FINISHING OUR SELF BUILT HOME | Installing The Stone

Click here helixsleep.com... for up to $200 off your Helix Sleep mattress plus two free pillows! Free shipping within the US!
This week we tackle prep work for solar and plumbing at our investment property and also being the task of installing stone around our foundation. It's a week of many ups and downs, including a devastating attack on our farm.
Shop Our Apparel: www.bunkerbran...
We are a couple who are building our own home from the ground up in the mountains of West Virginia. After living near the city our entire lives, we finally decided to sell it all, pack up our 3 kids and live in an RV on our 73 acres while building our own debt-free, off-grid house and learning to live a more self-reliant life.
As of 2022, we are living inside our A-Frame home. The next phase for us includes building the bedroom wing onto our home while also building investment properties and renovating dilapidated homes.

[@WildWonderfulOffGrid]

Click here helixsleep.com/wildwonderful for up to $200 off your Helix Sleep mattress plus two free pillows! Finally getting a good night's sleep thanks to our Helix Sleep Mattress!

[@ericg4915]

Much respect to you brother Joshua for having the courage to leave the Amish community under excommunication to pursue love and your dreams!

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@ericg4915May I ask,did he mention this?..But the "Amish" Community isn't obviously going to be for everyone,but those guys certainly know how to work ..That most certainly has to be respected,!👍☘️

[@rymns]

Get 3-4 german shepperds dogs and you wont have issues with coiotes anymore.

[@anthonynicholas1165]

My advice as a builder of forty five years, it's the same as dry stone walling, (i've done a lot) use the stone you have, never refuse a stone, make sure you don't usse too many bigger stones first, or in the end you're left with lots of small ones, i'd use them straight off the pallet, it really does work out, they stacked them after all, love the channel, well done so far, you've got this.

[@wirelesmike73]

This is very, very good advice from Anthony. Let the stones go where they want to fit. Try not to shape them unless there's no other option. Try to utilize as many smaller stones to fill between the ones that don't fit as tightly as you may initially like, and keep as many of the larger stones as you can for later in the job. Just like wood, you can always take stone away a little at a time, but you can't put it back when you need it. Have a little fun playing with the placement of the smaller stones and keep in mind that irregularity is part of what makes stone look so good. You're not building a pyramid, it's not supposed to be "perfect". ;)

[@JCrook1028]

Yes, never try to force a "non pattern". You'll end up creating one.

[@Ankhubuntu]

Would the selected stone (Carysto i believe) Fit for A floor too..?

[@anthonynicholas1165]

@@Ankhubuntu You'd need a more dressed stone for a floor, hope this helps.

[@11watsonj]

Coyotes never give up or go away. We have lived this fight for the last 30 years. It was when we fenced the total outer perimeter and got our Pyrenees, of which we now have 4 on 100 ac. It is discouraging when it happens but it seems to never end. Also we have disposed of over 26 coyotes, 6 bobcats, and racoons. Good luck with the controls you chose.

[@da7heaven]

Prayers for your cat, hope she continues to improve and regains use of her hind legs.

[@WildWonderfulOffGrid]

Thank you ❤️

[@TraumaSurvivorCynthia]

Agreed!! 🙏🐾💯 #davesandersstepdaughter ❤️

[@kennyjustman933]

The stone will stick better if you spread thinset on wall with a 1/2 inch notched trowel then back butter you stone like you're doing, this creates a vacuum sort of making it stick better

[@darfliter1222]

Correct needs to butter the wall

[@longwayhome23]

@@darfliter1222 with the knocked trowel..right..!

[@kevin.lefevre]

this sounds like it's about the same process as tile flooring too

[@enginpost73]

This is one of those moments where it might go up and stick for now, but after a bunch of kids running around on the deck vibrates the walls or a kid bumping into the wall, in a year or less, those stone veneers might start falling off (if they don't put up a scratch surface first before buttering each stone and putting it up).

[@thetoddfather8163]

So sorry to hear about your cat we have a 17 year old Chihuahua who's in her final stages of life she will take a big chunk out of our hearts. Best of luck. Pets are Family.

