Off Grid Cabin Build | Framing the Floor Joists

[@dfoltz268]

The fact you were able to get the foundations and most of the support joists in before winter stopped you is paying dividends now! Cant wait to see this dried in!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes! We had all of the materials here to construct the floor on Thanksgiving last year but the winter weather came on so fast that we decided to halt construction until winter was mostly over. We quickly found It's fairly difficult to work when your fingers are numb, the days are short/ dark, and most of the tools don't work properly in the cold temperatures. Just not worth the aggravation since we have a comfortable temporary living situation. We are happy to be making progress again 🙂

[@saucedbenny]

Just a tip for next time: whenever you're shooting 2 boards together angle your gun a little bit. The nails won't poke through and if you alternate between left angle and right angle it'll create a stronger connection than just shooting them straight. Looking great though, love the fact that you guys are taking the time to do things the right way!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 🙂

[@danmcdonagh8924]

Now I get to watch Alaska builds again . Have been watching S.E. asia vids all winter. I'm a carpenter of 50 yrs in Alberta Canada. I enjoy watching people DIY. I will never critize . Possibly give some tips but looks like you have experience and doing a good job.😅😅

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks Dan! Glad you are enjoying our videos. We do the best we can on these projects. We hope it will last us a lifetime.

[@moosa53]

Can you recommend any S.E channels to watch?

[@Z-Bart]

I love spring time. Pre biting bugs!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes! They will be here soon 🦟

[@StevenEverett7]

Springtime! It's great to see your cabin progressing.

[@northtoalaska2022]

It looks like we will get about two weeks of spring weather before summer starts. The buds on our trees just started to leaf yesterday!

[@RobinJones-ow9oz]

Great job yall be done in no time.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@rossbrown1748]

Hey guys, it’s good to see you working on the cabin again

[@northtoalaska2022]

🙂

[@southron49]

i must say, the little lady has the sweetest face. i am glad to see the build progressing. please be careful and may God richly bless all you do............g

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 🙂

[@househen1]

Great job, I have no doubts it will be built properly and be sturdy. Can’t wait for you next video.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@DebbieDee-lx6uk]

So happy to see y'all back working on the homestead again and building your future 🙌

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@suepeterson5675]

The build is on YAYE ! Good work well done. 👍👍

[@jeremiahjohnson7296]

I admire your strength and resilience, you have to be special to live in such an extreme place. I follow your publications and let my adventurous spirit fly... greetings from Barcelona Spain on the shore of the warm Mediterranean!! 🤗

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you, happy to share our experiences with you 😊

[@denafreeborn424]

Awesome job!

[@johnpiper82]

Glad to see you back! Your build will be one of quality, because your in to the detail. Look forward to your next video John

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks John!

[@CCRider5312]

Awesome 👏🏼😎 Happy to see the Progress on your home !

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks CcRider 🙂 we are glad to be making progress again now that the weather is warming up.

[@jeffsizemore6869]

You guys are doing an awesome job on your house build . It looks like it’s going to be well built.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you 🙂

[@joannabowers1358]

It’s looking great. I know y’all are glad to finally get started on the cabin.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Yes with winter over it has been a welcome change of pace 🙂

[@cb4874]

That’s a real solid platform!.. I love it!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@vickybentley3949]

It already looks great youve done an amazing job up to now it looks so strong and well built x

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks 🙂

[@glengillis7775]

Your doing a great job

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@charlenegrady8781]

Looking good. Exciting times ahead. Good luck. I look forward to following you both on your adventure. Thanks for sharing✌️🇺🇸

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks 🙂

[@FIL357]

Thank you for the video. Enjoyed watching the process. Phil, Suffolk, U.K.🇬🇧

[@northtoalaska2022]

Glad you liked it! Thank you 🙂

[@babsoneverything3060]

So happy for you. It's always exciting when the weather breaks and you can start making progress.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@sarahschlosser1203]

So exciting that you are back to working on your future home.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! We are excited as well!

