Yurt Decking/Base

When setting out the yurt, consider the environment in which it sits. If there are prevailing winds, try to have the door facing away from the wind, as this is the least insulated part of the structure. Also, consider the sun’s direction; when do you want the optimum light in the yurt? Try not to situate the yurt in areas where airflow may be stagnant, such as a heavily wooded forest. Ideally, your environment should have good airflow and receive at least some direct sunlight, which will help the yurt dry out quickly after heavy rains. It is worth noting that placing a yurt under trees or foliage means you will be forever cleaning off leaf debris, not to mention bird droppings!
If your yurt is to be kept up for long periods, it is essential to make a strong and level base for it. This will raise your yurt above ground level, preventing damp problems by allowing air to circulate beneath the yurt and helping rainwater run off quickly. Being above ground level also helps the yurt to hold its heat more efficiently, saving on heating costs.

All yurts require a simple timber decking base. We recommend using a minimum of 5″ x 2″ (50mm x 125mm) treated timber supports with pressure-treated timber planks (i.e. decking /scaffold planks, with a minimum thickness of 30mm). We prefer to use planks over sheet ply board, as they can be fitted with gaps between them, assisting airflow and water run-off. As a comparison with planks, even the best sheet ply-boards are inclined to warp and delaminate in our wet climate.

Before laying your planks, you may also wish to insulate your timber base, depending on its location and floor coverings. However, this is not essential.

Base shape

  • Making your base circular has its distinct advantages: the same footprint size as your yurt, especially if your location is prone to wet and windy weather. It is a maintenance-free choice. A circular base with a raised edging will prevent rainwater from getting under your groundsheet, keeping it drier underneath the yurt. A raised edge around the perimeter (as shown in the photo) will hold the yurt’s walls in position when erecting, making it simpler to set out. The edge should ideally be around 75-100mm high, formed from ply or cross-cut wood. It will create a perfect lipping for the groundsheet and material layers to meet, and it will strengthen the yurt in heavy winds, making it less prone to lateral movement on the base. Any raised edging will not be visible, as our yurts have an outer skirt which will cover it. The size of the circular decking reflects the size of the yurt. i.e. for a 6m diameter yurt, decking should be 6m diameter too, no bigger and no smaller; for a 5m diameter yurt, decking should be 5m diameter.

  • A simple square base will suffice for situating your yurt, as all our yurts are supplied with a double-layer groundsheet.
  • Portable base – If you wish to move your decking after a period of use, perhaps consider a portable one. Please see the image from one of our customers.