Your Free Guide to Building a Yurt Step by Step

Understanding Yurt Basics and History

A yurt is a portable, circular dwelling that has been used for centuries in Central Asia, particularly among nomadic peoples of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and other regions across the steppes. The word "yurt" comes from the Russian word "yurta," which itself derives from Turkic languages. These structures have sheltered families and their livestock for over 2,000 years, proving their durability and practicality in harsh climates and variable weather conditions.

The traditional yurt design remains largely unchanged because it works exceptionally well. A yurt typically consists of a wooden lattice frame covered with felt or canvas, topped with a distinctive central opening called a crown or toono. This opening serves multiple purposes: it allows smoke from interior fires to escape, provides natural light during the day, and offers ventilation. The circular shape distributes wind forces evenly around the structure, making yurts remarkably stable even in high winds.

Modern yurts built in North America and Europe follow these same principles but often incorporate contemporary materials and modifications. Many contemporary yurts feature wooden frameworks made from pine, Douglas fir, or other readily available lumber rather than the bent wood traditionally used. The covering might be canvas, vinyl, or other weatherproof fabrics instead of felt. Some modern versions include insulation, electrical systems, and other conveniences while maintaining the fundamental circular design.

Understanding the historical context and proven engineering behind yurts helps you appreciate why certain design choices matter. The basic structure has evolved because people recognized what works. A yurt measuring 20 feet in diameter (roughly 314 square feet) can provide comfortable living space for a small family or serve as a guest room, studio, or seasonal shelter. Larger yurts reaching 30 feet in diameter offer over 700 square feet of interior space.

Practical Takeaway: Research historical yurt designs and modern variations before building. Understanding proven structural principles helps you make better decisions about materials, dimensions, and construction methods for your specific climate and needs.

Gathering Materials and Tools You'll Need

Building a yurt requires assembling materials for the frame, covering, and finishing. For a 20-foot diameter yurt, expect to gather lumber, fasteners, canvas or fabric, and various hardware components. The frame typically consists of wooden wall sections (often called khana or lattice walls), roof poles (called crown poles or roof rafters), and the central crown ring.

For the lattice wall framework, you'll need straight wooden pieces, typically ranging from 1x2 to 2x4 inches depending on your design and the yurt's size. A 20-foot yurt typically requires 8 to 12 wall sections made from approximately 200-300 linear feet of lumber. Many builders use pine or fir due to availability and cost. Birch and ash offer greater durability but cost more. You'll also need roof poles—typically 20 to 30 poles depending on yurt size, each roughly 12-16 feet long for a 20-foot diameter structure.

The covering material represents a significant investment. Canvas or heavy cotton duck fabric costs roughly $8-15 per yard, and a 20-foot yurt covering requires approximately 400-500 linear yards of 60-inch wide fabric. Alternatively, vinyl tarps cost less (around $200-400 total) but won't last as long or provide the same aesthetic qualities. Many builders also purchase or fabricate a wooden crown ring (the top piece that holds roof poles) or build one from bendable wood.

Essential hardware includes bolts, lag screws, wood screws, rope (often cotton or synthetic), and metal fittings. Metal compression rings, wheel hubs, or custom-made fittings join roof poles at the crown. A complete yurt typically requires 50-100 bolts, 200-400 wood screws, and 100+ fasteners of various types.

Tools needed for construction include a circular saw or table saw for cutting, a drill with bits, a measuring tape, levels, a square, hammers, wrenches, and potentially a sewing machine for stitching canvas covers. If you lack certain tools, many community workshops, tool libraries, or rental shops offer hourly access rather than requiring purchase.

Practical Takeaway: Create a detailed materials list based on your chosen yurt diameter before purchasing anything. Gather quotes from multiple suppliers, consider whether you'll reuse materials from reclaimed sources, and calculate total costs. Many builders reduce expenses by approximately 20-30% through patient sourcing and comparing suppliers.

Building the Lattice Wall Framework

The lattice wall (khana) forms the vertical support structure for your yurt. This component is more involved than it might initially appear, but it's also where you can most easily adapt traditional designs to your preferences and available materials.

Start by determining how many wall sections you'll build. A 20-foot diameter yurt typically uses 8 sections, each roughly 4.5-5 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide when assembled. Twelve sections work for larger or stronger yurts, while 6 sections create a more compact structure. Each section consists of two vertical posts connected by horizontal cross-pieces that are lashed together with rope.

Cut your vertical posts to your desired wall height, typically 4-6 feet. The number of horizontal pieces varies, but a common pattern uses 6-10 horizontal members per section, spaced evenly from top to bottom. These create the distinctive lattice appearance. Lay out all pieces for one section on a flat surface. Position the two vertical posts parallel to each other, spaced about 5-6 feet apart. Lay horizontal pieces perpendicular to the verticals at even intervals.

Drill holes through the vertical posts where horizontal pieces cross. Use rope (traditionally cotton cord or rawhide leather straps) threaded through holes to lash the pieces together. This lashing method allows the framework to compress—a key feature that lets you disassemble and transport the yurt. Modern builders sometimes use bolts instead of rope lashing, but rope allows the traditional flexibility. Tie each connection using square knots, ensuring knots are tight but not so tight they crush the wood.

Test each completed wall section by gently trying to compress it. A properly built khana should allow slight compression and flexing, not be completely rigid. This flexibility is essential—it lets the walls angle inward to support the roof structure. Stand the section upright and check that it remains stable and square.

Once all wall sections are complete, lay them flat and paint or stain them if desired. This protects the wood and improves appearance. Allow finish to dry completely before assembly.

Practical Takeaway: Build wall sections in a controlled workshop environment where you can work carefully and make adjustments. The lattice walls are the most time-intensive component; expect 20-30 hours for a complete set. Building sections one at a time over several weeks is far less overwhelming than attempting them all at once.

Constructing and Installing the Roof System

The roof system includes roof poles (crown poles), the central crown ring, and the connections holding them in tension. This is where yurt engineering becomes particularly elegant—the circular shape and proper roof angle create a self-supporting structure that handles wind and snow effectively.

Roof poles typically range from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter depending on yurt size, and they run from the top of the lattice walls inward and upward to the central crown ring. A 20-foot diameter yurt usually requires 20-30 roof poles. Many builders use saplings or small trees harvested locally, though milled lumber works as well. Each pole must be reasonably straight and without major knots or cracks that could cause failure under load.

The crown ring sits at the yurt's peak and holds all roof poles in their proper angular positions. Traditional yurts use a large wooden ring, often made from curved bentwood or assembled from multiple pieces. The crown ring's diameter typically ranges from 3-5 feet depending on total yurt size. You can purchase pre-made wooden rings, fabricate one from ply wood and mdf, or bend wood using steam or by selecting flexible species.

To assemble the roof, first position your completed wall sections in a circle, connecting them with rope or bolts at the corners. Leave openings for doors. The lattice wall should angle slightly inward as you move upward. With walls in place, position the