Yurts are round and tent-like structures. They’re popular among nomadic groups of people who used them as mobile homes.
Yurts are strong and more functional compared to the other usual camping tents. Most people install them because of their durability, capability to withstand extreme climatic conditions, portability, eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, and the like.
In fact, you can have an insulated yurt design for yourself that reduces energy usage and a strong resistance steel frame to keep a safe and comfortable living environment.
Keep in mind that yurts aren’t complex structures. However, yurts building may require you to have some carpentry skills and tools to ensure success. As a helpful resource, you can look for videos online, especially for a step-by-step approach to building yurts yourself. Or you can purchase a yurt kit equipped with all the tools and materials needed in building a yurt – your job will only be then to assemble the yurt.
Furthermore, building a yurt follows a step-by-step process. Below is a guide that touches on the matter. Keep on reading to learn more.
- Build A Circular Foundation
Before construction, pick a suitable area to construct your yurt. It should be an area shielded from weather extremes like strong winds, floods, and storms. Moreover, the spot should receive adequate sunlight in the morning and some shade in the afternoon. Here’s how to build a circular foundation:
- Dig holes 1 to 2 feet deep in a circular pattern to the desired diameter.
- Next, place the footings into the dug holes and reinforce them by compacting the soil.
- Then, cut the beams to the correct length and fix them to the top of the footings you just installed.
- Use a drill to fasten your flooring onto the wooden beams.
- To prevent moisture, you should apply waterproof caulking around the outside edge.
- Install The Lattice Wall
Latticework is an openwork framework comprising a crisscrossed pattern of strips of building material that could be wood or metal. Although technology has improved construction immensely, latticework is still useful to this very day.
To proceed, begin by cutting the lattice strips to the correct length. They usually come as rolls, meaning you have to unwrap them. Measure your yurt’s circumference and cut the lattice accordingly.
Then, stretch out the lattice wall across the whole yurt’s perimeter. While doing this, keep the wall stable by holding it firmly. Lastly, cut out appropriately-sized gaps for your window and door frame. Secure the lattice wall to the frame using the anchors and screws from your yurt building kit.
- Install Door And Window Frames
It’s recommended that you make a custom door and window frame because the walls in yurts are shorter than those found in traditional homes. It should be easy because you only need four pieces of well-cut wood, two long ones for the vertical run and two shorter ones for the horizontal run. That’s for the door frame. You can have a square window, with all sides equal. Strengthen them with steel brackets to prevent twirling. Finally, fit them into the respective spaces within the lattice wall.
- Set Up The Rafters
The next step after positioning the walls is setting up the roof. The two essential framing components you need are rafters and the circular compression ring.
Begin by installing the compression ring, which can be pretty any sturdy circular item. For instance, you can use a bicycle rim. To use it, you should remove the hub and spokes, then drill holes in the edge with a diameter big enough to insert the rafters.
The rafters should ideally slope from the ring to the walls. Attach the rafters one by one, ensuring they’re firmly secured. To prevent the rafters from lifting, use your drill to add the included screws to the underside of the rafter.
- Set Up The Roof And Cover The Walls
Once all rafters are in place, you can install the linear facing which is typically a tent-like material. You can use a step ladder to climb to the central peak of your yurt and then distribute the fabric over the rafters and the wall lattice. Smoothen it out evenly to make sure there are no creases that may trap debris.
- Don’t Forget The Finishing Touches
Lastly, do some finishes to make your yurt comfortable. Here are some final touches to carry out:
- Sidings: You can cover the yurt’s exterior with weatherproof vinyl material to prevent the effects of harsh weather and make it comfy.
- Flooring: Consider installing beautifully patterned tiles on the floor or even carpet layering for a snuggly feel.
- Windows and doors: There’s a wide variety of window types and designs to select from. You can use traditional wooden shutters or clear vinyl and glass sliding windows. They enable you to have a bright open space and are also simple to install. For the doors, you can install a wooden one or a double glass door if you aim to have a classy yurt.
- Interior: You can creatively pimp the interior for a more refined look. You can separate the sitting room, kitchen, and bedroom areas depending on the yurt’s size. Also, consider lining the interior with a light-colored fabric to hide the frame and lattice wall.
Conclusion
Building and customizing a yurt isn’t too complicated, as long as you know the necessary steps to build it. Your final goal should be to have a cozy little structure where you can tuck away and spend quality time in solitude or with your family or friends. To begin setting up and customizing your very own yurt, keep in mind the points enumerated above.
