Yurts home
Getting Started With A Yurt
I frequently receive questions from guests in our inn and others interested in yurts regarding a variety of topics which are listed below.
What can yurts be used for?Yurts can be used for a variety of purposes. They have been used for weekend getaways, cabins, permanent homes, temporary housing, artists' studios, yoga studios, meditation retreats, restaurants, guest accommodations, offices, migrant housing, retreat housing, campground rentals, unique retail shops, other commercial uses and much more.
Where can I go and try out a yurt?Several state parks have added yurts and you can also find a listing of private sources at www.yurtlodging.com.
What are the components of a yurt?Most yurts are similar in terms of the component parts. A lattice wall structure made of pine or fir extends around the perimeter. The lattice folds out and becomes the exterior wall of the yurt. It comes in a variety of thickness depending on the yurt manufacturer. The lattice pieces are riveted or bolted together. A wooden, steel or fabric door attaches to the lattice wall at the door opening area of the yurt.
On top of the lattice wall a steel cable is installed around the perimeter of the yurt. The thickness or tensile strength of the cable varies again with the manufacturer. The ends of the roof rafters fit into the steel cable at the top of the lattice wall. In some cases the roof rafters are connected to the yurt's lattice.
The yurt's roof rafters are typically made of pine or fir and also vary in thickness depending on manufacturer. They fit into a center ring at the top of the yurt and are attached to the ring by metal or wooden pins. The center ring also holds the skylight that can as simple as clear vinyl or elaborate as a plastic/plexiglass skylight.
The structure described above is then covered in a canvas or vinyl covering in a variety of colors. Some camping yurts are made to be easily assembled/disassembled and are lighter in weight and made of tent like fabric. White or light colored roof's are recommended for reflecting heat. Walls can be ordered in a variety of fabric types, weights and colors. Warranties for the fabric tend to be at least 5 years. An option is a Durolast roof fabric that can be warranted for much longer.
Due to the circular structure we have found that the yurt takes high winds very well.
What should I look for in the quality of the yurt frame, roof structure and canvas?
The lattice structure is very important. What is the size or thickness of the lattice? The metal tension cable is also important since it helps hold up the roof on many yurts. What is the thickness or tensile strength of the cable?The roof joists also vary in thickness and method of attachment to the center ring. Some use dowels and other use metal pins. Some also use metal brackets that connect the roof rafter to the center ring for extra support.Does the yurt you are considering have or need a snow package for the additional weight on the roof? The pitch of the roof may also vary between manufacturers. Higher pitch helps with snow removal and may give higher clearance in larger yurts for a loft.What is the method for attaching the structure to the deck that is provided by the manufacturer?In regards to the canvas you want a material that does not leak. Are the roof seams welded or stitched? Do you want to have a vinyl versus canvas cover?
Are all yurts made the same and do they cost the same?As mentioned above the yurt components may be similar but the methods and materials may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. This holds true not only with the structure but the wall and ceiling fabric as well. Prices can also vary as well depending on manufacturer, specifications and options required. When shopping for a yurt compare specs, materials and methods used in manufacturing the yurt package like you would for any other product. Your budget will also determine what you purchase as well.
Are all yurt manufacturers reputable?Like most businesses there are good and bad yurt makers. Check the Better Business Bureau for the area where the yurt is made by doing an internet search.
Besides reviewing their specifications can they make your yurt in the time frame you require? Do they return phone calls or emails in a timely manner (the larger yurt companies tend to provide better customer service).
Do they provide customer references or testimonials in writing or on their web site? Does their web site provide steps on how to order including sample customer contracts specifying responsibilities or all parties, order forms, etc? Do not send the initial deposit without a signed contract.
Also check some online yurt forums to see what others are saying about specific yurt companies. A good source is www.yurtinfo.com.
