Lifting the A's (No Crane!)| DIY A-Frame Build | Episode 17

In this video, the long-awaited moment of the A's going up is happening! We are finally putting the A's up but not without any issues. Watch to see what happens!
➡️ My Favorite Tools ⚒️ 🧰
✅ Ryobi Miter Saw: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjk/
✅ Ryobi 4000 Watt Generator: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjn/
✅ Milwaukee Framing Nailer: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjr/
✅ Ryobi 4 Tool Kit: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjs/
✅ Ryobi Power Drills: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkju/
➡️ My Filming Equipment 📸 🎥
✅ Sony ZV1 Blogger Camera: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjy/
✅ DJII Mavic 3 Drone (with remote): go.magik.ly/ml/1qkjz/
✅ MacBook Pro: go.magik.ly/ml/1qkk0/
➡️ About Me
My name is Darryl Darks and I just quit my $150,000 a year sales job to start a real estate business. I'm building a short-term vacation rental property in Canyon Lake, TX.
Be sure to subscribe to follow the entire build from start to finish and watch as I build this brand-new business from the ground up.
➡️ Follow The Reverie for updates at: TheReverieTexas
(Disclaimer: I get a small fee from the affiliate links I post. Also, I am not a professional builder. Just a dude with some tools following my dreams.)

[@pohoheli]

you are living my dream...the A frame dream

[@yolijrrosales121]

You are a hard worker and have done a lot We're proud of you! You will accomplishment it 👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@darryldarks]

Thanks, Mamahouse! Hopefully it's done soon and we create family memories! ❤️❤️❤️

[@George-hl3qj]

PROUD OF YUO GUYS. THAT IS AWESOME. Much love from the Caribbean watching your video and all that effort has been paid a great job!.

[@darryldarks]

Thanks, George! Glad you liked the videos!🙏👍

[@JarradL]

Now this is a video that every A-frame builder needs to see. This is the first video to detail how to build the A's and what goes into actually putting them up! Other videos just do like a stopmotion assembly or they skip or speed it up. Really commend you for your honesty in these videos man

[@darryldarks]

Jarrad, you’re too kind brother. The part where my nephew is helping me lift up the A’s and you see me pumping him up… that pump up message was for me too. Haha. It’s totally possible to lift up the A’s with just two guys, just eat your Wheaties for breakfast, have your impact drill and nailer on your hip and you’re ready to go. 🙏👍

[@TenGreenRangers]

Could have been so much easier.. Pound a couple of boards in at the base to keep the A's feet from sliding and pull the A's up slowly w your car w a rope. Can't believe these guys tried to wrestle them up. This isn't "how you do it".

[@shanelester2229]

@@TenGreenRangers you can do that at one end, what happens when you're at the other end?

[@rubymckinley4909]

Nice, I love it❤

[@darryldarks]

I'm glad you like it.👍🙏

[@George-hl3qj]

for the next time, I can suggest a swiveling base with screws that allow the base of the A-frame to spin without slipping, which I think can be patented. Also, a 3rd guy or the same swiveling base can be installed a third above the center of the A-frame so as you lift that base starts to go up with you and create center support so if you stop or get tired that middle swiveling post will basically hold the entire weight of the A-frame in place allowing you to continue once you gain your strength back.

[@darryldarks]

Thanks for the tip.🙏👍

[@justinvierra1028]

Been watching this series & enjoying it, leaving a comment in the hopes more folks find it. Looking great!

[@darryldarks]

Thank you so much, Justin! Glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. 🙏👍

[@DavidJones-we2ex]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks man, keep up the good work.

[@darryldarks]

Thanks so much!🙏👍

[@SuburbanJerseyDad]

Knowing when to cut your losses was commendable. Sometimes having a pro (and paying the big $$$) is necessary, even when it hurts lol. Looking good, love the positive attitude and how you keep your eye on the end result. Subscribed!

[@darryldarks]

It is, man. And, it hurts the ego a little bit, not going to lie. Thanks the comment and sub! Just subbed back.