[@RicanItalian25]

Wishing your kitty a speedy recovery. She's definitely a fighter and with you all by her side she's in great hands.

[@billvojtech5686]

Before Josh got injured a while back, I thought the plan was to build a concrete curb to set the stone on top of. I'm worried that that's a lot of weight to not have a support at the bottom. I might get a 2" x 2" pressure treated piece of wood and screw it to the bottom edge. Stain it to match the deck. I don't know if you were instructed to install the stone the way you are doing it, but I think it would stand a better chance of sticking in the long run, if you nailed metal lathe to the wall first and put the thinset on the wall as well as on the stone. I'd also wet the stone so it absorbed some water. Dry stone will pull moisture out of the mix and it will dry out before it fully cures. And even though it might seem like a waste of time, I'd measure out an area on the ground that corresponded to the area you are covering with stone. Fill it with stones and arrange them to get that "random but not haphazard" look. You might do some searches for stone walls with similar stones and see how they arranged them. I hope the cat pulls through. They do make wheels for cats and dogs, if you need them.

[@wilson4328]

Almost at the end I noticed your son watching as you two were showing affection to each other. Your kids will be So emotionally stable and fully understand what a loving marriage looks like. You two rock! God bless this wonderful family.

[@trapps99]

So glad your cat is doing better. I’m sure it was very terrifying for all of you. The house is looking great.!!

[@dandaniels4558]

More terrifying for the poor cat.

[@BigIronTexas]

My first choice for dogs would be two American Staffordshire Terriers, preferably siblings. Although the Boerboel and Kangal Shepherd Dog are also great options as well. I just have soft spot for the staffies because they tend to be very lovable.

[@charlieblackwell1628]

It can be such a blow to the heart when a long time pet is wounded. Hoping for a full recovery for your furry family friend. The stone looks great. Keep the randomness going. The more random the better. You all are doing so well. Thanks for the continued updates. BTW, will you guys advertise the new getaway. My wife and I have been wanting to travel to West Virginia for a long time and what better time to do so then with people that we know.

[@Sherri419393]

Prayers for you and your cat. Doesn’t matter how long you have an animal, you do everything you can to make them safe, they are family. Love you all ❤️❤️🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@richardthomas1743]

I really hope that your Cat will recover fully.

[@genestatler2514]

You two have to be the most talented non-professionals in the world. I don't think there's anything that you couldn't do. You really are amazing people!!

[@g2024_]

I’ve just got home from unfortunately being in hospital again. Kept checking to see if the video was up before I head off to bed. Glad I stayed up, 9:45pm here in England. But looking forward to this new video. Hope there’s an update on how your livestock is after the attack x

[@michele21auntiem]

I hope u are feeling better. My hubby has been sick too. Sure hope the animals are all okay at WWOG.

[@Barbaralee1205]

Gary, Prayers for your health. The extended WWOG family wishes you well. Me, Hestand, Kentucky

[@g2024_]

Thank you, had pneumonia and that was unfortunately my 3rd trip to a&e. been on ventilator & shot full of antibiotics & steroids But hoping I’m nearing the end, especially as this has been going on for 6weeks & also had bronchitis all over Xmas. But I’m obviously in a much better state than the poor cat & I hope above all else that she makes a full recovery. My thoughts are with Josh & Erin & their family and animals ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Quake81270]

I can't wait for the update of your cat. Hayden is a future farmer/homesteader. Please keep everyone safe.

[@petedempsey9435]

So sorry to hear about your cat, I hope she makes a full recovery from her injuries.

[@juliaingram8669]

Hope your cat has a speedy recovery she has awesome owners looking after her

[@realrayra]

ought to be using a 1/2"- or 3/4"-notch trowel for backbuttering those stones, same on the wall area you are working in. Same as putting up large format tiles. But whatever works.

[@staceyengardt3074]

So glad the outcome is positive. It easily could be your other furry family at any time. Hoping for the best for all concerned. Your decision to save your family member was absolutely right ✅. Glad you love them all the way you do! Great job on all aspects of your build!!!