Can I build my own yurt?Yurts are simple structures but may prove to be difficult if you want to build one from scratch. Having woodworking skills and the proper tools would help with the kahana (lattice), center ring and rafter construction. The exterior covering for the roof and walls could be a challenge. There is a great deal of sewing required for the wall sections and windows. You would need a good commercial sewing machine. The roof sections should be heat welded at the seams versus needle stitched to prevent leaks. If you stitch the roof make sure you use seam sealer.
Can I cluster or attach yurts to each other?Some have created yurt clusters for various uses. For example one 16 footer might be an artist studio, another an office and a large 30 footer for the home. Yurts can be connected together by constructing wooden walls between yurt door frames and adding a canvas top or extending an optional awning for the roof.
Are yurts hard to erect?If you buy a yurt package all components are normally included for installation. A typical 16 footer can be erected by two to three people in a half a day. The hardest part is raising the center ring and installing the roof rafters. Each manufacturer has their on method of installation which may make the time from start to finish differ.
One area of caution is to make sure you complete the yurt assembly process to the point that if you do not finish before evening that the yurt may not be damaged with night wind gusts. Some have awakened the next morning and have found that their partially assembled yurt has been knocked down and damaged. If you get the frame up try to at least secure everything. Contact the manufacturer for more information and advice.
Can the yurt handle wind and heavy snows?Since the yurts are round the wind does not seem to be a problem. Yurts originated in Mongolia (called Gers) where the wind can really blow hard and the snow fall can be heavy. Our yurts have taken the wind very well.
We do not receive a great deal of snow in North Georgia. I would recommend the snow load kit in heavy snow areas. The kit consists of vertical wood pieces that connect to the bottom of the roof rafters and run down the lattice to connect to the floor. This gives the roof additional support for heavy loads caused by snow and stiffens the walls.
There is also a wind kit that you can purchase as an option that will give additional protection from high winds.
What site issues should I consider?We have learned that in our area that yurts are easier to heat than keep cool. Locating your yurt in the shade of trees will make it cooler in the warmer months. Just make sure that you have healthy trees and that branches are not hanging over the yurt that could fall in storms and wind. More information on heating and cooling is on the Making Them Livable page.
Other considerations may be to locate the yurt near a wind block such as a hill to block colder north winds. Since most yurts are built on elevated decks flat terrain is not required for the yurt site.
Other site issues are legal in scope. Make sure you have proper zoning or that no restrictive deed restrictions are in place. You also will save money if utilities are nearby or to the property and you do not need to drill too deep for a well.
Is there a place to purchase used yurts?Some have found used yurts available on Ebay. You can also visit the link below and list used yurts for sale or if you would like to purchase a used yurt.
BEFORE YOU BUY A YURT CHECKLIST
 Do your research about living in a yurt through this site and others. Also read the book shown in the left hand column. Determine if a yurt can suit your needs? Visit or stay in one if you can. Visit www.yurtlodging.com for options.Research companies but don't make a commitment to purchase. Compare as many details as you can: What are you getting for your money? How does the company handle problems that may arise? Research them on the internet. Check for BBB complaints online. How much do they charge for replacement roofs and walls? Compare warranties, contracts for purchase.Contact your local planning and zoning department. They are often seen as alternative forms of housing in most areas of the country. Every county or township has its own rules that must be followed when building any structure. They may not allow them, or may have to create rules for construction. Don't buy if you cannot build on your property or are unwilling to follow your county's building codes unless you are willing to deal with possible consequences later if you decide to set up one where they are considered illegal.Be prepared to take all necessary steps to erect properly. Today's modern yurts should be erected on rot resistant decks for optimal performance. Plans are available and if you can’t or don’t want to build the deck yourself, be prepared to hire someone to do the work for you. May also need to hire an electrician and plumber as well. Use common sense and have a budget.Get ready for work as well as fun. If you haven’t erected a yurt before, be prepared for some frustration - there's a learning curve to everything- and physical labor. If you are unable to do the work yourself, be sure you have friends or workers who can help. Or hire professionals as noted above. |
Disclaimer Of Liability And Warranty- I specifically disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the information on these pages. I will not have any liability for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information found on this, or any other page of this site.
