Installing a Wide Pine Board Loft Floor in an Off Grid Mountain Cabin

[@Maxid1]

Speaking as a professional, if you go back and do the step, you didn't miss a step. Hop scotch gets you down the sidewalk too...

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great point!

[@dennyclosser8456]

The beauty of pine floors they’re pretty much last forever. There are pine floors in Europe that are hundreds of years old. Have used pine floors and two remodels and evergreen Colorado high-end remodels where the client wanted them. I kind of scoffed at first, until I got them all in. +0 maintenance and the wear and tear just adds to the beauty of the pine floor. For a guy who’s not a pro, you’re doing a damn good job. Are there a few things I’ve done differently yes, as I’m sure anybody would say on my jobs possibly even though I’ve been billing contractor for 45 years now, but it’s good to see guys like you out there doing it themselves. Well done.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I really appreciate that. You’ll probably hear me say, every video I do probably irritates someone, because I know many people are better at the specific trade at the time. Agree on the pine. Not sure if you’ve seen it, but the Ridge Cabin flooring videos feature pine boards originally in a 1911 homestead…where the Spur Cabin is. Now they are flooring, and probably 250 years after that tree was a seedling. 🙏

[@marilyncosby7106]

I like the idea of the steel pipe railing. Wood with black steel accents gets me every time! Clean and efficient. The intertwined wood just adds more wood to an already very “woody” room and may look a little busy as well.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for the well thought-out comment!

[@smoke5620]

Hi Patrick, great to be back with you on the job site today. Things are really looking up, your doing just fine! I like the black pipe idea…but what ever your wife decides will be just fine. I’m looking forward to being back on the job site with you next week! Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great to have you back!

[@Mstred]

I really like the new camera angles. You always make entertaining and instructive videos. I also like the fact that you respond to comments. Keep up the good work!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thanks for the kind words. It takes a few hours a week to respond, but I really appreciate this community. So I will as long as I’m able. 🙏

[@deebrake]

Wow, your episodes are so interesting that after 35 plus years my husband put down his game and watched them all. Thank you for all the work you share and things taught; we appreciate it so much. Hello from Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada! Happy New Year.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Wow I feel honored! So glad you’re both watching. 🙏

[@rdpauley8475]

Me, I’d do pipe railing. Wood is nice but to break things up.

[@williamjones3783]

My suggestion is to put a short 2x4 under your floor joists for added strength. Great job and God bless Bill

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks and same to you! 🙏

[@Maxid1]

I've done pipe rail. If you're going to use plumbing fixtures it gets mighty tricky after the top rail or first rail. It can be done but one end of your subsequent horizontal pipes that go to your side posts have to be reverse threaded to make it work. Looks awesome, takes some time. Branches are very pretty, but tricky to make structurally useful if you ever fall against it. Something else has to be under it depending on the size and how you anchor the branches. Other thing you can use for "rails" on a pipe rail is plastic coated cable under tension. Run horizontally 1/8th inch cable under tension is insanely strong.

[@LifeontheMoose]

All great points! I think I’ll save the cable for our real house I hope to start on within the next…year?

[@mitchelldanielw]

The head mounted and chest mounted Moose Cams are definitely a great addition to the channel!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Glad you think so!

[@Misty45-kx3bz]

💖💖💖💖💖💖 By the way, I vote for the woven branches in the railing. God bless.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Same to you! 🙏

[@brucewitcpalek5120]

Going to be a “sexy” little cabin, when you are done !! Outstanding craftsmanship in my opinion….. looking forward to seeing you next week 👏🤗😎

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thank you very much! 🙏

[@loydheckenlively9426]

The entire weaving branches sound good to me. It'll go good with your cabin.

[@livinginthenow]

Given the frequency with which he mentions them, I'm thinking Patrick has stock in a popular cedar fence board company. 😆🤣😂 But seriously, I'd vote for piping. It would lend itself to a wider array of decorative choices and would be very sturdy.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha true!