[@bucbucbuc111]

The PA Kids, Great job guys

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@mjjackson-kh8mq]

cant wait for the plywood to be nailed down baby !!!! thank you for the video, take care man

[@northtoalaska2022]

🙂👍👍

[@robinparkes988]

You’ve both done a brilliant job there. I would not want to deal with that mud. Stay safe both of you 🇬🇧

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks! The mud can be difficult 🙂

[@MitchellsInAlaska]

Glad you are starting on your cabin early this year. Good planning ahead to be ready to start on the floor.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hey Tony, we are glad to be working on it again. Will be glad to get it dried in. Hope all is well! The grass is finally starting to grow here, no mosquitos yet, the snow is almost gone, and a lot of rain.

[@gokhanpolat1286]

Hello friends 🫡. I was looking forward to you starting the structural work. Welcome back to DIY. I hope the house is insulated before the end of this summer and you can live in your new cabin next winter. Greetings from Turkey.❤

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hello 👋 🙂 thank you, we are excited to complete the construction. It will be an interesting experience! ❤️

[@sgrvtl7183]

Great start - love watching You Two ❗ Certainly have it all worked out and goes smoothly‼🌲

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@MurDocInc]

Alright, back to building, cant wait for more videos.

[@northtoalaska2022]

We will post them as soon as we can 🙂

[@pinkywilliams8063]

So glad to see spring is in the air in Alaska as well. Moving right along with build of your cabin, Awesome!! Thanks for sharing

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes! Our trees just started getting leaves yesterday, excited for summer 🙂

[@rickgreen9936]

Bomb proof! Great work, you even have your dog helping, hauling lumber and stealing a little bit of the show.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Benelli would move every piece if he could! 😆

[@junewrogg6137]

WOW!!!!b GREAT JOB!!!!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@MaryMorris-n8k]

Great job! So happy to see you guys working on the home build! Your puppy is sooo cute! Stay safe and love your videos

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Benelli is such a good boy always trying to help 😅

[@scottensley9964]

Hot Dog. You are getting started on the home i cannot wait to see what you create. Good Luck and God Bless.

[@northtoalaska2022]

It will be a simple 750 square feet cabin with good insulation that can last our lifetime is the goal. Thank you and God bless!

[@Cuz789]

Your skid steer looks like WALL-E 😂 Love it! It's my 5 year olds favorite movie. You are surgical with that thing.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Haha 😄 never thought of it that way but you are right!

[@carlapierle8623]

Yay! It's Spring! Looks like you'll have a good foundation on which to build your home.

[@northtoalaska2022]

We hope it lasts us many years 🙂

[@CatheyJenkins]

👋 hi what a fantastic start for your new home 🏠 well done 👏 xxx

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@carolynlineberger1929]

Good job!👏 Keep going!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@TheAlaskacabin]

Good video. You 2 seem like a good team to getting g things done. This obviously will male your journey/cabin build so much more memorable and enjoyable everyday. Keep working well together and your lives will be priceless, and your marriage will last forever.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you for your kind words 🙂

[@StephenLodge-v1r]

Its looking good.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@katz5434]

Looks like you’ll have a great view where the cabins positioned! Have a good week ahead.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes, we think so too 🙂 thanks!

[@robertbankhead8661]

Wow, that has to feel good getting a good start on the base of your home! Appreciate the comments about why you guys do some things. Always build bigger, because it is compoundedly harder later. Good call on that! Can’t wait to see that first wall go up!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you, we are glad winter has subsided and we are back on the outside projects! I think our next cabin video will explain why we decided to go longer on the structure, with the change of plans the loft will be much smaller but slightly larger first floor.

[@Hillbilly007-yd9gu]

Nice to see you starting to work on your cabin.

