How I Build a Beautiful Cedar Ladder for an Off Grid Cabin Loft

Wait until you see this!
If I told you to build me a ladder, that ladder could be made from virtually any material and with an endless amount of design possibilities. In this episode, I choose semi-clear Western Red Cedar for both the rungs (in this case treads or steps) and the side rails. These are just off-the-rack 2x4's and 2x6's.
The results are worth the wait! With a little tung oil to finish it off, the ladder turns out to be more like fine furniture. It's stunning! In my humble opinion.
In this video, I go through every step of my ladder-building process, from cutting cleats to measuring the safest angle of a ladder. Hopefully there's one tidbit or two that you'll take away from watching. Let me know what that is! I'm always curious to know what you, the viewer, are thinking.
This ladder will be secured to the loft face with a notch-pipe system. Check it out! The fascia board for the loft is made from original wall boards from a home built in 1911. It all works well together, as I'm confident you'll agree.
Thank you very much for watching ‪@LifeontheMoose‬ !!
____________________________________________________________
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.
PLEASE NOTE: I would never recommend a product that I personally don't or wouldn't use.
As an Amazon Associate, by clicking on a link below, I do earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Win-win! I can keep making videos, and you can shop! So, THANK YOU for supporting ‪@LifeontheMoose‬... It means a lot.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Milwaukee Cordless Circular Saw (no battery): amzn.to/3u5k3oL
Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill Kit: amzn.to/47NQi9N
Milwaukee Cordless Impact Driver (no battery): amzn.to/3vLmXQe
Milwaukee M18 Battery (2-pack): amzn.to/48M8m5t
Milwaukee Tinted Safety Glasses: amzn.to/4bczTP2
Milwaukee Clear Safety Glasses: amzn.to/3SuOSwr
Milwaukee Insulated Work Gloves: amzn.to/47SCKd8
DeWalt 12" Compound Miter Saw: amzn.to/498J55w
DeWalt Miter Saw Stand: amzn.to/494gMVv
DeWalt Palm Sander: amzn.to/3HytxvQ
DeWalt Jigsaw: amzn.to/48CDpAJ
DeWalt Hand Planer Kit: amzn.to/3UvAMg3
Olympic Cedar Tone Stain (used exclusively on Red Moose Ranch): amzn.to/3Ufk3gQ
Mr. Heater Buddy (in Spur Cabin): amzn.to/3HEt0bG
Mr. Heater Big Buddy (in Ridge Cabin): amzn.to/42emFxc
[Check my latest video for updated product links.]
Music: (In order played)
Growing Up On Me, by Chris Mason
Talk Amongst Friends, by Jamie Rutherford
Pour Mor, by Damon Power
From Sea to Sky, by Jake Saffer
Ask Your Father, by Reed Pittman
Blue Rock, by Caysen Renshaw
Together, by Angel Salazar
Tags:
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[@TopDedCenter1]

Whoah, full 2x6 cedar? You know, if you laminate several fence boards... Ha, just teasing. The thought and craftsmanship you put into your work is really fun to watch.

[@theruralranger]

Haha you've got me cracking up. He does make good use of the fence boards though!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha that would have worked, too! 🙏🙏

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

Such a clever way to do a loft ladder, you can store it out of the way so easily. Or pull it up into the loft with you when sleeping to prevent bears from climbing it.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Yeah we wouldn’t want that! 🙏

[@deebrake]

My husband and I love this project, we know you edited it for viewing purposes but that was a lot of time. Way to go we love the result.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! Another labor of love..

[@mikedebear]

As someone who's woodworking projects usually resemble a Salvador Dali painting, I can appreciate it when a well planned project turns out nicely. Well done sir!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! Thank you so much. I took just a bit more time and care with this project. 🙏

[@user-jf4ir6cd6p]

I have spent 60 years as the house builders helper and loved every minute of it. You have inspired me to take on a small building with my 3 grandsons. Hopefully it will inspire them to build things themselves. I really enjoy your videos and have picked up some great building tips. Thank you.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes. Thank you so much! 🙏

[@christopherstinnett1234]

I love the music you choose for these episodes.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! I’m glad you like it.