[@Johnny_Yuma]

Another fine video. I love the way you do things your way and don't really care if it's up to someone's standard as long as it works for you. One of these days you're going to look at all these projects and be glad you did them when you were young enough to do them. My wife and I set around our place and are glad thinking back to all the hard work we put into our place and marvel at what we used to be able to do. I think that whatever you put up for a railing is going to be superb. Thanks for putting up with all of our comments. Oh, the audio and camera positioning were done in a way that made us feel like we were there with ya.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Aw those words are very kind, and very much appreciated. I feel blessed I can do the work, and even more so that so many people are watching me do the work…and commenting! Thank YOU. 🙏

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

It's cold out here, thanks for bringing us inside.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Anytime!

[@leemiller5314]

I have done a lot with cedar fencing! Its the way to go, Love your channel!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much!

[@nicomachi9581]

Steel pipes!

[@elduderino1809]

I used to own bare land in CO, in a secluded area at 8,000 feet elevation no neighbors and hours away from my house. I was going to do a very similar project but I gave up and sold it after squatters and people were stealing and using the property. I love your project and thank you for sharing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much. 🙏 Bummer about that old piece of land..

[@Matt.Jungfleisch]

Patrick and Karen, my choice would be the black pipe and cedar posts. But the choice is all yours and it will turn out Awesome.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏🙏

[@EngineersHomestead]

Those 2x6s you added are in the lower 1/3 of the rafter, you can call them rafter ties with a straight face. Definitely help due to lack of ridge beam.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate the comment!

[@gertkaiser4273]

1 by 12 pine boards? I rerun that just in case I misheard. Best I can get in merry old England is 1 by 9 and it’s so cupped and warped that you can only it for guttering. Visiting some family member in Southern Germany long time ago they were just about to bulldoze some small barn for improved views and I got a bit excited. Loft floor boards were roughly 16 by 1.5 and some hardwood and the frame was oak. Oversized not sawn and only flattened where a joint was needed. Paid for their project. Love the new camera man! Keep going my friend

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great story, I appreciate you sharing. And thank you. 🙏

[@outsidewithjohnhayes4674]

As I do remodeling and new construction for a living I believe you did it the right way. And as far as the rail system I would love to see the rails done in the branch type.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@Codger2015]

Patrick, you could add some short cripples (perhaps about 12" long) under each loft floor joist, attaching the cripples to the stud below the joists. This would add significant integrity to your floor system.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea! Stay tuned…I have another solution coming up.

[@martyjenkins3631]

I would do black pipe because it sounds simple and easy. You will do the clever, artsy branches. But that is why I watch you--your craftsmanship is so much better than mine. By the way, I do not get concerned much about lighting or sound; I figure that if I were there with you live, I'd still have the same problems. Mostly I like hearing you explain what you will do, and then watching you do it. Keep it up. Let's get to work.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much! And that’s my line! Ok you can use it, too. 🤣🙏

[@Maxid1]

12:16 DANG IT!! You predrilled and everything but that knot just wasn't going to let you get away with that.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Nope!

[@Maxid1]

Moosehead cam!! And I was right there when it happened! Or is that Moose Headcam? Up to you.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

I, personally, would opt for the black pipe. But you do you. Thanks for sharing

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks for watching!

[@McBackBacon]

Happy New Year Patrick!! I'm looking forward to the next steps!

[@LifeontheMoose]

You, too!

[@miketroutman7365]

That was great. Looks good. The project is really progressing! Love the video of the deer from time to time. Thanks. 😊

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much! Yeah I’d rather look at deer than…me! 🙏🙏

[@ComteSt.Germain]

The cabin is looking nice, as expected. For some reason the song that you had playing at about the 16:00 minute mark was beautiful. Simple, but beautiful.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Aw thank you! The song should be on the playlist in the video description.

[@Jnike8715]

Go for the rustic look! Polished tree branches as the rails.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Keep watching!🙏

[@timothyvincent7371]

The floors in my grandmother's house (circa 1890s) were heart pine and the siding was yellow poplar. 100 years later not a spot of rot.

