---
title: "What Are Yurts Made Of? Yurt Materials & Construction"
url: https://secretcreek.com/what-are-yurts-made-of
description: "What are yurts made of? Learn how a yurt is built: wood lattice walls, rafters, compression ring, fabric covers, insulation, dome, windows and platform."
lang: en
---

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# What Are Yurts Made Of? Yurt Materials & Construction Explained

Image: What Are Yurts Made Of? Yurt Materials & Construction Explained (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/gallery/yurt/1777494861505-75.jpg)

**Quick answer:** A modern yurt is made of a wood frame and a fabric cover. The frame has three main parts: an expandable wood lattice wall, wood roof rafters, and a center compression ring (the top ring) that the rafters lean into. Architectural fabric covers the roof and walls, a clear or tinted dome sits over the top ring to let in light, and the whole yurt rests on a raised wood deck, a concrete slab or an insulated panel platform. Add-ons like insulation, a snow and wind load package, glass windows and solid doors turn the same basic materials into a four-season building.

If you're comparing yurts, knowing what goes into one helps you judge quality, durability and price. This guide walks through every component of a yurt, from the platform up to the dome, and explains the material choices that matter most for glamping sites, guest houses and full-time yurt homes.

Image: Fabric-covered yurt with a wood frame and dome standing in deep snow below snowy peaks (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/gallery/yurt/1777494861505-75.jpg)

## What is a yurt made of?

**Definition: yurt construction.** A yurt is a round, self-supporting structure built from a collapsible wood lattice wall, straight rafters that run from the top of the wall to a central ring, and a weatherproof cover stretched over the frame. Because the roof and walls brace each other, a yurt needs no interior posts or load-bearing walls.

Traditional yurts on the Central Asian steppe were covered in wool felt over a wooden frame, which made them light enough to move with the seasons. Today's yurts keep the same round shape and wood skeleton but swap felt for engineered fabric, add insulation, and sit on a permanent platform. The result is a structure that sets up like a kit but performs much more like a small building.

| Component | What it's made of | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lattice wall | Crisscrossed wood slats | Forms the round wall and carries the roof load |
| Rafters | 2"x4" wood rafters, or 2"x6" engineered rafters for heavy snow | Span from the wall to the top ring to frame the roof |
| Top ring | Hand-crafted wood compression ring | Holds every rafter at the center of the roof |
| Roof and wall covers | Architectural fabric and canvas, with a vinyl roof membrane | Sheds rain, snow, wind and UV |
| Dome | Acrylic skylight, clear or bronze-tinted | Brings daylight into the center of the yurt |
| Insulation | Reflective bubble or multi-layer foil insulation | Keeps heat in during winter and out in summer |
| Platform | Wood deck, concrete slab or structural insulated panels | Gives the yurt a level, dry, solid floor |

## What is the yurt frame made of?

The frame is the part of a yurt that lasts for decades, so it's worth looking at closely. A well-built yurt frame is all wood, joined with sturdy hardware, and finished with a protective stain.

### The lattice wall

The lattice wall is the signature feature of a yurt. Wood slats are joined in a diamond pattern so the wall can fold up for shipping and stretch out into a circle on site. Once expanded, the lattice creates a rigid wall that supports the roof all the way around. At Secret Creek, lattice comes stained in a standard redwood finish, with natural and white wash stains available if you prefer a lighter interior.

Image: Close-up of a natural-stained wood lattice yurt wall against the fabric cover (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/yurt-option-images/3b5b3e92-466e-420f-90b6-dfa4dd69f2e9-1780005044221.png)

### Rafters and the compression ring

Rafters run from the top of the lattice wall up to the center of the roof, where they meet the top ring, also called the compression ring. The weight of the roof pushes every rafter inward against the ring, and the ring pushes back evenly in all directions. That balance is what lets a yurt stand without center posts and gives you a completely open floor.

On a Secret Creek yurt, standard 2"x4" rafters attach to the ring with brackets. In places with heavy snow or high wind, you can upgrade the frame with a load package:

- **Base:** 2"x4" rafters bracketed to the top ring.
- **Big Wind:** the base frame plus 2"x4" studs under each rafter for added strength.
- **Snow and Wind:** studs under each rafter plus 2"x6" engineered rafters for heavy snow loads.

