The yurt is a traditional Mongolian and Tibetan home. The word yurt can refer to both the structure or more specifically, its round shape. Yurts are often dome-shaped and made of wood on a circular frame with wooden latticework. Its a circular, nomadic tent-like structure that has been adapted for modern use as an eco-friendly backyard retreat or holiday home.
There are many reasons to consider building your own yurt: it can be cheaper than buying one; youll have greater satisfaction from seeing the completed project, and youll get to learn new skills in DIY construction.
A yurt is easy to construct for even an inexperienced builder due to its simple design and materials needed (cordwood, tarps). With some basic carpentry skills, you can build your own in about six hours.
The yurt is very popular as an eco-friendly backyard retreat because of its design benefits such as insulation and low material use. Its also great for those who want some privacy in their garden but dont necessarily want to build a traditional house; this simple home will provide enough shelter without breaking your budget or requiring too much work.
This article will cover everything you need to know about how to build a yurt yourself, including what materials are required, where to find kits that make the process easier and step-by-step guides on how to build a yurt.
Table of Contents
Why build a yurt?
Here are some reasons you might want to build a yurt:
- Build it yourself - You can save money by building your own, even if the full cost of materials is higher. The building also gives you more satisfaction in seeing the finished project and allows for creativity with different design ideas.
- Sustainability - Yurts use less wood in their construction when compared to wooden cabins or houses which require extensive framing work. This means that theyre an eco-friendly choice too! Some people choose this style because its easy on the environment, but others do so simply due to its lightweight (an important factor when moving house).
- Better insulation than other styles - The shape provides better insulation properties than traditional houses and cabins.
- Easier to move - Yurts are designed with a circular frame, which makes them easy to transport from place to place by picking it up or attaching something like wheels so you can simply push it along the ground (no need for expensive transportation).
Building A Yurt vs Buying A Yurt.
You can either build a yurt from scratch or buy a pre-made one that just requires assembly. Buying a yurt can be cheaper than building one, but it also takes away the satisfaction of seeing your creation come to life and mastering new skills in DIY construction too.
The important factor here is what you want from your yurt; if youre mainly looking for shelter (rather than wanting something thats very customisable) then buying ready-made might be the best option as they are available in different sizes. If youd prefer greater flexibility with design ideas, however, then constructing it yourself may be preferable.
A good way of finding out how much money you could save by building a yurt rather than buying one is by looking at prices for different styles on websites such as Amazon, yurt retailers. You may find that theyre actually not very cheap even when compared with other structures like summer houses which are around the same size. This doesnt mean theres always going to be savings though - make sure to compare all costs carefully before making any decisions!
If youre looking to buy, then you might also want to consider whether or not its really the most practical choice for your situation. For example, you might not have enough space in your garden to accommodate it or want something thats more customisable.
Things to consider before building a yurt
Before starting on any project like this, there are some important things for you to think about so that the whole process goes smoothly and you get exactly what you need:
Method To Build Your Yurt
There are many different ways to build a yurt. Some of the most common options include:
- Buying a kit and assembling it on-site.
- Doing everything yourself from scratch, including sourcing materials and making them fit together correctly. This will take time but also means that you can customise your design if need be.
- A mix of both building some parts from scratch and also using pre-made parts such as adobe blocks or metal sections - these could certainly save some time depending on whats available locally where they live too.
Location to Build the yurt (size of land and impact on surroundings)
If itll be set up on a ground level with easy access from all sides then it may well be fine; however, if someone would struggle to get inside because of difficult terrain etc., you might find yourself needing extra approvals before building.
Also the size of the land the yurt is to be placed on and how much of an impact itll have on the surrounding area. This is also where you may need to check your local councils policies on the maximum allowed size. The width and length of the building are also something that can affect whether or not it needs planning permission, so take this into consideration too when looking at different designs.
How long do you plan to keep the yurt (Permanent /Temporary)
If youre planning to build and then leave, thats usually fine; however, if you want a permanent structure (maybe as a second home), this may be more complicated.
People who plan to live there permanently will need to get planning permission - but this is usually just a case of making sure it fits in with the locality. Or you could consider using an alternative design that doesnt require so much land, such as one made out of wood or metal instead.
Cost In Terms of Money and Time
How much do I want this project to cost me in terms of money and time? Come up with an estimated budget once you figure out the cost of everything required.
Availability of Power, Electricity and Water Systems
If you want to live in the yurt for an extended period of time, then things like electricity and water systems may be something that its worth considering. If there isnt any available near where youre planning on building or if they arent very good quality, this might mean having to use alternatives which can affect your total cost.
