Ever imagined waking up in a cozy yurt, surrounded by nature? Whether you’re planning an off-grid retreat, a backyard studio, or a full-time yurt home, designing your yurt is the first step. With Yurt Builder 3D, you can customize your yurt, explore features, and get an instant cost estimate—all from your device.

Follow these five simple steps to design and purchase your yurt kit today. Plus, download our yurt planning checklist to stay on track!

1) Define Your Yurt’s Purpose

How will you use your yurt? A peaceful yoga retreat by the coast? A rugged mountain escape? A year-round residence? Knowing your yurt’s purpose helps you choose the right features.

• Seasonal vs. Year-Round Use: Cold climates may require insulation and a heavy snow load kit.
• Functionality: A meditation space might need extra ventilation, while a rental yurt may require upgraded durability.
• Off-Grid Needs: Consider energy-efficient add-ons like solar venting, wood stove compatibility, and weather-resistant materials.

2) Choose Your Yurt Size

Pacific Yurts offers sizes ranging from 12 feet (perfect for a personal retreat) to 30 feet (ideal for families and events). Larger yurts can be configured with interior walls, a kitchen, bathroom, and even a loft.

Explore our 360° Virtual Yurt Tours to compare sizes.

3) Customize Doors, Windows & Coverings

Design your yurt’s exterior and natural lighting to match your vision.

• Roof & Wall Coverings: Choose from a variety of colors and an optional 15-year warrantied premium roof cover.
• Doors: Options include classic wood panel, elegant French doors, or low-maintenance fiberglass doors.
• Windows: Select fabric windows or upgrade to glass window systems with integrated screens.
• Optional Awnings: Add window awning frames for shade and extra protection.

4) Add Climate & Comfort Features

Your yurt’s location and climate will determine which additional features you may need.

• Insulation Packages: Essential for cold weather and year-round comfort.
• Heavy Snow & High Wind Kits: Ensure structural durability in extreme conditions.
• Stove Flashing: Designed for safely installing a wood stove.
• Gutters & Drainage Solutions: Recommended for rainy climates.
• Ventilation & Cooling: Dome openers, tinted domes, fan supports, and bug/shade screens keep your yurt comfortable in warm environments.

5) Get a Quote & Speak to a Yurt Expert

Once you’ve designed your yurt in Yurt Builder 3D, you’ll receive:

• A detailed cost breakdown of your selected features
• Crating and shipping options
• A copy of your quote emailed for easy reference

Our team will then reach out to discuss your design, answer questions, and help finalize your yurt order.

Start designing your yurt in 3D!

With just a few clicks, you can visualize your dream yurt and get an instant estimate. Launch Yurt Builder 3D now and bring your yurt vision to life!

The post Design Your Dream Yurt with Yurt Builder 3D™ first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

How to Ship Your Pacific Yurt

We’ll be happy to provide a shipping estimate to your location based on which size yurt and features you are considering. Packing and crafting fees apply for both domestic and international shipping with an additional charge for the Glass Window System. 

Keep in mind that while Pacific Yurts will schedule the shipment of your yurt to the specified delivery address, you will be the party contracting with the freight company for the delivery of your yurt. This allows our customers to take advantage of our discounted freight rates. We will provide you with tracking contact information for the freight carrier after the yurt leaves our facility and all you have to do is pay the freight charges directly to the freight carrier at the time of delivery.

How to Pick Up Your Pacific Yurt in Cottage Grove, Oregon

Some of our customers choose to save on packing, crafting, and shipping fees and pick up their uncrated yurt at our facility in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The hours for pick-up are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday through Friday. 

We provide the minimum load-out requirements for safely transporting your yurt below, but as the combination of features chosen will dictate the final weight and dimensions of the components, it’s important to speak to our shipping clerk about the specific load-out requirements for your order. For instance, if your order includes Glass Window Systems, additional space would be required.

Yurt Pick-Up / Load-Out Requirements

Depending on the size of the yurt you choose, there are different load-out requirements for transporting your yurt safely. If using a truck or trailer, you’ll need to have tie-down hooks to secure your load properly. Take a look at our pick-up and load-out requirements below, or download them for easy reference.  

12’ or 14’ Model Yurts

If you choose a 12’ (~600-800 lbs) or 14’ (~600-1,000 lbs) model, you’ll be able to haul it in a mid-size pickup truck or a trailer that has an 8’ length minimum.

Hauling options:

• Mid-size pickup truck (Ford Ranger, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, Chevy S-10)
  • No canopy
• 8’ open-top trailer
• Moving truck rental (U-Haul or Ryder)
  • Minimum 8’ from the back of the cab to the rear door
• Enclosed trailer
  • 8’ L x 4’ H
  • Minimum 52” wide door

16’ or 20’ Model Yurts

The 16’ and 20’ model yurts begin at about ~700-1,200 lbs and ~1,000-1,600 lbs, respectively. For these models, we recommend 8’ in length for open-top trucks and trailers and 10’ in length for enclosed options. We also highly recommend bringing a cargo net.

