Building an Off Grid Outhouse .........start to finish
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ย. 2024
- Building an Outhouse is the number one priority for any new homestead. In this video my brother Ryan and I build an outhouse at my remote off grid property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We're using rough sawn lumber bought from the Amish, and minimal tools, and digging the hole by hand, with a shovel.
When I woke up this morning, there was a list of things I thought I'd do today. Sitting here for half an hour watching two brothers build an outhouse was not on that list. But here I am, and I very much enjoyed it.
Thanks, guys! Very instructive!
It was on mine!
If you would have told me thirty years ago that I would spend some of my day off work sitting down and watching two guys build an outhouse in the wild I would have said you were crazy! Just goes to show you how we change with time!
It was so relaxing to watch and I can completely understand the sense of accomplishment when the job was done! There's nothing like creating something that is functional and will last. Great job!
I like to think we have evolved as time passes, to appreciate these types of moments and experiences! 😁🙏🏽✌🏽💖
Welcome to getting old my friend.
Funny. My boss called asking what I was doing? I laughed, sitting here watching two guys build an out house.
I so agree...I am 72...and love watching these kinds of videos.
@@oklagrowmie5587 i havent even been alive 30 years yet!
That rough cut lumber is a heck of a lot better looking than plywood and it will last a lot longer. Great work Dave!
Yep. Maybe hit it with sealant quick?
@@kevindouglas8768 Should stand and dry out for years, especially if the bottom of the vertical boards are off the ground. A flashing strip on top of the door might be the next thing I'd add for longevity.
That rough cut pine is good for about 15 years without treatment. (Nostradamus)
Quasimodo predicted all this
Definitely! My first house was built in 1956 the sub floor was dimensional lumber laid on a bias. The roof decking was dimensional lumber too. That old house was definitely built to withstand time. I question how long the glue will last in the osb of my newer home. Since I already had to replace one wall section due to water damage I’m thinking the old way was way better.
I like the idea that it's on a sled. You can move it to a new location when the old hole is full. Just six feet forward and there's another ten years of happy poopin'! The dirt out of the new hole covers the old one in. Very cool. Tx for sharing.
I’ve got to say, NEVER in my life did I think I would watch an outhouse being built. But I must confess, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very relaxing. Great job👍🏻.
Agreed!
Agreed
Yo
Relaxing, and crappers, go very well together.
Great job but just a friendly suggestion: A stove pipe vent from below the seat
would make entering the castle a much more pleasant experience. Getting those gases up and into the wind makes all the difference in the world.
I’ve heard that. Not to mention some kind of Water basin on the top to keep it wet and decomposing.
Does the stove pipe come out the back ? Also, how far below the toilet seat does it come from ? Thanks
My Grampa told me one time he was pulling up his pants in the outhouse when 5 dollars fell out of his pocket and fell through the hole. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a hundred dollar bill and threw it into the hole. I asked him why he did that. He said, “ You think I’m going down there for a lousy five dollars?”
LOL!!!
Lol 😂 love your grandpa!
hahahah greatest story i've ever read! .. Pawpaws always have the best stories and sayings lol. i sure do miss mine and this made me think of him.
LOL That's an old Sven and Ole joke.
That's an old Texas Aggies joke lol.
Your commentary makes the video so relaxing to watch. Love the content as always
Glad you enjoy it!
15:53
That was my favorite part of this video's commentary.
guess i’m not the only one who likes your narration, good video i love the outdoors
I finally figured it out... it sounds just like Nick Offerman narrating to me. Buttery smooth, and content appropriate.
Agreed; plus the close-ups of the tools and different things adds a nice touch
Who would have thought that in 2022, so many people would be interested in watching an outhouse being built.🤷🏼
This is so fascinating!! What an amazing video! 🧡
2024 here! 🤚 just bought my land next to a river/hot springs water and finishibg my off-grid getaway cabin for my hubby, baby and I. True dream come true, all we need is outhouse 😅 so here we are 😂
@@ginadeasbaje239 Brilliant! What a blessing to be able to do that for your family!!!
