagine if we could watch videos like these from folk building things from the 16th Century? Thanks again, Alex 😊

[@frankieporter6071]

That would be amazing !

[@frankieporter6071]

And I second the first comment for sure

[@carlkenyon4599]

Classic !!!! fort Lauderdale Fl USA I think I will sell everything and get a fixer upper in France .

[@aukebij3193]

To saw beams and the like with a chain saw, the chain must be really tight, not like when sawing trees, there should be a little slack in it. but really tight and if possible you need a special Chainsaw Carving chain

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Yes good point - when I watched the footage I did notice how slack it was - must have not spotted it at the time what with all that rain! Didn't know there was a different blade for carving... Thanks again

[@fax182]

Keep going! I see you're missing some flag in Italy too... Greetings from Genoa

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Good point! Thanks for watching 👍

[@SiqueScarface]

Here I am watching from Innsbruck, Austria, but when I'm doing work, it's mostly in Dresden, Germany. remodelling an old vineyard with lots of dry stone walls and stairs.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Sounds like a great place to be working! Thanks for watching 😀

[@Martin-u6v]

Hello this is Martin, I really enjoy your videos. I live near Heidelberg, Germany. Keep it up, greetings

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hi Martin - thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Apologies for the German accents (I love Germany btw, spent many a happy time working in Munich perfecting the accent 😜)

[@MrZuhahaha]

I am quite new to these, so it might be a stupid question. Wouldn't all that rain soaking cause problems with the quality of wood?

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Good question - and not entirely sure tbh! They are seriously lumpy bits of oak and are often exposed to the elements in 16th Century buildings, so fingers crossed!

[@raithier]

Mike from Maine in the US. Love watching you hash this out. Gives me a great deal of confidence to attempt a bridge on my property that I have been putting off. I also very much like that you are not afraid to use a chainsaw in the name of efficiency.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hey Mike - well funny you say that (and I will mention this at some point on the channel as we think about new projects) but I would love to build a river crossing bridge (and I mean with stone footing mid river.) Sadly I lack a river of my own but have not ruled it out! 👍

[@HalsPals]

Even the most overwhelming tasks can be performed with a little ingenuity. Cheers from Amargosa Valley, Nevada, USA.

[@robinkirk3601]

From Iona Station Ontario Canada. Just love watching your build with my wife. We have done quite a bit of DIY and commiserate with every cockup. The good natured honesty is gold. What's your next project?

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hi Robin - good question... I've still got 6-12 months to go on this no question about that, but I do think about it quite a lot. I'd like to raise my back garden 1m and build an old style wall round it (Victorian walled garden vibe) but not sure it'll do so well as a YT series. Plus difficult, exhausting and expensive... All suggestions welcome 👍

[@torwel24]

Difficult: you are able to adapt and overcome Problems 👍🏻 exhausting: you'll save on Gymmembership 😂 expensive: DiY'll cut its Cost in Halve and maybe YT or an Patreon gives you some Dollar. I'm not rich enough to support with Money but with positive Comments and Likes and i'd love to see that as your next Project! ☺️

[@fredhogg4361]

Safety tip Alex - whilst filming in front of a top heavy structure (24:00) don't turn your back to it and be distracted about potential hazards .... we don't want to lose you now you've made it this far.

[@grahammj1yt]

And naturally it starts raining.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Oh yeah! Come on it's Britain in Feb/March! 👍

[@torque9889]

You should flip your chainsaw bar regularly so you get ware on both sides. They work exactly the same way upside down.

[@santosvella]

Your antics are always entertaining. Watching you over the months I can see you improving in how you're doing things. Credit to you as you are doing all this. Kudos

[@AlexBuildsUK]

"Antics" 🤣 Yup - you've got my number! Thanks for comment appreciated 😊

[@ericanderssen6816]

Eric from Berkeley California (across the bay from San Francisco)--you got me with the stone arch, and been watching since. I have one suggestion which is you should brush off the saw dust before doing the joinery. We got termites here and that's their gateway drug. Yes, also a bit OCD, and I think you don't have termites there, but you do want this to last a couple centuries or so.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Good advice - glad you enjoyed the arch - I watched that episode back myself recently and I'm still not sure how I managed it! Thanks for watching 👀

[@HalsPals]

Even the most overwhelming tasks can be accomplished with ingenuity. Cheers from Amargosa Valley, Nevada, USA.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Wise words - we're getting there! 👍

[@SpyMeech]

Watching from Montreal Quebec Canada

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks for watching - appreciated 👍

[@mr2ferrari]

I woke up this morning thinking "wonder if he's still kicking over there? 🤔" Great to see the progress and that the counsel hasn't shut ya down! Side note, your efficiency on a mortise is night and day from when you started! Keep at it, one bite at a time 🍻

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Still kicking out here! No council hostility to report although I'm now a fully paid up JW member (kidding 😜). Good to hear from you and hope you're keeping well Stateside 👍

[@H52413]

Awesome Job on this barn I'm Mike and am from Connecticut in the USA

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks Mike - appreciated! 😊

[@therealcaldini]

Lovely job Alex. Do you wear a hard hat when moving things round?