Hauling options:

• Full-size pickup truck
  • ½ or ¾ ton axle
  • No canopy
  • Minimum 8’ bed
• 8’ open-top trailer
• Moving truck rental (U-Haul or Ryder)
  • Minimum 10’ from the back of the cab to the rear door
• Enclosed trailer
  • 10’ L x 4’ H
  • Minimum 63” wide door

24’ Model Yurts

With the 24’ model (~1,100-2,000 lbs) you’ll need a full-size pickup truck combined with an open-top trailer or a moving truck or enclosed trailer with a minimum length of 12’.

Hauling options:

• Combination full-size pickup truck and open-top trailer
  • Pickup truck
    • ½ or ¾ ton axle
    • No canopy or lumber racks
    • Minimum 8’ bed
  • Open-top trailer
    • 10’ or 12’
• Moving truck rental (U-Haul or Ryder)
  • Minimum 12’ from the back of the cab to the rear door
• Enclosed trailer
  • 12’ L x 4’ H
  • Minimum 63” wide door

30’ Model Yurts

For 30’ model yurts (~1,800-2,700 lbs), you’ll also need a combination of a full-size pickup truck and an open-top trailer or a moving truck or enclosed trailer with a minimum length of 16’.

Hauling options:

• Combination full-size pickup truck and open-top trailer
  • Pickup truck
    • ¾ ton – 1 ton axle
    • No canopy or lumber racks
    • Minimum 8’ bed
  • Open-top trailer
    • 14’ or 16’
• Moving truck rental (U-Haul or Ryder)
  • Minimum 16’ from the back of the cab to the rear door
• Enclosed trailer
  • 16’ L x 4’ H
  • Minimum 63” wide door

Contact Us for Yurt Transportation Questions

Pacific Yurts is here to help answer any questions about transporting your yurt. Contact us for support from Pacific Yurts’ yurt experts.

The post Picking Up and Transporting Your Pacific Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

In this article, we’ll dive into the initial costs, potential profits, and maintenance associated with starting a glamping business.

What Is Glamping Anyway?

Unlike traditional camping, in which participants set up their own tent, sleep on the ground, and change up their everyday hygiene routine, glamping stands for “glamorous camping”, an outdoor experience of complete luxury. This departure from traditional camping is in line with current trends showing that vacationers want to explore nature while benefiting from the comforts of home. The glamping craze is an exciting opportunity for commercial property owners as glamping has a higher return on investment than other vacation rentals, is fully customizable, and has low ongoing maintenance costs.

Are Glamping Businesses Profitable?

More than an exciting trend in the vacation rental space, glamping has proven to be a lucrative business opportunity. The global glamping market is currently valued at $12.4 billion as of 2024 and is projected to reach $39.9 billion by 2034, thanks to the growing demand for staycations, immersive experiences, and eco-tourism by Millennials and Gen X. 

Glamping startups feature lower entry costs compared to other vacation rentals and can become profitable in as little as six months. Typically, the first year of your business will be more expensive because of the one-time, up-front costs of the yurt and decor, while the second year and beyond will see higher profits.

Costs Involved in Starting a Glamping Business:

• Upfront yurt cost
• Renting or purchasing land (if not already a property owner)
• Property taxes
• Business insurance
• Maintenance costs
• Water
• Electricity
• Furnishings 
• Amenities

Additionally, glamping has low ongoing maintenance costs compared to other rental businesses, resulting in a high return on investment. Much of the ongoing expenses associated with running a glamping startup are basic upkeep costs and utilities. Luckily, our yurts are sturdy and high-quality, lasting for decades if well-maintained.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs:

• Basic utilities (electric, gas, plumbing, water)
• Insurance, permit, and licensing costs
• Cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and repair services (usually included in a fee)
• Staff

Further Reading: Yurt Maintenance: What Operators Need to Know

The Key Steps to Starting Your Own Glamping Startup

Before kicking off your glamping business, it’s important to conduct proper research and put together a business plan. Based on your desired location, be sure to evaluate the local glamping regulations or restrictions, the cost to rent or own property, competitors in your area, and even the weather. You’ll need to complete market research and decide if a franchise, corporation, sole proprietorship, or LLC is most appropriate for your business. 

One of the most exciting parts of glamping as a business model is the amount of customization available to create unique experiences for your guests. Many of our previous customers make their business stand out by decorating their rentals in theme to give their guests a photogenic environmen

Your Glamping Business Plan:

1. Assess your business goals: what does success look like to you?
2. Write your executive summary and value propositions.
3. Formulate your business model, operations plan, and financial plan.
4. Evaluate your target market.
5. Conduct competitor analysis.
6. Develop your marketing strategy.

Yurt Glamping: The Ultimate in Comfort and Style

Next, it’s time to choose your lodging type. This is where yurts really stand out. Round, fluid lines help yurts blend with nature, while the roof design creates a feeling of spaciousness, thanks to the abundance of natural light during the day and views of the starry sky at night. Yurts are also fully customizable, allowing you to add amenities like wood-burning stoves, camp kitchens, or tiled bathrooms, depending on your desired offerings and aesthetics. 