The Building Regulations and Planning Permission
These can vary depending on where your property is located, the size of the land and what type of material has been used. If you live in an area where there is no specific information about having a permanent structure like this, its best to contact your local council and ask if they require any special permissions. There are many different things that can affect whether or not you need permission
Materials Required
You need to make sure that what you do use materials that will be suitable for your project. For example, think carefully before choosing anything made from plastic as it might not last very long. As well as checking on specific things like the size of the floor area and type of foundation, also think about the other materials youll need to build it. For example, if your yurt is going in a rather windy spot, youre obviously going to want something sturdy for this purpose!
Time and Skills Required for Building a Yurt.
Building one yourself doesnt have to be an all-day affair; however, putting up the walls and roof does take quite a bit longer than simply setting up some pre-fabricated pieces once theyve arrived on site. Its hard to say exactly how long this would take without what materials youre using but its worth bearing in mind that you might need to allow for several days if it needs building on the spot.
However, you can save on the time it takes for building by using a pre-made kit that has the assurance that everything will fit in together correctly.
You might find it worthwhile looking at different options before starting too. If youve never built anything before (or even read any guides) or dont have the time then maybe find someone who has experience with structures like these as well as other DIY skills.
Roofing Options
If you decide not to go for one of these already made designs then there are different types of roofs to choose from too. For example, you could opt for a dome shape or even just use some tarpaulin stretched over the top of each piece instead!
These roofing options dont require much work - simply bolt them together and attach them to your yurt frame.
Add Ons and Accessories
Once youve built your yurt there are many different accessories available depending on whats most suitable for your needs.
These include things like a porch or kitchen extension which can help with living inside comfortably as well as keeping certain items out of sight if theyre not needed that day. Another option is using different materials for the flooring such as carpet instead of wood or tiles in some areas too.
Theres also adding an extra layer outside - this would be useful for example if you wanted something a bit more sturdy against large amounts of rainwater but still want to keep natural light coming through when it isnt raining so much at night time.
Storage If You Want to Disassemble the Yurt
This applies to temporary yurts, consider where everything will be kept when not being used - for example in a storage space or garage. If there isnt anything suitable around your home already then make sure that whats put together can fold down again quickly and easily so things dont get damaged while they wait.
Do I Need Planning Permission To Build A Yurt(UK)
Planning permission is a form of legal approval that is needed for certain types of development. Planning permission is governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which defines what planning authorities must do.
For yurts planning permission is needed for any structure that is more than 8.0 metres in depth or 4.0 metres in height. Sites within 6.0 metres of a boundary also require planning permission.
The UK government issues more detailed guidance from time to time, such as The National Planning Policy Framework (2012), which replace previous guidance.
This application must be submitted to the local planning authority, who are legally required to reply within 4 weeks but are allowed to give themselves longer if they need it -up to 13 weeks.
You can get an indication of whether you might be able to get away with not having planning permission approved by contacting your local authority and asking for a prior approval check before any work is started. This isnt a formal application, but if they give you the go-ahead, its a good suggestion that you dont need planning permission.
If you are proposing to build a yurt that is not within the terms of Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order, then youll need planning permission. The DCLG guidance is: You do not need to apply for prior approval if your proposed use is permitted by Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order.
In summary, Class Q of the GPDO states that prior approval is not needed for a single-storey rear extension of 8 metres in depth with a maximum height of 4 metres. If youve built a yurt within these dimensions, therefore, you dont need to apply for planning permission. Its important to ensure that your yurt does not violate other GPDO Class Q conditions, for example, that it must be situated at least 6 metres from any boundary (including boundaries with roads). If your yurt is not entirely within the GPDO Class Q dimensions, then planning permission will be required.
The best thing to do if you are in doubt about whether your proposed work would require planning permission is to contact your local authority for advice.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/initial_checklist
Cost Of Building A Yurt
Cost Of Building From Scratch
In general terms though, pricing for building a yurt from scratch should start at about £2000 per square meter including all materials but not taking into account labour costs which may add significantly to this figure. This is because its often hard to put together an accurate quote until everything has been decided - particularly with regard to your location and whether there are any special requirements that need fulfilling by whoever builds it.
At the top end of this scale, you could be looking at around £4000 per square meter. This represents a high-end luxury yurt with all the perks - for example, built on concrete stilts to withstand heavy snowfall or high wind speeds.