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Yes I have a bright green one which makes an appearence - depends on whether I'm working on overhead stuff. Getting better at safety though 👍

[@KnowArt]

Hey Alex, awesome project. Little unasked info on the chainsaw: I could be mistaken, but it kinda looks like your bar has been in the same orientation for its entire life. The bar is meant to be flipped every once in a while to wear it down evenly on both sides (and get double the life out of it). Yes, this means the logo will be upside down, but other than that they should be perfectly symmetrical. Keep up the great work

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Great advice - I shall look into that. Thanks for watching 😀

[@markellis9967]

Loving your build from Clayton, NC, USA!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thank you - much appreciated 👍

[@russbernstein563]

These videos are a lot of fun to watch! Russ from Hampton, NH USA

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Cheers Russ - I enjoy making them and really nice to hear that they're offering a bit of enjoyment somewhere out there! 👍

[@SiqueScarface]

26:00 I would probably have mounted it lying down and then lift it up.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

There are many things I would have done differently 😀😀

[@peterwalton1502]

Alex - excellent videos👏👏👍👍

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Glad you like them, I enjoy making them! Thanks Peter 👍

[@peterstevens6555]

Kia Ora & Good Afternoon from Caribbean Drive, Unsworth Heights, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand …Great Video Bro …

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Cheers Peter! Kia Ora? That was a popular UK drink when I was young and I had no idea until 1 minute ago it's a Māori greeting! (I looked it up) Consider yourself on the map in the next episode 😀

[@peterstevens6555]

@@AlexBuildsUK Good to hear about your new knowledge ...lol.... would look forward to your next 'Shout 0ut' on your next video !!!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Went out last Friday 😀

[@maksmaso4741]

hello, some new flag for your map now! greetings from Czech rep. Brno, finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with this build :D

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Well I feel we are getting there - just need to stick at it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@BrandonLinkewich]

Love your videos and have been watching since you started. Taking lots of notes from Vancouver, Canada 🍁

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks Brandon but don't take too many notes (unless it's cock ups you're after!) 👍

[@DamianPenney]

Very satisfying to see those diagonals slip into place, great progress, going to be an actual barn before you know it :)

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hey Damian - I have to say I feel like I'm on the home straight but it's a bit like moving house - it's all the fiddly bits at the end that make it hard! Hope you're well 😊

[@mikesmusings5937]

i'm from Carmel, Indiana that is just north of Indianapolis, Indiana in the USA

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks for watching - appreciated 👍

[@grantlingley1385]

As others have commented before me, really enjoy your videos and comments about the weather….LOL! I am watching from Nova Scotia Canada. We are on the coast and always talk about the weather! On our way to Ireland and Scotland in September!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Yup us Northern climate types do nothing else! I spent some time in Seattle a few years back - just as bad 🤣 Thanks for watching 😀

[@dieselrugg]

Hey Alex! great work so far. Can't wait to see the end results. Russell from Bradenton, FL

[@AlexBuildsUK]

We're getting there Russell! Thanks for watching 👍

[@allanmacdonald4562]

Watching from the valley of wine and roses South Africa. Lovely weather indeed.

[@betsywhitaker1805]

Alex, haven't seen you in a bit. I believe I registered with you map - Arlington, Virginia, USA. Terrific work! Thanks for sharing. All the best, Kevin Whitaker

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Still trucking away over here Kevin! Thanks for watching are more updates coming soon 👍

[@greigtraynor2748]

I really enjoy watching your build and I think it is great how your talk about your mistakes which gives me encouragement as I often make simple mistakes. Also you are very lucky to have access to the timber you use because hear in Australia it would cost an absolute fortune and you would need a small army and a crane just to lift it as our timber is incredibly hard and dense . I live on the mid north coast of Australia if would like to put me on your map.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

The (inevitable) cock ups are all part of the journey... interesting to hear about the wood over there. It's not cheap here by the way, probably about £10K for just the oak... Thanks for watching 👍

