SIMPLE LIFE LIVING IN THE WOODS

[@HoosierPete69.]

I've been building decks for 40 years and I have never used joist hangers. I have never had an issue or a complaint. You did a phenomenal job building the deck and car port.

[@sonder007]

The creak factor must be tremendous

[@lennym1636]

The only times we use hangers is when we can't nail it from behind as in running up against the house, and no creaking, boss's decks are built the same way we did for costumers...

[@cliveklg7739]

@@sonder007 joist hangers aren't going to change that.

[@usabayermicha6178]

before you try to adjust those gaps, give the wood some time to cure in this position. You might encounter more gaps opening up as the wood shrinks

[@J-Justice666]

Matt..... Kristen, be careful with the zero turn on steep slopes. Caster Wheels in the front offer Zero Control on steep slopes.... and you'll end up in the ditch or the river. A 300 or 400 pound machine on top of you in the river can be baaaaad.

[@KingGregPearce]

18:33 😂 Fair play Matt, great response to the virtual keyboard engineers.. Slam Dunk indeed 😊

[@glenbrown579]

I really love how you guys love on your animals. No matter how busy you get, you always take time to acknowledge your animals when they come around for a little human TLC. 🥰

[@phuongvo3051]

Now you have build your deck , with your tallent ,maybe you could design a cat cage next to the deck , Incase if you are going some where for couple days , they stay in the cage and safe too , and they can stay at night for their safety , you live in the area with a lot hawks are there , the deck looks beautiful.

[@alweir2662]

I am very impressed with your problem solving. I built 862 sq ft of decks on three levels and man, I appreciate the cutting and fitting that you faced. Well done to you both.

[@ado-yz9rb]

Agree with you Matt there are 200 yr old houses with their porches built better than some today and still standing without hangers so relax all you computer carpenters !!!!!

[@ScubaDrew]

This space is going to be a game changer! Lounging, cooking, out of the rain.

[@NunYaBizNus1]

Oklahoma here again! I absolutely love your videos!! I love how you work to together!! Best friends! I’m 62 and husband is my very best friend! Your property is going to be beautiful!! Keep doing what your hearts desire!! Remember to have fun no matter what you do and always laugh!! Laughter is like medicine!! You all make a beautiful couple!! God bless you in all you do!! 💖💖

[@k33elly]

Make a thick paste with baking soda and water and put it on those stings. It will instantly take the pain away. Remove it and do it again after about 30 minutes. I can't believe more people don't know this.

[@Pop_Hockenbush]

One thing I have great respect for guys is, Matt doing things the hard way just because it’s hard work . Pulling that anchor on GBU by hand is very impressive. Love you guys since you left Florida .😊

[@rupertgale537]

Ignore the haters. You guys just rock!!!

[@philipwoods6317]

Love the way you have time to give the cat a cuddle as you work.

[@karenwilliams3882]

I thought the same thing, those cats love Matt 😊❤🐈‍⬛🐈🐾🐾

[@iconoclad]

Those cats just love the deck. Glad to see Bear is doing well. He just wants to be an only cat.

[@thomasgraham5842]

i worked for a while with my brother inlaw and his company called select decks , if we got dry boards we would drop two screw drivers between each board as for gapping . But WHEN WE GOT BOARDS THAT WERE SODDING WET we pushed them tight to each other with NO gapping , when they dried they shrank to leave the perfect gap everytime . horses for coarses . just a tip .

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Yes it seems putting them together close have worked better

[@williamgrimberg2510]

That’s great . Do you use a moisture meter to determine the woods moisture content?

[@kelvinorourke1079]

@@williamgrimberg2510 Really?

[@thomasgraham5842]

@williamgrimberg2510 yup it was at the end of my arms called hands ✋️. We judged them by weight. That's bloody heavy . Aww push them tight then. Worked for us .

[@laman491]

​@@tnolan3176straight expensive!

[@millingwithmike8189]

As long as y’all are okay with things, the rest of the world can go kick rocks. Y’all are rocking it!! 👊

[@BruceWitcpalek-ws1rh]

Exactly 😊

[@norxlor]

I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it. lol 🤣 They are the ones that have to live with it so what does it matter if they like it? I think they are doing a great job!😁

[@AB-so3jv]

awesome deck, good job!!!! I love it!!! your cats are so adorable!!!

