FIXING A FROZEN CABIN. NO SKILLS. THE STAIRS TO LOFT 

I wish somebody would love me as much as you love wood stoves.

Kind of same story. Covid hit and my wife and I decided to change it up and get outside our comfort zone. Never really ever swung a hammer in my life. Bought 10 acres of raw land in Vermont and started clearing a building. Weekend Warriors. 3 years later we have built a 12x24 main cabin, 10x12 guest cabin and a 12x12 A Frame along with a ton of side projects. This summer we are building a Tree House livable cabin on the back 40 of our land for the Grand Kids to hang out and sleep at. 100% taught on You Tube and channels like yours. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring 60 year old people like myself and my wife that want to push the boundaries of our comfort level and experience new challenges.

Nice salvage work with the stairs. Personally I'd put a block under each step on the outside string as well for added strength.

I subscribed. I am not a guy but a 73 year old grandmama and I love your content. Keep it up!! I enjoyed it immensely. Love your blogs. God bless stay warm.

Hi Jay. Follow the comment on blocking the other side of the stairs. The downward weight will overwhelm the screws after a while. Also, to save yourself time measuring for distance/spacing and plumb, make a 4 inch wide block of wood with all sides parallel and square. When your first post is plumb, use the spacer block and you won't have to measure everytime on each spindle.

The Northern Lights are so beautiful. Thanks for including them.

I've done construction and maintenance my whole career, which was 40 + years, and I think you've done pretty darn good on those stairs. Love the videos, keep up the good work.

Ever since you bought this cabin, I've been waiting to see you fix it up. I wanna see you finish it to whatever it is that makes you happy. Don't just think its a cabin, make it better, the way you want it. Just like how you took your time on the stairs. In the end, you'll be much happier. Who cares if others disagree with you. Also, I like it when you stay out at the cabin longer.

Never be afraid to make mistakes. That’s the best teacher! Thrilled you’re doing it.

Once you sat on you stairs for the first time and let out that big sigh for the job well done, gave me so much joy. I love everything about this. Keep it up!

Jay, there will always be another way to design and build something. You have chosen a good way, why burn good material when you can reuse it. Sure, if you completely redesign and build a cabin, you can plan some things differently. What do you want to do differently other than adapt something. You don't have to win a beauty contest, it has to work and that's exactly what you've done. Nice videos from you and I envy you for the beautiful nature in Canada. Greetings from Frankfurt.

Nice job on the stairs Jay and those northern lights were beautiful.I really enjoy these cabin videos. 🙂🇨🇦👍

I really enjoy all your videos. Closing in on 200 g’s who’d a thunk it J? Please keep up the efforts. Lots of us really appreciate everything you’re doing. And you’re so genuine. Wish for more good times together. Thanks for your hard work doing these videos

I think you did a damn good job to be honest with you keep up the good work you learn as you go😊

I love your positive attitude about things & your willingness to try new things. God bless you 🙏🤗

Really rewarding watching you knock those stairs out. Love watching the cabin slowly transform. Great video!

Having these videos to look back on will be priceless. To see how much you accomplished will give you that much more confidence to continue making videos to share with us that we all enjoy so much. Cant wait.

Jay, you make me laugh so much. I have 2 sons and they overbuild everything too. A 400 lb gorilla could go up those stairs and they wouldn’t budge an inch. I love this series. You are accomplishing so much and the quality of the filming is spectacular. Carry on. 🇨🇦❤️👍

The food you are cooking, makes my mouth water. I also like how you are teaching yourself , as you go along.

Nice work, love your videos, 1 thing, the matches box, to close of your stove, 1 spark and no more cabin. Keep up the good work.

This is exactly the kind of video I was looking forward to when you got the cabin. Keep at it!

Just a tip for the stairs or any future project. Once you get the first stringer cut to fit, you use it as a template for the other stringer, that way they're identical. Saves you a lot of time measuring and cutting the second stringer. Same with the railing posts. cut the angles on the top and bottom, then use it as the railing post template. cut the posts one after the other. Saves a lot of wood waste and time. One more piece of advice. Put the tread support blocks on the other side of the stairs. After repeatedly going up and down the stairs, the screws will eventually break through the treads causing you more work and expense. The bowed piece of wood, would have straightened out as you screwed it into the treads, so you could have used it. lay that piece of wood on a flat surface weighted down. The bow will straighten out. It's a good piece of wood, not to waste. So after all of that Monday morning quarterbacking, they came out pretty good for a first time stair build!