I wish we could live off grid. I’d love to be able to escape “the world”.
I wish you happiness and success🫶🏼
Cool video and nice job. When I was a kid my dad built a new outhouse because the old one was falling apart. We lived in the mountains and didn;t have a bathroom. Anyway, he built one to last forever. He built it out of cinder blocks. It was a thing of beauty. He also ran electricity to it for a light and a heater for those winter nights. All mom had to do was flip a switch on the back porch to light it up and heat it before she had to make the trek over. Reading material was the Sears catalog. :-)
nothing like that book for a great read!!
no heat inside???
@@donaldgarrison4313 lol 😂
My Mother said they used corn cobs to wipe with back on the Farm in Iowa. Now those peope were tough!
@@IntheBlood67 Field corn red cobs for the first go-round and the white cobs from sweet corn to see if you did a good job with the red one.
Was so inspiring to see two brothers working together hand in hand. That was a great job. Have a great day. 🙂
Thank you! You too!
I have 4 brothers, but only one is like that.
Should consider a two holer next time. Might have to go at the same time. 🤔
And they both know how to swing a hammer. A rarity these days of nail guns.
@@dimitri1946 Old School All the Way!
A handful of lime from a bag of barn lime from a farm store sprinkled on the doo doo below when you are done keeps the smell under control also.
Hi guys. I've built a couple outhouses so far. The first one was 4'x8' so there was room for storing tools. I added a small triple-track storm window on the wall opposite the seat. I also added an attic turbine ventilator to the back wall near the roof and above the seat. I ran some 5" dryer hose down the outside wall to a hole under the seat. As long as you get enough wind to turn the turbine, air will flow down under the seat and out by the roof. After one summer of use, you'll be really glad you added this!
This video my look extreme to some people and may look familiar to others....but the way things are going today it will become a necessity...great video guys...💯👍
What a joy to watch a man (or woman) hard at work improving one's own environment. That's how I was raised. Reminds me of my father and twin brother back in the day. Kinda brings a tear to my eye. I can even smell the wood!
Bless your heart , good memories. ❤
Shows the serious lack of Sunday TV programming when watching Dave and his brother build an Outhouse up on Whipple Creek ends up being the preferred option. Right On!
That clear roof is the best idea yet!
But the wood will last alot longer than the clear roof.... it would be better to take the top board or boards off the walls and replace it with the clear junk and have a solid roof top due to hail.... once it snows and theres alot of snow up there... your not going to see a whole lot with a clear roof.... think smarter
@@mitchellchandler3689 that polycarbonate is the same thing they top pergolas with.
@@susanconklin4945 what the heck are you talking about? That has nothing to deal with what im talking about
@@mitchellchandler3689 Think smarter? How many outhouses have you designed or built? Must be a special feeling you get kicking back and critiquing other people while at the same time being anonymous. I guess in your world everybody should check with you first before building a shithouse.
The moon cut out isn't so bad either. It makes for a good deer lookout.
I learned to build an outhouse from this man.❤
WATCHING THIS VIDEO, IT TOOK ME BACK 50 YEARS AGO VISITING MY RELATIVES IN JAGUAGORDA, LA VEGA IN THE DOMINICAN 🇩🇴 REPUBLIC. THIS IS AN ISLAND IN THE CARIBBEAN NEAR PUERTO RICO AND CUBA. MY BEST MEMORIES IN LIFE STOOD THERE. I WAS RAISED IN NEW YORK CITY AND WITH ALL THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS AND DIVERSITIES PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND VISITING MANY TIMES THE WORLD TRADE CENTER, ME PERSONALLY NEVER GOT IMPRESSED. I LOVED THE LAND, SOIL, TREES, PLANT COWS, CHICKEN. THEN I MOVED TO FLORIDA 5 YEARS, NOW I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY. I NEVER LIKED THE CITY. I AM CHECKING FOR A PIECE OF LAND NOT TOO BIG. I THANK GOD FOR THIS VIDEO THAT IT MAKE ME HAPPY.
