Why Does the U.S. Build with Wood?

[@TexasScout]

In the late 1950s, our family was living in Kingsville Texas, I was a very young boy. I remember they built a house next to us and I watched the carpenters a lot because my dad was in the building trades, there was not a single power tool used. It was all hand saws, chisels, hand powered drills, hammers and nails. That was it, and they got that house up pretty fast if I recall.

[@kirkyorg7654]

was building a house in the UK in 90/91 and out of three builds on the street we were the only one with temporary power on the site because i asked for it and the crew we hired to install the roof trusses did not use a single power tool they did the whole job with bowsaws and hammers would not dream of building in North America without temp power of some sort keep in mind they don't sheet the roof for clay tiles they only strap it so no plywood to cut

[@martinmiller7623]

Watched plumber pour lead cast iron plumbing. California framing hammers framing are different.lol❤

[@TexasScout]

@@martinmiller7623 I had forgotten that, but yes, molten lead fascinated me.

[@michaelduggan991]

I wonder if I'm the only old retired carpenter who caught his breath watching the guys carrying sheets toward the roof. Fun memories-- the wind never comes up til it comes up; if it blows that sheet from behind, bye bye, off you go. As we learned early, always carry the sheet to the outside of the roof. If you get caught by a gust you can just let it go, and thank the stars as you watch the sheet fly down to the ground that it's not you. Ha. Great video. Thanks.

[@tonyn3123]

Good to see an update on the house. I am still amazed at the newer homes today. I have never lived in a home over about 1300 SF. I was raised in an 800 SF home with four family members, and we never ran out of room. My retirement home today is about 1300 SF and honestly most of the area seldom gets used. My kids all have the huge homes with multiple levels and difficult, steep roofs. I just scratch my head. Thanks.

[@tbelding]

I suspect that unlike today, your family spent a lot of time outside, as I did growing up.

[@Windsor1492]

We use wood here in Norway top. We got lots of wood and less of other materials. And its honestly a great building material for smaller bulldings like private homes.

[@kittytrail]

what? you don't even have plastic and concrete sensibly managed plantations that you can harvest like everybody else in your, mmm, neck of the woods? 😏

[@-_James_-]

It's cheap. That's the only real reason it's used. All the old, expensive houses in the west of Oslo are brick. And for good reason. A brick house will stand for hundreds of years even with minimal upkeep. A wooden house needs to be rebuilt/repaired every few decades.

[@SplashJohn]

@@-_James_- So you won't acknowledge any advantages to wood construction?

[@kittytrail]

@@SplashJohn it burns better than bricks? 🤔

[@disqusrubbish5467]

@@kittytrailwood wiggles in earthquakes better than bricks.

[@think-forge]

Nate, as an European all fellow friend think the same as your teacher in Germany. But where I live, seeing that we don't have little wooden instustry (apart from firewood), I see why we use bricks and concrete to build our houses. Both methods have their pros and cons, but definetely a wooden house isn't something to take for granted. Especially with Zip System and the rest of the improvements that you have over in the states. As you've mentioned, the early settlers didn't have brick factories, we do not have wood factories in parallel. Great video!

[@ChristopherJones-nz4md]

Definitely a young man's game. I love watching videos like this, it takes me back to when I just started in the business. Thanks for sharing

[@Dino2GunZ]

That's what they told me back when I started in 2003 I continue to build for another 15 years and then I started saying this is the young man's game lol a man can only handle so many Michigan Winters and Michigan Summers

[@gutekfiutek]

I think in Poland and other places touched by wars there's this subconcious thing that wooden houses are perishable. After wars only structures that remained were brick houses, and even with burned roof it was easier to settle back in them.

[@JAndrioli]

interesting. in wars every kind of construction is perishable. Nothing survives a war. Even a house that looks fine is condemned after a blast because you dont know if it is ready to fall over or what.

[@autumn42762]

yeah sure, but there is a big difference between ballistic protection of a thin wooden wall vs meter thick solid brick or stone wall. Also having a basement that you can hide in when you are being bombed is crucial. @@JAndrioli

[@martinpoulsen6564]

​@@autumn42762The basement is a separate issue. If you've followed the spec house series here on the channel, and this very much looks like all of the rest of the concrete work I've seen in the US, I think we can agree Americans don't exactly take their concrete work lightly. At least not anything structural. Then you might like a concrete lid on it in stead of a wooden one, but that's a minor detail.

[@williammrdeza9445]

It's great to see another video regarding the progress on your house, Nate! As an owner of a house with a steeply pitched roof with 20+ valleys, I can certainly appreciate the difficulty (and pucker factor) involved with traversing the roof. Each fall I am up there clearing leaves and debris from the roof--not for the faint of heart! I have certainly appreciated your dad's videos on ladder safety during those times. Looks like a great house and I am looking forward to your future content as construction continues.

