Off Grid Log Cabin Build - Floor Construction

Here you can see how the floor was built on our little off grid log cabin. During this phase of construction we were dealing with several major fires in our area, ironically there we were trying to build our future home whilst our neighbors were packing up and leaving.
Needless to say we did not document this phase very well so hopefully viewers of this video will still be able to get a general idea of how we built the floor.
Thanks for watching.

[@oldtimeengineer26]

Glad I found this channel it will be nice to see you build it you both are hard working people. Now time to go back and watch the older ones.

[@sswmetalhead]

Way to go brother! Build it, don't buy it. You will be very proud of what you have built when its done. Congrats!

[@mvanlier2512]

Greetings and salutations from the kingdom of The Netherlands, No were not a part of Germany! :-) Great that work on the cabin has resumed, wish I could be there!

[@offgridwarrior]

+M van Lier Greetings M van Lier... just think how "wonderful" it would be if all of Europe were part of Germany... everything would be so efficient ;-) Thanks for your comment.

[@gusshelgoshiii1836]

I’m glad to see your back , look forward to seeing your build.

[@jksinorbit]

Good to see another South African out there homesteading !

[@cheaphomesteading]

Nice video of the floor looks grate keep the videos coming

[@alanmarine7608]

A great effort, and a great video !! I look forward to view the progress !!! Honoured to see the positive energy of people on the path to an off grid lifestyle !

[@threecreationleather6596]

Im gonna have to get one of those log pealers. Looks like a great addition to the homestead.

[@mhn3773]

Thanks for the video! I enjoy watching your process with these large logs.

[@LWYOffGridHomestead]

can't wait to see it finished. love it.

[@offgridwarrior]

+LoneWolfYoitsu Thanks... we also cant wait to see it finished!

[@SuperHurdman]

what is good for the little critters is steel wool if you jam it in take some spray foam and spray it so it expands threw the wool and when the critters chew into it when they hit the steel wool it will detour them.

[@lyndawilliams8434]

Thanks for the upload, looking forward to spring and watching you finish the cabin. Will be good to see how things develop

[@offgridwarrior]

+lynda williams Thanks Lynda... we are also looking forward to Spring, unfortunately we have not done much since snow has hit.

[@oldtimer43]

Absolutely great video, I'm just putting in a deck myself but nothing on the scale of this, looking forward to the future videos

[@offgridwarrior]

+Michael Collinson Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos... more to come as we get through winter.

[@yarrariver09]

Wow that is pretty hard work. heavy duty~ good job Warrior.

[@johngodwin7902]

Great job. Thanks for the Video!

[@yannickandermatt3973]

Huge fan here ! You are living my dream !

[@offgridwarrior]

+Yannick Andermatt Thanks Yannick.

[@DavidBrookes]

I'm enjoying your videos brother... very inspirational. I look forward to seeing the progress.

[@offgridwarrior]

+David Brookes Thanks David, glad to hear you are enjoying the videos... should have more in a few weeks.

[@salmonhunter7414]

Really like the voice, over everything looks great

[@offgridwarrior]

+Salmon Hunter Appreciate the comment, thanks.

[@henrimauritz1954]

Thank you for the great content. Looks like an amazing project.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Henri Mauritz Thanks Henri, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tamapolynesia]

beautiful work brudda...keep those vids coming

[@muzk23]

Nice touch with the Fawkes mask on the tree ;)

[@offgridwarrior]

+Murray You are probably the first person to notice the mask.

[@LandersWorkshop]

Nice Skyline too!

[@comfortzone32]

Great videos keep up the good work!

[@nathannoonan2536]

Just found it 10 acres in Washington. Thanks!

[@AmyAndrewAdventures]

Oh man, I'm glad I found your channel! Just subscribed. I can't wait to watch you build this cabin!

[@offgridwarrior]

Thanks, should have an update out in a couple weeks.

[@davidstabile700]

extraordinarily cool logo.....................

[@lesvosloo5797]

luv the puppy

[@toddbusby2468]

Les Vosloo .

[@toddbusby2468]

Les Vosloo

[@yitongyang2322]

like ur video!! they method that u r using makes the carbin looks really good, looking forward to ur next video!!