Thanks
We may have to go back to the ol’ ways….off grid…love men who can build and have practical skills ! Thank You
I love his voice, it sounds so nice and relaxing
I was very happy when you carved the moon in! Great video and outhouse, fellas! Roughin it off the grid 😎
I am so jealous of your soil! In the Ozarks I had to have a pick and a breaker bar to dig mine. Keep the TP in a metal can or the varmints will eat it.
As a Lake Superior Yooper myself, these videos are extra-special to me. So glad you guys are enjoying the splendor.
I live in northern Serbia and here outhouses used to have a heart shaped cut in the door. 😂🤣 I remember my grandparents had a summer house in the middle of nowhere(Panonnian basin) with a normal "in house" toilet, water, electricity etc. but also had an outhouse and I remember I loved using it as a kid, it also had a small window facing the endless fields of wheat and corn. I miss taking a dump with a view. 😂🤣
Only thing you need is a coffee can to keep your rolls of TP in. That keeps the mice from making a nest in your spare rolls. Great job on the construction!!
Dave your narration makes a building an outhouse video relaxing.
I love the way he narrates- I commented on one of his videos, that he would make an awesome (story-teller).
@@lindellsuegay6766 you should watch his river raft photo VLOG - fantastic.
Getting closer to finishing my 12 x 10 cabin that Dave says anyone can build. Next will be my out house. All the lumber is free to me because at work it is thrown away. Wish I could show y’all my build. Thanks a million for the inspiration Dave, and Brooke too!
Thanks guys!
Never thought I'd enjoy watching an outhouse build!😉
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hug your brother often, my friend. I’d give anything to hug mine again. This video shows what we would’ve been doing- making a way on the land we going to get. I love your videos and don’t want to be all sappy, but you two have a special relationship and I thank you for sharing a glimpse for us. God bless you.
I enjoy all these vids so much ...Brooke's too. Immense respect! The commentary just makes it so interesting! My favorite outdoor/tiny house/homestead channel!! Keep up the great work!!
Thanks!! I appreciate that
@@Bushradicalbelieve it or not these are still legal in a lot of places. We bought a farm and I installed old worn out toilet seats so you wouldn't get a splinter in your rear. Dad never threw anything out. Now the seats are plastic . 73
I didn't expect to spend half an hour watching a couple guys build a crapper.. but yet, here I am. Fun video
. and even more time reading comments....basically saying the same thing, realizing we are similar in thought
I love watching you build with your commentary that makes it enjoyable and interesting. What an awesome outhouse too! Congratulations
Thank you so much!
I'm not sure why I feel more relaxed now that I did before watching a video about how to build an outhouse, but thanks for the trip back to the UP and for sharing your tutorial in a peaceful manner. Appreciate ya!
I watched your brother build a cabin and both you guys build an outhouse a perfect afternoon of enjoyment.
I used outhouses many times at my grandmother's farm. I can say this much I wished they had that styrofoam boards back then. You are so right about how cold it can get sitting on those old cold boards. Good looking outhouse I do like the handle and the easy construction
You haven't lived until you sit down and get pinched in the crack between boards making up the seat.
Thanks
it's why you keep the toilet seat near the wood stove and take it out with you.
Try pinched in the sack.
Bought a piece of land in Healy, Ak and I’ve been building my off grid dream cabin this summer. Just wanted to thank you for the VERY helpful videos, and also the inspiration to actually do it so my fantasy doesn’t go unfulfilled.
That's awesome, I want to do this myself. Especially with the way things are going.
Good to see Brothers working together and enjoying each others company ... also ... Great Outhouse!
It's always good to see family working together in any capacity- thank you for sharing
Thanks
I built an outhouse out of leftover slab wood from a saw mill in Lyman, WY. back in 1993… I made it “modular” so you could put it together up in the mountains (where you could drive to) and that silly thing was still standing and very usable in 2020 the last time I went home to hunt. This is a “catch up video” for me on your channel… I can relate to this project. Thank you again.