[@bradzdanivsky]

Nice work, those are big A's!

[@darryldarks]

Thanks, man!🙏👍

[@chrisalister2297]

Great video!!!

[@darryldarks]

Thank you!! I appreciate that!🙏👍

[@TheDIYCabinGuy]

Man these are A’s are huge!!! Good thing though is that you’re getting your walls and roof done at the same time 😅

[@darryldarks]

Yeah. It was definitely satisfying to see the combination of roof and wall go up at the same time! Especially after months of waiting and waiting for that. 👍👍👍

[@TheDIYCabinGuy]

@@darryldarks how did you come up with the design of the A’s? (The plywood sandwich at the top and at the splice). Was it from some online ressource or just from some knowledgeable framer ?

[@darryldarks]

Those framer guys in the video gave me the idea to use plywood and subfloor adhesive. I was going to use heavy duty 12 gauge tie plates on both sides but they corrected me pretty quickly. Lol. Luckily it worked out.

[@bpeak82]

@@darryldarks - great videos! quick question... did you use 2x12 for the A-rafters? 2x10?

[@darryldarks]

@@bpeak82 The rafters are 4 2x10x16 boards combined with 23/32 plywood.

[@Dallas0323]

Hey brother, love the work you've done and LOVE the fact you incorporate God into your videos. Keep up the good work. We are building our A Frame out and we've seen the videos before, but I'm pretty sure you used 2x10s for your A's, is that correct?

[@darryldarks]

Hey brother! Congratulations on building your A-Frame. You guys are going to love it! You gotta keep God at the center point. 🙏 Yeah, so, to create the A’s we joined 2x10s together with 23/32 osb subfloor as the gusset plate. We were liberal with the construction adhesive and nailing pattern to make them strong. Let me know if you have any questions. God bless!🙏👍

[@Dallas0323]

​@@darryldarksThanks for the update and responding back! What did you space your rafters for your As? Is it 16 or 24 on center? Also, what did you tie the As down with to the floor? Also, congrats on your contractor's license!

[@davidbonde2148]

A lot of your footage is like déjà vu for me from my first video - enjoy the journey you have a nice project underway.

[@darryldarks]

David Bonde! You are one of the reasons that I had the confidence to do this project. Like seriously. I think I remember seeing was your dad think cut the rafter tails and he like was “it’s easy” or something lol. Well, I’m glad you commented because I’d been looking for you channel but could never find it again. Just subbed!👍

[@davidbonde2148]

​That old guy cutting rafter was me lol - I'm glad my videos have provided some inspiration for you. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Continued good luck with your project.

[@darryldarks]

@@davidbonde2148 Ha! That’s hilarious. Alright, buddy! Will do.

[@astoria_veterans_farm]

Nice work man, keep it up!

[@darryldarks]

Thanks, Nithflesic! I appreciate that my bro!

[@astoria_veterans_farm]

@@darryldarks you're welcome my man, I've been wanting to build something similar on my farm in Oregon.

[@mannyvalenti475]

Hard work bro,

[@darryldarks]

Yes, sir!🙏👍

[@terryatpi]

I’m guessing you got real lucky with the weather.

[@darryldarks]

Sure did. Clear skies. Not too hot. Loved it! 🙏👍

[@terryatpi]

@@darryldarks Wind! Wind would have been bad news! Looks great

[@derand8888]

You are doing great!!! I myself starting building from what I saw on KZbin. I'm on my third build now and still learning. Hit me up if you have any questions. I did tall trusses with a 30ft ladder acting as a crane, then pulling the truss up, sort of like fishing. Daryl Born in Texas, grew up in the Northwest

[@darryldarks]

Derand! You’re a wild boy! And, I mean that in the BEST way. I love the ingenuity of moving huge trusses like that! Keep it up! 👍🙏

[@RobertoBojorquez-bc4jm]

Yo quiero saber cómo ancló al piso esos enormes triángulos. 🙏🏼

[@darryldarks]