[@g2024_]

All the best for your poor cat ❤️ hope she pulls through and makes a full recovery x

[@jerylynbean7634]

Thank you for doing everything you can to save your cat, it makes me very proud of you both. You are very good and caring people, this is why I enjoy watching your videos! God Bless

[@pattyclevenger1966]

I really hope she fully recovers.... Sending hugs and prayers

[@kimnelligan9820]

Poor kitty cat sending prayers for the kitty hope everything comes back to normal for her and your house is coming along beautifully great job

[@roydriskill8342]

Just a tip, skim the wall using a notched trowel then butter the stone. This will give a better & faster stick to the wall as well as reduce the amount of grouting needed to finish the joints.

[@douglasarmstrong2748]

I sure hope that your cat continues to improve. That can sure be rough on the kids...and the adults as well. We have coyotes in our area and we are in a suburban area so our two Maine Coons stay indoors. I think that stone is going to look just great and I agree on the random layout. Blessings all.

[@susanbernhardt2498]

I love the sweet care of your animals! I hope kitty will continue to recover. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jimkreiling9166]

Poor little girl. Fingers crossed for a speedy and complete recovery.

[@pauleddy5146]

Well, that's an interesting way to do stone face. Generally a ledge is used at the bottom and you build up, similar to tile. Also, not using mortar on the wall with a notched trowel, and butter and notch the stone is how I was taught. Gravity works.

[@TheWolfster001]

I completely agree, for one they well overbuilt the wall to hold the stone, and then not even place the stone correctly, I know there are many ways to do it, but that way will never hold and the stone will fall within a couple winters..

[@norellweiner3341]

I hope and pray that your sweet cat gets better and regains her mobility ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@dianegambill3219]

I’m so very happy to hear your cat is improving. Hearing the story brought me to tears! When we had our miniature dachshund I always took her out on a leash so she wouldn’t take off on a sniffing trail, and I was always keeping a lookout for predators! I know they can just come from nowhere and fast too!

[@FriendM2010]

Your empathy to choose life for kitty vs not is applauded. Hope she recovers. Emotional week for your family for sure. 🥰

[@Calieghbaby]

Your whole family is just incredible. Each episode (been watching from the beginning) I just gain more respect and gain more admiration for everyone. I’m so happy to hear the update on the kitty.

[@jancampbell600]

Prayers for your beloved cat and her recovery; safety for the rest of your livestock. Our fur babies are family, like our bonus children. Donkeys would help deter coyotes and provide some level of security. 🙏

[@jts8053]

Slake is to hydrate or "quench", like "Slaking your thirst." Basically you are giving it time to soak and absorb as much of the water as possible.

[@dandaniels4558]

Quenching your thirst ?

[@jts8053]

@@dandaniels4558 Same idea. Slake is a slightly archaic synonym for quench.

[@TheCrazyAztec]

As much as I love All 4 leggeds equally, am so glad all the babies are ok, was praying it wasn’t Leon or Chucky… Sending healing vibes to the kitty with 9 lives…

[@gordiehattrick]

Josh, I've always used a metal screen as the backer for putting stone on walls. Putting it on flat smooth backer board doesn't give a structure for the mortar to bite into. Hopefully the system you are using gives a good base for the mortar to stick. Love watching your videos!!!

[@garyhoe466]

I’ve always used screen first also. Worried if the bare cement board will keep the heavy rock attached with freeze/thaw cycles.

[@johnnyfeathers2567]

Yes Ive always seen the pros staple a screen up first to attach the stone to..

[@speliotis]

healing to your cat & best wishes to your family....

[@TheDelightfulCrafter]

You never cease to amaze…. No matter what, your family always seems to conquer and power on… Prayers for your fur baby…. With your love and attention, I’m sure she’ll make a full recovery…

[@carmelschneider1265]

Love watching your channel. You make us feel like part of your family. As an animal person I'm very grateful that you are giving your cat a chance to live. In 27 years living in rural areas we have lost only one cat to coyotes. Unfortunately that cat used up his lives living through being picked up by either a bald eagle or a snowy owl that was around. He spent 6 weeks in confinement as he also lost use of his back legs and had to have major surgery.