A snow and wind kit is included as standard on Secret Creek's 24', 27' and 30' yurts. If you're unsure which package your site needs, ask your local building department what snow and wind loads a structure must meet.

Image: Looking up at yurt rafters meeting the wood compression ring under a clear dome, with a ceiling fan (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/yurt-option-images/4ae0e0df-bc7d-43fd-ae74-301255c0917a-1780002251039.jpg)

## What is a yurt cover made of?

Modern yurt covers are made of architectural fabric rather than the felt or plain canvas of traditional yurts. The roof cover takes the most punishment from sun, snow and rain, so it's built from heavier, more weather-resistant material than the walls. Secret Creek uses a DuroLast vinyl roof membrane over the roof, with fabric wall covers and a valance at the eave that helps shed water away from the wall.

What to look for in a yurt cover:

- **Weather resistance.** The cover should be waterproof and resist UV damage, mildew and wind.
- **Color options.** Lighter covers reflect more summer heat, while darker covers hide dirt and absorb winter sun.
- **Replaceable panels.** Covers wear out long before a good wood frame does. Secret Creek's first yurt, built more than 40 years ago, is still standing on its third set of covers.

## Are yurts insulated?

A yurt can be anything from a breezy summer shelter to a warm, four-season home. The difference is mostly insulation. Insulation goes between the frame and the outer fabric on the walls and roof, and it can also go under the floor.

- **Base insulation:** EcoFoil single-bubble insulation, which blocks up to 96% of radiant heat. It's a good fit for three-season use and mild climates.
- **Upgraded insulation:** Prodex, rated R-22 in the walls and R-44 in the roof, which helps meet many energy code requirements for year-round living.
- **Dome insulation cover:** a cover for the dome that cuts heat loss through the skylight on cold nights.

An insulated yurt also needs a heat source in cold weather. An insulated stovepipe outlet with a flashing kit lets you vent a wood or gas stove safely through the roof. For more on heating and comfort, see Inside a Yurt: Interiors, Bathrooms, Kitchens & Heat (https://secretcreek.com/inside-a-yurt).

Image: Rolls of reflective foil insulation layered inside a yurt wall (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/yurt-option-images/0ac24246-7189-48a7-956a-41e82190f76f-1780005065610.png)

## What is the yurt dome made of?

The dome is an acrylic skylight that sits on the top ring. It floods the center of the yurt with daylight, and on many yurts you can open it for ventilation. Secret Creek includes a dome on 20' and larger yurts, with options that make it more useful:

- **Bronze-tinted dome** to cut glare and help regulate interior temperature.
- **Operable dome lifter** so you can vent warm air out of the top of the yurt.
- **Shade and bug net** for open-dome ventilation without insects.
- **Ceiling fan mount** to hang a fan from the center of the ring.

## What are yurt windows and doors made of?

Windows and doors are where yurts have changed the most. You can keep the classic look of fabric windows or install glass windows and solid doors that feel like a cabin.

| Option | Material and size | Good for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fabric window | Clear vinyl sewn into the wall, 48"x48", with bug netting and removable insulation panels | Seasonal yurts and a classic look |
| Rollup wall | 8' floor-to-ceiling fabric panoramic window | Glamping views and summer airflow |
| Sliding glass window | Vinyl-clad slider in a curved wood frame, 48"x40" (oversized 55"x48") | Four-season yurts and yurt homes |
| Casement window | Douglas fir with clear low-E glass, 2'3"x3'3" | Bedrooms where an egress-sized window is needed |
| Standard door | Half-light fiberglass door, 6'8"x3' | Every yurt size |
| French door | 42" wood (20' and up) or 60" fiberglass (24' and up) | Wide entries, decks and extra light |

Glass windows aren't available on Secret Creek's 12' yurt, so plan on fabric windows if you choose the smallest size. Screen doors and fabric window awnings are available too.