[@leocornett3428]

Using that old lumber is a great touch, a way of keeping the past alive

[@LifeontheMoose]

Agreed! 🙏

[@frankscherping]

Hey Ron, It's the old Montana cowboy helping you hang that gorgeous ladder you built. I got your back my friend!!!....😊

[@LifeontheMoose]

I knew I could count on you!

[@garyshackleford8446]

Love cutting cedar….smells wonderful!

[@barnetts9812]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@LifeontheMoose]

It does! I was going to mention that in the video, but forgot.

[@unSteerable256]

That ladder ....though its just a ladder .. tis a thing of beauty..

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that.

[@mikekassan2435]

Nicely done Patrick. By the way, the scenery from Red Moose Ranch has to be some of the prettiest on KZbin land. You are blessed!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ah thank you. I am! 🙏

[@kensearle4892]

Now, that is a nice ladder! I like the pipe idea because you can hang it in two places.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@bruceaplin]

Patrick, That's a Beautiful Thing ! 💛

[@NCHCLW]

Your unique way of building the floor joists video popped up in my algorithm and I binged all your build videos after that. Really enjoying being a subscriber of yours, thus stuff is right up my alley.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey awesome! Binging is welcomed! And thanks for subscribing. It means a lot. 🙏

[@possumrunhomestead]

I am a few steps behind you on my tiny cabin build. I have enjoyed watching your cabin come together. Your videos have been helpful along the way. Keep up the good work. The ladder is nice!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you very much! I’m glad you find them helpful. Let me know how your build goes.

[@seanwood8043]

Real nice job on latter! On the entire cabin thus far to be certain.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching!

[@CorbinMusso88]

See, this is why I keep watching. Cause you keep making cool stuff like this.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Why thank you! Now I just have to keep making cool stuff! 🙏

[@smoke5620]

It’s always nice to join you on the job site and spend some time with you! Patrick you really are doing a fantastic job with your Cabin. I subscribed right after the first video! It’s been a great ride! I’ll hang in there with you for even more and interesting stuff 👍👍 See you next week Patrick 👌

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate you sticking with me so long. It means everything! 🙏

[@musicvibes017]

Love the color of the Tung oil on the cedar wood. Great background music also! Great design for the ladder.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thanks so much!

[@thisismyway]

Very nice work! I approve of this ladder. 👍

[@LifeontheMoose]

Alright! Thanks!

[@edwardmoulaison1359]

Lot's of fun watching this one. Stay warm!! Love the little countersink hack!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Hey thank you! I figured I didn’t have to spell that one out.

[@Maxid1]

I'd love to see pictures of the 1911 house you tore down.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’ve flashed a few in the Ridge Cabin series, but thanks for the reminder. I’ll show again when I trim that outside loft joist.

[@waffle4you]

Great videos, very neat "How I do it" take on building.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@GoTellJesusSaves]

DeWalt jigsaw... best one I ever used. I think I had the same one in this video. Cuts like butter.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I am happy with it!

[@griffinpk1]

Another great video!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!

[@klav5930]

I was a little worried you sanded off your marks!😂 Just kidding ladder looks awesome!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I knew someone was thinking it! 🙏

[@garyshackleford8446]

Haven’t found a jigsaw yet that could make a truly plumb cut

[@LifeontheMoose]

That sure seems to be the case!

[@frankdodson3534]

Nice Patrick it's definitely time for insulation.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@tinasue1958]

Excellent piece of furniture! ❤

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@robertblack630]

Patrick That’s quite possibly the most perfect ladder I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha thank YOU!🙏

[@Johnny_Yuma]

So much for global warming! And look at you doing trig. Nice job on the ladder. Thanks for asking me to hang it for you. You know if I were there I'd been more than happy to accommodate. I also love the way you incorporate using nostalgic items in your build. Keep up the excellent progress and think warm thoughts (110° more or less). See ya next week from Yuma (+68° today).

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’ll take 68! Trig….tape measures are easier!

[@EvLuvsMinPins]

the tung oil makes the ladder. beautiful

[@Maxid1]

Last thing I built was a storage space staircase and I essentially did it this way. Instead of cutting the stringers I had stair hangers and strong ties for under each side of the tread and two 8" head loc screws on each end of the tread through the stringers. I went way past 300lbs per step. Island folk were going to use that set of stairs.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Sounds sturdy!