[@DamianPenney]

Hmm think my comment got blitzed because it had a link in it, but I'd asked if you'd looked into beam cutters, it's a chainsaw attachment for a circular saw, so fast but still accurate.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Got it! Cheers 😀

[@Paulholio69]

Not too shabby! (Greetings from sunny East Durham)

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks Paul - always rate a Geordie's opinion! (or are Durham lads called something else?) 😜

[@kevinpeck8485]

Great work Alex! I've been watching from the beginning! I'm in Norfolk (that's in Virginia USA not England!) My wife and I will be in London for the Chelsea flower show in a few weeks! Can't wait!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Ah very nice Kevin! I'm more into the landscaping / building than the actual gardening, but RHS show is a good one I hear. Heading to Wimbledon for the tennis a few weeks later, lovely vibe there just like Chelsea. Hope you and the wife have a great trip - safe travels 😊

[@j_omega_t]

Try pinching the tarp between one of your timbers and a batten. Just sock some screws through the batten, through the tarp, and into a timber.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Good advice - but the tarp will soon be gone! Thanks for watching 👍

[@TheJamesKF]

This is fantastic! New sub from Southwest Ohio USA. Inspiring work Sir!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks so much and welcome aboard! 😀

[@RichardHeadGaming]

Second floor swimming pool, BONUS!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Next project maybe 🤔🤣

[@RichardHeadGaming]

@@AlexBuildsUK Meant the tarp........Sarcasm.

[@chrissutcliffe1865]

Enjoying the videos here from in Thailand! Hope you can add that pin on your map! :)

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Cheers Chris - appreciated 😀

[@michaelcravens3767]

For a DIYer you are doing a great job. I am glad I found your channel and I am from Hemet CA in the U.S. .

[@troyharlow24]

I watch out for you videos every month! Such a delight to watch, really enjoy you taking us along on this journey...Thank you! Eustace, TX, USA

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Hey Troy - what a kind remark and much appreciated! Glad you're enjoying them. A couple of good ones coming up soon (IMO) 👍

[@liverpoolandhardie]

Hi Alex. Great honest work! I have an oak frame roof I will be building next year in Normandy. How long do you think you can leave the oak exposed before roofing? I suppose a summer may warp the timbers in some manner - but that is the "look" anyway(!) I was thinking two years max would be safe before the timber gets compromised. What do you think? Keep it up! from Sydney Australia.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Well they buit stuff in the 16th centruey with exposed oak beams and it's still going! (or so I keep telling myself...) Thanks for watching 👍

[@liverpoolandhardie]

No worries then! @@AlexBuildsUK

[@DanielHawker-g5h]

Hi Alex, your channel appeared in my sidebar (whatever that’s called) on the first day of my holiday in Rhodes Greece last week. I managed to watch all this playlist while I was away and enjoyed them all. Just watched this one back home in Knutsford, Cheshire! Thanks Dan.

[@PeterLee-zn3jl]

You might want to injsct glue type stuff or even foam into some joints..?

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Don't think we need it - they didn't back in the day... well here's hoping 😀

[@HaraldHofer]

You'll not gonna believe this: Just today my Bosch Hammer Drill burned out when I mixed some concrete - exactly the same model. I guess I need a mixer and a new hammer drill...

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Mine survived! (as it stands)... I thought I'd bought a seriously powerful bit of kit - maybe not? Thanks for watching! 👍

[@HaraldHofer]

@@AlexBuildsUK it was a good tool for many years, the concrete however killed it... 😂

[@goblinking4995]

You know that would be a nice house in stead of a shed just Raise the floor

[@AlexBuildsUK]

I had to get planning permission for it and the neighbours objected on the basis (and remain convinced) that I am building a house! Someone might one day but not me... Thanks for watching 👍

[@ecusaxone]

Throw up some temporary plywood and quit with the tarps

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Wait 2 epiosdes - it will soon be banished! 👍

[@kevinsheedy7157]

Sympathy from the Toronto Scottish RFC, but calling from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories also in Canada but very far away. Nice barn, nice timbers, nice stonework. Cheers

[@joelkooienga87]

Hey watching from Michigan really enjoying the commentary and craftsmanship. 7/10 for cut accuracy and 9/10 for efficiency made me laugh. keep up the great work!!