[@raystraining3206]

Our gable end trusses are 3.5" shorter than the rest of the run so you can run the lookouts right over the top and butt the end of lookout into the face of the 2nd truss. Having to notch would be a pia.

[@Dino2GunZ]

We started doing the same in Michigan years ago

[@SplashJohn]

That definitely makes the lookouts easier to install. But wouldn't you have to fill in the ~4' gaps between lookouts on that shorter truss, so the sheathing has solid backing?

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@SplashJohn Yeah, but that shouldn't take too much extra time. just cut some 2x4 blocking. Seems like that wouldn't take much more time than notching the truss for each individual lookout, that's kinda labor intensive also. I like that better because you're no notching the top chord of the truss, and the lookouts can be installed on edge, rather than flat. Yeah, I know that 2x4's laid flat on their sides are adequate for lookouts, but it just always seemed wrong to me.

[@Dino2GunZ]

@SplashJohn you put blocks 2" on center there is no 4' gap

[@tysleight]

Depending on the overhang the gable and last truss are cut short( 6-8 foot of outriggers for a 24-36 overhang). So much faster and blocking is easy keeps the gable from drooping with heavy loads or high winds.

[@darrylcavanaugh9465]

I built an 1800 sq ft shop at the start of the Covid shutdown, and am a HUGE fan of the EC- I own tools I most likely will never need again, based on Scott and his experience. I LOVE this phase of construction. Personally, I actually don’t call this ‘work’, only because my most recent experience was so enjoyable. I DON’T intend to discount the effort of the guys who do this to make a living- I was under no pressure to be making a profit on my project, but, after all was said and done, I STILL made money on my project, but only because I ‘paid’ myself nothing… Still worth it, and at 56 years old, I would totally enjoy another big project.

[@naamkathinwalahai]

As an Indian, where cities becoming jungle of concrete (metro, or small), where it dont matter, the terrain is plain or mountainous, where the fine carpentry is getting lost, and door or windows are getting replaced by factory made products. This channel is one of my favorite.

[@Z-Bart]

For someone that has been in the trades for over 40 years...your teacher was a pompous jerk for coming down on you for your father's chosen profession.

[@MAGAMAN]

Most teachers are. In fact these days, most of them seem to be gay pedophiles.

[@dbasiliere]

Should not burn plastic or nice Doug Fir scrap. Too nice to burn. (the Doug Fir of course)

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Burning scrap came about because unscrupulous carpenters might cut a nice piece of wood too short for the jobsite, but just right for their project at home. Burning scrape takes away that incentive.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Your opening statement about the conversation as a high school senior in Germany...had to listen to the same speach over and over my Senior year in Germany. As a recent College grad I did a year-long internship in a tiny German-speaking country for a major tool manufacturer. Outside my patio door I watched a typical low-rise appartment being built that whole year and made friends with the clean up guy so walked through it at every stage. The inefficiencies in the building processes were insane but no one could say the buildings were not sturdy. After 9 months the 22-until single building was 1/3 done. The embodied energy in the block structure, foam middle and concrete panel exterior was off the charts...add to that pan-deck concrete floors, concrete block interior walls and the engineered tile roof. Then having to "slit" those blocks for all wiring (outlet level used pre-channelled block for the horizonal), diamond core the floors for allthe plumbing and finally parging and papering over all the interior block walls. I will say, the windows, doors and fixtures were a cut above any appartment to be had in the US for an intern or young professional and the units I lived in were insanely quiet.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Oh, four years later during the San Antonio building boom I stayed in my Sister's new house for four days during her wedding. From her front porch I watch the same crew of 8 carpenters (plus two wives that fed them and ran errands) dry-in 3 houses (2200-3200 sq ft plus two car garage on ready slab) and frame a fourth.

[@mjoelnir1899]

The point is not if you use wood, or brick or concrete, if you build strong. The question is rather if you build from sticks or beams when you use wood. Many of the houses in the USA are rather flimsy. I lived in Germany in a wooden house when I studied in Germany. That house was over 500 years old. The frame was Oak beams no nails used.

[@mynonameyt]

I built my house 22 years ago with a 8 & 12 roof. That harness I saw one of the guys wearing was something I like. I’m 67 now and still get on my roof occasionally. Thinking of getting something like that. Good video.

[@chartphred1]

A lot of northern houses in Australia are being built with steel frames for sides and roofs. Better to withstand cyclones. Bolted to concrete pads.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Ok, but you bolt down wooden houses too...