[@AlaskanFreedom]

Just found your channel. Excited to follow along with the build. We're a little jealous of the tools, and equipment you have. You are one step ahead of us, so we can watch and learn as we go.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hello 👋 glad you found us! Please don't be jealous of the tools we have acquired over the last 15 years, there were many miserable 60-hour weeks, sacrificing my health and youth to have what we do. Working hard is the only way I know to get what I need so it was necessary unfortunately. KZbin is interesting because viewers get to see people at different levels of skill and budget doing their best to build a dream. I often time find comparing what I have to others just kills my joy so it's good to avoid. There are people on here with nice new trucks, helicopters, and tanks 😆 it's wild out there. Judging by your Alaska freedom emblem I'm assuming you are in the same climate as us and building here? If so check out the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, it is a great official source. It Is quite boring but they have some great guidelines for cabin construction in all zones of Alaska. If you are building a log cabin most of the information is not of use other than the roof structure. For stick framing, they have great guidelines to help prevent mold issues in wall and roof cavities with proper insulation and vapor barrier. This was all new to us because we did not have the relative humidity issues like Alaska and Canada do where we lived. Hope this helps, good luck with your adventure!

[@bonneymoseley1159]

You both are a great team together! I suspect there won't be anything you can't tackle and accomplish together. I'm looking forward to watching your home go up, and your life here takes off with lots of adventures.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you 🙂

[@laruedouglas7972]

He loves you both and wants to be included 🥰. What a sweetheart of a dog 🥰. You will be a lot happier having it bigger and you can always add porches onto your cabin. Looking amazing 😊.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you 🙂 Benneli does love to be with us! He is a sweetheart.

[@edadpops1709]

So glad to see people who actually know what they’re doing.so many on you tube really shouldn’t be building---anything

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hello 👋 we do try to do things to the best of our ability and the best way that fits our budget. Mistakes can be costly setbacks and we are trying to avoid future issues. We do hope to live in this cabin for a long time with minimal maintenance. KZbin is an interesting platform to see DIY cabins and homes, everyone is working on different budgets and at different skill levels. Some are executed well some not. Unfortunately, a lot of the super-popular cabin builds that I have seen a few years back have some misinformation on proper building methods using short-term durability designs and others see that and copy/paste it for their home build, not realizing that what they have reproduced is a recreational summer cabin that is not going to last for the long haul, or take into account for important matters like foundation footing, structural strength, proper insulation values to save on energy and be comfortable, as well as vapor barrier in a northern climate to prevent mold in the wall and ceiling cavity. None of these are a priority if the cabin is only being built for KZbin entertainment income or just used recreationally. I think that is what Is showcased more often than not on this platform. Thanks for watching, and for your support!

[@scottcusick6274]

Good evening from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nice job installing the floor joists. You might want to install foam board between your joists. It sure would help with insulating the floor. Hope you have a good weekend. Thanks for sharing your story. 🇺🇸

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hello 👋 the plan as of right now is once the cabin is dried in and rain will not ruin the insulation, we will box in the underside to fill the cavity with blow-in cellulose insulation. If funds permit we may install a layer of rigid foam on the very bottom to stop thermal bridging through the joists. I do not want cold feet for 6 months of winter for the rest of my life 😅

[@colagorda]

Gracias por el vídeo desde España y por los subtítulos...os veo siempre saludos soy Víctor

[@jasondavis1816]

Great to see you guys I hope To make to Alaska this summer anyway great progress and I love seeing all the people Moving up there to win it likes a future community up there your channel and some of the news ones I love Alaska freedom our Alaska and you guys and few more do good see the spirit of moving forward good luck keep going great video 👍🔥🍷👍

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks Jason! Good luck with your move up! It has been raining a lot in our area but the buds on the trees just started to open yesterday. Summer will be here in a few weeks!

[@donaldshields2483]

Nice job I watch all your videos. Keep up the good work. I’m sure you’ll have a nice place when you get through. I’m in Maine. I’m sure it’s nice in Alaska, but I’ll take God bless

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Having been to Maine, alaska has alot of similarities. God bless!

[@NikolaiAstaf]

Интересное решение балками! Весна пришла! Хорошая работа, много сделали! Вы молодцы! Биннели красавчик! Классное видео получилось! Мне понравилось! Круто Круто!!!👍👍👍

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this video 🙂 Benelli is such a good boy!

