In this episode, I get all the 4x10 pressure treated beams up, positioned, and fastened together and to the straps embedded in the concrete piers. The beams are super dense and heavy - it's a real workout to maneuver them into position. To get the beams cinched up tight, I use ratchet straps (with the help of a friend) wrapped around opposing beams, then nail in the metal corner ties to secure beams at every inside corner.
I also install a beam resting on beefy beam hangers to support the stairs that will go above it. I get a visit from a wild turkey family as they amble right by the cabin site.
I bring the trailer to my local lumber yard and load it up with 2x10 material to use as joists to build the floor that will rest on top of the beams. I picked up the trailer out in California to bring the beams back (see Episode 3) and I'm happy to be making good use of it here. I get all the lumber up to the site and set up the first rim joist that goes along the long edge of the cabin, do joist layout on it, and toenail the first nail, thus beginning the floor stage of the project.
Temperatures are dropping quickly here in the Colorado mountains and we get some beautiful rolling clouds coming through the hills. The first snowstorm of the year is about to hit, so everything is about to change.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Putting up beams
08:08 Chopping wood
09:08 Flute walk
11:05 More beams
13:14 Attaching beams
18:36 Wild turkeys
19:01 Wrapping up beams
22:38 Rolling clouds
23:20 Lumber yard
24:17 Rim joist
28:45 Outro
About the Project:
I'm building a cabin by myself on my land in the Colorado mountains. I have very little prior building experience so am learning as I go along, making a million mistakes along the way. I've been wanting to learn these skills for ages, and finally found a window of time to go for it.
In between building, I take you along on side trips and explorations of this beautiful land. Hope you enjoy!
Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ryelkestano/