[@hkfan4596]

@@disqusrubbish5467not nearly as strong as steel/concrete. Not even close. See Florida during Hurricane Andrew.

[@ethanheyne]

@@hkfan4596 Code allows for spaced-out (minimal) anchors and tie-downs. A builder choses to do that, people who buy it think it's ALL connected but it's not, and their house blows away. A wooden house that's completely anchored and tied-down will survive nearly untouched among wreckage of other houses. Another variable is the finishing of the outside of the house. Wind can get a grip on small exterior features (like an outdoor ceiling fan or light fixture), rip it out, and go in through the hole. Even something with a frame that's going nowhere might have its guts ripped out. Probably easier to rebuild from a solid frame though.

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

8:04 Yeah, we're just so short up on those rocks. I don't know if we'll ever find more!

[@blahblah49000]

With all the trouble we hear in the world today, a video like this inspires hope and optimism for the future. Thanks.

[@gssuper1438]

You have to assume that things will need to change in the future and wood framing makes reno'ing soo much easier

[@FreekHoekstra]

As a European, who is moved to North America, Both of their benefits , some things that I do think American homes could do better is get better Windows. Good windows make such a huge difference in the comfort of your home, no drafts, no air leaks and they can last so much longer. However, I will definitely be constructing my home out of wood. It’s easier to work with easier to adapt and expand if necessary later in life, it’s eco-friendly. Insulates better than brick. What’s not to like?

[@RubyRhod]

well said! and to Nate: And as a german I want to apologize for my follow german teacher of yours! Stone houses are different - not better! different. It depends on what you want from a house. And since the way of live in the US is to modify everything to your needs instead of making yourself adapt to your surroundings, building houses out of wood makes completly sense. It is way easier to work with!

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Years ago I lived in Germany for a time, and I actually was impressed by the windows. Even talked about them when I got back. But yes, wood. Concrete production is terrible for the environment. You can grow a new house in 20 years that will last a hundred or more years. They can be built to withstand earthquakes - and hurricanes. Easy to remodel...

[@devinmahoney3777]

I would wager you can match the quality and R-value of any window on the US market as is in Europe. We may have different priorities and often lower standards in our building codes, especially as you move farther South, but isn’t it nice to have the freedom to choose along a greater spectrum of cost and quality? If you want nice windows you are free to build with nice windows 😊

[@NoName-ml5yk]

??? You can get any quality window you want in the US. I've seen people spend $15,000 per window on top end homes.

[@johnc6343]

Fire

[@harrygre60]

This book is a great source of inspiration for anyone who wants to build high-quality tiny homes. Instead of settling for ordinary materials and designs, you can learn how to create structures that are durable and aesthetically pleasing. kzbin.infoUgkxLum--iPp9YKZ09j1BMdHaBMLkrGfIbcm The book does not provide detailed engineering drawings, but it offers plenty of photos that illustrate the concepts and designs. The book assumes that you have some basic building skills, but it also provides a range of ideas that can suit different preferences and needs. I found this book very useful and informative, and I appreciate it greatly. Thank you for providing such a valuable content in these Shed Plans. It is remarkable! For long-term service, it seems like it is worth investing a bit more money. Ryan, you are very generous to share such extensive information with us at a very affordable price.

[@michaelcarroll991]

Nate so glad to see your videos. Wish we could see more of them. So much better.

[@joshua_lee732]

The only issue with wood being renewable is that the replated forests are much less diverse ecologically than natural forests. Which sucks but I assume it's because of the age of the forests are really with tree planting only being a thing in the last 30 years.

[@noddon55]

I have been involved with Harvesting and reforestation for the last 48 years in British Columbia and reforestation has been practiced far longer than my career in the industry. I believe it began in the early part of the 20th century here, I have seen plantations from the 1930's.

[@SplashJohn]

You're just repeating a talking point from eco-nuts. There are no perfect solutions, only choices with different sets of trade-offs.

[@c0mputer]

Here in Sweden we do A LOT of tree products. We pretty much have no natural forests anymore. All are single species and of the same age. After they’ve been harvested it looks very ugly, like a wild fire swept through 100 hectares of land. Of course there are benefits and it seems to be a sustainable method, but it’s horrible for the ecology and just makes Sweden look ugly.

[@lonewolfeman]

Roof Sheeters not required to wear fall arrest or fall protection?. its the law here in Canada.,

[@timeflysintheshop]

I wish my house was sheathed with some form of wood. It was built in 1987 and if I drill a hole in my siding, I can push a screwdriver all the way to the drywall without hitting anything solid. It seems like the walls were covered in some sort of cardboard. At least the house ic covered with steel siding, if the siding were vinyl you could cut your way into the house thru the walls with a utility knife!