If your land is not already fenced and gated then this will add to the overall costs too as fencing comes in at around $100 per meter and gate installation around $150 -$250 depending on your location.
Overall there are several factors that affect the total cost of building a yurt. If you want to get an idea of what it would cost for the building only, then its best to contact a builder who can design and build a yurt specifically for your needs (e.g., size and height).
Cost of Building From A Pre-Made Yurt Kit
Yurt kit cost can vary significantly depending on size, quality, design and what is included in the package.
At the lower end of the spectrum you could be looking at about $3000 for a prefabricated Mongolian yurt that is around 12′ (or more likely, 13′) in diameter - these are often built with solid timber walls which need to be protected from rot by painting or varnishing before use. This option would require considerable effort on site to get it ready for occupation but this should still work out cheaper than building your own. You will also have to factor transport costs into this equation if buying locally as generally these structures are only made available online through companies based abroad.
Rainier Yurts has done some study on the true cost of building a yurt(add link-https://rainieroutdoor.com/blog/yurt-living/true-cost-yurt-package/) that gives an insight from some of their clients on the price of building some custom yurts and also price comparisons.
Modern Amenities To Add To Your Yurt
You can add bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, electricity and water systems (including wells and pumps) to your yurt.
Plumbing In A yurt
The desire to include modern amenities has led most yurt dwellers to include bathrooms and toilets in their yurt. Adding a yurt bathroom can be done within a larger yurt as part of the living space or a site-built structure as an exterior bathhouse.
The vast majority of yurts are remote; they do not have plumbing, which means you will need to make internal arrangements for this. You can either dig a hole and install your own septic tank or set up an outhouse with composting toilets or use greywater systems.
The best way to manage your greywater in yurts is by having it directed outside through the use of an exterior drain or septic tank. It should be set up at least three feet away from any other structures and must not empty into a living area.
Do not use septic systems in yurts located near bodies of water because it can pollute the environment and contaminate drinking water supplies.
If youre using a composting toilet then it needs to be located at least 100 feet from your yurt. Youll need to make sure there is good airflow between your bathroom and the rest of the home so it doesnt fill up with bad odors. Luckily they are eco-friendly odor-free composting toilets that utilize the natural process of decomposition to transform waste into fertilizing soil.
But if your site provides access to a sewer or septic system, the yurts plumbing lines can be linked to the sewage or septic system. The plumbing pipes may be placed beneath the yurt platform and brought up through the floor when connected to a sewage or septic system. The plumbing can be installed into partition walls after being brought up through the floor. Standard plumbing fixtures can be used.
There are some options available for flushing toilets in yurts, but they will require special fittings because the waste pipe must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressure variations.
Dont forget to look into building code requirements that will need to be met with your bathroom construction.
Electricity In A Yurt
The cheapest way to have electricity in your yurt is by hiring an electrician to come out and run power lines from the nearest electrical source on the property. This however can be very expensive depending on how far away you are located. The platform (floor) is usually the place where electrical wiring is run through. Outlets may be placed on short support poles around the yurts perimeter or in any additional interior walls that are added to it, exactly as they would be in a regular house.
Alternative Sources of Energy
- Solar Panels For Yurts
Solar panels should be installed in direct sunlight and face south. If you choose to use a simple setup, you could gather about 90 watts of energy from a couple of solar panels and batteries that can store the energy from those solar panels. You may have to buy your own inverter as well, which will transform power from DC to AC for any appliances that plug into an electrical socket.
For full electrical power, a larger, more sophisticated solar system would be required.
- Propane as a source of energy for yurts
If propane is the primary source of energy for your yurt, you will need to have a supply line that runs from an onsite tank. If there are no natural gas lines running through this particular area, then it can be costly to either drill or lay your own underground pipeline. You may also choose to use tanks instead of tapping into a natural gas line.
- Wind Turbines As A Energy Source for Yurts
Using wind turbines to generate power is a good option. A wide, low-pressure turbine will be most efficient for yurt use. Wind speeds of 25 mph or greater are needed for these turbines to perform well enough to make them cost-effective without the need for batteries, otherwise, you will need batteries to store up the power generated.
- Water As A Energy Source For Yurts
Water power is the most common source of energy for yurts. Most water wheels are undershot, which means that they sit below the level of a river or stream and catch the current as it flows past them. This form of hydropower generates more electricity than any other type at an average rate of 750 watts per cubic foot-second of water flow.
A micro-hydro system, built along a stream, is another alternative. In a micro-hydro system, falling water turns a turbine, producing energy. If your stream runs steadily throughout the year, you could get energy continuously.