Great job on in the stairs and they blend well with the rest of the cabins interior ❤your videos ❤

Jay, Keep up the great work. Three suggestions. 1. Blocks on both sides of the stairs. 2. A tip up and frozen minnows. 3. A five gallon bucket of a light colored latex paint would make the cabin much brighter.

Love your philosophy on can or can't lol. I believe it should be Can!

You are doing a large-scale challenge.🏠 I was surprised.😮 And I look forward to seeing your future.⛄️

Hi Jay Sure have a lot of snow. Definitely put blocks on the outside stringer because screws into end grain will not stay tight. Like your videos.

Cool meal idea with the kraft dinner! Making this this weekend for our picky eater kids 😂

Stairs and railing looks great, get yourself a good set of clamps, they are invaluable when working alone as an extra set of hands.

I would rebuild the stairs using the good wood , hello new sub here from wales

As Yoda says, "There is no can, can't or try... there is only do." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I love the feeling of accomplishment. I learn as I go and do not measure well. I take longer with projects because of Crohn disease. So when things go against me I think finishing something meaningful, purposeful, I just feels so good. I e had to learn to smell the roses as I go. To tell myself it’s ok not to hurry. Thank you for your videos. It’s encouraging

How on earth are people watching this content and not subscribing? Come on people! It costs nothing to sub and Jay works hard for us to enjoy these videos. Cheers to everyone.

Not easy working by yourself. Your doing a great job. Thanks for bringing us along.

I love how you are showing people what can be done by pretty much anyone, as long as they’re willing to learn and put in the work and have the determination to see it through. I wish you luck in your renovation of this wonderful cabin, and I look forward to seeing your progress.

Robertson drive is the best, never slips out, we use it in all our scaffolding builds, awesome to see you using these.

Good work on the stairs. I love your determination to get things done right. No worries, I am with you to the end on this cabin. Stay safe and warm.

Don't be so hard on yourself Jay! You cared way more than the person who made those original and you resurrected did. Never forget without failure you can't learn so always try bud

Jay I still love the videos wish I could leave N.Y. and give you a hand excellent work.

Great job building your railing Jay

I like the combination of 6x2 and 2x2. looks great!

I could so very well easy sit in a chair with that beautiful cosy fire 🔥 going on and look out that night time window forever at those amazing Arora lights& be happy for the rest of my days.❤All the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿

The job with the stairs could have been done way easier and cheaper. However, you are authentic. I love it.

I like the cabin renovations. 👏. You’ll be at 500k subs in no time 😎

The northern lights were so pretty. Good job on the stairs. Much better than a ladder and safer. The chicken stew looked great. I live in the states and I always say "Let's see if we CAN," do this or that. "Can't" just never made sense to me either.

Jay, you really are the highlight of my RU-vid video reel..... your adventures are inspiring and I look forward to seeing the next posting.... thank you

I enjoy your videos . I wish I was younger I would to do what you are doing .👏👏👏👏

You for sure do a great job, so for not having experience..be proud of yourself. If it were me, I would do hinge stairs that could be up against the walls during the day to maximize the space and brought down at night when it's time to go to bed. I love the idea of off-grid living, and maybe one day it will happen and thus is one thing I will do. Wish you luck, stay safe, and catch you on the next one.

Awesome content as usual Jay. I love that you admit that you are green regarding carpentry work and ask Jerry for help. It is so great that you are a down to earth guy, one of us. I still can't believe how much food you can devour at each sitting.....LOL. Keep up the enjoyable videos!! I look forward to the next one.

I ain't no carpenter but that staircase looks amazing and most important functional ...

I don’t laugh easy. But there is something about your wit and laugh that cracks me up😂 Let’s see if I CANT get me another one of them 😂

J, that was amazing video really enjoyed it. And your stairs and railing look just beautiful God bless you and your family.