Pacific Yurts complement sustainable philosophies as its post-and-beam supported platform minimally impacts the earth and the portability and ease of installation in remote locations provide a connection to nature without sacrificing comfort, security, and protection from the elements. Yurts are beloved by investors in ecotourism as they align with the sustainable lifestyle that customers want while creating a profitable infrastructure.

For Yurt-Curious Businesses: Treebones Resorts Has Answers

Amenity Ideas to Keep Your Guests Coming Back

It’s time to spread the word about your glamping business and keep your guests coming back year after year. No matter which amenities you choose to offer, don’t overlook the power of unique and photogenic touches—these will be the details that get shared on social media and raved about in reviews. Another way to provide excellent customer service for your guests is to know what they’re looking for and add a buffer in the budget for miscellaneous guest requests so you can really wow them with that board game they mentioned.

On-Site Recommendations

• Fire pit
• Sitting area with shade 
• Books, magazines, and games
• Yard games like cornhole or Jenga

Recommendations for Nearby Food and Drink

• Cafes
• Places to work remotely 
• Breweries and wineries 
• Popular local restaurants

Recommendations for Activities

• Hike and bike trails
• Parks
• Shopping
• Local landmarks

Plan Your Glamping Startup Business Today!

Glamping as a business is an exciting opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to break into the ecotourism market. To learn more about Pacific Yurts and find answers to your yurt questions visit our customer support page.

Contact Pacific Yurts to get started on making your glamping business dreams a reality.

The post Guide to Starting a Glamping Business first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

No matter what kind of yurt platform you’re looking to construct, Pacific Yurts offers the guidance necessary to successfully build a platform you’ll love.

What’s The Difference Between a Deck and a Platform?

In the early stages of building your own yurt, you may wonder what the differences between a yurt deck and yurt platform are. A typical deck has gaps between the boards to allow water to flow between them and is an exterior structure. A typical yurt platform is similar in construction to a deck, but utilizes tongue and groove boards as the floor surface. This does not allow water or wind to pass through it and is an interior floor structure. Exterior decks can be any shape or size, but the yurt platform needs to be circular, the exact diameter of the yurt, and separated from any exterior decks or walkways.

Preparing Your Yurt Platform

Since a platform is the foundation of a yurt, it’s important that it is constructed carefully and securely. The larger your yurt, the more your raised platform will cost.The platform is the same diameter as the yurt and stands at least 6 inches above the ground. If you want electrical wiring, plumbing, or storage under your yurt, plan to construct the platform at least 18 to 20 inches above ground.

Some yurt owners construct their platform using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which can be purchased from a local supplier to save on shipping costs. These panels can be quite heavy, but they have insulation built in and can save construction time when building the platform. If constructing a concrete yurt platform, a wood or composite sill plate should be fitted around the perimeter so the yurt can be anchored properly using the hardware provided.

How to Build a Yurt Platform

Now that you’ve decided what kind of yurt platform you want, it’s time to walk through a step-by-step process of how to build a yurt platform. To begin, you’ll need a measuring tape, saw, drills, a level, and other tools.

Step 1: Lay the Footings

The first step on any raised or concrete yurt platform is to clear the area of brush or debris where the yurt will sit. Concrete platforms will require the site to be leveled as well. Once this is complete, you will lay the footings. Most raised yurt platforms use concrete footings, which are often poured on site so the footings are below the frostline. The size of your footings and depth they should be installed below grade will vary depending on each individual site, conditions and local building codes.

The key difference between building raised and concrete yurt platforms is how the footing is done. Instead of multiple concrete footings supporting the structure, the entire base is composed of concrete, with the outer perimeter being thicker than the middle of the slab. Concrete is poured into a circular form that is one inch smaller than the diameter of the yurt. A ring of ½” treated plywood will be added around the perimeter of the concrete, enlarging the diameter of the platform to match the yurt’s diameter. Keep in mind that in order to pour a concrete platform, the ground must be flat and a concrete truck must be able to access the space.

Step 2: Set the Beams and Perimeter Blocking

Now that your footings are in place for a raised yurt platform, it’s time to add the wood beams. These beams are typically leveled using posts that are fastened onto the footings. The size of your posts and beams will be determined by your individual situation and the floor load rating that is needed. The general recommendation for platform framing Pacific Yurts provides is based on a typical residential floor load of 40 pounds per square foot. Once your beams are in place some wood blocking (typically 2×6) should be installed around the perimeter of the frame, making sure nothing extends beyond the radius of the yurt.

Step 3: Lay the Flooring

As the final step in building your yurt platform, install the flooring. The flooring is typically either 1-⅛” plywood or 2×6 tongue and groove. The 2×6 T&G is typically used when the platform will be the finished floor inside the yurt. The plywood is typically used if you plan to install a ‘finished’ flooring over it, such as hardwood, carpet, or floating floor laminates. If your plan is to add a ‘floating’ floor system you will want to prepare the platform by adding a raised ring around the perimeter. A detailed explanation of this process can be downloaded from the Downloads page of our website. If you plan to add a moisture barrier and insulation into the platform, it would be best to install it before fastening the flooring onto the beams.