[@vickilemke8667]

I'm very sorry for your family's almost tragic loss . so happy your cat is doing better .

[@vantwembekeeric6603]

Hello friends. I live in Europe, Belgium, in a city located in the Province of Hainaut. I watch your videos from the beginning. I am sad for your cat. I sincerely hope and with all my heart that it will recover 100%. The relationship that all your family has with your animals warms my heart. Especially the passages with your daughter reading a story to a turkey, or caught cuddling at the little bull, dog or cat. Thank you for these moments of pure happiness. Thank you so much. Eric from Belgium

[@normanschillerstrom1226]

I have done a lot of cultured stone in my lifetime and we always started at the bottom and worked up. But we used mortar and if the stone was being difficult we would add a solo cup of cement to the mixer. The only downfall is that the cement gets all over the stone if you’re not careful. I used a the edge of my trowel to chip the stone, like a hatchet. Another tool that I found useful was clippers used on horse hooves, works great 👍🏻 you guys are doing good, sometimes you have to learn as you go 👍🏻

[@pup8112]

This made my heart hurt 😞 Prayers for your cat to continue healing ❤️‍🩹.

[@tracy2092]

so sorry to hear about you cat, i hope she makes a full recovery from her awful ordeal, i hope you guys all are feeling a little more hopeful too. sending prayers and healing thoughts

[@ericg4915]

Much respect to you brother Joshua for having the courage to leave the Amish community under excommunication to pursue love and your dreams!

[@robertmacomber4036]

I love to see the compassion that your kids have for God's creatures. You are raising them right. Hope your kitty recovers.

[@hygroclock2095]

I saw them put those rocks on a chimney build and they used chicken wire nailed to the wall to hold the cement.

[@jameswhittington4779]

All of my animals are a part of the family, and I have been in exactly the same spot that you are. With all the love and care that all of you are giving the furry little family member it has a real chance to pull through. My heart goes out to you and the cat. Best wishes ...

[@veroniqueappere911]

I am so glad your kitty is pulling through slowly but surely ! What a relief ! I have been praying for a quick and full recovery for this little lady 🙏🏻! God bless you all . I am a huge french fan of yours and I never miss a video. Thank you for all the fantastic editing Erin. You are the best! Warmest wishes . Véronique

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Good Almost Heaven Afternoon to y'all!! Hope everyone's doing well, under the circumstances. Stay safe and God bless!!

[@aliustundag]

I have been following your journey from Istanbul -Turkey since the very beginning. What you have achieved is incredible, yet down to earth and full of love. I am about to embark on a similar journey of my own in Turkey. You will be my first source of inspiration. Thank you and carry on the good work. I hope your cat recovers swiftly. Best!

[@froth7133]

When you started this journey/channel your technical skills and perseverance carried the show but now your video skills are just outstanding. Thanks for your commitment to excellent … sorry about the cat.

[@WildWonderfulOffGrid]

❤️ thank you so much

[@michaelwaddeington5307]

@@WildWonderfulOffGrid Erin, I don't know how many thousands of $ we've spent fixing broken pets. They are like your children after awhile and deserve all you can do for them. Love your channel and your family. Good luck with both builds and the cat. Mike and Gail.

[@andrasgczobor569]

I live in Central Europe. I've been following you for almost two years. I am impressed with the results you have achieved. I wish the cat the best. I hope the channel will be a never ending story. I wish you all the best! You deserve it!

[@barbarawatters4279]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for continued healing of your cat! You are great at building but even better humans for the care you give to your livestock and pets. Hard emotions to handle with the kiddos I am sure. Hugging my two furbabies a little tighter today.

[@JessicaRyan7of9]

Glad to hear your cat is getting better slowly. The stone will look awesome when it is finished.