[@laruedouglas7972]

At least you can still put insulation into the corners. (You planned that, right 😅). Love the pine flooring in the loft 😊.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!🙏

[@robertblack630]

Hey Patrick, I like both of your railing ideas. If you will have little kids in the loft it might not be practical for the 2 pipes rails. If ya’ll like the rustic look, as I do, the branches would be amazing. Oh, and I think you guys will go with the branches. 🤠

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good point!

[@caltom1427]

Glad those pine boards didn’t split when nailing near the ends. Good idea to drill thru knots.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Indeed!

[@imlistening1884]

I would vote for pipe.

[@saglazier]

Absolutely a twig and Branch style railing, no question there. The production quality of your videos is improving, nice job. My guess is it takes you a long time to edit these videos.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thanks so much. I try to make something better each week, and sometimes it is! Usually 8-12 hours for the editing, depending on the video.

[@jefflowe8803]

Just had a thought, matbe a hot tube on some high ground as a hunting blind! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@pjotrhof2505]

Happy and healthy 2024 Patrick 🙏🏼. Funny the parts of fast forward movie seems you be ‘Superman’. 😁🤪 Take care and see you next time👊🏼

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha thank you! 👊🏻

[@stan525]

i have built several lofts and use an in-swinging gate so you can lift/slide beds and such up easy. good content

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea! Thank you. 🙏

[@moodyblues1365]

i usually save the corner nailers for last, and use all my scrap 2 X's for it. as long as you're doing the work, i would opt for the branch railing. don't worry, i'll be right there to help!...

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that! Yeah you probably saw I scabbed a few shorter nailers on…

[@peartreehillfarm]

Cabin is looking GREAT! I like to sound of the black pipe and more open view from the loft. I haven’t commented on many of your videos, my apologies. You explain everything so well and do such a great job. Thank you for taking the time and sharing everything.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Well thank you so much! Glad you’ve been watching, and good to hear from you. 🙏

[@kensearle4892]

I would choose branches over pipes, but it is up to you! Nice floor! I would be sleeping up there tonight!

[@LifeontheMoose]

It’s tempting!

[@bacord18]

Looking great Patrick! Love the pine board floor. Also like the idea of wrapping the rafter tie. If you are worried about the loft joists, you could just nail some scrap 2x6 pieces vertically right below the joists, on the studs, to act as a cleat. Thanks for the videos and happy New Year!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! About that joist idea…stay tuned!

[@edwardmoulaison1359]

My vote: Steel pipe Floor looks great!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!

[@Z-Bart]

Great music choice there at the beginning. The Ghosts of Liberty. 👍

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@Z-Bart]

@@LifeontheMoose All your music really.

[@dennismcentee4367]

Both failing styles would compliment this cabin perfectly. The only advantage to the pipe is its quick and easy. The branch failing will give the cabin a huge 'Sue's factor. It will draw the person entering the cabin to look up and appreciate the top half as much as the lower level. Love your work Patrick.

[@dennismcentee4367]

Darn auto spell check! The word 'failing' s/b 'railing' and 'Sue's factor ' s/b 'Wow' factor.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I really appreciate that! Good points! 🙏

[@RonaldoWimmer]

Hi, Patrick. Great video! I think the black pipe would be better because you have some dark metal stuffs in the cabin so it would go well with them. Stay safe! Cheers!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks and cheers! 🙏

[@1972cjn]

Audio is great, it's like you're there. Plus when the interior starts getting finished up, the echo will disappear, gives you a sense of how furniture, rugs, etc dampen it. Also, black steel pipe sounds like it would go great with what you have going on so far. Really enjoying the videos!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I thought the same about the echo. 🙏🙏

[@richardgabel33]

My choice would be the pipe rail but I am betting you go with the woven rail. I don’t know the intended use nor how frequently it will be used but the woven rail will make a great home for spiders inside the cabin. Thought throughout the video...the upper area would have been perfect for dormers just to give more usable head room. Stay safe.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate the insight!