Really nice work on the stairs, RU-vid is so useful for this kind of jobs!

Love watching your videos. Cabin is good looking. We had a dry cabin in northern Wisconsin when I was a kid. It was on a beautiful small lake. Only a couple of cabins there. This was in the 1950's, i miss it now. Can't wait to see what you do next. Peace Love Happiness 💖

one spark and all your matches go up in flames and most likely burn down your cabin...at least leave them in the box, good job with the stairs...just think how much warmer you will be sleeping in the loft.

Great job Jay! 4” spacing is air that’s required by code. Starting at the bottom with the first upright in place, use a 4”spacer working your way to the top. That way they’ll all be the same! Just a suggestion. I read in another comment that a cleat under the outer edge of the tread is an excellent comment for safety! Good job, and good luck!!!

I have already subscribed. I get my cabin and camping thrills through you. Thanks for the videos.

Just take a deep breath and relax. There’s always going to be projects around the house. You are a smart, capable person. You have figured out how to over come many issues while building busses. You can do the same with the house. Changing out the faucets isn’t that big of a deal. There’s plenty of videos out there to show you how. I have faith in you, you can do it.

NOT PICKING but slow your jig down, not so much of a lift, let it rest, give it a rattle, just enough to shake your bait , bounce bait off bottom to create dust pool in water to simulate a dying fish or bait on the bottom, pike or other game fish will pick that up and come over to investigate. repeat... good job Jay

Good luck renovating your cabin Jay

Ahhh man! 25:55 The northern lights through the cabin windows! Killer shot

See if you can ! 😊 anyway great job on the staircase well done you it looks so nice x

The 2x4 under the treads you did on the wall side, you also need to do on the outside runner as well.

Come on peeps! Let's get Jay's numbers up! Another great one Jay. ❤

I am so glad you fixed up a new staircase, that step ladder was way too dangerous 👌 and a very good job you did to... a hand rail will make it perfect..❤

I absolutely love the cabin renovation videos. This is a dream of mine which may never occur so I’m living vicariously through you. I cannot wait to see your vision come to life. I also cannot wait for you to pull a big pike and cook it up!

Proud of you man...keep up the good work!

The holy trinity of burger condiments. Fritos also. Well done my frozen man. Well done.

Love the northern lights!

The skills are not a problem, you will get the skills if you have a big wish to renovate this cabin. So, good luck and don't be afraid to make the mistakes!

Definitely go with option 2 on the steps to the loft!!!! We love watching you. I/we think this would be your best bet!!!!

Jay, this was a super productive trip. Northern lights showed out. The stair project was great. The food was awesome. Sometimes, those fish have lockjaw, lol. Hoping you might try some snares in the future for those snow shoe hares. Again, fantastic trip. 👍👍👍

Jay, my hat goes off to you my friend. I think you did a hell of a job on the stairs, they look great and work perfectly, great job !!!

SO calming and cozy, the best video ❤❤❤❤

Level is across and plum is up and down just for your information, great job!

Another good episode. I cannot wait to see how you make the railings at the top. It would be good to find some old tree wood to decorate it to give it character. Looking forward to your next video. X

You’re not the Newfie I know, fishing line on a stick, perfect. Love it

Good job! Scales are very difficult to do! You can be proud! English is a second language for me. Excuse my mistakes!

When I go off-grid, it's all about economy of resources and making the most out of each mobilization/ demobilization while still touching a piece of material as few times as necessary to get the job done. So, since you asked Jay: I would build the set of stairs I wanted and needed from new materials and scrap/ salvage anything useable in the loft or under the cabin but braced above grade so it doesn't water log, rot, sag, or warp on you. Since your access is limited and things are nearly always covered in snow, one of my first outdoor projects would be digging through your old "trash" piles and salvaging anything remotely useful while clearing around the cabin. Then I'd put a roof over your porch and a wrap-around lean-to around at least 2 sides of the cabin. Then I'd build a garage for your sled to keep the snow and cold off it for starters then put in insulated walls so that you can always start the sled, regardless of the temp or the weather... Then I'd build a wood shed that's big enough for projects and maintenance ~ maybe in conjunction with your sled shed... It's a lot of materials to haul, but it can all be done incrementally and you can source poles and posts from surrounding standing deadwood... That's what I'd do anyways 🤠✌️

First rate job on the construction project. Awesome view of the northern lights through the front windows too. Next time say "Let's go fishing!", that way you 'succeed' whether you catch a fish or not.

