Finishing A Log Deck With No Experience | Off Grid Island Ep.6

I am back on the island!

This trip was 3 nights. I completed our deck and moved the 5m bell tent over there.

I had to complete notching, screwing and bolting the front half of the deck, that was left from the last trip.
Last time, we also brought the decking boards onto the island so all I had to do was move them up.

The whole process of putting the decking on took me 2 days. First, I got all the decking onto the frame to help figure out the best way to line it up. Then, I used a pencil I had that was 6mm to get even spacing between the boards. Finally, I put 2 screws every 60cm to attach it to the log frame.
The only part that I haven’t screwed in was some of the front half, and I have yet to figure out how to yet because the log is curved and there is a few inch gap.

Even though the process was challenging I am happy with the outcome as this is my first ever build and the first thing on the island. I have definitely learned a lot and will be using that knowledge to build a sauna and a log cabin in the future.

Next trip, we are getting our outhouse delivered so we will have to figure out how to get it into the island 🤔 and then build it as well.

Thank you all for the help, suggestions and tips. They really make this journey easier.

More about us, the island and the process:

The island is completely secluded, has no electricity or plumbing and currently has nothing on it but trees. We want to turn this island into a fully functioning summer cottage with a log cabin, sauna and other amenities. Most of the work is gonna be done in the summer months as the lake freezes in the winter and the weather conditions are tough.

There's a lot of work to be done as the island is over 2.5 acres (1 hectare) and we have no experience in off-grid living, carpentry or building. So any tips or advice are greatly appreciated, as we are planning on doing everything ourselves and transforming the island into our own little paradise. We’ll document every step of the way, starting from smaller builds to finally - an off-grid log cabin.

Our plan for this year is to put up a platform for a glamping tent, build a floating dock and start cutting down trees to begin the process of building our log cabin.

The island is located in Finland and we bought it in 2024. We are currently both students and we plan to transform the island alongside our studies.

So, subscribe and join us on this adventure. It won’t be fast, it won’t be easy, but it will be fun and challenging. We don’t know what to expect, so be a part of the journey.

📸 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @off.grid.island