Why Buy from Us

You may find multiple yurt suppliers in the yurt market. Each yurt supplier has their own designs. Why buy a yurt(s) from Yurt Specialists? The table below explains some reasons.

Yurt Specialists  Other yurt suppliers
Yurt Specialists is a family business with three decades of yurt-making experience. We have taken the traditional Mongolian ‘ger’ concept and added improvements to ensure our yurts suit the varied European climate. Our family and workshops are located in Inner Mongolia, and we keep stock of yurts in Oxford, UK. From Mongolia, Mainland China, or made locally in the UK.
All yurts from Yurt Specialists come with a uniquely designed double-layer yurt groundsheet consisting of a waterproof PVC underside with a 100% canvas top layer, providing a carpet effect for the interior. The groundsheet encompasses the entire yurt base and curves up at the lower wall, tucking up neatly between the canvas and felt section of a yurt. This design provides excellent protection from surface water, even in the heaviest of downpours. The curved section also prevents any draughts around the base. No groundsheet. We have seen what happens when a yurt isn’t protected from dampness, mainly the underside. The lower walls can absorb ground moisture in the long term, attracting mould and other problems. Other yurt suppliers recommend methods such as fixing wooden patterns around the yurt base and silicone them to stop water from running into the yurt. We found this method to be unreliable and unsightly.
Yurt Specialists have increased the minimum wall height of yurts to 1.6m, much taller than an average Mongolian Ger wall. Our design allows more standing space to be utilized within. Lower wall height, which loses a lot of usable space. It is not practical, especially for taller persons.
Yurt Specialists can make yurts up to 6 metres in diameter without central supports (dragon posts). This design is because our yurt walls (khana) are made from densely spaced whole poles of steam-bent willow wood, known in our region for its strength. The poles are then fastened with traditional rawhide. These heavyweight walls set us apart from other yurt makers, creating an extremely strong structure. The steam curve in the wall (khana) acts like the human spine in that it can flex under heavy strain. Our roof poles are made with whole poles of softwood; they also enable the yurt to transfer any extra weight caused by heavy snow, etc. Many yurt suppliers insist on even their smaller yurts having central support posts. These supports are designed to take the weight of the roof crown. The problem is that they take up space, especially in smaller yurts, affecting whether large furniture or a double bed can be used within the yurt. Many yurt makers require these supports because their wall sections are mostly lighter-weight machine-made trellises of varying qualities. Generally, this wall type is easier to carry around. However, this type of flat wall cannot take heavy loads, so the roof requires extra support.
All standard yurts from Yurt Specialists come with wall windows at 3 -12- 9 o’clock positions. Each window is triple-layered. Firstly, a mosquito net is sewn in, then a removable transparent PVC layer, and finally, an insulated roll-down cover. All parts are sealed tightly with rot-proof velcro fastenings. Our windows are designed to not compromise on the yurt’s heat efficiency. Mongolian yurts traditionally do not have wall windows. We accept that the demands of Asia’s nomads were a little more straightforward than what we require from a yurt in the 21st century. We feel that windows offer a chance for the yurt dweller to feel more in connection with their surrounding environment. Windows can also provide extra air circulation in hotter periods.
Yurt Specialists prefer a three-layer system for yurt insulation and weather protection. It is a tried and tested design. Yurt Specialists have sourced a white 16 oz breathable poly-canvas for the outer cover, which is silicone-treated to resist water. Yurt Specialists have sold many yurts using this canvas and find it the perfect alternative to more unpredictable wax-sealed canvas. It is also very durable and can be spot-cleaned. The next layer is a sheep’s wool felt insulation, suitable for year-round use In the UK. Finally, a white polyester inner lining reflects light to make the yurt brighter. This lining covers the felt and allows light to reflect around the yurt. Yurt Specialists have found any additional layers, such as sun covers, unnecessary in our UK climate. They also inhibit the ability of the yurt to dry out after wet periods. Other suppliers vary in preference for which type of canvas is most suited to the UK. Beware cheap imports that use a non-treated canvas layer; these generally are fine for the dry climate of Mongolia but will soon leak and rot in wetter regions. On the other end, some suppliers insist on four or more layers, including (non-breathable) plastic roof layers. We find this to be an unnecessary extra cost, as well as being more labour-intensive. When it comes to yurts, simplifying the design is often the best option.
For the interior load-bearing straps, Yurt Specialists use 40mm rot-resistant webbing. They never wear out. For the outer straps, we use genuine horsehair to keep with the traditional appearance, which is a strong and weather-resistant material. Many suppliers use cotton straps, which are prone to rotting.
Yurt Specialists supply two roof caps with all our yurts. They both come with horsehair straps. One is a fully insulated canvas cap with a pre-cut flue hole. The other has a clear PVC section, ideal for allowing extra light into the yurt during the summer months. Some suppliers may charge extra for two roof caps.