I'm a woman and I enjoy watching this kind of videos it's really helpful 🙏
So now we know the answer to “does a bushie poop in the woods?” Nope he and Brooke use an outhouse in the woods. Great job! (And a luxurious insulated seat)
We can finally sleep with peace in our minds now. :-D
@@Kanal103 😂😂😂
Love this channel love your content! I am a newbie to the whole building thing I am a 62 year old woman with No building experience and I am so excited to begin my building journey! Your commentary is spot on and the way you look at your builds is refreshing thank you so much.
GREAT VIDEO AND JOB Y'ALL DID! My father and I are going to wall up an old outhouse on the our property. The metal toilet is mounted on concrete. This was an old outhouse from a sawmill from the late 1800's. Just have to dig it out and build the outhouse walls. The way you built yours is almost like what we were planning to do.
Can't believe I enjoyed watching this video so much I will go out and build one outhouse on my property as well. Thank you for your video.
Our original outhouse was built on skids so it could be dragged over another pit as each was half filled. We used Rid-X to treat the pits. We put in a septic tank and field a couple years ago. Nice job! Keep it off grid.
Always a pleasure watching your projects. Your background music works great, doesn’t obscure your commentary as some channels do. Really helps my hearing limitations. Thanks.
That's a great outhouse. I built two at our moose hunting camp, but they weren't as fancy as yours. Always had the styrofoam seat and a covered metal coffee can for the paper.
This was SOOO entertaining. I can now say I know how an outhouse is built! You guys cracked me up but I have to say your tutorial, music and instruction were almost as good as a good movie!
Thanks !!!
At air is the way to build a outhouse. Me and my Pappy built 3 of 'em back in the 19 and 50's here in South Carolina. I seen another video of some Yankee a' buildin' one where he was a' pourin' concrete in the hole and addin' all manner of unnecessary thangs. This is a good 'un. Simple and effective. Pappy used roofin' shangles fer the piss shield. I admit this plastic is a better idea. I'm 77 now and plumb past my outhouse buildin' days, but this makes ye want to built one.
HOLY HEAVENLY OUTHOUSES !! Damn it’s so good to see a video from you ! I’ve really missed them and the way you narrate them !!! Hoping to see more with the warmer weather ! Take care Dave
That’s awesome! I actually used one of those things for a year when I was a kid. In the winter it didn’t take long to get your business done!
Hi Dave. It speaks highly of your skills that you could make two separate videos of building outhouses and both were equally enjoyable to watch. Nice job on the guitar in the background too. I look forward to see you what you and Brooke are going to do with the property next.
Thanks
The more complicated the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain - Scotty. Wish I had more sand than clay in my soil. The dig would be easier. Next time I shall incorporate some of your techniques. Mine is still Old School, I had a friend who used to have a heat lamp and he would plug it in to warm the seat before he headed out. MISS YOU SHERMAN! I like the Dick Pronecke style of narration. I like having the porch out front, it is a convenience. I used an old trailer house door with the inset windows and frame. It was free. Though next time I will want to use the see-through roof panels. The foam seat is an excellent improvement. You might consider a vent pipe to send the odors on their way. I like the time I spend with my brothers and even my sisters.
This brings back memories of our outhouse. One benefit to having an outhouse is with 5 sisters there was no waiting line especially in winter.
Looks great guys and you have to love those moments in life when there's time to do some building with your brother 💛🤠🛠️
It was in that quiet spot,daily cares could be forgot, and it gave the same relief to rich and poor. Great job on the outhouse guys !
I couldn't get out of the house yet today, so thank you for bringing me your outhouse ...LOL! Nice job!
Any time!
I grew up using an outhouse on my grandparents' ranch and I loved watching this video. Strangely satisfying - thanks!
does it smell like death? The thought of it is horrifying too me. I won't even put my ass down on regular toilet...