[@jwyz1981]

You are supposed to do all screws in one board before putting the next board in place. Then it doesn’t hit the next board.

[@violetosa777]

Exacto😅

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Makes sense, I don't think it would make an effect with the amount this wood moves , swells and contracts

[@tieniewalters3287]

Listen why he is doing it that way.

[@larryrussell4905]

But then only one side of the board would be held down.

[@derekd1510]

Or could have just widened the gap slightly?

[@TR4zest]

Matt - I think the suggestions that you use joist hangers were from people that had built decks and were trying to help you. At least you let us know how you feel about such suggestions as you publish 'never done this before' DIY projects each week.

[@RenovationWork]

This video of several months just shows hard working you both are! And watching Odin as he grows is awesome!!!❤

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

Matty boy just killin it again ❤ Great new house 🏡

[@norxlor]

You guys are doing great! Slowly but surely it's coming together. As long as you like it, that's all that matters. Keep up the great work! Love you videos! (I can't believe how big the kitties are getting! 😻)

[@undercoloroflaw]

Matty....ignore the nitpickers. They are everywhere and in abundance. I've spent 30 years in the operating room and while there are strict policies that guide us, it still comes down to the person's brain. You know what you're doing and you pay attention to your instincts. A thousand times a day I must decide whether doing it by the book will save this person's life or whether using my own discretion and instincts will do it. You're one of those people who know where, if and how to cut a corner that won't put you in one....well done.

[@kelvinorourke1079]

@@undercoloroflaw great comment

[@undercoloroflaw]

@@kelvinorourke1079 thanks...I have one every great once in a while... :)

[@johnmorrison8942]

Thanks!

[@andrewlocke1637]

I like how the cats watch you Matt to make sure you are doing a good job. Good luck with the rest of your tasks

[@jaysweeney2032]

Decks do not need hangers! There were no beam hanger were used in the past, many of the decks are still around to this day. I think you did a fantastic job on the deck. These hangers are made for supporting the weight of snow on roofs primarily or something very heavy;could also be for cosmedics, no screws showing on the outside. Also, the closer the beams; the better the weight ratio will be fine for what you're building. I can't wait to see how it looks when you are finished. Left over lumber, build some lounges out of them to match the deck and for your beautiful wife. Just a thought. Great video guys!

[@kelvinorourke1079]

@@jaysweeney2032 agreed! That deck ain’t going anywhere

[@nealchristensen1793]

Back away from the crack pipe !

[@neutonrenda2303]

The edges make a huge difference, I think I am definitely going to be remembering that for myself in the future. It looks stunning.👍

[@dholtman5977]

With all the cut offs, build some couches and just buy or make some cushions. Great job!

[@txhypnotist]

Matt, great job you have impeccable woodworking skills and pops to you. I bet you don’t throw a stick wood away because there’s so much value and other projects you can use those little scrap pieces.

[@tropicshade]

I kept all my scrap wood in a barrel in the garage... pulled from it for years!

[@frankplopez9167]

First, we are so glad you are safe. Second, Matt is the hardest working SOB EVER. Kristin, your filmmaking skill keeps getting better and better. And lastly, Cary and I LOVE all the animal interaction. It's clear you guys are terrific parents.

[@MrFroglips69]

Groovy episode. Your deck design and workmanship is fantastic. Best of all your kitties are groovy helpers. P.S. Blow off all those stay at home builders who live in their mommies basement. You guys rock.

[@GaryRupp-fe6ly]

It’s going to be so nice and good looking, outside cooking,sewing,out of the mud, etc etc. Sunday morning wouldn’t be the same with GBU.. 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️✊

[@ralphjelomono1066]

Great deck build Matt. With some good quality stain applied every few years the thing will more than likely last a lifetime. Wonderful to see all the kitties keeping an eye on you and enjoying the build process. Everything shaping up nicely team. Thaks for the video.

[@Div3r]

I thought you were going to say one of the goats headbutted you the last thing I thought it looked like was a bug sting. The deck looks bombproof but I guess only time will tell.

[@floridapatriot9776]

I wouldn't have left the tree going through the deck. It's only going to continue to grow and expand. Creating more problems for you in the future. Not only that, but what if it gets blown over in a storm? It's going to damage your deck.