[@_SYDNA_]

I love the bluegrass/folk/string music that typically comes with The Essential Craftsman videos. It really adds to the experience. We've seen that the family plays music. Is the music on these videos created by the family?

[@zupmeoff]

Interesting they don’t have safety equipment to keep them from falling off the roof?

[@MAGAMAN]

Safety equipment would be a hindrance and possibly a bigger safety hazard when carrying around those big sheets of OSB.

[@shanesouza4303]

Just finished framing our garage and about to finish the house. We don't frame lookouts that way anymore. We use a drop cord gable end truss and the 2x4's are standing on the 1.5 inch for strength. I framed tons of houses with them the way you showed when I was younger. I'd love to show you some pics of what modern barges look like. I've also lived in Germany and have a greater understanding of their construction including buildings from the 1400's. They used wood plenty. 😎✌️ P.S. @Nate the house is looking great. Good place to raise a family in. 😎🤘

[@c0mputer]

9:58 Hold on. What is the little spray tube tether on that can of penetrant? I’ve never seen that before. Is that home made or commercially available? Kind of looks like a Kroil can, does that come with it?

[@ScottRobinsonOutdoors]

You build with timber, you burn wood.

[@ClorinKayster]

What can i use to make wood stronger and last longer when exposed to harsh weather conditions.

[@LordNisse111]

Most of Sweden is covered in forest, so narurally almost all housing(1 or 2 story) is made of wood. But modern homes is often prefab I think, not sure how popular they are in the US?

[@iekuieku1536]

the oldest houses in germany are made of wood. if we can agree on the point that the best house is the one that stands up the longest (=saving ressources), then there is no point on discussing if the house is made of wood or stone, what matters is the way it is built. and modern stick framing, as it is done in germany as well nowadays, seems just not as durable as say oldschool timber framing. just one important detail: the oldschool timber framers always made sure, that mortises or tenons were carved into the heartwood. after 100 years you can be sure, that the sapwood will have suffered from bugs. so good luck with your nailplates in the sapwood...

[@patriciusvunkempen102]

which one? we have stone structures hailing from roman times, and catedrals built in the romanic style in the high or even early middleages wth are you talkin about? wir ham ein paar alte fachwerk bauten, weil man eben vor im mittelalter vor allem fachwerk gebaut hat, aus kosten und dann aus prestige gründen, aber einige gegenden haben schon ewig lange steinbauten.

[@clapsadd1]

😅a

[@MAGAMAN]

The problem isn't just the construction, but the wood. The trees grown in these wood farms are garbage. Because they grow so fast, the rings are far apart causing the wood to be weaker and warp easier. I am reinforcing some warped 2x4s in my house and the new 2x4s I am adding are being screwed together into an L shape to give them more resistance to warping.

[@SplashJohn]

"if we can agree on the point that the best house is the one that stands up the longest (=saving ressources)" -- no, we cannot agree on that point. Longevity is certainly an important factor to consider, but if that is the extent of your analytical capabilities, you have some learning to do.

[@happyotto6436]

Before erection, prepare to ground. Where are must be proper slopes from the house to the boarders of the property, so no muddy places and water accumulation around the house. Just by removing the layer of the soil by tractor, one make it even worth, next rain will make already the pound on that place.

[@leighhearn5643]

Here in Australia we frame in wood 90% . And steel basically the balance. Some are solid brick or concrete block, rendered. Most timber framed houses have brick veneer. Roof material either corrugated steel or terracotta or cement tiles.

[@Goalsplus]

Perth, Western Australia, is mostly double brick, no frames. Tile or steel roofs on a timber or steel frame. What I would like to see is prefabricated concrete houses but there's probably reasons against them.

[@camperjack2620]

​@@GoalsplusI saw a job where they precast 4 inch walls on the ground, with rod sticking out the corners. A crane stood them up. In Puerto Rico, they build inside wood forms and pur the roof deck even with a pitch. I also knew a guy who wanted to precast mobile homes, like 4 meters wide, so they could be delivered into the city

[@Goalsplus]

@camperjack2620 cool. I wonder how they perform, cost, compare. I would think they would be good in a storm at the least.

[@rboswald]

I'm surprised they didn't use fall protection

[@majordelays4909]

Watching the video the roof on that house looks like it would cost about £20k in Uk to concrete tile I wondered whether I could have had my £13k (but paid £10k mates rates) roof diy the US style with OSB. I wondered if the US style would suffer damp and mould and didn’t give much more thought. Why don’t we use osb and felt in UK?