[@offgridwarrior]

+Yitong Yang Thank you.

[@paulthompson5416]

Hi off grid warrior I only found your channel last night and have watched everyone already 😁 man what a lucky guy you are to have such a beautiful tranquil site and an opportunity to build your cabin. Jealous is not the word!!! Your doing a great job so far it's just unfortunate with the fires,weather and to top that of your truck 😫 but the only thing I'd say is ffs be careful your up there on you own balancing the wall logs by an inch on the edge!!! I'd like to see this cabin get finished off and not you getting finished off😂 take care and keep the the great work I'll be waiting on the next video (sub'd)

[@brucejanacek6263]

Sawing log hight I would taper them 2” bigger at one end. It would make it look better because it would not be so uniform.

[@rayreyes2490]

GOOD JOB!

[@NXatNight]

I was wondering about the isolation for the floors. I think that it does not have that much of an impact, whether you're using the ceiling one or regular. I remember back in the day, my grandfather used the basic isolation for everything while he was building his tool shed/cabin and in the winter it still kept a fair amount of heat in - and Im talking about some cheap isol. made in the 90's. Anyways... nice to see more of the process. Hope the winter is not hard on you guys, good luck!

[@offgridwarrior]

+DRYONE5 Thanks for the comment DRYONE5... before building I spoke to several people who have lived in the area in log cabins and they all mentioned cold coming up through the floors and methods of insulation... I thought it would be a good idea to do something given we are on piers, eventually I will also close in the underside of the cabin.

[@supyollname3266]

Great build and great video mate. Love what your doing. By the way just wondering why did you decide to cut the steel bar off from each corner? Would it had been better to leave them and bore holes through the wall logs and slot them over the bar, for further strength and stability in these corners? Cheers dude.

[@brianpacheco1927]

Cool cabin - how are the logs attached to the concrete piers? Looking to do something similar but with 4x4

[@SuperHurdman]

because you have to raise a log up and mark it for cutting to fit to the next log use this method to raise and lower it put saw horses (you know what saw horses are?) down at the bottom of your ramps (skids) and this will keep the log at waste level so you can do your cuts and then pull it back up the ramp (skids) Move the ramps around the cabin to suit your needs.

[@DEChacker]

Great work and thanks for sharing! Question: Isnt it necessary to dry the trees before building a house with them?

[@ytthieme]

I like the voice over, we're still trying to figure out how to do that lol..

[@adhiyhan694]

NICE JOB STRONG ENAUGT working alone

[@Adam-sk8np]

congrats on 5k subs!

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

It is much better to use 2"x 6" floor joist as wood has a lower R-value as compared to the insulation. The ends need to be completely blocked off to seal off the floor area to fire embers which will blow up inside allowing a fire to star inside the floor. THat area needs to be completely blocked off to seal out cold weather I which will condensate and then freeze under the floor

[@LandersWorkshop]

Know how you feel about those fires, they came quite close to us as well, but it looks like you caught a heavier blast than us.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Watch Ryder The upside of Winter... NO FIRES. Glad to hear you made it through as well. All the best to you.

[@bloodsport11]

I can hear you are from South Africa.

[@michaelcarron4070]

One fellow used a truck bed sealer, to seal his sub-floor deck. It protects the plywood from delaminating, also critter's don't like the taste of it. Just a thought.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Michael Carron We may look in to that... perhaps just around the edges.

[@michaelcarron4070]

Change that to 5 gal driveway sealer.

[@williamhill406]

+Michael Carron drive way sealer also makes very good under coating for your vehicle....

[@ufkyourfeelings]

I love that your dog follows you around. I thought mine was crazy hahaha great video! Cheers.

[@WasserTipps]

5:25 did you also secure the log to the concrete below?

[@Blackgrass1]

That'd be my question too, even after 4 years.

[@samt5663]

did you see his video showing the top of concrete piers?

[@matteopereyra6881]

What product did you use to treat the logs so that they don't rotten?

[@MambaZN]

Saffer :) reminds me of home.