Insulation
Normally yurts are very well insulated, which means they dont need insulation on the inside. The framing of the yurt is made from strong materials that provide good airflow and resist expanding or contracting in different temperatures.
Yurt insulation should be made from materials that are resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. It is also important to make sure it has a high R-value rating for maximum efficiency. Insulation value can vary depending on the thickness of the material used, but expect an average figure between five inches up to twelve or more inches.
The thicker the insulation, the more efficient it will be.
There are several different ways of improving the insulation:
1. Floor Insulation
During the winter, yurts can be cold and you may need to add extra insulation to the floor to prevent heat from escaping through it. A good approach to this is to install rigid foam insulation between floor joists.
Also, you can install plywood skirting around the perimeter of the platform will aid with insulation by stopping cold air from flowing beneath the floor.
Alternatively, you can add a thick layer of hay to the flooring during the winter months for warmth and comfort.
2. Roof Insulation
Adding insulation around the roof of your yurt can help keep heat inside during cold weather. This is especially important if you are adding an additional layer of insulation on top of the existing material (felt).
The roof insulation is a separate lining that is visible above the rafters and conceals the actual insulation. The insulation itself goes between the lining and the exterior yurt roof.
Typically, this added layer is about 12 inches thick and made from either natural materials like straw or wool or fibreglass batting covered in tarpaper to keep it in place. If you choose fibreglass batting, make sure to check constantly because its more attractive to rodents for nesting material.
3. Wall Insulation
Adding insulation to the inside of your yurt walls is a possibility as well. In this case, you will need to install a separate lining over the existing felt and it should be thick enough so that it doesnt bow out from its own weight once installed.
The wall insulation can be set up as panels that overlap approximately six inches. The panels are installed between the lattice wall and the yurt exterior wall fabric. The lining fabric is sewn directly to the wall insulation and is visible behind the lattice wall.
4. Warmer Windows
Keeping the windows closed during winter will keep the warm air inside. Installing insulating window covers can help reduce heat loss, but if you want to be able to open and close your windows easily, consider installing a double-pane insulated glass unit that is designed specifically for use in yurts.
Also, there are Insulation panels that slide into place to cover your window openings for a consistent thermal layer when the weather gets really frigid.
5. Reflective Ventilation
Another option is to use reflective insulation that looks like bubble wrap because it has air cells inside which reflect radiant heat back into the room when heated up by the fire or other sources of warmth.
Ventilation In A Yurt
Yurts must always have good ventilation because of the fire hazard. A yurt should be able to get at least 30% fresh air whenever its occupied. Proper ventilation eliminates excess moisture, which causes mould to grow in the insulation.
There are different ways of ventilating your yurt:
- A yurt can actually be ventilated without opening windows or doors by using a fan that is located near the centre of the roof and wired into an electrical outlet inside. This will pull fresh air up through your ceiling while exhausting stale indoor air out through windows or a door. This eliminates moisture buildup around baseboards and provides good ventilation when you are cooking indoors during cold weather. Make sure they work in the opposite direction during the summer months so that they push warm air down towards your floor instead of up towards your ceiling.
- Another method is to install a window fan in one of the main windows, but if you dont have any openings available then consider installing an exterior-mounted fan that pulls air through your yurt from outside and pushes it out the same way.
In order for fans to work properly, they must be installed with ducting that can be routed out through an exterior wall or roof.
You need a strong chimney to ensure ventilation is good when heating the yurt using a heating stove. This can provide this amount of airflow for your stove. A new design on the market now is the rocket stove, which burns very hot and clean and is not likely to need a chimney because they burn so efficiently.
Air conditioning in Yurts
Dont expect to use air conditioning in your yurt. The design is not intended for long-term comfort during the summer months, but there are options available for keeping cool if you insist on using AC.
One option is installing a swamp cooler that uses evaporation technology to keep things comfortable by pulling hot dry air through water-moistened pads and releasing it back into the yurt.
Another option is to install a solar panel that can help reduce air temperature by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It consists of water-filled tubes set out in front of panels, which pulls hot dry air through them for cooling before pushing it back inside your yurt.
Yurts should be well sealed to prevent drafts and any kind of air leakage. It is also important not to cover the ventilation openings when you are trying to keep warm in winter because they need fresh air for combustion heating appliances like wood stoves or propane space heaters, which both produce deadly carbon monoxide if used indoors without enough oxygen supply.