Friends of mine used a piece of blue foam as the outhouse seat. It's lovely in the winter time on the behind!
Up north we use hearths in the outhousdoors!! Well done, and it went fast even the harsh wind.
We do in Sweden as well 👍
Perfect timing for me, I’m just about to build one on my property. Thanks for the help.
Two things an outhouse must have,a halfmoon door and a big wasp nest to discourage loitering.
😂😆
I was thinking about that. Lol
😂
Your calm descriptions remind me of Dick Proenneke and his narrations of his cabin build in the late 60's. Just enjoyable to listen too. Thanks for sharing.
I wish I could get a ten-hour tape of just that wind in the trees noise. It's beautiful and so soothing.
Shhh
I love your videos. I bought a piece of land in the woods couple years ago and just started clearing the trees off yesterday. Hoping to adopt a homestead lifestyle with no mortgage. Your videos are so inspiring, that even though I'm no carpenter, i can learn and make it happen. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hey did you built it ?
I live on the land now in my camper while I build a homestead. Building will be done this summer.
Great video. I now use screws for outhouse, shed, docks and everything else at my couple of acres up North, it makes repairs and etc much easier 5-10 years from now. This is your second outhouse build I have watched.
Ryan needs his own channel. That guy really knows his way around his tools and I'd like to see all the little techniques he uses.
He has his own channel. He builds cabins in the woods as well. I watched him build 1 where he has a nice little one with 1 corner is glass......🎉
1st class outhouse Sir. Great memories ahead.
Everything was perfect right down to the door handle and moon cut out. Amazing work!
Dave... you took the words right out of my mouth. There's one thing I've learned in my life... and that is, when the Whipple's build an outhouse... it is a thing of beauty!! 👍😁
THANK YOU for this video, keeping it real and informative! I’m planning my own outhouse build for my tiny house in the foothills of California, but I’m a Michigander native- so when I heard that y’all were in the UP, it made my day! I’m subscribing to y’all for sure!
Love this version of the outhouse build. I know it's more time consuming but it looks so much better than the plywood version (which I also liked). Good job!
thank you guys your ideas are always an eye opener....helps me evrytime im out camping with my kids. with love all the way from Zimbabwe
This video is grossly absorbing...I am watching it 3rd time since last night. It inspired me to building my own tiny outhouse which was just an imagination thus far. You made is so simple efficient space to do the business..Thank you..keep on sharing..
I've been watching your lovely wife's videos and through her, found my way to your channel. You both are inspiring in different, unique ways. I was born and raised in Michigan and lived in Alaska for years as well. You two are my Spirit Animals. Lol. God Bless! ❤
Just loving the videos Dave. I have seen a lot of videos here on TH-cam and none compare to yours. So enjoyable. Love your easy and relaxed style of build and ethos, and speaking as a Carpenter from a family of Carpenters, I really love how you have a real natural love and respect for the wood that you use. That’s something special in itself.
You and Ryan did a great job! Happy Mothers Day to Brooke.
That looks "ReeeEEEAAAAaaalllll" Nice !!! .... I love it !!
That was a first. I never watched an outhouse get built from the ground up but I enjoyed every minute of the video. Thanks again.
Kg
That looks great -- I like the polycarbonate roof! You probably already know this, but since I didn't hear it mentioned, if you keep a bucket of half-rotted leaves, or fine sawdust, or peat moss, in the outhouse, and dump in a good scoop after each use, there will be much less odor and a lot less flies. It will fill up a little faster, probably, but worth it to keep the smell and the flies down!
When it fills up, do you just dig another hole and move it over? Or do you put something in it to break it down?
@@jordanknoll2864 Just dig another hole and either move the house over (they are often built on skids so they are easier to move), or build a new house. Cover the old hole with a layer of dirt and plant a tree in it!
@@kathleensanderson3082 So you can't put something on it to break it down. I feel like that one would be hard to move.
Thank you for the info, find it very useful as well as your replies to questions below.
Many thanks!
