How To Make A LEVEL Floor System

This DIY exterior floor system is all about how to build a level floor system from start to finish. This floor foundation tutorial shows the step by step process of footings, beams, floor joists, sheathing installation and how to get it perfectly level. Bring Your Own Tools (#BYOTools 172).

Material List:
-5/8" Crushed Minus Rock
-4x4 PT Lumber

Tool List:

Apparel List:

MUSIC:
0:00 - Venice Beach: Topher Mohr & Alex Elena

#byot #diy #howto

[davidmc]

I have been working in the building trades for 40 years, and I have never seen anyone lay the floor joists on their sides. In addition to that, I would not recommend using 2"x 4"s for your floor joists at any span. A minimum of a 2"x 6" should be used. The plywood sheathing should always be staggered, this adds much needed strength to the structure. Always anchor your structure to the ground. You don't want to be responsible for your structure blowing away and causing damage or death, this happens more than you know. Finally, the fabric used under structures is not to prevent weeds. It's purpose is to protect the underside of the structure from moisture. So it is very important to use a (vapor barrier) visqueen/plastic sheeting, and not a weed blocker. Most people are more than capable of building a quality structure, but I do recommend that you speak with the professionals in your area to better understand the correct way to achieve your goal. Good Luck and God bless

[donaldmarlow]

I’m a retired ironworker, before laser leveling aids we used a clear hose almost filled with water and put a cork in each end just to capture the water. We a transfer a mark given by engineer to any location on each floor on a story job. Just uncork each end and transfer a mark wherever you need it by holding water level on desired level to the water level on other end of hose. All finish ironworkers carried a rolled up clear hose with corks in their tool bag. If hose is not long enough just make a mark to transfer the elevation. When they came out with laser aided machinery I thought that’s nice, but we have that problem already put to bed !

[garynicholls]

Hi Gary from the UK don't forget to tell people the 3x4x5 rule it will help people do this on your next video plus fit the joists on their EDGES not flat or the floor will have a bounce to it and it doesn't feel solid, very interesting and informative keep them coming

[samhunt]

I built pole frame homes in Australia and I used a water level. The accuracy I was achieving was 1/16' across the entire floor system. And I never laid joists on their side. Thats a new one one me after 46 years as a builder....1966 to 2012....Cheers.

[Campzzyzx]

Everybody on here saying you need to lay those 2x4s vertically have never built a trampoline. This is going to be the best wooden bounce house in the neighboorhood

[mokodorali]

Ive been in the building trade for 120 years, built my first house in 1896, we used 1x2 for joists, house still standing, doesnt have any walls or roofs but joists are still standing.

[theresak]

I like watching these DIY videos because in another young life, I would have loved it if we had the internet with immediate access to such; sure, we went to the library, which is a pleasant experience in itself, but such enjoyment with my coffee in the morning is gold.

[diverdave]

I started working with laser levels 35 years ago installing computer flooring - raised flooring . 99% of the construction workers rely on the laser levels to give a perfect level mark BUT they never ever check their laser level, to make sure its working correctly every time they use them ! Many get kicked - bumped and take a rough ride on the roads in the back of a pickup truck . I bought a new PLS laser and it was out of calibration ( the company mailed me a new one ).

[junkremovers]

DO NOT EVER PUT FLOOR JOISTS ON FLAT BUT INSTEAD STAND THEM ON EDGE SO YOUR FLOOR DOESNT BOW WHEN YOU WALK ON IT.. Watch Larry Huan or builder brothers if you want the right ways to build. This would be the laughing matter of all construction sites, i tell yah .

[noyopacific]

A simple, reliable and inexpensive alternative to a laser level is a water level. It is a length of clear flexible tube or hose long enough to reach between diagonal corners. Fill the tube with water and food coloring, lower the center of the tube and raise each end to allow air bubbles to escape. The colored water in the tube will reach the level point at both ends.

[CraneGuru]

Weed barrier will only prevent weeds for a year or so - afterwards, seedings will be blown onto them and they will start growing.
the barrier simply limits some of the drainage - - much easier to just use weed killer / ground clear once a year

[guysolis]

I like this guys enthusiasm and his video editing is stellar. I just watched his refinishing a hardwood floor video. He did it just right. Like most young carpenters, we all have a lot to learn. Taking measurements off of a drooping steel tape should be reconsidered and setting the post base in a hole invites puddling. His shed is less than 120 sf which means he wouldn't need an inspection. In my build I sank all for corners and two additional posts for the center in concrete. Ideally, the thing to do would be to get a Bobcat and excavate the location level. But over all, good project and I'm sure next time he'll modify the procedure like we all did at one point in out building careers.

[JAW]

Floor joists should not lay flat and when putting down the flooring sheets they need to have the seams offset like a brick pattern would lay out. Good video though.

[TheRealDailyAnarchy]

Ive seen quite a few diy shed floors built this way, but they usually don't have any experience building. It leaves the floor feeling spongy and weak. Not rigid and stiff, which is how it is supposed to feel. Ive noticed they don't bear as much of a load either. The floor joists were always 2x6 or bigger, sometimes sistered if putting a heavy load on the floor. You know gunsafes and heavy objects like larger frame tools, cabinet saws, etc.

[anglosaxon]

beautifull job!, ....two things i do as well, is to spray all the wood downunder with anti-termite oil, plus felt paper under the plates..its preety cheap and makes them buggers life harder.

[robertkerby]

Loved it!
I wait in anticipation of the next video where you build the shed on top of the extremely level floor!
Well done, Sir!

[jlocke]

Given how short the span was between the 4 by 4's, I can see using 2 by 4's for "floor joists". But they were clearly installed wrong; they all should have been installed with the "4" inch side up and down, sitting on the "2" inch side for maximum strength.

[lizzapaolia]

Definitely don't use these if you're in a high wind area. The idea is good for certain small projects.
Thank you for sharing.

[КапитонКлимов]

Whole project can be ruined in seconds if base not properly secured to the ground.
Any strong wing gust or tiny tornado make your structure had a flying experience. Also cross boards (joists) must lay vertical, and floor sheathing sheets must be staggered.
And of course, these plastic boots must be completely covered from sun uv rays.
Good luck!

[corashy]

You must tamper the footing and have 6"gravel tampered then you poor your foot. (Flat part of footing) then you set your post gravel backfill tapered agian.1' foot of dirt after gravel. This will give you 2 feet and stop upheaval of the post.