Heating A yurt
You can always heat your yurt using a heating stove like the rocket stove, which will burn very hot and clean. It is not likely to need a chimney because they burn so efficiently.
Fireplaces are another option for heating; however, make sure that you select one with an adjustable vent and thermostatic control in order to keep it from going out due to a lack of oxygen supply.
Yurts should always have an operable fireplace or stove vent for combustion appliances, but make sure that you dont cover the ventilation openings when trying to keep warm during winter because they need fresh air for these appliances which produce deadly carbon monoxide if used indoors without enough oxygen supply.
Attaching a draft collar to your stove pipe outside can help prevent heat loss.
The most important feature for using wood stoves is the proper chimney, which must be installed by professionals who know how to work with thatch materials and that are designed specifically for use in yurts. The chimneys should extend at least three feet out from the roofline and be at least two feet higher than the ridge, but no more than three feet above it.
In order for your stove to work efficiently in a yurt, you need insulation around the pipe so that heat does not escape from within your walls when its being pulled up through them. Make sure there is an air gap of at least four inches between the insulation and your ceiling.
The floor must also be insulated underneath to prevent it from absorbing any heat that is being drawn out through the pipe into the ground below.
Even though yurts can be heated with more than just wood stoves, they will still need to have some form of ventilation designed into the building plan for when youre not using your stove and want fresh air inside instead.
Many people who use kerosene or propane heaters also prefer to install a sliding glass door as a ventilation system to allow more oxygen inside and help them avoid the build-up of condensation on windows.
There are some yurts that can be fully enclosed, which will let you turn off all airflow in cold weather conditions for warmth without losing too much heat through drafts or cracks where it could escape from within your home.
If you live in a colder region of the world, then it is highly recommended that your yurt has an adequate heating system installed before construction because there are some regions where they will not provide enough warmth for survival during the winter months.
You can also combine firewood with other fuels such as propane and kerosene to produce heat because propane is very efficient and can be used to heat water as well.
However, it will still require a flue or exhaust pipe attached to your stove so that no poisonous gases are released inside the yurt while youre sleeping because they could cause carbon monoxide poisoning if not vented properly.
Its also important for you to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your yurt as well, which will sound the alarm if there is a build-up of this toxic gas inside.
How Long Does A Yurt Last?
Depending on the material, a yurt with a wooden frame will last a long time 20+years. While depending on the intensity of UV radiation in your area, the fabric cover of the yurt can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years.
If the frame is kept in good condition, properly cared for and winterized each year, your yurt should last decades.
Apart from the material of the felt, there are some other factors that influence the longevity of the yurt:
1. Location
Yurts are built for adaptability, but they cannot adapt to all conditions equally well. For instance, yurts are not made to be placed in an area that is exposed to strong winds. Wind can blow the yurt off of its foundation or lift it like a hot air balloon (not something you want happening on your camping trip).
2. Foundation
While most modern yurts need solid ground; especially if you live in an area where earthquakes are common. Earthquakes can cause the foundation to shift, meaning that even if your yurt is not damaged directly it may lose its structural integrity
3. Pitch
A proper pitch means your yurt will be more resistant to the elements. If your pitch is not quite right and moisture can collect on top of the felt, you may find yourself with a rather large wet spot in your home.
All of these factors combined play an important role when considering how long a yurt lasts because it also depends on its maintenance as well.
How can I make my yurt last longer?
The factors that affect how long a yurt lasts are primarily UV exposure and water damage. Take these steps to ensure your Yurt is well maintained:
1. Always winterize your Yurt by making sure you completely insulate the wall panels, lath, and cover.
2. Inspect all seams on the cover annually to make sure that there are no leaks or damage. If there is any damage, have it repaired immediately to prevent further damage or deterioration of the fabric cover.
3. Periodically inspect the lath for rot. If there is any sign of damage, have it replaced immediately to prevent further deterioration or degradation of the frame.
4. You can preserve your yurts life expectancy by taking a few preventative steps: - Keep the inside of your Yurt clean and dry, especially during rainy seasons -Keep the cover out of the sun when not in use
5. Clean and preserve your Yurt annually with a coat or two of an oil-based primer and exterior paint to help protect against UV damage, mould, and mildew.
6. Ensure the doorframe is made of metal or vinyl and any hinges or locks are maintained regularly so they will last as long as possible.