[@karenwilliams3882]

That palm tree isn't going anywhere LOL 🌴🌴❤😊

[@floridapatriot9776]

@@karenwilliams3882 The deck around it might.

[@mykgrauss9872]

Great job Matt! It's just a deck that your going to sit out and relax, barbecue and have dinner with your beautiful wife, so the tiny imperfections won't matter and a month from now, you'll never notice them. You're kill'n your new home and property! It's looking so nice! I'm proud of you! Love and hugs to you both! Myk ❤🤗

[@annieo54]

The deck turned out beautifully… I thought the cats circling around as you worked hilarious! Like: hey, guys, dad’s workin’ on th’ deck…let’s lend a paw! Just goes to show how much they’re loved.. I look forward to your videos, it just proves to me there’s more than one way to get things done. I think about you stripping the boat back as well, there were some comments then, yet it looked amazing when you were done, and cleverly put together as well…(thinking about the bin storage). You are creating some spectacular structures..that frontage is a work of art!! Thanks both..

[@J-Justice666]

Kristen, the boards you walk on are called decking. The vertical boards that support them are called joists.

[@seadragonsltd]

Home Depot sells a gaping tool for decks. It is like a kind of pry bar that allows you to "adjust" each board. Hardwood Wrench Jr™ Deck Board Straightening Tool

[@webheadusa9377]

Stair Steps to Matt's Deck! Man, it's your deck! Build it the way you want! It is looking good! :¬) Webhead USA

[@julianbatcheler9970]

The time lapse was mesmeric for the cat content.

[@CLCIII]

Either God Is In Control or He Is not. I Believe He Is! As Always, May God Bless you and yours! 😇

[@billelsener6192]

The deck looks great. It will be even better when you get it stained. You’re doing a fine job. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Badastro59]

You are ahard worker Matt, congratulations on a job well done, it will ever look nicer when the stain is on, Be safe !

[@GaryOsmondson]

Love your furry helpers!

[@davidsteben5953]

You guys are the best just keep doing what you're doing

[@jackwill3578]

OH NICE WE GOT A GLANCE AT BEAR ! FINALLY ! THX

[@dadadit]

Matt, you are a very hard working guy!

[@samr2113]

Looks good to me kiddos...keep smiling 😊

[@eduardomontes1276]

When you cut the boards, take same of the sawdust you left behind, mix it with carpenter's glue (brown) and make a thick paste. With this paste you can fill the holes left by the screw heads. Good luck.👍💪💪

[@Total_Egal]

widen the gaps between the boards and you will have enough clearance to put the screws in. Also no joist hangar is ok. but hanging all of your deck only on those nails in the weak point of a board? yea realy not good.. but its an easy fix.. either put a ripped small board below the joist and nail them into the endboards or nail a shorter piece vertical onto every corner of the joist and the endbord. in both ways you have more wood grain meat arround the nails to hold on. dont nail to close to the ends and the sides to not split the wood. for those bowed boards. put one end on on the marks. bow the middle now more outwars using the leaver of the whole board to adjust the gap in the middle to the right ammount and nail it on. Only the middle!. maybee put a shim into the gap to hold the space. now put a angled board as a wedge base next to the other end. cut one wedge and press it thight. screw it to your mark. if its verry bowed put on the middle first with a wedge. and press both ends into it. you split the force needet in this way and can use wedges on both ends. Now screw all other places between the 3 stations. the board will stay stait. you can also use a half pondet in nail and your hammer as a wedge if its only a small bow. allways look into the bow of the new board first and adfust witch side you want where to press out the bow. as others wrote. little bit more gap is better. to not have a chance of waterdrops sitting between hanging on both sides and rotting the boards away. more airmovement is also bettwer to dry it out. maybee on the next deck ;)

[@craigkepchar2619]

Great to have you to watch on my Sunday morning, You are one hard working guy. All the Love, All the Power

[@neutonrenda2303]

Deck looks amazing, you have again done an awesome job. Ouch, so sorry you had to go through the wasp sting, it really gave you a fat lip for a while. ❤️

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

😂 it was rough

[@luciezabakova7266]

There are no ugly gaps... It is... 🎉🎉🎉 organic!! ❤

[@frederickfernandez1510]

Deck looks great!! 💪

[@rbnhood39]

Good Sunday morning my peeps. Looking good Matt. It was nice to see Bear kitty is still there.