[@susanhogan8649]

The guys who did our stone put a wire mesh on the wall then a layer of “mud” then mud on the rocks. They chipped away all day to make the rocks fit. It was slow. This is looking good.

[@michaelwaddeington5307]

Josh, take your grinder and back cut what you want removed on the stone, it should break a lot easier than chipping at it. Mike

[@BreakerBreaker1320]

They are skipping important steps here. This is one of those parts of a project where skipping key steps will ultimately cost more in the end. These stones may very well fall off the wall over the next few months because the moisture and temperature fluctuations will differ from the substrate to the stone. Next winter, moisture will find its way behind them and freeze, forcing them off the wall as well. We always use lathe with a scratch coat with a notched trowel and then apply the stone…or a brown coat if stucco finish is desired. It takes time which I am sure you observed with your installation. Everyone just needs to take time.

[@skibumphilosopher1612]

Like with Leon, I couldn’t watch the video until I looked at some of the comments to see that your sweet kitty is getting better. I sit here loving on my two furry babies. They are so important to those of us who love those four-legged critters.

[@izrtrueblue555]

Sure hope Kitty gets better and recovers fully!

[@wkjeom]

So glad kitty is doing better. So important for family moral. The stone is so beautiful.

[@stephanieonlife3657]

Hope your critters will be safe from now on. Positive thoughts and vibes to yinz.. Hugs!

[@deborahpinkey1264]

I can't imagine the trauma experienced by all of you, especially the kids. Here's wishing your kitty a speedy and complete recovery.

[@ynnel55]

Hi from wyoming, hope everyone's state of mind is healing. Love love love your channel, such a good story teller. You both are so talented.

[@garyhoe466]

What part of Wyoming? We lived in Riverton for 50 years until we followed the kids to Indiana………. Sure miss the mountains!

[@libbyjensen1858]

I feel so bad for your cat and the boys; being the ones to find her must have been very hard for them! Of the many things I like about your family/channel is your strong love and respect for your animals including the ones that will be harvested. That's a very touching character that everyone in your family has. Prayers for the cat's on-going recovery and for your family as well!

[@barrywhitlock141]

So glad your cat is on the mend, Thank you for sharing that with us, it is good to see the ups and downs, It lets us know that you have problems as well.

[@jglakecity]

I am sorry about your family cat. Grateful that the damage wasn't more extensive ( involving more animals). Prayers for recovery of your family cat. I just cannot believe how much Ellie has grown. Beautiful family!

[@ronwheeler1400]

Hope all keeps moving in the right direction with the cat. I think you got the right idea laying out the stone like that. I may have started on the far side, less visible, just to get my groove so that once you are on the larger wall and the porch it will be old hat.

[@christineburke3602]

Awww poor baby I hope you’re Cat has a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹. I‘be been watching you guys from the beginning and still enjoying.

[@grandperesdream3183]

Josh is a very good electrician. We've seen that right here on your channel. In addition to that, when it comes to stone veneer work, Josh is a very good electrician. There's more to him than that, of course...

[@gabiferris4534]

Praying for healing and comfort for your kitty ❤😔🙏 And for your hearts as you put on brave faces and nurse her back to health. ❤😔🙏

[@melaniedowell7064]

I'm so glad to hear the cat is doing better please keep us informed. Also Carter is becoming quite the young man he is about as tall as his mother it's not the same height. So proud of all these children they are amazing.

[@hondacrf450able]

Prayers and positive vibes for your cat to make a full recovery.

[@peggsargent7192]

Great helpers and so glad you’re cat is doing better now

[@gnavrides]

Prayers for your precious family member. She has so much support from such a caring loving attentive family. Luckiest kitty in the world. 💚 So sorry for your upset… dang coyotes love the kitties 🥺

[@BeeeHonest]

Hope kitty will pull through and make a complete recovery!

[@brentprosser7293]

Little tip for putting the mortar mix in between the stones when finishing: Get a large bag and set it up like a pastry bag and pipe it in. I did that on a stone wall before and then just ran my finger through afterwards to give it the look that it was put in there by hand.