[@TheKDubW]

Glad to see you guys. It seems like you're able to get some of the necessary supplies like copper sulfate and good lumber, which is good. I think you'll be happy long term that you changed up the floor plan and went with enlarging the cabin. First portion of the video looked a little soupy. Nice job. See you on the next one.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hey! The big box stores are a few hours away, but they usually can get all the needed basics here in alaska. Sometimes we have stock issues that slow us down but we are trying to place orders for materials when they are in stock so we have them. We did make the lower floor plan slightly bigger but our loft will be smaller now than originally planned. The ground gets so soupy here when the frost won't let the snow melt drain off. It is a real issue. Thank you! 🙂

[@georgetuider654]

Nice job!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@kevinbugner3346]

Love how you have the dog clear the sticks out of the way for you, lol.

[@popsdevoss7097]

Looking good

[@katedee5890]

Lookin' good.

[@davidbickford2539]

Great to see you’re able to get back on the house build! Next winter not in the RV? Hopefully! Love your channel!

[@northtoalaska2022]

We are happy to be back to working on it again! Time will tell, glad you are enjoying our videos 🙂

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Everything looks great , I’m new to the channel! Really enjoying it! Thanks for sharing!

[@northtoalaska2022]

🙂❤️

[@eduardfrazao3506]

Nice work

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@teresaedwards3659]

How exciting!

[@karenriggle5435]

Perfect size cabin

[@northtoalaska2022]

We think so too 😊

[@oscartheg6674]

You probably already know I'm going to say it anyway, the beemer laminating are far more strong than a solid timber beam. Wow

[@northtoalaska2022]

🙂

[@cathyjones3403]

Great job 👏👏👏👏👏

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@CCRider5312]

Katie your camera 📸 work is getting a lot better as time goes on, just thought I’d give you an honorable mention on that 😉👍🏼

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😃

[@maximecasavant734]

Awesome job you two are doing .

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@louis220558]

It looks fabulous

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@Gmoney_72]

Fanfreakingtastic!! But dang it. Now I need that nail gun.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hehe it works great! We love it!

[@ianscash6759]

Quite envious of the pair of you as my health has deteriorated and I am now 65 and disabled I really enjoy your channel.

[@davidasimkosr4641]

Can't wait for the walls to go up the roof is going to be the hardest

[@northtoalaska2022]

Us too!

[@TheDieselStop]

I’m in amazement with your knowledge of building. Your house will last forever the way you guys are building it. Not only is it being built strong it’s being built with love. Your guys are awesome and amazing to watch. Thank you for bringing us all on your journey. God bless.

[@carolyngregory9354]

Great video.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Really excited for you!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@Beni-pj7dx]

Nothing like a good foundation to build on. Well done guys enjoying your videos. I am a builder myself from New Zealand

[@patriciamontague6035]

Looks good 👍 love you're dog.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 🐕

[@debbiemiller7342]

Progress!

[@gillyb333]

❤ very strong foundation guys ❤

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks!

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Great progress!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@tombooks1410]

Watching you install hurricane straps in your latest video. Palm nailers are great, I’ve owned one for years. Recently bought a joist hanger nailer. Relatively inexpensive. My wife and I love watching all of your videos. Thanks

[@michaelgrimaud28]

Have that same snow brush I got from AIH in Anchorage

[@northtoalaska2022]

Ahh, nice the metal handle is great, we had a plastic one that snapped like a twig the winter in minus twenty so this one is a better option. It is wild how fragile plastic becomes here in the cold.

[@thackeray4]

Looks great!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@lenprice6315]

I’m really enjoying your content. I really enjoyed the video. I just watched about who y’all was. It’s really good to watch people that are real people. That’s the only people I watch is people that I think are real. I do not watch people that I think was born with a silver spoon in their mouth or fake, I have set up all night long and watched every video y’all have put out and liked every one of them …. Tiny Houston MS ( Len Price )

[@chrisoakey9841]

When laminating boards in particular, i always try to put the nails in in 2 diverent angles so the nails cross. Therefore they need to bend, shear, or wood rip to split the boards.