I've read that if you use some ash from your fire pit or fire place, it helps with the decomposition and odor. Just 1 thing, make sure that the embers are out before pitting it down the hole!
Also, installing a pipe from just below the seat to up above the roof, removes gasses from inside.
Fantastic build! Love the rough lumber choice.
My wife: How was your day honey? Anything exciting happen?
Me: Why yes dear, I watched two brothers build a crapper out in the middle of nowhere. It was oddly satisfying to watch.
Actually, it is pretty interesting and I'm a grandmother. Lol looks much nicer than the one my grandparents had.
Hahaha...like we had something better to do...
My wife: "Really? Tell me more about it!"
Me: "They were building an outhouse."
My wife: "An outhouse? What the hell is that?"
Me: "It is a house where you 'shit'".
My wife: "What the... you wasted time to watch shit?"
Me watching on a Saturday night. Nice little evening, but different than when I was younger!
@@hsyb2286 Ha! No kidding!!!
“I’ve never been camping when I didn’t forget something.” 😆
So true...
Just got back home from 2 weeks in Utah. Forget something every time I go lol 😂
No matter how much shit you chuck in the bag, always seems like something sneaks out. Going camping tonight. Wonder what I’ll forget?
I can only imagine what is it like to hear the sound of the homer echo in the forest! must be fantastics thank you.
Beautiful and simple!! Thank you for sharing this!!❤
I love the way you work. So much economy, functionality and elegance in what you build. Here in Scotland (UK) timber prices are insane too. Increase of 100% in 12 months for rough, off-saw fencing timber and plywood is on an upward escalator every month. I'm building an outhouse and small cabin on our wee patch of forest. Your work is inspiring, thanks.
Do not put Charmin in there or you will have every bear in the neighborhood standing in line to use it.
😂😂
😂
Good one 😂😂😂
For the previous couple of years, I have finally had time to start seeking how to meet these basic needs on my property. What a pleasure to see how it is done! You are reading my mind!
I like the way you show your small blunders it makes it relatable. Iam a boilermaker I could tell you a few stories .A little blunder puts a landmarked on a job makes it memorable .thanks for the video Radical man
Cheer's from Canada, nice video... Every guy on these survival shows never mention what happens after morning coffee.... necessary build for winter ! Brothers are always a great help !
By today's lumber prices, I'd say that's a $10,000 potty fit for a king!
Yeah, when he showed the truck the first thought through my head was 1000.00 worth of lumber.
Nope he said 75.00 at the hutterites mill
Ya...ain't Biden just great!
@@tonyz6421 Yeah. Hang on to your guns. You may need them. Castro's son in Canada is no better. He is doing everything he can to destroy this country.
@@tonyz6421 that literally has nothing to do with biden... or any political administration
Paint it with used engine oil a few times and that beautiful outhouse will still be in good shape in 2051
You can add a red Super QuickFill Funnel (from Home Depot) with a few pieces of PVC pipe that can be secured in one of the corners by the door or on one of the side walls with the pipe going near the end part of the bench to the hole underneath to make it more sanitary, just like the newer port-o-potties have (for whoever can't aim straight when standing up).
Penny, it’s the woods. Most guys are just going to find a tree. No need for the funnel
The branch door handle is a GREAT touch !
Thank you for thos simple but awesome way to build an outhouse . I'm goin to help my mom build one .
Loved this you guys! When I'm done with school and can afford my own land, you best be sure i'm going to build my own outhouse and that I will absolutely be referencing this video once more. Gotta have the pee shield & the half moon on the door!
Still feel it. " Remember, we'll leave the light on for ya " LoL
I was getting worried you'd forget the pee shield! It was good to see a pair of brothers having fun and working on a project together. If I ever decide to build an outhouse on our back property, I'm using this design - we'll call it The Whipple!
Thank you for this video. Your instructions are clear and you are well spoken.
When I was a kid at my grandparents cabin! My brothers would lock me in the outhouse most of the time at night! As bad as it sounds those times were priceless.