[@richardmerrill4036]

I’m thinking that a gap between the boards is good for drainage. I know you are undercover but you must get a lot of rain in an almost horizontal direction.

[@edwinvalentin2895]

Great job on the deck 😊😊😊

[@BillRobinson-rl3dq]

1: you have to have a space between deck boards (at least a nail space for expansion.) 2: screw both sides of deck board on each joust with your angle tool all the way before you do next board. This will then never tick the next board. 3: before you start your projects. Check on web sites on how it’s installed so you don’t screw up and have to remove it all and start over. 4: keep on plugging away 👍🏻

[@KwlOneIB]

I wouldn't say that I'm an expert but I have built a few decks in Salt Lake City. If you're dealing with natural wood, you have to go top-down, you can't do the concealed fasteners. The concealed fastener system is really for the artificially aged wood. Or the composites. You do have a lot of overhead coverage. So not a lot of direct sunlight, so that's a good thing.

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Ye I think it's for the composites as well but I thought maybe we could make it work.. live an learn lol

[@joserivera4836]

Good morning..you're doing good job keeping doing it!. Take good care guy's over there in P. R. Jungle. It's look like you have neighbors close by.👍👍🤩😊🙃

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Si, mi vecinos

[@josephdiiaconi546]

Deck is looking good! Happy to see Bear again.

[@DanPancamo]

Treated wood I hope

[@loisphillips5826]

Love your videos. Great looking deck. Nice job. Thanks for sharing. The cats sure do love it.😊

[@pattykey1254]

Wow your deck looksgreat.❤😊

[@IEnigIMa]

Hey Matt, I thought when you did your boat projects you had a oscillating multi tool that could have made short work of cutting those boards up to the posts. Anyway, too late now ❤. That wrap around deck looks great. I also live full time in a travel trailer and I gotta admit….i am kinda jealous of your new outdoor space. 😊

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Yes I have one but I didn't have any blades..it's a long drive to the store so I just did it by hand😅

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Trailer gang!!

[@IEnigIMa]

Thank you guys for replying to your faithful fans. I know it’s difficult with a larger fan base, but It keeps the human side alive and the effort is really appreciated. Love you guys for keeping it real 😊

[@hugeblue]

Matt, You are amazing ! Deck looks Great ! Happy Fall from Chas.,SC

[@mmanut]

Deck looks Fantastic guys. Ina months time the deck boards will all shrink and will all have even spaces. Great space for having a hellova party‼️👍 Vinny 🇺🇸

[@valeriefrench9405]

Looks gorgeous. Great job

[@tomladdus9264]

Good thing you have your cat supervisors to keep you in line.

[@JWW60]

I think it looks good and that's alot of work, alot of nailing. Great job Matt.

[@Pop_Hockenbush]

So cool Matt , a Mackinaw City T shirt. Only 90 miles from here.

[@CCRobertsCarpentry]

You need to double all outside bands that are nailed to the end of the joist to help carry the load .if not they might sag or bounce.😊😊😊😊😊

[@ClaytonBergman]

You two give me hope.

[@thenomadtexan5640]

Deck looks great! Don’t worry about uneven gaps or small imperfections. They give it character! With all the flooding around the world,I do hope you did lots of research to ensure it’s not going to ever flood down there.

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

It floods every day here's almost😅 we need to make a few adjustments buy drainage is pretty good

[@thenomadtexan5640]

@@SailingGoodBadandUgly I was mainly just thinking of the river overflowing its banks during major floods.

[@MarkG-h2y]

@@thenomadtexan5640 The stream is at least 20 feet lower than where the RV is parked. No stream or river has ever rose 20 feet in height!

[@brucemoe9180]

Re-planked my deck three years ago using an old ratchet-type automotive jack… used the old lumber I was replacing with a 1ft. 2x4 on the new lumber end, tightened the jack until the boards had no gaps and screwed them down… worked for me!!

[@t9cstudio]

I agree, Matt. I think y'all have more to worry about a hurricane blowing down your privacy fence than the deck.

[@jameslowder1274]

Nice addition. I would have put mid span blocking between each joist for strength, and shear value, but it’s not my deck! CHEERS!