[@dhgifts]

Hey Your Lumber was made a mile from where I Live in Tillamook. Hope it's good stuff.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Such a small world! It seems to be pretty decent 😀

[@dcba43210a]

Well done

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@dwight3188]

Thanks for the video, I have been looking forward to this series, through the winter. Seems like Benneli needs a buddy M2 or M3, lol, Andrew Cameratti has I think 3 labs, one 16, but the younger 2 are constantly tussling in the background of his YT vids.

[@terencemerritt]

Andrew Camarata has two labs, Cody and Blue. Levi passed away a year or so ago. His dad still has Lacy which is older. He has a Great channel tho

[@northtoalaska2022]

Haha, he does need a buddy! Great names 👌 when we have time for proper training in the future we will take on another puppy!

[@Codger2015]

Shooting the nails in at an angle helps hold the two boards together much better and at the same time prevents the nails from poking out the other side.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes! We toe-nailed almost all joists.

[@Island.Ventures]

Started watching your channel on Saturday and I've made it up to here so far! Loving these videos. I will say I use those same "yellow" clamps at work and they're not great.. hopefully you've upgraded them to "red" by now 😂

[@uzbruss]

Juda ajoil omad sizlarga

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@danieldavis322]

That is a good watch DOG

[@northtoalaska2022]

He is a good boy 🙂

[@richnusser6079]

Looking good guys, how excited are you to continue building your dream home?

[@northtoalaska2022]

Unfortunately, our dream home is unaffordable at this time, but we can't wait to finish our cabin! We hope to enjoy it for many years to come!

[@dancallaghan3314]

This is the time during the build to super insulate and vapour barrier/ tape, your structure and those two moves will save you money in heating costs for years in the future living in cold Alaska. 6 mil vapour barrier and tuck tape, don’t rely on any other method for sealing cold air out. As a Canadian living in very cold winters. It’s worth the effort

[@northtoalaska2022]

You are correct! Once the cabin has a dry roof overhead we will come back and blow in cellulose insulation into the floor cavity. The walls and roof will have a full plastic vapor barrier as well as insulation exceeding this area's minimum requirement. Having vapor in my insulation causing mold buildup is not anything I want to deal with 🙂

[@davidstoddard9160]

I saw on another video, where they put in stripes of one by twos to be able to rest a 14 and half inch chip core to prevent mice, and also, put the sheets of insulation foam. on top which comes in 4x8 sheets by 4 inches thick i believe, They put in a total of two thick to give a great r value. It seemed to be a good solution to keeping the floor insulated and mice proof.

[@northtoalaska2022]

That is an option! We are choosing to tackle this in a different way, we will document it in future video to share. Thanks!

[@Udo-z8s]

Greetings from Brandenburg 🇩🇪 22 grd ☀️🍺🍺🏠👍

[@northtoalaska2022]

Hello! 👋

[@waderue]

well with cuts off you have you cut put boards between the floor joice to make them stronger

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thanks, I think you are referring to blocking. We showed a teaser at the end of this video of the blocking, and the full blocking is installed in the latest video.

[@ronwendt]

seems the branch manager is working also lol

[@northtoalaska2022]

Always at our service bringing us the sticks we didn't know we needed! Haha! 🌳 🐕

[@robertlemoine3500]

Thankyou 😊

[@patriciogonzalez7689]

Hola los sigo desde Chile,es un trabajo muy duro por lo visto desde el tener que desplazarse 8 horas hasta ancorage el lugar más cercano para adquirir herramientas y volver,sin duda es un sobre esfuerzo titánico en un paraje salvaje sin igual,ya quiero ver el logro total de su duro trabajo finalizado ,bueno quisiera saber si es que decidieras vender tú esfuerzo para poder comprar los planos de tu casa si es que los deseas vender obviamente,me gustó la manera del diseño y me gustaría poder replicarlo acá en Chile ,saludos señor y señora

[@HarryWitchley]

Just curious if you had to deal with codes inspections in the middle of no where ?? Outstanding videos!!!