[@vernhedeen9807]

Twig and branch rail please!! Looking great. Enjoy your videos have a great 2024.on the moose!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks and you, too! 🙏

[@jefflabrozzi9592]

Try rebar for your spindles. Like the new camera. I didn’t do the board to ensure 16” on center once. Learned that one the hard way - made section difficult to get floor correct. Nice tip for everyone.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that. 🙏

[@lizbohlke4430]

I like the branches on the railing. It would be more rustic. Sandwich the branches between a split wooden rail on top and bottom.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great idea…Stay tuned!

[@toddritchie9137]

Steel Pipe will be stronger and look nicer! I like the loft. Good Job!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!

[@CorbinMusso88]

I am loving this series man. Like super a lot. As far as railing goes, I’d do the pipe. The branches and twigs in my opinion have been done to death (even though I love the look). Pipe hasn’t quite bit the big one yet though…but maybe I’m biased because I just built my wife and daughter’s closets with pine and pipes….😅

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey that’s awesome. And great points! Hopefully everyone is healthy in your house. 🙏

[@judyherman1249]

I would prefer the twig look on the rail myself. Hope that's your choice too.

[@joanndowning-b7s]

ya'll gonna choose branches...and your videos to me are most excellent.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! 🙏

[@The_Heights]

I’d vote pipe 👍🏼 But I’m thinking you might go the other direction lol who knows

[@achristiansilluminosity2596]

i think that because of the closing of the warm weather it is better that you did it in the order that you did. you buttoned up the out side just in time. now you have a weather protected environment to work

[@LifeontheMoose]

That’s what I was thinking. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@carlcarpenter507]

Love the way your loft is coming, going to be a great place to sleep and those views from that window will be breathtaking.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I agree! 🙏

[@MikeH1518]

Looks great Patrick! I would vote for the branch style railing but I'm sure more labor intensive. Love watching the videos

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@Loulou-nj7ji]

I love it can’t wait to see when you’re all done ❤❤❤❤

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@ronwheeler1400]

Definitely the rustic look of the woven branches.

[@EvLuvsMinPins]

I love that you are into buying items at clearance even if you have no immediate need for them.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Yes! I’ve saved a few dollars doing that, for sure.

[@andyrichardson6761]

very satisfying watching your videos... black rail would be my choice... thanks for doing these!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks goes to you!

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

Attached a 2x4 ledger/cleat below the joists with structural screws… supports the floor and can be a design element. Carry the pseudo industrial look of the vertical metal panels… i vote pipe. Love what you do and how you take us along. Thanks

[@LifeontheMoose]

Much appreciated! Stay tuned in regards to that ledger..

[@ComteSt.Germain]

Hmmm...the railing ideas are interesting. It has my designer mind working. I have always liked the look of mixed materials. In this instance, why not do a little of both ideas you mentioned? Not so much in a haphazard manner, but sufficiently thought out. What comes to my mind is using the Cedar posts as you mentioned at the ends with a branch for the handrail (maybe 2" or 3" diameter) with the iron pipe as the stiles. You could even put the occasional branch as a stile. You could get a very neat and interesting look. If you were to use the iron pipe (1/2", 3/4", or even 1") you could use the base plate on the pine floors and simply use a paddle or Forstner bit in the branch railing. Although I would love to see y'all use my idea, my guess is that you and your wife would most likely go with the cedar (I like cedar also) and the branches' look. I look forward to seeing your choice.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Well thought out comment! I appreciate it.🙏

[@koningbolo4700]

I think you may go for the second and more elaborate option of the interweaving branches idea...

[@davidmorris5457]

I might do cedar post and hog panels also if you were to put blocking in the wall under the jost with 3 inch screws that would give all the support you need just a thought thanks for inviting us in

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you for accepting the invite!

[@southerncomfort971]

Another great video. Talk about getting behind, Leave you alone for a few days and look how far behind I got. Hopping to get close if not caught up with you over this weekend, maybe even today. So I better stop typing and get watching.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Better late than never! Appreciate you watching. 🙏

[@jefflowe8803]

Inter woven branches will look great and its free

[@patchadams4me]

Your videos are way better than mine. I'd like a rail made with branches, they're free. If I ventured a guess I'd guess you'll do cedar fence boards. 🤣

[@LifeontheMoose]

That guess would make sense! I appreciate you watching.