Step 4: Cut the flooring and add a drip edge

Once the flooring has been fastened onto the beams it will need to be cut into a circle with the exact diameter of the yurt. An easy way to get a precisely cut circle is to fasten a board at the center of the platform and onto your saw, to hold the saw at the exact radius as you cut the circle. The drip edge is basically a board that is bent around the perimeter of the circular flooring to contain the lattice wall and provide a secure surface for the bottom of the yurt’s side cover to anchor onto. The drip edge can be made from exterior plywood, PVC sheet material, Hardie Plank (cement fiber-board siding) or other materials, but the thickness should be no less than ⅜” and no more than ½”. The drip edge fastens onto the edge of the platform with one inch extending above the finished floor and it should extend at least 6” below the floor level. It is best to have it wide enough to completely cover the ends of the beams below the flooring. Be sure to paint the drip edge to protect it from the elements. 

Once your flooring and drip edge are installed, it’s a good time in the yurt building process to consider a porch cover for your deck. A yurt porch cover provides an area for outdoor enjoyment and coverage from the elements for your door and entry.

Yurt Platform Resources

Pacific Yurts has a number of Adobe PDF Yurt Platform schematics that offer more insights into yurt platforms and how they are constructed. Below is a sampling of the three types of suggested platform plans we offer:

Browse All of Our Downloadables

Watch a Yurt Platform Build

Platform Plans – Raised Platform

• 24’ Platform Plan
• 30′ Platform Plan

Platforms On Existing Decks

• 16′ Platform On Deck
• 20′ Platform On Deck

Concrete Platform Plans

• 24′ Concrete Platform Plan
• 30′ Concrete Platform Plan

Choose Your Pacific Yurt Platform Plan

Selecting your yurt platform is a personalized choice based on your plans for the yurt. Explore our virtual 3D yurt builder to design your yurt vision. You can also contact Pacific Yurts directly to learn more about yurt platform material and installation options.

The post How To Build A Yurt Platform first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

If you’re considering downsizing and upgrading to a Pacific Yurt, here are a few tips to get you started. 

1) Plan “Yurt” Vision for the Future

First things first, a move into a Pacific Yurt requires diligent planning and preparation. Luckily for the prospective yurt owner, there are a wealth of resources available to prepare you for #yurtlife. ’How to’ videos and self-installation guides, many of which can be found on the Pacific Yurts website, walk through the process of ordering, building, and furnishing a yurt step-by-step. 

In addition to your research, there are a few key questions to ask before you commit to your yurt journey. What will you use your yurt for? How big will it need to be to meet your needs? What kinds of amenities are you hoping to incorporate into your Pacific Yurt? What’s your budget? The answers to these questions will allow you to determine exactly what kind of yurt journey you’re going to be on. 

From there, the process is about figuring out exactly why you want a Pacific Yurt. Is it because you’d like an eco-friendly retreat? Perhaps a studio or work-from-home space? Or even to start a farm or homestead? Whatever your reason, make sure it’s a part of your preparation and goal-setting phase, as it will have a big impact on the Pacific Yurt you choose. 

Have fun planning for your future life in the round! Spend a few hours designing your yurt with Pacific Yurts’ Yurt Builder 3D, which allows you to create your very own customized Pacific Yurt, including upgrades!

2) Consider Your #Yurtlife Lifestyle 

Once you have an understanding of how your yurt will be built, spend some time figuring out the details of the lifestyle you desire while in your Pacific Yurt. On the more rustic side of things, some yurt owners choose to live frugally, indulging in very few additions and luxuries that often accompany suburban or city living. However, some Pacific Yurt owners have created dwellings as big as traditional homes through the combination of multiple yurts or by building onto a single yurt structure. Still others opt for more luxurious living. 

As we know from the many types of Pacific Yurts around the world, yurts can be converted to fit any lifestyle you choose. In the interest of making your transition into yurt life as smooth as possible, it’s important to honestly assess your lifestyle and space expectations. If you’re inclined to build in a full kitchen, bathroom, and other amenities, consider aiming for a larger yurt, possibly as large as 30’. On the other hand, if you’re dedicated to keeping things rustic and as natural as possible, a smaller yurt structure that will be easier to heat and furnish simply may be the better choice. Luckily, Pacific Yurts offers sizes from 12 feet all the way up to 30 feet to ensure you can find the right size to fit your lifestyle preferences.

3) Learn About the Realities of Living in the Round

For many yurt owners, space efficiency is a critical topic, and one that should be assessed in the early stages of yurt preparation. Depending on how you plan to furnish your yurt, you should keep in the mind the key differences of a circular dwelling to a standard home, and the unique opportunities that creating a retreat in the round presents. 