[@leslieludwick1321]

I’ve done several mosaic tile bathroom floors and backsplashes by breaking up tiles. The key is to get the perimeter done with tiles that have a straight/flat edge, then fill in the rest.

[@ThisOffGridLife]

So glad your kitty is okay 💕

[@dalemccary6526]

You should wet the wall a little, spread mortar with a notched trowel on the wall, then butter the stone before putting it in place. Putting mortar on both surfaces creates better adhesion.

[@scotthodgen5647]

We raise cattle and horses and have kept a couple of donkeys (30 acres total) to keep coyotes away from all our livestock. Has worked for us for many, many years. Used to lose calves but not since we got the donkeys.

[@cathyjones3403]

Oh my goodness I’m so sorry and I’m so glad y’all found your cat in time to get her help. I would have been crying if I’d been there. Thank you for letting us know because I was so concerned. Love your videos and family and animals ♥️

[@davidmallery5333]

Prayers sent. Having an event happen such as described is devastating. In your area are several livestock guardian dog breeders. I purchased Mine a Maremmano- Abruzzese Sheep Dog from a breeder in Bumpass, VA. You will be amazed how protective and gently these giants are towards anything you introduce to them to protect. If you need and further info. Please reach out.

[@windrider5845]

So sad to hear of the coyote attack! I know it’s been a while since but talking from experience, they will be back! They are opportunistic and determined! I know you will do your best to keep all of them safe! 🙏🏼❤️

[@IchBleibeBIO]

Dear Erin, dear Josh, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a kind of "lighthouse" and "anchor" for me, a piece of "normality", in a time when pure madness threatens to become true here in our Countries. Thank you! All the best to you guys and prayers for your cat. Regards from Germany Frank

[@erickahumphrey3061]

Ellie is growing up so fast. She’s cute as a button!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@raynoladominguez4730]

I am so sorry to hear about your cat, I really hope for a complete recovery. It must have been so traumatic. you all have my prayers.

[@marshotto4945]

Haha, you two are about the most professional non-professionals I have ever seen! Glad to hear your cat is improving, I am surprised this is the first time you have experienced predators.

[@chetsands1609]

As a farmer of many and many of years, I can relate. I hope your kitty survives. Just FYI, if there is a short window of time in predictors attacking then that means they are either living close to y’all or they are in continued watch. Please be careful! Love and Hugs!

[@ladymoongoddess]

So glad it sounds like your pet is gonna recover, been thinking about you all the last few days. I'm beyond excited to see the stone going up, looking great as expected.

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

You could use your tile saw to get straight edges on the stone for along the top and other edges. Just a thought and hope it helps.

[@pattiearehart118]

Laying them out on the ground actually gives you the opportunity to switch out and improve before adherence to the wall. But you’re doing a great job without doing that…you’re naturals!

[@virus-hoax]

I screw metal mesh on the wood first so that the mortar has something to grab onto, rather than just the smooth surface of the painted wood.

[@arandomwoman2310]

I’m soooo sorry for all of you having to see a member of the furry family in such distress. How awful. That sweet brown cow is gorgeous! And Your stone looks as good as I knew it would!

[@susanmcclenathan1201]

So I hope your sweet kitty recovers completely

[@markholmes1346]

Stone work looks great, prayers for your cat! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@clarapappas1829]

Will be praying for the family and fur baby may she recover 100%🙏🙏🙏

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Sorry for the bad news -- hope she pulls through. Y'all are much like us in that you'll do whatever it takes to give your animals a good life (referring to the choice you made at the vet). Sounds like dead rabbit squeals on the boom box and a thermal scope on the AR time....just saying. Take care.

[@candettecorman5971]

Hope your children are doing good with this situation. Good treatments and a great vet is the best thing for her. Wish her well.

[@harrytaylor6854]

wow the stone is going to look amazing guy's yes i fear for my cats they were wild but now i can brush them but i have had big cats here at times see there tracks around the house and the garage where the cats come and go as they please .All the best for your animal family as well