[@erwinaddison2030]

Branches for the railing😊

[@loydheckenlively9426]

I've watched you from the installation of your deck. She's a framing to your sighting. Going on and it looks beautiful. You be very proud of yourself. I've learned a lot watching your program and listening. And what I see is beautiful. Can't wait to see the rest of it? Keep up the good work. I've learned a lot, thank you, sir.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Wow thank you so much! 🙏🙏

[@garyshackleford8446]

Like the double clips on the OSB

[@cheryleddy5677]

Well we vote the branches and since you cleared alot of trees and brush you should have them at hand. Also my Grand Daughter pointed out that since you have a beam you should put in hooks for a hammock for extra setting or an extra bed that could be put away when not needed.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hmmm I like that idea! I appreciate you watching and sharing. 🙏

[@joerussell6021]

Happy New Year. I think the pipe's would be quicker, but the branches would look really lovely, so I guess it's what you want to see as soon as you walk through the door.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Same to you!

[@robmclaughlin420]

The floor is a thing of beauty.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@rayknightstep9083]

Happy New Year from Rancho de Vegas! Although the branch/twig railing would look more outdoorsy and natural my belief is it will take a lot of maintenance (staining or refinishing, dusting, etc) and it will inhibit the line of sight out the window when in your loft. The black pipe version will most likely be stronger and easier to install, less maintenance and give more viewing capacity. I personally like the Industrial look of wrought iron or black pipe. You could tie it in the rest of the cabin with towel bars, TP holder, deck rails, hand rails, etc if you so choose. I look forward to your decision and installation.

[@LifeontheMoose]

All great points! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. 🙏

[@rogerwesterhold1458]

Me personally, I think pipe would be fine depending on the diameter. It also depends on how you intend finishing the bottom floor furnishings.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good point!

[@rienzihotrodsms6463]

There was only one perfect carpenter in the world and he died on a cross for our sins and rose again over 2000 years ago. It all looks great I think the branches would be a great look for the railing

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏🙏

[@curtisbartle4381]

Moose Backing Approved🏆

[@LifeontheMoose]

Alright!

[@stevedahl3689]

Patrick - Awesome video! Pipe rail, for sure. Cabin is too small for 'busy' interwoven branches! Happy New Year! May the days all be sunny! Bless you and Karen!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much, and same to you! 🙏

[@JohnAmes]

looks great my friend 👍

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!!

[@garyshackleford8446]

Lol…Otherwise known as “ I’ll get that later”…😊

[@LifeontheMoose]

Indeed!

[@quailhunt1964]

Branches👍🏻

[@johnisley4578]

It's coming along great

[@klav5930]

I like it! Looking forward to the next one

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@borjelundwall4339]

Hi Patrick you are doing a great job. I'm glad you improved the mounting of the loft joist, I was a little bit worried. I thought a ledger board was going to be the least to do but I guess your solution is fine as well. I have soon catched up with your episodes.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much! There will be a ledger board also…the tongue and groove wall boards. Stay tuned! 🙏

[@patrysUSA]

Pipe would be nice and probably faster, but the woven branches will be more rustic. How about rough cut tree limbs vertical with a rail on top?

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good points!

[@leocornett3428]

wood is the theme but pipe is also nice

[@danh4766]

My vote is for 4x4 posts bolted to the floor joist and finished with a hog panel across the front.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I think that’s two votes for hog panel so far…thank you!

[@jerryf609]

Looking great as always. If I got to help you more on this project i suggest pipe rail. But I'll help as much as i have been on either design.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks and I appreciate that!

[@robert-zg8or]

Make the posts from an "L" cut and skinned pine log

[@UKCG_2]

Me - branches. You - pipe. The latter fits better with your design aesthetic. 😉

[@ronparks7516]

Steel Pipe

[@kevinblevins2612]

Pipe rail !

[@mikenash5702]

Branches!!

[@jamesdeluca6657]

Your a good man😊

[@LifeontheMoose]

That’s very kind. 🙏