Spend some time from the outset of your preparations studying the details of your Pacific Yurt and setting clear and relevant expectations around how your space might turn out. In addition to that, try to approach your new Pacific Yurt lifestyle with a certain amount of flexibility. Understand that transitioning to life in a yurt is an adventure, and part of that adventure is adjusting to the unexpected that the process will inevitably bring. 

4) Understand Utilities 

It may not be the most entertaining topic, but utilities deserve a significant amount of attention when it comes to planning your yurt life. While the most basic Pacific Yurts do not include built-in utilities, there are thousands of yurts around the world that offer everything from outhouses and hot plates to full bathrooms and six-burner stoves. Be sure to research the possibility of incorporating utilities wherever you want to live, whether it be a mountainside or in your own backyard. Each geographic area tends to have its own set of rules for installing and/or adding new utility lines, and some regions may even have restrictions around what types of water, electricity, or gas can be added into a given plot of land. 

However, all that said, keep in mind the plethora of options available to yurt owners when it comes to utilities in particular. If you find yourself unable to bring government or county-owned pipelines into your yurt, consider making your yurt solar-powered, or even creating your own water entrapment system to generate a clean water supply without having to tap into manufactured resources. 

5) Putting Down Yurt Roots

One of the absolute best parts of yurt life is the opportunity to create a dwelling in a new location. A large percentage of yurt owners choose to shake things up when it comes to deciding where to build their new shelter in the round. The great news is that Pacific Yurts can adapt to almost any geography, land type, or weather pattern, so selecting a location for your new yurt comes down to personal preference. 

The setting you choose will have a significant impact on the types of amenities, add-ons, and adaptations you’ll want to make to your Pacific Yurt. For example, if you opt to build your yurt in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, you’ll likely want to add our insulation layer for the winter, or upgrade to an operable dome at the top of your yurt, to provide easy ventilation. If you hope to live in the high desert or a dry, alpine environment, you’ll probably opt for a screen door, fan support or tinted dome. When it comes to modifying your Pacific Yurt to fit your preferred setting, the options abound, but it’s important to think carefully about where you’d like to set your roots as a new Pacific Yurt owner. 

Get Help Planning for Your Pacific Yurt

Now that you know the steps for planning your yurt, visit our website to explore the gallery, check out the Yurt 3D Builder, and start to visualize all aspects of your new yurt. Have questions? Contact us today! Our team is on hand to help you every step of the way.

Click here to download the infographic.

The post 5 Expert Tips for Downsizing and Starting Your #Yurtlife first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

For yurt owners or aspiring fixer-uppers, adding a kitchen to your yurt can be a rewarding challenge, but it comes with its fair share of planning and preparation to start things off. Whether you’re a newbie to yurts or a seasoned jack of all trades, here are a few things to keep in mind as you add a kitchen to your yurt. 

Review Local Guidelines and Building Codes 

First things first. While most areas allow you to build add ons with limited oversight, we recommend reviewing your local regulations and building codes before construction. Some communities may also require documentation, inspections, and permits before adding kitchens into dwelling spaces like ADUs or yurts. 

Many local kitchen codes may relate to the plumbing and electrical systems you wish to install in your yurt. However, some laws and regulations may not apply to your yurt because of where you live or where you intend to build your circular dwelling. You’ll want to start by connecting with your local building codes and permitting office for approval guidelines before beginning construction. Doing this will prevent any hiccups along the way and ensure your yurt kitchen is up to code. 

Electricity & Plumbing: Know Your Stuff

Apart from permits and the necessary documentation, understanding the basics of electricity and plumbing in your Pacific Yurt will immensely help the kitchen add-on process. However, we recommend hiring a local contractor if you decide to leave this part to the professionals. 

Freshwater waterlines can be connected to your kitchen by installing plumbing underneath your yurt platform. You can conceal drain pipes in interior partition walls or below your platform and connect them to your septic system. What’s more? You can build a yurt kitchen using the same standard plumbing fixtures you would in a traditional home. 

The same goes for electricity. You can wire power underneath the yurt’s platform and install electrical outlets fitting your kitchen design. Additionally, you can hide any wiring and install outlets in partition walls. When you’re ready, you can power your yurt kitchen with solar power, wind power, or by connecting it to your home’s electricity system.

Ventilation is Key 

When introducing a kitchen in any space, installing proper ventilation is critical. Cooking produces excess heat that could cause higher-temperatures, which needs to be released to avoid discomfort. Your stove also releases gases, moisture, and fats that could accumulate inside, so it’s essential to have an exhaust system that pushes cooking gases outdoors to improve indoor air quality and prevent condensation. 

Venting using the dome at the top of your yurt is one option. You may also consider placing your kitchen along the wall of your yurt to vent outside using a flashing kit or install a range hood above your stove and downdraft vent to vent out any cooking gases through the floor of the yurt. Be sure to prioritize circulation and ventilation when adding a kitchen to a yurt to prevent gases or oils from collecting inside. 