Hi Roberto! Hope you’re doing well. Are you asking how I made the triangles rafters? If so, they are four 2 x 10 x 16s, cut down to size, with seat and rafter cuts. They are joined together by 23/32 subfloor plywood. I used construction adhesive and 2 1/4 inch flooring nails to connect everything together. Finally, I setup stop blocks to hold the triangle rafters in place as we lifted them into position. Did that answer your question? Please let me know. 🙏👍

[@ezerhernandez1250]

Hello, I'm planning on building in canyon lake soon, do you have any recommendations for septic companies & those awesome framers number lol

[@darryldarks]

Hey Ezer! I’m now a licensed General Contractor. I’d love to learn more about your project. [phone]. Call or text me.🙏👍

[@flywojtek]

Looks awesome. Question-Where did you buy plans or did you have architect make them for you? How much did all permits cost you ? Those are the questions I don’t see anywhere and I am looking to build something similar. Thanks.

[@darryldarks]

Thank you! I made the plans and there are no specific permits for building in my county. 🙏👍

[@BrandonTran]

Woah, broken boards 09:55 - When we built our tree house, one of the tree logs was so heavy I had to use rope to pull it up and keep it balanced. I guess it's not that simple. I have no idea how much those weigh.

[@darryldarks]

Haha! That was an entertaining moment to say the least. That’s sounds intense. I can definitely relate to how you must have felt until that log was set up and secure. This stuff will definitely get your heart pumping. lol

[@decarlobrown1347]

I'm wondering would a pulley system work better (like belaying for rock climbing) for getting these up so you just have the two guys pulling then locking in place. I used to belay guys like 250lb when I was around 160-170 and benching nowhere near 300

[@darryldarks]

Hey Decarlo! You have some great ideas. Yes, I’ll probably use a pulley system or just ridge beam next time. Definitely something that involves me physically being up higher. As far as the plans go, I’m starting a design firm where we are delivering custom home designs. If you’re interested, let me know we can set up a Google Meet. Talk soon.

[@Cdubwow]

Really curious how you attached the A-frames to the sub floor

[@darryldarks]

Great question! They are attached with GRK structure fasteners. 🙏👍

[@mejorandolacasarjg]

How far apart are the rafters? you're doing a great job bro!

[@darryldarks]

Thanks, bro! The rafters are 24 inches on center. 🙏👍

[@zhugeliang777]

I am interested in how the decks are connected to the main structure because I am concerned that decks in the long run might rot faster than the main structure and so have to be somewhat removable. I'm also interested in the water diversion and whether that deck is at the same elevation as the floor of the house. Also I saw you added bracing at the piers of the decks so that's interesting.

[@darryldarks]

Great questions. Water is diverted through the spacing of the deck boards on both decks. Really, only an act of God would flood the place. Both decks are 14 feet and 5 feet above the ground respectively. And, both door frames are above the deck itself. As far as decay goes to the outer joists, those will eventually be covered from the elements.

[@zhugeliang777]

​@@darryldarks Covered? interesting. I see in the more recent videos the overhang sort of covers a bit of the deck which is nice from preventing the water from getting too close to the house. To be sure, did you just make a separate deck framing then bolted it onto the main floor frame? (because I'm not sure how it works, I would assume they are 2 separate structures bolted together) I also saw that the floor is about the same elevation as the deck (although I'm not sure maybe you can confirm--or is the deck slightly below because of the 1" board which is thicker than usual indoor floor sheathing), which is fine just wanted to make sure (to contrast, in concrete slabs pouring we want to make sure that the main house slab is at least 1 to 2" above the deck slab).

[@millhouse210]

Awesome job! How did u guys secure the bottoms of the As to the deck?

[@darryldarks]

@milesetsitty9103 So, the A’s sit in-between 24 inch on center blocking. And, both the A’s and blocking are screwed and nailed in to the subfloor joist using and Grk Rugged Screws and galvanized nails. 👍

[@shanelester2229]

@@darryldarks question, because im about to go up with my A's and I want to do it exactly like yours. you are using blocking between the base of the rafters, ok I understand, do your rafters have a birdsmouth cut in them? when the framers that did the template were handling that first rafter, it looks like theres a birdsmouth at the bottom of the 2x10, is that correct?