[@mcteam1720]

C'est un délice d'humour de vous regarder depuis Bordeaux. Amitiés

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Merci! I appreciate the comment but I'm still cross about the rugby 😜🇫🇷 Amitiés

[@maxv1455]

Hi Alex! Sorry for the comparison, but you reminded me of Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear, whom I respect very much! And that's why you turn the log over when you saw off the edges with a chainsaw... I don't understand!? Why not just finish drinking? Russia, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk.

[@Rottinrock]

found your channel.....binge watched. I am from Worland Wyoming U.S.A. close to Yellowstone Park. Tourist tossin" season is just starting. Wildlife is WILD, not tame

[@RenegadeADV]

Frist video I have seen of yours, subscribed for more! Looking forward to watching this project come together.

[@martinmostert2143]

I enjoy your can-do approach. I am unlikely to ever get to do such heavy work, but I do store away bits and pieces of technical stuff that might come in handy in my puppet and props making here in Cape Town :) And I also follow rugby, although as you might expect I don't cheer Scotland except when they play England, Australia or New Zealand :)

[@lubomirhiba7937]

I just finished all the videos and a new fan was born :D I have a soft spot for stone buildings and would love to build something similar one day in my back yard. Btw no flag at the Czech Republic? I'm writing/watching from the heart of Moravia city Olomouc (the flag belongs exactly where E and P meet on your map)

[@JoseLuisGomez-os1uq]

Hello Alex, just I finished watching all vídeos. You are doing a very good job indeed. Cheers from Teruel, a small town in Spain. I hope you set me in the map, the first spanish follower. What I envy you, what a way to rain every day ;-)

[@idontthinkso666]

Amazing work, really well done. I don’t know that it matters much in the end, but your joinery seems a bit loosy-goosy. I suppose having oversize mortises (or undersized tenons, same difference) makes it possible for these timbers to literally fall into place, which is convenient. When I do mortise & tenon joinery, I have to tap (or pound) the timbers together. Certainly, the pegs help to keep the integrity of the joint intact, and again, I don’t know that it matters much in the end, given your design. It appears that the structure will be well supported, despite the loose joints. Again, lovely work, so hats off to you.

[@mikuhatsune184]

This is a really cool project! It’s nice to see people timber framing. I am currently learning how to do so myself, so seeing your video pop up in my feed is a pleasant surprise. Regarding the pegs, have you thought about drilling through the mortise and then drilling the tenon slightly offset towards the shoulder to draw the joint tighter together? It works nicely with smaller joints and I was just curious if you’ve tried draw boring with this. I don’t actually know if it would work the same with timber framing. We use slightly tapered pegs when draw boring smaller things, so maybe that could also be scaled up for timber framing to make the joints tighter? Anyways, thank you for the series! Can’t wait for more! ~ Boston, Massachusetts

[@chrissteere9494]

Chris from Greensboro, North Carolina. Love the videos and will be doing a workshop in similar fashion in a year or so. Thanks for the confidence in Scotland’s team! Seems like my teams always lose when I watch…. So I catch the highlights after!

[@gojke3922]

Just stumbled on your channel, fantastic work, just imaging how was this done back in the day without software to draw this and modern day tools. Much love from Novi Sad, Serbia, you have a new sub, keep up the good work :D

[@bitorgare5105]

nice job you are doing, you are the first person I have seen fishing a drone with a rod, I think I am the first person from Spain to comment, I am from Bilbao (on the northern coast of Spain) and from the Athletic club of Bilbao (unique in the world) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJXIZWSeadOZo9k

[@BillyBlaze7]

Howdy from Springtown,Texas! great looking work, wish I had a local source for big timber to build with. Last year I built a garage and the Texas heat was around 115F it literally was twisting 6x6's faster than I could build with them.

[@davidjohnkillingback8803]

you're getting there, but why do you make the Mortices so big,,? The timber is soaking wet. hopefully when the building is finished and the timber dries out it wont shrink too much and open up the joints , although not much but enough to let the bugs in.. I personally would pack out the mortice and tenons before i assemble them..

[@midom9143]

hi, watching your video from Annemasse France, your DIY is pretty good. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@CertainlyNotJacobBuckman]

Very interesting build and fantastic craftsmanship on your part! From Kansas USA and there are a TON of abandoned old Limestone buildings from the days when people were trying to settle in this area. The remnants of one are on some property my wife owns and I intend to do with it sort of what you're doing here! what a great project!

[@baxterboy23]

Starting to come together now bro. Greetings from sunny Clydach, just outside Swansea 👍👍

[@malk_avian]

I admire your work =) I really want to repeat something like this at home. Sincerely from the Altai Republic, Russia

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thank you Malk - go for it, I did! 😀

[@romeandcurry6915]

Cant wait to see these bits put together - I’m a big fan of the chainsaw.