[@Maxid1]

23:49 Seriously that should do it. I was thinking of a metal platey thing but that'll do.

[@LifeontheMoose]

You and me both!

[@smokeyyunick2675]

Very neat, trimmed, and I would say Ausgezeichnet sir!

[@susanholmes4452]

Means excellent

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@raynoladominguez4730]

That looks beautiful; nicely done.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that!

[@vicktdock]

Thanks Patrick. I always set a special time aside to view your videos, they have a special mood to them. Keep them coming, stay warm!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Aw that’s so cool! Much appreciated! 🙏

[@daveh7137]

Nice work!! Loving that cedar with the Tung oil. Great reference material. I will be saving this.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks so much!

[@RonaldoWimmer]

This ladder is really nice and the color after oil is perfect! Congratulations, Patrick! I was thinking about what to do when you add the floor to the cabin but with this solution you are using, it's easy to cut a bit of it if needed. 😁 And it's good you could share the list of products you use and you are an Amazon Associate. If I need a new tool or a product, certainly I will use the link you provided to buy it.

[@LifeontheMoose]

That’s awesome, and much appreciated! 🙏

[@kirkdesmond]

Very clever ladder design.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@carlcarpenter507]

Love you design of the ladder. You can use the pipe to do pull-ups on.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good idea! 🙏

[@mytopflyer7793]

You are a skilled craftsman, and I love your videos. Keep producing this great entertaining content.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Wow thanks!!

[@MAB1907]

Hello 🤙 from Midway,Texas stay warm !!!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you, Midway!

[@MAB1907]

@@LifeontheMoose my name is Mike, Patrick… I never told you my name 😂

[@markcollins6027]

When the snow squeaks you know it’s a bit on the chilly side. Good logging weather there. Oh, Nicely done on the loft egress device!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha thanks! Squeaky snow indeed..

[@Maxid1]

0:14 Iike the running tree. Or to make it biblical, "I see men as trees, walking."

[@JamesRicker-iu1yn]

Nice work you the man

[@greenwolf401]

Now to put a bar like that outside of the upper window so you can get out that way in case of an emergency. And a bar in the rafters to hang it up when you are sleeping up there and don't want anyone sneaking up on you. 😊

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha good idea!

[@user-ke8qw1hm4b]

I enjoyed that alot..I had been wondering about how to build a ladder. lov from south Alabama.

[@LifeontheMoose]

There you go! Lov back! 🙏

[@michaelmorrow6853]

Nice ladder, looks like similar design as a door plug on a boeing max 9, at least what they shown on tv. I'm sure yours is better though. Love the build

[@Johnny_Yuma]

Ha. If only Patrick worked for Boeing............

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! Thank you!!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Turned out great. Thanks for sharing

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@robmclaughlin420]

The ladder with the black pipe looks great

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@Gord19]

Great work yet again. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏Thank YOU for watching.

[@johnisley4578]

The Cedar looks great

[@miketroutman7365]

Great job Patrick! Looks beautiful.

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@JohnTalbot-k6xi]

A+ Well done (!!) I would have needed an engineering drawing / plate to get the numbers correct-

[@LifeontheMoose]

Exactly! 🙏

[@JohnAmes]

The latter looks great I really like How it turned out

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you, sir!

[@jefflabrozzi9592]

Nice ladder! I really like the oil lately. Simply to apply and gives a great finish. Stay warm.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Agreed. 🙏

[@andyrichardson6761]

Smart work... well-thought out.... beautiful

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that!

[@Rocco25.6]

GREAT 👍 JOB ON YOUR LADDER

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@jerryf609]

Great ladder.

[@billiehuskins8129]

Nice like everything you do ❤

[@LifeontheMoose]

Wow thank you!🙏

[@whiteysolly6760]

Outstanding job. Just a suggestion, possibly add a handrail on either side from the top down few feet, 1/2 or 3/4” pipe for personal stability 👍🏻

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Good idea. Plans are for a hand grip of sorts on the log posts, at this point. Appreciate you watching!