[@darryldarks]

All of that is correct. Put at least two or three 16 inch or 24 inch blocks (depending on your spacing) down on the floor, in between rafters. That way the rafters have a leverage point when you are raising them. If you don’t do that the rafters could slip. You can remove the floor blocking later. Also, put your actual blocking up at the same time. That will give the rafter a stoping point. Hope that helps. You got this!🙏👍

[@tsbbrook6095]

❤️❤️

[@darryldarks]

Thank you!

[@dfj555]

What size are the rafters 2X8 or 2X10?

[@darryldarks]

2x10 my friend.🙏👍

[@bonnieharrell8297]

Hey bud looks like it's coming along nicely minus a few hiccups but it's getting there...I know this is a little late but if you ever decide to build another A frame it might be easier to clear your floor/the deck and once you know your measurements mark it out on the floor then screw some blocks to the floor/surface/the deck on your measurements and lay your rafters on the floor ensuring every A is exactly the same dimension also when standing the last A's if you use a long 2×4 for each person as a push stick of sorts and lol 1 more thing your A's are a little flimsy so you might want to beef them up but that means more weight anyways it's looking good and good luck 🤞

[@darryldarks]

Thanks for the tip, Bonnie! I really appreciate that. Looking back, I’d probably do a ridge beam but I’m little scared of heights. Haha 😂 So, this was how I “kind of” got around that. But yeah, that’s a great point. Thanks for being so invested in the build. The videos after this one over the next couple of months ought to be really good 👍 So, come on back now, ya hear! Lol.

[@4YOUtoo]

whats the thickness of this board in the A's

[@darryldarks]

2x10s my friend. 🙏👍

[@tommynorman5609]

I looked and although I’m sure you mentioned it . I can’t find it. What’s the dimensions

[@darryldarks]

No problem. 30 feet wide, 40 feet long, 27 feet tall.🙏👍

[@tommynorman5609]

@@darryldarks appreciate it

[@user-nv3ol6uk9f]

How long and how wide was your foundation

[@darryldarks]

30x40🙏👍

[@user-nv3ol6uk9f]

What's the height of the the rafters

[@GeazonParamsuangwibou]

Could you please share the dimensions of the a frame

[@darryldarks]

Sure thing. 30ft wide, 40ft long, and 27ft high.

[@user-oz1ds3vq9m]

What size is one rafter?

[@darryldarks]

The rafters are about 27ft long on each side. 🙏👍

[@user-oz1ds3vq9m]

@@darryldarks 2x12x27???

[@user-zl2pz3iv1h]

I wonder if the wench idea would workout better if you pulled it from up high. I’m thinking about building an Aframe center on a tree. I’ll get a wench up in the tree to pull up the As. After the house is done I will cut the tree down. Wonder if it will work.

[@darryldarks]

If you secure the winch really well it could work. I’d pull the winch up to the highest point and make sure you have a safe and consistent way of detaching the winch from the lumber. That way the whole thing is repeatable. 🙏👍

[@ParedonesAmarillosNO]

jajajajajajajjajajajajajajaj

[@nsykes91187]

Are you using 2x8s or 2x10s for the rafters?

[@Ethiopics-yj5vz]

You killed the poor guy, next time get real help, at least 4 person.

[@darryldarks]

Everything worked out fine. 🙏👍

[@Gtrjerry73]

a rolling scaffold would have made your life a lot! easier. probably could have done them solo

[@darryldarks]

Well, thank you for thinking I can deadlift almost 300 pounds from a scaffolding. 💪 lol. Maybe one day I’ll be strong enough. No, for real. If there ever is a next time, I’d do a rolling scaffolding with probably a 2x12 ridge beam, 16 or 24 inches on center.