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Very efficient if a bit rough. Prefer the petrol ones - can you imagine anyone buying an electric one? 🤔

[@torwel24]

Electric ones are much weaker for sure, but you can work inside without ventilating ☺️

[@SteveG001]

G"day Mate. Steve from Melbourne Australia. Send your vlog series to Grand Designs UK

[@peterwalton1502]

Alex - I know it’s a bit late but why not buy a pop up gazebo to cover where you are working? That looks miserable 👏👏

[@ryangross5446]

Youve only gone and done it! The hand assembly was honestly amazing to watch. I'm sure it felt even better. I love this series so much! Watching from Fountain, Colorado!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks Ryan - that's really appreciated. I have to say it really was satisfying! Thanks for watching 👍

[@evanherk]

It's been a long time! Has. construction stopped for lack of motivation or money?

[@mikecoley3420]

“Tarpaulin update” 😂 brilliant. As an avid DIYer myself (big on effort but maybe less so on skills), I admire your fortitude!

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks Mike! The tarps will be banished in 2 episodoes time 🤣 ill always take effort/ambition over skills! 👍

[@johngamble2758]

Epic cutting episode Alex, expertly executed. Sorry about the Rugby!

[@michaelintile7836]

Why use a carpenter when you can do it yourself........this film shows why - sorry

[@johnlait1654]

First video I watched and now I want to build a barn too, keep it up, literally. John wexford Ireland

[@franklina.umanacampos4429]

Hello from Costa Rica, great channel love the building! The weather seems a little wet from here but I guess is normal over there!

[@bobbonner1314]

First time watching....near Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

[@2Resseguier]

The bosch hammer is toasted!!😂😂

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Still going! Wait till you see the footage in the next episode, I'm sure it actually catches fire at one point 🤣🤣🔥

[@olexandrgrygorenko2075]

Thank you very much for the video. A very cool project. Oleksandr from Kyiv, Ukraine

[@AlexBuildsUK]

My pleasure and hope you're all ok out there 😊

[@matthewscheetz1169]

Great stuff! Watching from Des Moines, Iowa, USA

[@adnanozdemir8610]

ı realy enjoyy this jurnay Alexxx all the wayy love from Turkey - Adana :)

[@MrEricandy]

Thanks for the video, watching from Perth Western Australia

[@AlexBuildsUK]

Thanks for watching! 😀

[@stevegledhill8418]

Greetings from Camrose Alberts Canada enjoy your posts

[@barabasj]

Great Job Alex. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@kamehamehuyle9108]

Good work! Greetings from Baden Württemberg Germany

[@ombratech6162]

hi great series of vid cant wait to see the end result. Oliver from Mauritius

[@cdybft9050]

Sportsball has zero impact upon your life.

[@lancehatch4475]

Greetings from St. Louis, Missouri, USA 🇺🇸 ! I have enjoyed watching the progress. I'm planning a UK 🇬🇧 trip for the autumn of 2025. I'm looking forward to seeing your side of the pond.

[@wind_breaker]

Oh, "King" posts :-) Great content.

[@thelucariello]

Complimenti per il tuo progetto! Saluti da Napoli (italy) 👋

[@russelmurray9268]

Looks like grand fun. Thanks for sharing

[@gregoryseltzer7317]

Just bing watched all 31 episodes! Wow, I can’t believe your patience in this massive project! Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to following along until you finish. (Watching from Allentown, Pennsylvania here in the United States. Just north of Philadelphia)

[@HunterUllrich]

I saw your first video then couldn't fined them any more. Just found all of your videos today and watched all of them. Can't wait to see the finished product. So glad to see others trying to build things the old way. If I make the map, I'm im Giddings, Texas (halfway between Houston, TX and Austin, TX)

[@tomFisher_mont]

I’ve watched through episode 1 to 31 in the last ~10 days, and now can’t wait to see the end result. Also glad to see you taking care of your respiratory health, by buying the filtered mask! I had to do the same as I work a lot with mahogany and the like. Cheers! Tom in Barcelona.

[@willphelps6715]

Now you've gone and done it. I stumbled across this video and now I have to go back and binge watch the entire build. I have so many questions. Anyway, greetings from Concord, North Carolina, USA.

[@PrivateAccoun]

I see a lot of comments from others in the intermountain west (I’m in Grand Junction, Colorado, USA). It’s been an especially wet spring for us, but I imagine you still see more rain in a day than we have all year!