Yurt Living: Platform Design Options

Do yurts have to be built on a platform? Well, the FAQ page from Shelter Designs in Montana makes a case. In summary, just do it!

It’s best to have a flat surface so the kit will assemble correctly. Make your life easier, they say. Avoid mildew, and finally, ‒ be more climate efficient for comfort.

The other issue is how elaborate the design goal is. Some yurts are constructed as a second or third floor, ‒ topped on a conventional type building, for example.

Look for local yurt companies that include custom platform construction services. My local business is Yurts of Hawaii, who builds yurts made by the Colorado Yurt Company. This way, you get factory-direct pricing and fabulous customer support for you and your contractors.

Hey, treat yourself to a gift of plans from the Colorado Yurt Company. Plans from simple to oversized are absolutely free. Now these are based on t&g wood flooring when you certainly have other options. That’s another blog-write.

Note the traditional styles from Mongolian Yurts Direct in UK. They prefer wooden floors. Seems the opinion is based on ambiance. This company offers a free guide to building the floor Mongolian style. Then they go on to provide alternative recommendations from compacted clay, to concrete base, marine plywood, pallets, etc. You get the platform-floor idea.

The yurt platform makes one wonder if they want to DIY or to pay for construction professionals. Do-it-yourselfers can go for it, but be sure the off-grid mode is feasible on the site. Typically each county requires licensed contractors to obtain a building permit.

Yurt prices usually range from $5,300 to $18,000. That depends on size and upgrades. Extras to calculate are shipping and the platform construction, ‒ not to mention materials, plumbing, power and interior furnishings. Let’s face it, times are favorable to downsize and simplify. A yurt may spell relief!