Invest in Yurt-Sized Appliances

By investing in smaller appliances, you can ensure that your yurt maintains its original spatial integrity without losing out on the opportunity to build the kitchen of your dreams. With the rise in popularity of tiny home living, small and efficient appliances are now mainstream. An abundance of smaller appliances like pint-sized gas or electric ranges and refrigerators have hit the market and are ideal for yurt life. Companies like the Tiny Life Supply are constantly innovating #yurtlife by offering new products and appliances that are easily adaptable to living spaces like Pacific Yurts. 

Make Smart Storage Solutions and Counter Space 

One of the best ways to prepare your Pacific Yurt for a new kitchen is to invest in smart storage solutions. Don’t overlook your vertical space, add a fold-out table, or hang and put shelves wherever you can. Choosing the right countertops and cabinetry will also help you maximize your yurt kitchen’s space and your floor plan. 

Some of our customers choose traditional straight countertops built along a partitioned wall. This style works great for yurt owners with partitioned rooms or lofts where they can secure the fixtures against a flat space or for those who wish to buy standard cabinetry from a local store. However, some yurt owners prefer to build custom curved counters along the interior of the lattice wall for the custom look that blends well with the yurt, or they install smaller traditional cabinets set at slight angles to give the illusion of a curve. Alternatively, you can make or buy a kitchen island to provide additional storage, more seating, and extra prep space. 

If you’re on a budget, we recommend exploring off-the-shelf straight cabinets and countertops or a kitchen island rather than a custom curved build. We also suggest positioning your kitchen back-to-back with a bathroom along a shared wall to consolidate plumbing for efficiency. Whatever option you choose, remember that any additional space you create will allow you to provide for other guests and any extra supplies you’ll need. 

The post Expert Tips for Adding a Kitchen to Your Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

Below are some steps and recommendations on how you can protect your yurt using traditional home security technologies and other methods you may find helpful. For those who have additional questions around yurt safety, we’re also here to support you through other ways you can make your yurt safer.

1. Install a Full Security System

While many people build their yurts to escape the world of modern technology, there are plenty of advantages to adding a robust security system to your yurt that includes much of what we’ll talk about below. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, installing even a simple security system can make the difference between preventing a possible breach and experiencing one. Security systems and apps like SimpliSafe and Vivint are relatively inexpensive after purchasing the equipment too. That said, a benefit of adding a system like those is that they connect directly to your smart device, letting you know if there’s been a disturbance in or around your yurt as soon as something happens, while recording and documenting what’s happening on your property or even alerting the police and more. 

2. Use Timed or Motion-Sensor Lights

If you’re not quite ready for a full security system or simply don’t need one, adding timed or motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your yurt is one of the most effective security deterrents you can make. Additionally, timed lighting is also an excellent tool for keeping your yurt safe when you’re away on vacation or live in it part-time. For seasonal yurt owners, timed and motion-activated lights are an excellent way to discourage intruders or pests from entering your property while keeping it secure. Timers are fairly inexpensive, starting at around $12 and increasing depending on your needs. They are also easy to install, making them an ideal and affordable option for those looking to increase security on a budget.   

3. Install an Outdoor Camera System

Modern smart home security camera systems allow you to record what’s going on around your yurt while enabling you to set up notifications triggered by motion that can go directly to your phone or elsewhere. Displaying security cameras around your yurt also act as powerful deterrents for intruders attempting to access a property. Outdoor DIY security camera systems typically cost between $400 – $1,000, but can increase depending on your needs and the amount of cameras you want. 

Another option is getting a doorbell camera system. For those that prefer the extra layer of security, a motion activated front door camera like the SimpliSafe video doorbell ($169) could be a great way to add additional protection to your yurt while keeping you informed of any deliveries.  

4. Consider smart locks

As noted, every Pacific Yurts comes with a durable and high-quality door with a lockset that carries a lifetime warranty. We also offer deadbolt and keyless lock options, but some of our customers choose to add smart locks that are controllable from a smart device. Compared to traditional keyless deadbolts, which start around $75 and range up to $300 (locksmith installation not included), smart locks often cost closer to $150 and can go as high as $400. They aren’t terribly difficult to install, but they may require some professional supervision that may add to the cost. 

5. Keep your yurt’s exterior neat and tidy

It may seem odd, but another way to keep your yurt safe is by maintaining your yurt’s exterior and making it as neat and clean as possible. Start by assessing your lawn and eliminating potential hiding spots. Trim areas around your property like large plants, grass areas and trees. Make sure to store yard equipment or anything else that may clutter your property and secure storage areas with locks. You can also add smaller motion-sensor lights and cameras further from your yurt for added security as well. 

Pacific Yurts: Manufacturing secure and safe yurts since 1978

At Pacific Yurts safety is a top priority. If you’d like to learn more about yurt security or the safety of our yurts, check out our customer testimonials or contact us directly. We’re here for you.

The post 5 Security Tips that Will Make Your Circular Home Safer first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

To answer and address all of your yurt related questions, we’ve created a go-to guide featuring answers and links to all of our most popular inquiries. 