7. Maintain the pitch by making sure the ropes are not fraying and that they are tied tightly.
Materials Needed to Build A Yurt:
Tools:
-Saw (a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade and mitre box is best)
-Hammer or Mallet
-Screwdriver
Materials:
Roofing felt (this covers the roof of your Yurt) (Material does not matter, but make sure its waterproof. Ive seen people use materials such as Tyvec, Tarpaper, Canvas, Plastics etc.) If youre in an area with extreme weather conditions then maybe opt for something that can withstand more than just water damage like canvas..? Wooden Lath Boards Floor Coverings Plywood The Yurt Poles Paints Decoration Items Bedding Woodstove/Heater/Cooker
Yurt Frame:
-The frame is the main structure of your Yurt. Its made from wooden lath boards that are strung together with rope and lashing to form a cone shape, then covered in fabric or plastic which forms the outer skin of your yurt. You can buy complete kits for this part, but its fairly simple to make one yourself if you have some basic carpentry skills (I built mine myself). Dont let lack of experience stand between you and building a beautiful home 😉 *Note* If an earthquake is common where you live I would recommend getting metal poles as opposed to wood or fibreglass because they will bend instead of break when faced with heavy stress. This reduces the chances of structural damage.
Yurt Cover:
-This is the outer layer of your yurt that keeps out rain and snow. It can be made from a variety of materials, including canvas or plastic sheets/fabric but probably the most common material is felt because its cheap and easy to apply (and youre going to need a lot of it). There are different grades for roofing felt so make sure you get one that will withstand harsh weather conditions if they affect where you live, otherwise, just go with standard roofing felt which isnt as durable but still functional. I would recommend getting the thinnest grade possible though because thicker felts tend not to last long in hot climates due to extreme heat exposure as well as cold conditions - they are also harder to work with. You can buy roofing felt from most hardware stores or building supply shops and it will usually be in rolls which youll need a pair of scissors (or sharp knife) to cut into smaller pieces for your project.
Walls:
-The walls of your Yurt consist of wooden lath boards that run vertically around the inside perimeter, secured together with rope and lashings at each point where they touch one another (usually about every foot). Each wall panel is then covered in fabric or plastic sheeting on either side - this gives them rigidity as well as weatherproofs the outside so rain doesnt get through when its windy etc.. The same rules apply here - if there are extreme weather conditions where you live then make sure you get a fabric or plastic that is up to the job. If not, go with standard felt material for walls also which can be found at your local hardware store etc…
Yurt Floor:
-The floor of each Yurt room should be covered in plywood (or similar) and a groundsheet too if possible - this helps protect it from damage as well as making it more comfortable underfoot. Its also advisable to use wooden lath boards on top of the plywood because they give support and rigidity however not all yurts have them. You cant always see them when looking inside so dont worry if yours doesnt either 🙂 The downside to using them is that they are no good for walking barefoot because you can feel the laths, but most people put rugs or carpets down to fix this which is perfectly fine.
Yurt Poles:
-The Yurt frame is held together with wooden poles (and lashings) and its important not to scrimp when buying these! The cheaper ones will snap like twigs in a storm whereas better quality ones may cost more but wont break as easily and if your yurt does get blown over then at least theres some chance of saving it instead of watching everything collapse into someone elses garden 🙂 If youre going to build a traditional Mongolian Ger (yurts from Mongolia by another name) then make sure you get birch wood poles - its the most durable type for this kind of weather.
Steps to build a yurt
- Building the Platform
- Framing the Yurt
- Roof and Walls
- Design the Interior of the Yurt - Loft and Room
- .Electrical Work
- Plumbing
- Heating-Setting the woodstove
- Finishing- Flooring, Painting, doors, kitchen cabinets, furniture, appliances…
For more insight and detailed descriptions of the step-by-step process of building a yurt look at doiYURTself (add link-https://doityurtself.com/) tutorial videos on Youtube or alternatively check out their website for the written tutorials.
Conclusion
Building a yurt is a very rewarding experience and the satisfaction in having done it yourself is hard to beat. But if youre not an outdoorsy kind of person, or physically able for that matter, then I would still recommend getting professionals involved because there are just some things that cant be taught which need real-world knowledge. If this isnt possible either though then at least read up on whats involved before starting your project - doing plenty of research online will give you all the information you need plus much more than I could ever write down.
Have you ever wanted to build a yurt? Why or why not? Please leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading this blog post and hopefully, it has offered some insight on how to build a yurt.
References:
https://www.instructables.com/Build-yourself-a-portable-home-a-mongolian-yurt/
https://www.yurtforum.com/forums/building-a-yurt-f3/building-vs-buying-510.html
https://www.smilingwoodsyurts.com/