[@DubStu]

US tar shingles last about 20 years tops. Concrete tiles last 50 years+. Slate is better though.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

UK roofing is far superior to American style.

[@Dino2GunZ]

​@ironman4570 you're better off in a home built in the thirties the homes we build today are shit

[@jwpercy]

@@citizenoftheninthdivision all of the materials available in UK for roofing are available in NA. It's all about cost and what one is willing to pay up front versus downstream costs. I have a asphalt shingle roof. I put a new roof on 15 years ago. It cost me about $5k CAD. I will probably have to do it again in about 5 years. A metal roof would be double or triple that cost and slate would multiples of that amount.

[@drew5334]

@@jwpercy Plus installing slate increases the overall weight of the roof, requiring increased structural capacity in the shear-walls and gravity loading of the structure. Like you said though, the increased cost is the main thing, and with the ease of replacing asphalt shingles, I'm not sure the life-cycle cost of slate/tile roofs are any better than a high quality architectural asphalt shingle, especially in areas with freezing weather. And since most people aren't going to own a home for 50 years, it often goes through multiple owners who do remodels and thus the roofline may change and require reroofing.

[@nevik2451]

Good work with the tracks on the skid steer. I know with rusted up chains the easy thing to do is to hook it up to a truck quad tractor whatever and drag it around in some gravel. Frees it up pretty quick. May not work as well for those tracks and also gouge some spots though

[@bevo65]

Shadow FTW! My daughter has a pittie. I know it sounds cliché, but that dog is the most affectionate dog I've ever known.

[@jonahfinademz8646]

Best video on KZbin!

[@mermaidmuncher2708]

I normally wear Irish setters, have worn red wings but I urn up the sole before I break them in, have worn Danners there ok, just got my Whites 1st pair had to go back way to small ended up getting true size but wide, my next boot will have to be Thorogood. I wish I could find a boot with a decent sole that will last longer than 6 months.

[@we3k1ngs12]

Great commentary and video fantastic loved it. I hope to break ground in the spring !

[@paulborne6457]

The best music. Where do you find it?

[@mitchhak2]

Lot of “I don’t knows” which pretty much sums up the trade. Big factories pumping out wafer board & “engineered” floor joists & all this crap that won’t last 50 years. Just nail it together per the specs. Hope it don’t fall down

[@SplashJohn]

Nice job! You don't let facts get in the way of your prejudices.

[@mitchhak2]

If peace was a pear

[@vandl107]

Shadow is the best shop/yard/work Dawg lol... She stayed safely in sight , yet out of the way of work being a good pup! What's up with the 🔥😂 in the beginning of the vid lol ,💪👍✌️🤘🤙

[@bobkat1663]

Looking good just wish that was plywood and not osb. Great Show.

[@nopenopeandnope7050]

Hey man. Been following EC for years. If you're interested in other types of housing construction out of wood, check out Scott Brown Carpentry. New Zealand based builder. Really decent videos. He films working on lots of old renovations and stuff here, lots of very old houses made out of native timbers and tips and tricks and ways we do things here. It's a bit different to the US, so always interesting for me to take bits of both EC and SBC and try to apply to our own rotten 102 year old house.

[@executivesteps]

“Sheeting or sheathing”? Sheets of OSB or plywood are used for sheathing.

[@jandrewmore]

I think that most old houses were made with the materials at hand. Brick is very common in Ohio because we have clay soil. You don't need a factory to make brick, just decent clay + fire. One of the older homes in the area was built from clay bricks dug right on site.

[@andrewalexander9492]

Well, I feel better now, looking at the final roofline. In the video of putting up the trusses it looked like on the rear of the house where were going to be 2 gable pitches which died into vertical walls, which seemed like a completely insane thing to do, unless you lived in a place than never got any precipitation. I'm relieved to see that the main roof pitch is extended down to fill those corners. It wasn't obvious from the trusses that was the plan.

[@LurkeSkywalker]

I am European. I believe the reason why we are often surprised that houses are built out of wood is because we always see these videos of buildings being wiped out by Hurricanes that's all.

[@RHEC1776]

That's literally only 2% of the whole country. Those people are idiots for even living there. The place is literally called tornado alley 🤣🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🙄 As far as hurricanes. They build them waaayyyy different now. Back in the day, they didn't really have codes and testing facilities now days they have all the goodies

[@aaronorr5586]

A bulk of the damaging Hurricanes only occur on the gulf and east coast states. Tornadoes are a much bigger in terms of total US land space. Straight line winds and snow loads are things you can factor for in building where F4-5 tornadoes can and do knock down brick, cement, and stick frames with impudence.