[@Conservative01]

Very nice job on that ladder. I’d have to agree on another comment on music with video. Soothing music while you work 😂

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@artursmihelsons415]

That's nice design idea! Love how it looks. And main thing - it's practical.. Excellent video as always!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@jamesvannoy8304]

Nice ladder hanging.

[@davidmesser5813]

Love that cedar wood Patrick. That ladder was good and solid too. Try to stay warm. Vaughn

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that!

[@paulyanega2373]

nice job looks geat!!

[@pjotrhof2505]

Great achievement Patrick and thanks for sharing this. Stay safe!

[@LifeontheMoose]

I appreciate that, thank YOU!

[@PatriotUpNorth]

Very cool idea on hanging the ladder, great job, love it! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! 🙏

[@brandonroach4735]

very well done

[@stormmountain2521]

Love the ladder project. Keep warm my friend

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you!

[@brendaspaulding2802]

I truly love your videos how you interact with us as we watching your show you just bring your videos to life I like that you are awesome. Have a great day.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Wow thank you so much! That means a lot. 🙏

[@YouTubeExpertZesan]

waiting for this video

[@southerncomfort971]

Yes sir, another terrific video. The workmanship on just building the ladder shows a true labor of Love. Seeing your breath on camera made me cold, so I can only image how you must have felt. Now I do have a question, what do you do to relax? Ok back to the next video.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Labor of love indeed. Answer: Sit by a fire, soak in the natural environment, and look at the view.

[@southerncomfort971]

@@LifeontheMoose Not enough people understand the calm of a view, I have a small quiet lake to watch. The wildlife is mostly the smaller water critters and some beautiful birds, although there was a small doe strolling through the yard a few years back. Thanks take care and enjoy.

[@roberthague396]

Nicely Done!

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thanks!

[@Maxid1]

4:21 Is that one of those Montana 2x4s? We city folk call them 2x6s.

[@warrenbarfoot3216]

Love your projects! Great job!

[@LifeontheMoose]

🙏

[@frankscherping]

I said I got your back Pard, & I ment exactly that!!!.... Sincerely, your friend, the old Montana cowboy, Frank Scherping😅

[@LifeontheMoose]

You sure do! 🙏

[@stevedahl3689]

Another amazing video accomplishment, Patrick. Such good content and video pleasantry!! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Peace from Daytona Beach

[@LifeontheMoose]

Much appreciated! The thanks goes to you. 🙏

[@user-wq3xl4su1q]

Thanks for your videos I have very much enjoyed following the progress of your project.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you for watching!

[@jamesdeluca6657]

Your a head of the pack 😊

[@I_must_get_a_van]

Hi Patrick, you made it simple for us to see how to make the ladder. Thank you. Where you store the ladder out of the way, do you have it on a hook of some kind? Cheers Steve 🇦🇺(we had a controversial Australia Day on the 26th. Oh for the good old days)

[@LifeontheMoose]

I’ll most likely hang another pipe on the adjacent wall. I guess in a way, I’m just trying to live those good ole days now. Cheers. 🙏

[@ComteSt.Germain]

Very nice. I really like the look of the Cedar. The ladder design is "top-notch"... 🤣 ... Sorry, that was a little punny. As usual, it's nice to see the progress. Here in the Houston area, the whole city would be shut down if it were even close to the high of your heat wave....lol Stay warm.

[@LifeontheMoose]

I see what you did there. And I like it! 🙏

[@laruedouglas7972]

I like the ladder, but you should use stronger screws. Sheetrock screws can sheer off with weight.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Good point! I wouldn’t want to rely on those. I’m confident that with the glue and with the huge screws in each step, there will never be much weight, and it’ll all be good for a long time.

[@bradwatters996]

Nice build. The oil really made the grain pop on that cedar. Do you have any red cedar out your way? Also I love to recycle old wood like you did from the old house. Nice touch.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! No cedar in the immediate area. On the coast of course. 🙏

[@mikefesh4052]

Great tip, I always swear because I can't find the counter sink bit..... It's on the end of your driver dummy.... I always push it and split the wood with the tapered end.... Ditto on the music,, Not jarring at all....

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha thanks!!

[@vcaprini1]

Nice job on ladder. Looks great. Understand how cold it is living here in Easter Idaho. Below zero here also.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you! Ah yes, you’re in the cold zone, too.