[@douglasrobbie9998]

For the cantilevered portion of the deck. For strength, you may want to put a 2x10 under the deck joists. These 2x10s would run from support post to support post. As it is now, only the 4-6 deck joists that are attached to the support posts are supporting a cantilevered distance of around 3' and they are taking all the weight.

[@sfurgas]

That looks great. I've been doing DIY for 50 years and mistakes happen. What counts is if you learn from them. Thanks for the fun video!

[@tropicshade]

What's the difference between a good carpenter and a bad carpenter? A good carpenter hides mistakes well. 😉

[@troothseeker7312]

It will be a fantastic🤩functional addition 👏👏👏👏👏how ya do it is how ya do it, your the ones who live there!🥰🙌🌈

[@davidgoodman3399]

Loved watching the cats help. My cat would sleep in the saw dust from the planer and table saw at the end of the day.

[@theonewoo]

A step is a component in a stair. No hangers necessary; the beam to column connection will fail first. Love you guys!

[@leannecuster1490]

Thats right Matt its a great and strong deck.

[@callieniemann2280]

As the timber dry, the gaps will get wider as well. 😊

[@avhrvg]

to prevent PLANK DISHING (the sides of the planks comming up), it is best to nail or screw them twice, from above, into each support. Side ways is only used if the planks have sides that click into eachother.

[@michelebushnik2874]

Matt the deck is looking so beautiful! The edging really makes an artistic upgraded look! When you stain it waterproof, it will help with the wood swelling. You did a complete gorgeous project this video❤ I only kept thinking was gosh with all those beautiful kitties exploring around, I hope you dont box one in underneath😂❤. Also your wasp stings looked worrisome, but in the end video your lip looked better, you are one of the hardest working man out to please your new gorgeous bride❤❤ love ya's and thank you both for sharing!

[@williesful]

Love it Matt, from the thunder at the start right through to the comments towards the end 😁

[@kaydog2008]

Use a scrap piece on the out side part with the jig NOT an original board to drive the screws in……… , but use a pin head screw first on the inside. To straighten and aline them first. For bent lumber you need a long handle deck board bender on a screw to get the gapped. Yes ignore the gap movement till you treat the boards they will swing a lot untreated ignore selfy home improvement know it alls.

[@outabeat]

I just sat and.relaxed on my deck that I built exactly the same way, about 20 years ago. Nothing fancy, no tape, treatments or anything. The frame is pressure treated but aside from that its just normal and it has been perfect and exposed to all the ocean weather. So I see you!

[@worldadventureman]

Structural fasters aren't a must as you say, but nails are structural fasteners too. And as you pointed out the the amount the wood moves they likely will fail. Most people seemed to be correctly pointing out that if you weren't using joist hangers you should have at least put ledger boards in for the joists to sit on. Its not just the hurricane lift you have to build for its the weight pushing down on those nails. That said, its not like you are building it to sell. You are learning on the job and can always go back and repair it when it starts getting shaky.

[@Gunner521]

Nice job Matt, Deck looks excellent.

[@RandallLubbers]

Matt, Suggetion, raise trailer up approximatly 5" or so you step down by the door. This way you look/bend down. Otherwise you'll hit your head on them short RV doors.

[@brianwalker9185]

If you ever need to replace a board, to remove an old beat up board, its easier to remove when the screws go through the top. Looks nice

[@kckinwa]

4 or more are stairs and require handrails. 3 or less are steps and no handrail requirement.

[@bigalon3wheels]

Enjoy the episodes you create for our pleasure, a good distraction to a life lived.

[@btrent9244]

Nice project. I believe you got unanimous approval of those most important to you. Congratulations 👍👏🏻

[@jimfisk4474]

Well Matt and Kristen, you're not trying to win international awards on carpentry somewhere out there at an awesome contest so I say you both are doing an excellent job considering it all and you're in a jungle so there. Love to watch your cats roam around all over the place and you both picking them up and cuddling them. Has that big lizard been coming around lately and have you given up on taming a hawk? Keep your eyes open for Bigfoot and flying saucers because you never know, you know. What if you were in a Amazon or African jungle, whoa. Well I guess I ballyhooed enough so I will say adios and carry on, love you too!❤❤

[@chloe212193]

Matt.... Next time you get stung make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to sting site and let dry. It will neutralize venom.

[@GaryRupp-fe6ly]

Sorry wouldn’t be the same with out GBU, love you guys looking great ❤❤