How to Build a Yurt for Your Backyard

Building a yurt in your backyard is an exciting and rewarding project that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern living. Yurts, originally used by nomadic people in Central Asia, have gained popularity worldwide as eco-friendly, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing structures. Whether you want a unique guesthouse, a home office, a meditation space, or simply a beautiful outdoor retreat, constructing a yurt can be an excellent choice.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in building a yurt for your backyard. From planning and materials to construction and finishing touches, you’ll have everything you need to create your own cozy and durable yurt.

What Is a Yurt?

A yurt is a circular tent-like structure traditionally made with wooden frames and covered with fabric or animal skins. The design features a lattice wall frame (known as the khana), radial roof rafters (uni), and a central compression ring (crown or toono). This simple yet highly efficient shape provides excellent stability against wind and snow loads while maximizing interior space.

Modern yurts often use durable materials such as treated wood, insulated fabrics, and waterproof membranes, making them suitable for year-round use in various climates.

Advantages of Building a Backyard Yurt

• Cost-effective: Yurts can be less expensive than traditional home additions or small cabins.
• Eco-friendly: They use fewer materials, promote energy efficiency when insulated properly, and have minimal environmental impact.
• Rapid construction: Compared to conventional buildings, yurts can be assembled quickly — often within days.
• Flexible use: Ideal for offices, guest rooms, studios, yoga spaces, or even tiny homes.
• Aesthetic appeal: The round shape and natural materials blend beautifully into landscapes.

Planning Your Backyard Yurt

Before starting your build, careful planning is crucial.

1. Check Local Regulations

Building codes and zoning laws vary by location. Some municipalities allow temporary structures without permits; others require approval for any new buildings. Contact your local building department to understand:

• Permit requirements
• Maximum allowable size
• Setback rules (distance from property lines)
• Foundation regulations
• Utility connections if needed

2. Choose the Size and Design

Yurts come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 feet (3.66 meters) to 30 feet (9.14 meters) in diameter. A 16–20-foot diameter yurt offers a comfortable amount of space for most backyard uses.

Decide on:

• Number of windows and doors
• Type of roof covering (fabric or rigid panels)
• Flooring options
• Insulation needs based on climate

3. Budgeting

Materials vary widely in cost depending on quality and style:

• Wood framing kits or custom cut lumber
• Fabric covers (canvas, vinyl-coated polyester)
• Insulation layers (foam board or wool)
• Flooring materials (plywood, hardwood, or concrete slab)
• Hardware (bolts, nails, brackets)

Expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on size and finish level.

Materials Needed

To build a sturdy yurt frame and cover it properly you will need:

• Lumber: For the lattice walls (1×2″ or 1×3″ strips), roof rafters (2×4″ or 2×6″), compression ring
• Plywood: For floor decking and possible roof sheathing
• Fabric covering: Heavy-duty canvas or synthetic waterproof fabric for outer cover; insulated liners if desired
• Hardware: Nails/screws, bolts for compression ring assembly
• Insulation: Reflective foil insulation or foam boards depending on climate
• Flooring material: Plywood sheets or pre-made floor panels
• Door frame and door

Step-by-Step Construction Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Site

Select a flat area in your backyard free of debris and vegetation. Clear the ground thoroughly.

You can build the yurt on:

• Concrete slab foundation for permanence
• Wooden deck platform raised above ground moisture
• Gravel pad with treated wood flooring for drainage

Make sure the foundation is square and level before proceeding.

Step 2: Build the Floor Frame

Construct a circular floor frame using pressure-treated lumber:

1. Lay out the circle diameter on the foundation using stakes and string.
2. Cut joists to length that fit inside the circle.
3. Attach joists radially to central ring beam or rim joist forming floor skeleton.
4. Cover with plywood sheets screwed down securely.

A raised wooden floor is common since it insulates from ground moisture.

Step 3: Construct the Lattice Wall

The lattice wall creates both structure and flexibility:

1. Cut wooden strips about 1×2 inches in size.
2. Assemble them into an expandable crisscross pattern forming diamond shapes typically about 6–8 inches across.
3. Secure intersections with nails or screws but allow slight movement so lattice can expand/contract.
4. Form the lattice circle matching the diameter of your floor frame.
5. Stand upright around the floor platform edge; brace temporarily.

Step 4: Install Vertical Door Frame

Decide where your door will go:

1. Build a sturdy rectangular door frame using 2x4s.
2. Attach it firmly between two lattice ends where the opening is planned.
3. Cut lattice strips near door opening to fit around frame neatly.

Step 5: Assemble Roof Rafters and Compression Ring

The roof is supported by rafters radiating from the top ring:

1. Construct a compression ring out of several curved wooden segments bolted together into a large circular band.
2. Cut rafters approximately equal lengths based on yurt radius minus wall height.
3. Notch each rafter end to fit into slots on compression ring.
4. Drill holes near bottom of rafters to attach securely onto top of lattice wall using bolts or screws.
5. Raise rafters into place one by one inserting into ring slots; secure all tightly.

This tension system holds walls inward while rafters push down creating stable dome shape.

Step 6: Add Roof Covering

Traditionally yurts use fabric covers stretched over rafters:

1. Purchase heavy-duty waterproof canvas or synthetic cover sized for your yurt dimensions.
2. Add an insulated liner inside if desired using reflective foil blanket or foam panels.
3. Attach fabric outer cover securely with ropes or straps around walls and rafters ensuring tight fit with no sagging.
4. Include clear plastic skylight panel at top opening if possible for natural light.

In cold climates consider adding an additional insulating layer between fabric layers.

Step 7: Install Door and Windows

Complete entryway installation:

1. Hang your pre-made door onto frame hinges; install latch hardware.
2. Add plastic or glass windows framed within lattice gaps if planned.
3. Use flaps or zippers on window openings for ventilation control.

Step 8: Finish Interior Flooring

Cover plywood floor with comfortable material:

• Carpeting
• Hardwood flooring planks
• Rugs with foam underneath for warmth

Seal edges against moisture penetration.

Step 9: Furnish Your Yurt

Now comes the fun part! Decorate your new space according to its intended purpose:

• Cozy seating areas with cushions and low tables
• Wall hangings emulating traditional patterns
• Low-profile shelves or furniture that fits circular footprint
• Lighting fixtures powered by solar panels or extension cords

Tips for Success

• Pre-cut all wood components accurately before assembly to ensure smooth construction.
• Treat all wood with weatherproofing sealants especially if exposed outside year-round.
• Use galvanized hardware resistant to rust.
• Plan ventilation carefully – condensation can be an issue without airflow.
• Consider integrating solar power or rainwater capture systems for sustainable living.

Conclusion

Building a yurt in your backyard is an achievable DIY project combining functional design with natural beauty. With proper planning, quality materials, and attention to detail during construction, you can create a unique outdoor retreat that serves multiple purposes year-round.

Whether used as guest accommodation, workspace, yoga studio, or simply a cozy hideaway immersed in nature — your handmade yurt will bring charm and comfort to your home environment while honoring centuries-old nomadic traditions.

Start today by mapping out your dream yurt size and gathering materials — soon you’ll have your very own backyard sanctuary standing tall beneath open skies!