[@gregburney2407]

Are you out of Bear, I don’t see anymore chili?, if you don’t want to eat it I will!! lol

[@LifeontheMoose]

Ha! Funny you say that…I just made more last week, so another bowl may be showing up soon.

[@Misty45-kx3bz]

💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@wolflahti412]

"Tung oil finish" and "tung oil" are not the same thing. In fact, weirdly, "tung oil finish" often contains no tung oil, depending on the brand.

[@LifeontheMoose]

Yup. These are both tung oil, according to the ingredients.

[@edro3838]

👍 nice!

[@garyshackleford8446]

🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@LifeontheMoose]

There it is! 🙏

[@rudygtrz]

when is Deer hunting dates in your area? BBQ and smoked deer meet is the thing.

[@LifeontheMoose]

There are a couple seasons here for whitetail, depending on the weapon of choice.

[@kennethoehrlein9067]

What about 2 hand rails

[@LifeontheMoose]

Great Q! I’m going to add a couple to the log posts above.

[@stefano1488]

I like very much your videos and your way of life. I'm waiting for retirement (21 months left, I'm 60) to do the same, build a cabin in the woods and leave the "caos" of everyday life (and my wife 😀) behind for some months a year. I like very much where you live, too. It looks like my property here on the Alps, at 5,300 feet, North Italy, except for the trees (here I have a lot of trees, with less open spaces, and above it just bare rock). We have very few bears, fortunately, but they attack men sometimes, and last year they killed an hiker😞, and a lot of wolves, but they don't attack men (till now, at least). But there is a thing I really don't like, and as a carpenter with more than 40 years of passion behind, each time I see it I'm scared: you always work on unstable surfaces, even with the circular saw. In our job (or hobby, it's the same) a good, sturdy, flat and stable working surface is a must, not an option or a luxury, not only in the shop, but even and especially on site. Trust me, with just three or four fingers left it's really difficult to work 😀 Please, please, please, buy a pair of GOOD sawhorses, like the Taughbuilt or the DeWalt, place them on a flat , even surface, put two 2"x4" and a sheet of 1" plywood on them and fix it with a couple of screws. And buy a good jawhorse, it's a priceless friend when you are by yourself. It's better to waste 5 minutes preparing a good workspace, than lose a month for an injury!!! And it's not only a matter of safety. With a clean, sturdy workplace you gain precision, confidence and speed!!! Please, take this words as a friendly advice from an old pal, not as a disapproval! Take care, and thanks for your ideas, I'm making treasure of them for the "third part of my life" 😛

[@LifeontheMoose]

Thank you. I appreciate your words of caution! I can’t argue any of them. All I can say is, I may be a bit safer than it appears on video…sometimes. Best of luck with your build, let me know how it goes! 🙏

[@davidjgarner3242]

Wondering if you considered a laperye stair?

[@LifeontheMoose]

I admit, I had to look that up to remind me what it was! Good Q. I’ll add hand grips to the posts above, other than that, not really. Thanks for watching!

[@bwcok7947]

Would a metal plate of some kind placed on the top outside of the ladder's hook area make it safer and stronger? Use your pattern and cut out two pieces to mirror the hook part and attach them on the outside.

[@LifeontheMoose]

No doubt that would be stronger. I pondered it, just for a second! It would also be heavier, more expensive, and time-consuming, since I don’t have the metal supplies and tools. I appreciate you watching!

[@timwhitley1212]

how do the batteries work at those low temps?

[@LifeontheMoose]

Surprisingly well. No issues so far!

[@adamlane2156]

I know you get too many comments to respond to each one at this point, but I’d be curious to know if the water conservation you mentioned is a precaution, or out of necessity. Do you actually run out at times?

[@LifeontheMoose]

We have never. The “fear” of doing so just makes me cautious. Thanks for asking! As long as I am able, I’ll respond.

[@EvLuvsMinPins]

are you attaching those cleats with drywall screws?

[@LifeontheMoose]

I am. Given the rungs are independently supported, I feel good about just using what I had on hand to tighten and glue that cleat to the rail.

[@EvLuvsMinPins]

@@LifeontheMoose not a critique. Was just curious