Yurt Care & Maintenance

Caring for and maintaining your Pacific Yurt is one of the most important aspects of long-term yurt ownership. Our article on yurt care acts as your go-to guide for proper care and maintenance practices when it comes to full-time or part-time yurt living. Our yurt care and maintenance page also covers the following topics:

• Yurt vinyl covers 
• Polyester side covers
• Vinyl windows
• Wood stove and its surrounding space
• Yurt door and door frame 
• Dome skylight and window solutions

Check out our yurt care & maintenance page here.

Yurt Downloads 

The Pacific Yurts downloads page is a great place to start if you’re looking for in-depth instruction manuals and much more. We designed this page to offer downloadable content (in Adobe PDF format) for nearly every need you might encounter, whether it’s through the process of buying, building, or beautifying your very own yurt. 

Information on purchasing a yurt includes:

• Downloadable brochure and catalog
• Sample floor plan idea drawings
• Porch, kitchen, loft and bathroom ideas

It also includes instructions for the assembly process:

• Set Up Manual – detailed yurt assembly instructions
• Installing glass windows
• Suggested platform construction plans
• Installing the stovepipe
• Rafter spacing diagrams

View our Yurt downloads page here.

Yurt Builder 3D 

If you haven’t bought a yurt yet, then you need to try our Yurt Builder 3D tool. This page gives you the ability to customize and visualize your newfound structure in all of its glory, no matter where you’re located. What’s more? The Yurt Builder 3D page includes a real-time pricing tool, meaning you can customize your future yurt while getting a sense of its general cost. 

Start building your yurt here. 

Yurt Vacations 

Whether or not you’re a Pacific Yurt owner, the Yurt Vacations page is a fantastic traveling resource all unto its own. This page lets you find Pacific Yurts from all over the United States and beyond, making it easier to plan your summer glamping vacation or family retreat. Additionally, if you’re planning to use your yurt for commercial purposes, you can request to have it included here. Planning your next yurt vacation? This is the page for you. 

Plan your next yurt vacation here.

Yurt Pricing and Shipping Information

For many future Pacific Yurt owners, the cost of shipping their yurt is an important consideration. Luckily for yurt owners everywhere, we offer information on both. Prospective yurt owners can visit our Custom Features page for information on our pricing for both standard feature yurts as well as additional insulation, roof, door, and window options. How much does it cost to ship a yurt? Domestic, international, and other shipping questions can be found on our Shipping page. 

Visit the custom features page here. 

Learn about yurt shipping options here. 

Yurt Replacement Parts & Accessories

Whether you’ve owned your Pacific Yurt for a year or for decades, there are bound to be a couple of projects on the horizon. Pacific Yurts prides itself on being an organization that is as dedicated to the upkeep of our yurts as it is to manufacture them, so we made a yurt replacement parts & accessories page to make it easier for you to order what you need, when you need it. View this page for pricing of many replacement parts and accessories such as: 

• Dome skylights
• Top covers
• Side covers
• Insulation
• Doors
• Sidewall parts & repairs
• Patching fabrics
• Lattice parts & repair
• Snow & wind kit
• Yurt accessories and more

View the yurt replacement parts page here. 

Additional Yurt Resources

Whatever your question may be, we hope there’s something here that will help you find the answer. If not, feel free to check out our official FAQs page, blog or contact us directly if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the resources listed.

The post Yurt Questions Answered: Where to Find The Info You’re Looking For first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

So, how do you finance a yurt? Here are a few of the best options to explore when looking for ways to fund the Pacific Yurt of your dreams! 

Finance Your Yurt as a Business 

Pacific Yurt owners often come up with creative and engaging ways to utilize their yurt spaces to make additional income, whether it’s by renting their circular dwellings out as glamping destinations like Orca Island Cabins or hosting yoga and wellness retreats. 

If you are planning to use your yurt as a business, you should be able to finance through North Star Leasing (https://www.yurts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Why-Finance-with-Us-Pacific-Yurts.pdf), or might be eligible for a business loan rather than a traditional home loan. Business loans are universally available in the United States and could be a more natural path to take for many entrepreneurs seeking financing options for unique structures. You’ll want to start by speaking with a lender at a credit union or your bank to see if your professional endeavor qualifies. You’ll also want to check your state’s zoning codes and rules before breaking ground on an investment property as well. 

Take Out a Loan for Land

If you’re looking to build a yurt on a new property, another possible way to fund your circular dwelling is by taking out a loan for the land you wish to build it on. Keep in mind that some banks and loan institutions might be hesitant to offer yurt lending options because some don’t consider them permanent structures yet. However, most financial institutions will give you a loan for the land the yurt will sit on, but you have to be transparent about how you intend to use it. Once you’re approved, you’re free to build the yurt of your dreams on your beautiful new property. 