[@zncon]

A good brick or concrete building can survive hurricane winds, but they can also spawn tornadoes which are much harder to handle. The middle states in the US also see a lot of tornado activity over the summer. The rating system for tornadoes only goes to EF5, because that's the point at which nothing above ground survives. No reason to have a 6 or 7 because there's already nothing left. It basically doesn't matter what you built the home from - it's gone.

[@hotrodpaully1]

But wood also holds up better to earthquakes. Take two houses right next to each other. Add a strong earthquake chances are pretty good that the wood house will still be standing, and the brick house will be just a pile of rubble.

[@mtadams2009]

I live in New England and hurricanes and tornadoes are a rare event. Wooded homes hold up very well. In states like Florida you see a lot of homes built of block. They also have a big issue with termites.

[@AceOneOne]

hemp wood is the building material of the future, matures to harvest in 90 days with many benefits.

[@GoatZilla]

2:12 what are those guys burning and why?

[@jybuis3939]

Just trying to impress the new neighbors ... ghetto move

[@matthewwatkins9119]

Great video. I'm patiently waiting for the next gate video lol

[@gregoryvschmidt]

Interesting that the sheathing is done with sheet goods, but the process gets called sheeting by some and sheathing by most

[@MAGAMAN]

Not if you know what sheathing means.

[@gregoryvschmidt]

@@MAGAMAN I do. Carpenter for over forty years. I also know wainscot is not Waynescoat

[@MAGAMAN]

@@gregoryvschmidt Sheathing isn't necessarily a carpentry world. For example, sheathing your sword. It simply means to cover with a protective cover, in it's most basic form. "Waynescoat" is used by the same kind of people that use "unironically" in every sentence.

[@ScottPlude]

I have so much respect for builders. Our younger generation plays video games. They have ADHD. They sip their starbucks. Mostly useless lives. Not these guys! Homes don't just "happen". They take hard work, for many months. They take people will skills and pride in their work. So grateful for the hard working Americans out there, getting up with sore joints and tired muscles and going to work no matter what the weather is like. Our lives would halt without their efforts!

[@ralphalvarez5465]

Shadow is an American Staffordshire Terrier and they are most loyal and loving dogs. I've had many dogs but my staffie was the best dog ever. I will always miss her...

[@williamdemilia6223]

Shadow is like your father's good pipe smoking friend , watching the action. burn fires , nice .. but not here in CT. and same mud as CT . good video .

[@Saltyy_dog]

Essential Craftsman rules!

[@mikeebrady]

2:12 Ew at them burning plastic

[@erelpc]

yes lol surprised they didn't think twice about putting that in the video.

[@paralellosll3849]

All that sheeting must add a lot of expense. Is Australia we use steel bracing straps and wrap the house in a vapour barrier, which we call paper.

[@MAGAMAN]

The sheathing is important. It adds structural rigidity, and protection to the house. It also ads some insulation, but not much. You description sounds liek what we woudl call a pole barn.

[@azi6477]

As a civil engineer from the Netherlands I can tell you we also use wood as a main structural material to build homes next to the traditional brick houses. But looking at this video I am questioning why you build it so cheap? Your attic has thin beams and lots of studs (webs) and makes it useless space. We would use larger floor beams and self supporting roof trusses (Top Chord) so we don't need the studs and we have a total open and usable attic space. Because we don't use shingles but roof tiles we nail or screw the plywood from the inside and fill the space between the trusses with isolation. On top comes the roof battens each 30cm (for Americans, that is about one foot depending on what size you have) to hold the roof tiles. To make the walls, we isolate in between the upright beams and first screw on 18mm plywood or osb and then screw on 9mm drywall so it is strong enough to hold a shelf or someone bumping into the wall. All plumbing and electricity (230 volts) will be inside the wall. Of course we have all the details about moist prefenting, but I guess that will be approximately the same. A good solid wooden house can easily stand for hundred of years and more if the details to prevent rot have been applied correctly, even in our wet country. I like your videos and to see your perspective on how to do things.

[@brentbrown8669]

Why do they cut the sheathing short on the overhang?

[@AV1611BibleBelievingJimmy]

Wonderful real american music! Nothing beats it

[@Mojo-Risin-Risin]

" Sheathing"...not sheeting

[@andrewalexander9492]

Good luck with that. I mean, I feel your pain, it's like fingernails on a chalkboard every time I hear someone call sheathing "sheeting", and I wonder how that came to be, because every single piece of sheathing, had the word "sheathing" printed on it in multiple places. But the mis-use is so heavily entrenched in the building trades I doubt you're going to change it.

[@db0nn3r]

Im sure its been asked a thousand times but on top of the consistently phenomenal content, who does the music or where are you getting it from!?