Never have I ever ... seen canola oil (from your previous video) and now Rum, freeze. Lol Love the oven attatched to your wood stove. What a great way to bake up some yummy breads and desserts. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the cabin. Watching from the Great Lakes state in the USA !!!

Great job Jay. Just like all the old Newfoundlanders whobuilt their own houses with little or no experience. Some still standing for over 100 years. And yes, I definitely see if I can.

Jay, now that's a burger. We always took the cover of the matches and put the innerbox with matches into the holder, it help keep them in line for the bottom opening.

Good stuff, Jay! Looks like you're well on your way to bringing the cabin up to speed. LOTS of work to do this stuff! In my world, I completely underestimated the amount of time it would take me to transform raw land into a homestead. Making good progress but it's been slow going as I'm doing everything by hand. I figured by not using heavy machinery, my place will have more of a rustic look to it. The road I cut through my entire property by hand was an a$$kicker but I'm really pleased with the way things are turning out. Have a great start to the week! ~ Brian & Meadow

Love your show.. can’t wait for the next upload..

You motivated me to make 2 polish sausages then go outside and fix a problem on my cabin steps, glad for pause, oh yea, don't drink soda anymore but did give me jones for one, we grew up on RC Cola, guess my family had some connection with them, really love the cabin videos Jay, thanks, the right way is what works for you, my friend👍👍⚒⚒

For a first attempt at a staircase...your doing a great job.....well done

Jay you've accomplished so much more than what I'm capable of. I hope to be able to build something at some point. You're doing a great job! And those Northern Lights.... breathtaking! I hope to see them in person one day

Been watching for a while and this was one of my favorites. Not bad for your first attempt at stairs. As it’s already been said, add blocking up the left side and use nails to secure them. Sheer strength is why. Then add a couple metal brackets to secure the stringers to the joists. Can’t wait to see what you do next.

Another brilliant video Jay . Love from Caroline Butler from UK ❤

I can relate. Not being a construction guru myself, I took on renovating my kitchen. For me I resorted to just accomplishing one task at a time and making sure it was done perfect. That way I didn't do 3 tasks and have to go back to step 1 and start over. It worked for me. As for the hand rail on that staircase, if you're going to redo it, what about using a slender tree near the cabin and clean it up for a nice hand rail? I have a ton of bamboo around my place and I used a bunch for the same thing. Kinda cool.

Even thought those pieces of wood were not the greatest for the stairs you can still use them. You could utilitarian them as floating shelves along a wall. You have all of that vertical space just being wasted. May as well utilize those wall for storage. I bet sleeping up the that loft was nice & toasty warm. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store for the cabin. Food looked amazing & you did a great job on the stairs.

Let's see if we can catch a fish!!! Jay, you did great job on the stairs!😊

I think I would try to rebuild it. Getting new materials out there for another staircase is going to take time. Lets see what you decided! Great video so far Jay, excited to see you fix this place up over time.

Love seeing the Northern lights. Thanks.

Well done Jay, nice looking stairs. As an amateur DIYer, I know it's not easy to get it right. . And the enjoyment when you do 😅

😮❤🎉😊your doing a great job brother, just remember all end cuts are fire wood for heat and food!!!!

Great job on the stairs and the work you did but I got to say. Favorite part was the matches holder. Just a great touch of decor to the cabin

Well done Jay. Top job on the stairs. Amazing northern lights shots, certainly none of that in Australia.

Hi there! Once again you are in my happy place. An awesome video, love seeing the progress with the cabin. And definitely looking forward to you getting a trail cam to catch all the critters that come by. The footage of the stars in the sky..... I would be watching that view for hours. So peaceful and no light pollution to kill the beauty all around you. Take care and I will be patiently waiting for the next adventure. 🙂