[@jase5415]

wow.......did you anchor those foundation logs to the piers? besides just the 3" of 1/2" rebar..................that hillside looks steep......

[@gongo948]

Can one possibly rather use cob for insolation instead of pink fyberglass? Will the cob remain bonded with the wood?

[@stevenedwards4470]

Thanks for posting this...I find the floor and foundation more mysterious than the wall build and I was curious how you went about it. I assume you have a length of rebar coming up from the cement into the bottom of the pier log? What caused those fires? Does it make you a bit concerned about your patch? Best of luck. This build is fun. You don't cheat.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Steven Edwards Yes on the rebar, about 6 inches penetrating the logs. Fires passed by... going ahead I will be clearing the area around the cabin, felling more trees... fires will always be a concern one can only do so much in preparation.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Please don't hurt your back. You're working like a mule. I have a bad back and see how badly you're over working your body. But, great job. (new subscriber)

[@SuperHurdman]

Hay gird dude! If you look at your video at the point of 320 you said you built a ramp and you have a log hooked up with chains! instead of doing it this way tie a rope on one side of your cabin and come across to the other side and tie it to the other side use a rope approximately twenty feet long give or take stand in the center of the log and hold the rope like if it were rains on a horse you will have the excess rope hanging down take the tail end of the rope or the piece that is hanging down and pass it under the log hook the chain from the truck and tie it to the end of the rope when you get your woman to back up the truck the log will roll up the ramp and on to the cabin! as you got it in the picture it is going sideways on you if you do it like I explained it to you it won't do that. on your skids or how you say it ramp you only need two logs one on each end of the cabin when you got your cabin to where you are now up six or seven runs and have to get the logs up to the top do it the same way you can raise and lower it in ten minutes or less

[@mohawksniper79]

r u using a milling chain? if not you can change the angle to 12° I think is is and it will cut a lot better you can find the degree on the website that you by milling chains.

[@offgridwarrior]

+mohawksniper79 Using both a regular chain and a custom ripping chain.

[@jamesoncross7494]

I'm suprised you didn't use ridged foam insulation for the floor. The insulation you used will compress over time and not be very good. Still a very nice job though.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

God you've got it going on with all the fires and all, as if it's not hard enough. I like what you're doing with the floor. Did you put down the concrrte piers first with rebar in the middle (I have been watching so many videos and seem to remember you - I'm fairly sure it was you - doing that. How deep did you put the concrete because if I remember correctly you have permafrost or something like it? We don't freeze that deep (yet but the weather's changing so drastically I'm still in London due to go up to start the preliminary ground ckearing and deciding which way to go with the supports to keep it off the ground. I have all sorts of different methods that I have seen but the weather's not getting better. .not even in London its Really windy and bloody freezing, usually London is moving into Spring by now with Scotland at least a month behind. ..but you can't rely on the weather in even the most abstract way anymore...3 years ago we had a day or two in February where it went to 30°C in London AND Scotland, then the weather dropped to -28°C in Scotland the weekend after ((London is in its own little pollution bubble and rarely sees -3 or 4°C) so I have to play it by ear. If I can get someone to film I may post my first couple of trys with the portable sawmill, should be good for a laugh (My Partner is going to help with hauling logs either with some of my sister's heavy machinery (I still can't believe the size of that JCB I am terrified of it!) We may try the pony and my horse who are both trained to harness (little sis reckons Merlyn will pull logs but I know him and he will do exactly what he wants. .he may haul a couple just for novelty but if there's any bugs etc he will just plain refuse (he's a riding horse because his mum was an English Thoroughbred but, because his father was Friesian, kinda on the light end of heavy draught type horses, my sister seems to think he's hardwired to pull things..that should be a good film LOL! And sister Jenny is scared of the Shetland because , well frankly it's a monster, who corners people who are daft enough to fall for the fluffy lil pony act, and last year she bit Jenny so hard she broke two of her fingers and the thumb at the joint near her hand! Of course knowing her she's gonna harnesses them up then disappear out with the dogs expecting me to be with Satan the Shetland (Jenny called her Blossom! She wasn't calling her that as Blossom crushed her fingers LMAO) hope all goes well with your build, it's looking good! X