[@E.lectricityNorth]

Nothin more satisfying than smoothin out dirt

[@jonathandevries2828]

next is plumbing rough in!

[@fasousa4798]

Great subject!

[@E.lectricityNorth]

Best way to "sequester carbon" is to grow trees to maturity, then cut them into lumber and build them into structures. Watch the heads explode...heheheh

[@disqusrubbish5467]

And guess which process is worst. Concrete. Yeah, I like wood.

[@MAGAMAN]

Carbon is one of the most important things in our atmosphere. Without it, everything would die. If C02 was really such a big deal, wouldn't they be boycotting India and China who are by far the biggest polluters on the planet? Why do they only go after the "hwite" nations?

[@E.lectricityNorth]

@@MAGAMAN Carbon dioxide, technically. Plants growing by using carbon dioxide to accumulate carbon and build the structure of their bodies is a conspiracy theory though. Everyone knows that!

[@greatitbroke]

They would not be framing with out life lines and harnesses in Ontario. No way. Huge Fines for that.

[@MAGAMAN]

You can always count on government to make things more expensive and slower. Also, your politicians clapped for a literal ww2 Nazi. lol

[@kirkyorg7654]

well as someone who has built houses on both sides of the pond [UK] i say both methods have there pro's and con's

[@connercoy2599]

Our next house we’re about to start is a 14/12…not looking forward to that one, and it’s 3 stories up. Nice video👍🏼

[@Deano.1978]

The thing that surprises me about US building is the sheer amount of ply/osb sheeting you put on the walls and roofs in prep for cladding or shingles. Over here in Australia we use the european method mostly (tiled roof and brick veneer walls). Not saying its better, just interesting to see the difference as we are a hot climate compared to NW US. In my area I'm seeing an increase in steel framed houses, over here we have termite (white ant) problems so timber needs to be treated and we have chemical and physical barrier systems in our building codes to protect the frame/trusses, steel avoids all this extra stuff but is more expensive than timber. My 12yo house is timber framed (H2 treated) with brick veneer walls and conc tiled roof. It sits on a raft/waffled slab on ground foundation (with piers down to rock) and a chemical termite barrier around the perimeter that needs filling every 3-5 years.

[@dpeagles]

U.S. uses brick veneer a lot

[@johnmorrison7711]

Building materials i think have always been what's locally available because of, historically, the inability/cost to move heavy materials long distances. Mind you, the builders of Stonehenge never got this memo - choosing to build from stone, quarried hundreds of miles away.

[@joey809]

Nate your home is beautiful. Looks like you have a Great builder! Enjoy your video's.

[@dandonna852]

I thought I would seeing more alternative materials like carbon fiber and strong dense plastic suds hoping be non-tactic too

[@lanceo1690]

The German guy was wrong, but he has a point. We do not build well. So often our buildings are considered disposable. Like when you had to tear down the small house on the lot. You should have been allowed to save it.

[@jackjetpilot]

I love the video! Thank you!

[@davidsawyer1599]

The points made are valid about wood. Cost effective and renewable. I live where there are residences built that way. I also live where hurricanes and tornadoes are commonplace. The reason it's called stick framing? Because after one of those passes through, that's exactly what it looks like. Sticks scattered all over the place. If one doesn't have to contend with those naturally occurring phenomenon, then it's the right choice.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Wooden houses can be built for hurricane prone areas. Don't know about tornadoes.

[@MAGAMAN]

Tornadoes will tear apart a brick building with ease.

[@christoskettenis880]

I understand that different countries have different building practices and traditions based on the available material. For example, we in Europe, and especially in my country Cyprus, just don't have large enough lands to plant firs for lumber harvesting. We have one or two large cement and brick corporations that supply the building materials for brick and concrete housing instead. What I want to ask, is since you can need to make underfloor space for the utilities, why does it have to be a crawlspace and not a regular basement? Is it more expensive to make basements instead of crawlspaces?

[@dougsundseth6904]

From my understanding, the decision to choose a crawlspace rather than a basement is generally driven by either groundwater or the underlying soil. In places with a high water table, it can be nearly impossible to keep a basement dewatered, so houses are generally built entirely aboveground. As an example, in parts of New Orleans, people don't (or didn't perhaps) dig graves but rather built aboveground crypts for exactly that reason, and almost all houses have no basements. In places with very rocky ground, it can be too expensive to even dig out a significant size hole. You have to use jackhammers or explosives and it's a very slow and difficult job. So houses there are built above the underlying grade. Further, in some types of soils, you have to manage clays that change volume greatly if the moisture content changes. This can result in pressures on basement walls that will destroy the concrete. Where I live, this has been a major problem at times, destroying houses, requiring major rebuilding of roads, and the like. With expansive soils, it's often better to just sink piers rather than try to build a basement. In most parts of the US that I've lived, basements are quite common, because they offer increased living space at a bargain price, but sometimes they just don't make sense.