Personal Loans and Credit Cards  

Many of our customers choose to buy their yurts using a credit card (to take advantage of earning air miles or points) or a personal line of credit through a credit union. Some also take out personal loans through their banks or other financial institutions to fund more significant purchases where possible. However, Pacific Yurts can now help you obtain financing for your yurt purchase. Depending on who you partner with to support your yurt, either option varies in interest rates and stipulations, so you’ll want to make sure to do your homework before borrowing to make an educated decision. And while all of these routes differ from traditional home loans, they still provide the possibility of financing your alternative structure by providing you with the essential funding to build a yurt. 

The post Helpful Ways to Finance Your Pacific Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

What Is Your Yurt’s Purpose?

How your yurt will be used should be decided first as it determines so many design details and the amenities you choose. Deciding whether it will be a primary home, a vacation cottage, an office, fitness studio, or a source of additional income through rental or an Airbnb-type option will make a difference in budget, size, and much more.

Where Will You Put Your Yurt?

The next thing to nail down is where you will build your yurt. You need to consider the energy sources you will use, such as solar power,  and water sources when thinking of your ideal location. You will want to research your options for heating, electricity, and plumbing. Every state has different zoning requirements and codes that must be adhered to so researching and understanding those restrictions are important before building your yurt platform begins.

Choosing a Yurt Size and Features

Yurts for sale come in various sizes. Pacific Yurts offers yurt sizes from 12’ in diameter (115 square feet), to 30’ in diameter (706 square feet). Based on how you choose to use your yurt, you’ll need to plan what furniture or items you’ll want to fit into your floor plan. We offer a helpful gallery, virtual tours, and an online 3D Yurt Builder Tool to help you visualize and plan your dream yurt.

Yurt sizes are measured by diameter. A standard yurt kit will include the lattice wall, the rafters, a center ring, doors, windows, top cover, and hardware, such as the tension cable. Custom features, which include various wall, door, window and roof options, and more are also available.

Financing Your Yurt

Financing a yurt is usually done via a personal line of credit through a local credit union or a bank. Many will also just use a credit card. Keep in mind that since yurts are often viewed as portable living spaces, some lenders may not recognize them as traditional homes. In that case, you may be taking out a loan on the land for the yurt.

Affordable yurts make great options as an investment. Yurts are very straightforward to set up as vacation rentals. They also make wonderful office spaces and business sites. In general, they have a very quick return on investment, especially as rental properties for vacations. Many of our customers have purchased a yurt to use as AirBnb rentals and successfully created additional income for themselves and their families.

Yurt Manufacturers

Choosing the company that you buy your yurt from will make all the difference. The best yurt companies don’t make claims of being the highest quality for the lowest price. Instead, they focus on what matters most to you. Offering the features, amenities, and customer service to make your yurt buying process as easy as possible. Keep in mind that yurt components are not compatible between different brands of yurt, so you will likely be dealing with the same company for a long time for repairs and service.

Talk to Other Customers

Look into the possibility of visiting customers near you to see the yurts they purchased or read other customers’ stories. Asking other yurt owners questions online or in forums and Facebook groups is a great way to better prepare your family for the process.

Here are some questions to explore with other yurt owners about the companies they purchased from:

• Was your yurt delivered on time and did it meet your expectations?
• Were there hidden costs to purchasing your yurt?
• How hard was it to construct your yurt?
• What would you have liked to have known before starting the yurt buying process?
• What are the pros and cons you would mention now that you have experienced living in a yurt?
• How was the customer experience with the yurt manufacturer throughout the buying process, and after?

Yurt companies are still somewhat few and far between, so it’s important to check them out thoroughly. Many have put up websites that make incredible claims, but that doesn’t mean they are a good company. You should look into their ratings on the Better Business Bureau site and on Dun & Bradstreet. Also, if you are doing comparison shopping for price, be aware that a lower price may mean poorer quality. A quality yurt is something that should last for decades. With less-than-quality materials, it may not last even a few years. Resorts and commercial operators will understand that purchases based solely on price lead to frustration, increased maintenance costs, and reduced revenue.

Difference in Designs

Because yurt companies’ designs are different, parts are not interchangeable between different brands. You are going to want to find a company that you can stick with long-term. Also, because yurts are such a unique product, you will want to work with a company that has a very good customer service department—one that is ready and willing to answer all of your questions.

Never be afraid to call a company to learn more about their brand and services. This can be a very eye-opening exercise for both research purposes and to get an idea of a company’s knowledge. What you want and need in a yurt can be discussed with representatives of any yurt company to get a fuller understanding of your options.

Purchasing a Yurt with Pacific Yurts

Pacific Yurts is rated very highly and is the most established and trusted modern yurt manufacturing company in the world. Prices for our standard yurts are very reasonable, especially considering the overall quality. We also offer custom features, such as our Glass Window System, our snow and wind kits, or one of the many stunning options we have for doors.

Visit our website for a full view of standard and custom features or contact our team directly to learn more about the yurt structures Pacific Yurts has for sale.

Looking for yurt inspiration? Check out our Instagram today!

Review our helpful “How to Buy a Yurt” infographic guide below, and download it here.

The post How To Buy A Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.