Image: Sliding glass window set in a curved wood frame on a red yurt wall (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/yurt-option-images/f56b32af-c46b-4fb2-bd00-16a22d0fc15a-1780001974841.jpg)

## What does a yurt sit on?

Every yurt needs a level, solid platform. The platform keeps the floor dry, anchors the yurt against wind, and is the easiest place to add floor insulation. The three common foundations are:

1. **Raised wood deck.** The most popular choice. It works on sloped land and leaves room under the floor for plumbing and wiring. Secret Creek offers free yurt deck plans (https://secretcreek.com/yurt-deck-plans).
2. **Concrete slab.** A durable, low-maintenance base on flat ground, especially for full-time homes.
3. **Structural insulated panels (SIPs).** Engineered R-23 panels pre-cut to the yurt's diameter, set on multi-ply 2"x10" support beams, for a well-insulated floor.

Around the edge of the platform, a 1/2"x8" composite bender board strengthens the deck edge and helps shed water away from the fabric wall.

Image: Yurt on a raised wood deck platform in an evergreen forest (https://rvckecqqubyoynomdjga.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/gallery/yurt/1777494843736-62.jpg)

## What comes in a yurt kit?

A yurt kit packages the frame and covers so you can assemble the structure on your own platform. Every Secret Creek kit includes the lattice walls, rafters and top ring, the fabric covers, and a door frame and door. A dome skylight is included on 20' and larger kits, and a snow and wind kit is included on the 24', 27' and 30'.

| Diameter | Floor area | Starting price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 12' | 113 sq ft | $7,200 |
| 16' | 201 sq ft | $12,270 |
| 20' | 314 sq ft | $15,195 |
| 24' | 452 sq ft | $17,240 |
| 27' | 573 sq ft | $19,575 |
| 30' | 706 sq ft | $21,620 |

Starting prices are base yurt prices from the Secret Creek yurt builder and don't include options, tax, shipping or installation. Compare sizes in our yurt sizes guide (https://secretcreek.com/yurt-sizes-guide), see full budgets in How Much Does a Yurt Cost? (https://secretcreek.com/how-much-does-a-yurt-cost), or browse complete yurt kits (https://secretcreek.com/yurt-kits).

## How do yurt materials affect durability?

A yurt's lifespan depends on its materials and how well they're cared for. The wood frame can last for decades when it stays dry and is restained as needed. Covers are the main wear item and can be replaced without rebuilding the frame. A few material choices make a big difference over time:

- **Match the load package to your climate** so the frame handles your snow and wind.
- **Choose stainless steel hardware** for coastal or humid sites where standard hardware could corrode.
- **Build a proper platform** with good drainage so the wall base stays dry.
- **Insulate for how you'll use it.** Four-season insulation also reduces condensation inside the yurt.

Every Secret Creek yurt is handcrafted in the USA, a practice the company has kept since 1976.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are yurts made of?

Modern yurts are made of a wood lattice wall, wood rafters and a wood compression ring, covered with architectural fabric and topped with an acrylic dome. They sit on a wood deck, concrete slab or insulated panel platform.

### What were traditional yurts made of?

Traditional Central Asian yurts used a wooden lattice and roof poles covered with layers of wool felt, tied together with ropes or bands so families could take them down and move them.

### Are yurts made of canvas?

Many are covered in canvas or, more often today, engineered architectural fabric. The roof usually gets a heavier, weatherproof membrane, while the walls use fabric that can include sewn-in vinyl windows.

### Can a yurt be insulated for winter?

Yes. Insulation goes in the walls, roof and floor. Secret Creek's upgraded Prodex kit is rated R-22 in the walls and R-44 in the roof, and pairs well with an insulated platform and a wood or gas stove.

### Do yurts need a foundation?

Yes. A yurt needs a level platform, usually a raised wood deck, a concrete slab or structural insulated panels. Secret Creek offers free deck plans to help you build one.

### How long does a yurt frame last?

With good care, a wood yurt frame can last for decades. Covers wear faster and can be replaced. Secret Creek's first yurt, built more than 40 years ago, is still standing on its third set of covers.

## Next Steps

**Ready to choose your materials?** Pick your size, load package, insulation, windows and doors in the yurt builder (https://secretcreek.com/build-your-yurt), read more answers in our yurt FAQs (https://secretcreek.com/yurt-faqs), or request a consultation (https://secretcreek.com/request-a-consultation) with a Sales Guide at 970.240.2111. Secret Creek has handcrafted yurts, tipis and canvas tents since 1976.

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