[@offgridwarrior]

+Anne Anderson (Foxiepaws) I could do with a good pack horse... let me know how things go. Yes concrete piers with re-bar in the middle was completed during Summer/Spring.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Off Grid Warrior Yes I just got a forecast for the weather in NE Scotland and we're due sleet with sunny spells which means a clear sky. This of course takes the temperature right down and freezes the sleet so I am going to have to contain my enthusiasm for a week or two because I believe if the temperature fluctuates too much it will crack the concrete (and sleet in Scotland is miserable lol!) I have lots to do in prep like getting all my insulation and flashing for the windows and doors and that metallic bubble wrap stuff which is supposed to be really good, so until the weather starts behaving I have lots to occupy myself so when we get a break then everything is in one place (my sister's barn..she doesn't know yet Lol!) But at least it's going to go smoothly in terms of materials (I'm not jinking myself lol!) Hopefully all is well with you!

[@vasquez8577]

Great videos--thank you. What's the latest? Still dealing with winter snow? Hope all is well.

[@offgridwarrior]

+vasquez Hi vasquez. We are digging out of Winter right now, things are starting to thaw (for now)... we will be back at it in a couple weeks. Thanks for watching.

[@SuperHurdman]

what is securing the logs to the piers or sona tubs?

[@josephkelly4086]

The logs that the sill logs are attached to. Your foundation pillars. Are the set in the ground or sitting atop the cement pillars? thanks.

[@jpd6172]

pas mal le logo, il est inspirer l'insigne de béret de la Légion? - Legio patria nostra mon frère.

[@offgridwarrior]

+JP D Oui

[@RobinLewisMakes]

Really enjoyed the video! Is that a South African accent I detect?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Robin Lewis Hi Robin, glad you enjoyed the video... affirmative on the accent.

[@timothycv1k]

How are the logs secured to the cement? Is it the remaining rebar that poked out of the cement?

[@offgridwarrior]

Hi Tim, Rebar extends into the logs.

[@nathannoonan2536]

I took at look at your website, maybe I overlooked it. I was curious as to your setup. Where is your land and how large is parcel? (Acreage). Thank you.

[@dosed3819]

How did you secure the other logs to the pillars if you cut of your extra rebar that we there ??

[@shanek6582]

You put the floor insulation in upside down, I know it seems wrong but the paper side goes to the inside of the house, it's a vapor barrier

[@SuperHurdman]

What I did with my cabin because I couldn't get in a truck to pull the rope where it came under and around the log I had a boat winch secured to a 4X4 and I lag screwed it to the opposite side of the cabin then I pulled it out and tied it to the rope that went down and around and secured it to the boat winch and winched it up the ramp or how we call it here in Canada skids and it rolled rite up.

[@kanel123boller]

Did you consider using dirt in stead of normal insulation? Or is there a reason why that would be a bad idea? :-P

[@Jenniferpedro]

my husband and I really enjoy your videos as we are in the same neck of the woods that you are..this is totally off subject but we have been trying to place your accent and just cant figure it out...do you mind if we ask where you hail from?? :)

[@offgridwarrior]

+jennifer pedro Thanks Jennifer, glad to hear you hand your hubby are enjoying out videos. I am originally from South Africa.

[@honestcomments6060]

I have a question. Why you are making the cabin so small? Why not making it a bit larger to be more comfortable? Are there are some regulations and some "maximum footprint" law or ?

[@shoutatthesky]

Where are you? Looks like North America but you sound Zimbabwean?

[@zeenaabdura2971]

Australian.

[@reecebill112]

I am just wondering if building the offgrid cabin like this require any building permits. Any size restrictions? What county of Washington you are in? I am looking for rural piece of land maybe in Ferry or Stevens County? Any word of wisdom on this subject. I down want to buy a land and hassle with permits and inspections. Just can't afford it!

[@robertvazquez8706]

What's the name of tool connected to chainsaw

[@sobisas]

hey, i was told that logs need to sit for a year after being felled. did you do that or did you utilize them immediately??

[@SolidSteakPrime]

Remember remember the 5th of November.