[@christoskettenis880]

@@dougsundseth6904 Thanks Doug, that's very informative. Cheers

[@bigshantolifting]

Anybody know what brand the drill attachment is or what it’s called? Another great video Nate

[@andrewalexander9492]

It's a Simpson Quik Stik

[@bigshantolifting]

@@andrewalexander9492 thank you sir!

[@rafaelmarin1963]

👍👍 for Shadow ❤

[@lvtiguy226]

Great video! I just wish your builder had a little more emphasis on fall protection and ladder safety.

[@shoalsbeverage1705]

Cheap and readily available!!!!!!

[@sixpotshot]

From someone who has experienced both sides: structural concrete based homes vs timber - there is a lot to like about both but mainly: structural concrete is a lot more solid, thinking about earthquakes, tornados, longevity and the lot (insulation - sound and temp - is debatable but current standards for timber framing in semi-detached and attached properties tells me that sound insulation is generally poor whilst temp insulation is good) . Timber frame building on the other side is a lot easier to modify and rebuild setting aside discussions in between now rare post and beam vs current timber framing!

[@SplashJohn]

How dare you be so reasonable in considering trade-offs of different building methods! Why can't you follow the current trend of lionizing one choice and demonizing all the others???? 😁

[@robertblacksmith4355]

My uncle built his home in Italy Bricks ,Steel etc! has 2 roofs Flat one with Torch on and drainage in case his 1st roof leaks A- frame with clay tiles!

[@dwylhq874]

Tradition and Cost. Wood is great for building _fast_ but not to last.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

There are still houses in the US that are 100-200 years old. And if you want to remodel or build anew, it's easier to do with a wood house.

[@autumn42762]

didn't they use a much better quality and thicker wood back then though ? @@disqusrubbish5467

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Why don't they use a lift to get the OSB on the roof??

[@jeffreyspilker2209]

I love how the back of the house is as attractive as the front, well done.

[@JamesColeman1]

What’s the OSB glue made of?

[@MAGAMAN]

Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde or Phenol Formaldehyde.

[@robertseguin4875]

look like a huge roof.thanks

[@gordonauld5945]

I wish I woods cooda record the work I've done everything from stone work on the scenic hwy clombea river George custom home's and historical buildings & Fire lookout's.

[@gertschepens9535]

In Vlaanderen ( Belgium) building with bricks is still very popular and there are companies that are trying to launch wood more but without success .

[@kevinharding2099]

That seems like a big house! I live in a 1000 sq. Foot unfinished cabin for 6 months a year that was a DYI project. It is not perfect, but it does the job. This house looks like it is going to be quite a structure!

[@aaronorr5586]

Certain rooms in this house are scaled up to what is desired for the buyer. You will find expansive Kitchens, Living rooms, bedrooms, Master Suites with their own Shower and tubs, all walk in closets. My own house is a 1968 built 2x4 framed side to side split with a half basement where the HVAC and Laundry lives. None of my closets are walk in. Kitchen and Dining area are all a single room. 940 Sq feet of total finished space. Conditioned space goes up when you factor in that the basement is conditioned space to protect the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Kudos to those framers. It's no small feat to work on a 10:12 roof! Oh to be young again! LOL House is looking great. Keep up the good work.

[@robertbeirne9813]

There were couple of moments, I didn’t think that one guy was going to get any older.

[@toddcunningham3213]

I did it for 30 years. I miss it, but I don't really miss it. Especially, on those days when the wind was blowing. The roof sheathing days were actually the days that I considered, "easy days". Lol!

[@dfrazao8627]

no fall protection, not good guys up here in Canada that is a big no no the whole crew would be sent home and the contractor would face a huge fine. The job wouldn't be allowed to continue till everybody had a harness and knew how to use it and passed a safety fall protection course.

[@arkansas1336]

6/12 through 10/12 were my favorite pitches to design/build on a house! All of the pitches were determined by the wall height from the finish ground to the bottom of the facia boards (and as you know, the general rule is the visual percieved wall height should be equal in height to the visual perceived roof height)...and of course there were many other factors! However in 1971, I did build one 15/12 open beam roof (24' rafter/beam span) through the middle of a home at a right angle to a 5/12 roof on each side. Quite a challenge and a long ways to the top and a lot of money....lol. But when I gave the customer my bid, they said, "get it done asap, we're ready to write the checks and move in!"

[@LifeofSimonK]

Great job.