[@PYE172]

hi some time can you do a video on how to put roof on a wood cabin . as thats the hard bit i think

[@agreymond7440]

Just use PVC pipe and heavy duty tarp...this way when the weather is nice, you could easily remove it. Nyuk Nyuk, Nyuk.

[@toughloveandcoldturkey5783]

So how did the r30 hold up?

[@florencelovme]

Im a girl, 5'6ft. I think I can build this. lol! well, the men that promised to assist me with building have dissapeared. dont even need them. I got this!

[@landomilknhoney]

florenceswalk yes, honey! I am building mine as well!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

You’ve been asking boys to do men’s work..... and yes, a smart woman can do men’s work, but may have to do some of it using more brain than brawn.... I hope your build is going (or went) well and has given you what you want!

[@adelaidevonalleman5029]

I'm going to build a cabin too. Right now I'm building a sheep wagon to stay in while I build. It will have a wood stove so it will be pretty comfortable.

[@pathbasics]

Off Grid Warrior, How did you attach your 3 pier logs to your cement base piers at the end of the cabin foundation? Looks like more cement was used. Thank you.

[@offgridwarrior]

+tom Hi Tom. 4ft length of half inch Rebar extends approximately 8 inches in to log piers.

[@armyguy9735]

My Grandfather used to grow peppermint around the house and barn. He said rodents and insects hate the smell, he also sprinkle the excess in the basement. Just an old pioneer trick

[@wesliewabano1110]

Where do you get those chain saw attachments

[@SuperHurdman]

When are you getting back at it! Were waiting on you?

[@aksrule3393]

+Marc A Gagnon we're*

[@russelolson3410]

What. Area is this

[@andremarais2706]

Which part of South Africa are you from?

[@mazdarx7887]

People take a long time to build those horizontal log cabins. Vertical log is much quicker and easier.

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Off Grid Warrior where are boet? When you posting again?

[@davidcox4718]

Where are you buliding at you keep mentioning the fires

[@offgridwarrior]

+David Cox NE Washington State.

[@michaeltellurian825]

Let me see if I got this right: You built a cabin on the slope of a hill?

[@mrgod2u701]

A common building practice going back thousands of years, what rock have you been under?

[@googlinstuff8910]

those look like SADF browns...

[@timiwen7764]

Where did you get the attachment that guides your chainsaw for milling your boards ?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Tim Iwen Hi Tim... Check out granberg.com

[@aboves0below320]

what is the college course needed to learn how to do stuff liek this

[@SuperHurdman]

what is the little rats name! that is running around your feet?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Marc A Gagnon Darth Veda.

[@SuperHurdman]

He sure a cute little fella, How we love them! I didn't mean to disrespect him by calling him a rat just he was small and almost like non noticeable!

[@seleuma]

how did u connect the big log on the pier the to the base floor i cant find the video for that. cheers

[@samt5663]

in his video library, where you'd expect to find.

[@madman432000]

This doesn't look like SA country. Northwest USA?

[@jamesknights3998]

You're Robert dinero and Hugh jackman, a s'athrican cross

[@danielskiba8256]

how long do these logs need to sit before using them?

[@lairdcross5419]

The logs will be green for years so it doesn't really matter. Logs and beams dry out at an average of 1 inch per year so a 10" tree will take approx 10 years to cure. The key is to peel the bark and seal the ends to control checking.All wood checks. this doesn't take away from the structural value. I dont think I would have used rebar though to attach the logs through the pier. That is going to cause problems eventually.

[@roaringlion1]

@10:30 The Best Part

[@Donari]

where is this?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Donari NE Washington.

[@SuperHurdman]

you need to get one of those old rustic Harleys or Indians to go with those glasses.

[@ahumandreamahumandream9077]

👌👍

[@donovanterblanche8311]

Kan jy daar braai?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Eva Jimenez Ja Nee.

[@SuperHurdman]

If you can't visualize what I am talking about go to my Facebook page and look at my timeline I made a drawing there for you and to anyone else who would be interested. As they say in England Cheers.

[@ZaelGaming]

who else seen the mask at 9:52 on the tree 😁 we are the 99%