Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Yurt?

Standing by to answer your questions

A yurt consists of a round wall and a roof system that is free standing using a tension ring at the wall and a compression ring where the roof rafters tie together. This is essentially a cone sitting on a cylinder. Traditionally, yurts were used in central Asia by nomadic herding family groups and tribes. These versatile structures have been around for at least 2500 years. Recently the yurt (or “ger” as it is traditionally called) has been imported to North America and Europe. Modern design changes have been incorporated, such as steel fasteners and architectural fabric coverings. This ancient design is still finding new and innovative uses in the modern world.

Three types of yurts are predominant in the world today. The fabric yurt, which Shelter Designs builds, is a portable, fabric-covered yurt based on the Mongolian ger. A frame-panel yurt is a permanent structure built of wood with a yurt-style roof. Lastly, is the traditional ger from central Asia. For a complete history of yurts and an overall invaluable information resource, check out author Becky Kemmery’s website at www.yurtinfo.org.

What is the outer covering made of?

Currently we offer three fabric choices for our exterior walls.

Starfire is an acrylic top coated polyester cotton blend product and is our standard fabric. Starfire is included in the base price of a yurt. We have found it to be durable and tough but lightweight and easily handled. It comes in an array of colors and does not have a glossy, plastic look. This product carries a 5 year manufacturers warranty.

You can upgrade to Star500, a vinyl coated polyester wall fabric for a small price. This wall fabric carries a 5 year manufacturers warranty and is easier to clean and repair on site. Star500 is a welded fabric (no sewn seams!)

Star800 is our premium wall fabric. This fabric is also a vinyl coated polyester, but carries an 8 year manufacturers warranty. Star800 is also a welded fabric. Please contact us for pricing and details of the Star500 and Star800 wall upgrade.

For our roof coverings, we also offer three choices. ProShield is our standard fabric included in the base price of your yurt. This vinyl coated polyester has welded seams, is easy to clean and carries an 8 year manufacturers warranty.

ProBalance is our next level of roof fabric. This fabric is also a vinyl coated polyester, has welded seams, and carries an 8 year manufacturers warranty. The difference between ProShield and ProBalance is that ProBalnace looks and feel like a natural, woven fabric. It does not have a gloss or sheen to it at all. This is the perfect fabric choice for those who do not like the plastic look of all other yurt roof fabrics.

Duro-Last is our premium roof fabric. It carries a 15 year manufacturers warranty, has welded seams, and offers the longest lasting level of protection for your investment.

Both the ProBalance and Duro-Last fabrics are available far a small price increase. Please contact us for more details.

All wall and roof fabric choices are available in a wide array of colors. Please contact us if you would like to receive sample books of the different choices available.

What type of insulation package is used in a yurt, and when do I need to have it?

We recommend using our insulation package in most locations and situations for improving the functionality of your yurt. The insulation package includes a reflective thermal barrier, which is a thin bubble wrap faced with reflective foil on both sides. It is flexible, lightweight and easily transported with your shelter. This product works well to trap heat while your heat source is operating. The insulation package is extremely efficient in harsh Northern winters. During the summer, the barrier reflects the sun's heat away from the yurt to keep your home cool on hot days. The final touch on the insulation package is a lightweight material. This is what you will see inside the yurt to give your shelter a warm, light feel.

How long will my cover last?

The cover is the part of the yurt that will need replaced every so often. Roof coverings experience the bulk of wear and tear. In most cases the roof cover will need to be replaced before the wall. Both of our vinyl coated fabrics have an 8 year manufacturers warranty. The Duro-Last roof carries a 15 year warranty.

Our Starfire and Star500 wall fabrics have a 5 year manufacturers warranty. Our Star800 wall fabric carries an 8 year manufacturers warranty. We have found that the walls will last much longer under normal use.

UV exposure is the most detremental natural force on fabric. Carefully choosing your yurt site for shade will make the yurt more enjoyable in the summer as well as extending the life of the fabric.

Plesae see the FAQ "What is the outer covering made of?" for a complete explanation of these fabric choices.

What should I use to heat my yurt?

Most folks use either a wood stove or vented propane stove for heat. Other options include radiant floor heat or electric. Shelter Designs offers a yurt wall chimney jack option if you want to use a wood or propane heat source.

Should my yurt go on a platform?

Although we have seen our yurts set up directly on the ground, we strongly recommend setting your yurt up on a platform of some kind. We build the yurts at our shop on a flat level surface, so that is how they will best fit together. If the yurt is going to be any type of permanent structure, a platform will make your life easier. In many places the Earth acts as a huge sponge soaking up moisture. We have found through experience that the Earth will then release that moisture back into a yurt that is sitting on the ground. It is also harder to heat a yurt on the ground than one that is on a platform. The wood of the frame will not last as long if it sits on the ground, and your cover may not fit as well. Overall, a platform is a worthwhile investment to make your yurt a more pleasant and comfortable space to live in.

If I live in a heavy snow and wind area, can I still live in a yurt?

Our yurts are incredibly strong in a diverse range of climates. Living in Northern Montana we experience scorching summers and heavy winters. We have found our yurts can take a healthy dose of snow and wind, but we do offer a yurt snow and wind kit to ensure your yurt can withstand the harshest of climates. Feel free to call or email Shelter Designs to see if your specific situation warrants this extra protection.

How portable is a Shelter Designs yurt?

We keep portability in mind every step of the way when we make your yurt. Our shelters are easily transportable in a full-sized pickup truck, sometimes with a trailer. If your life or work is fluid and requires travel, then a yurt is a perfect match for you. While being highly portable, our yurts also function wonderfully as beautiful permanent structures. Whatever your lifestyle, a Shelter Designs yurt is a great option!

How long will it take to set up my yurt?

Although it will probably go faster, especially with our smaller yurts, we safely recommend a weekend with 2-3 people to get your yurt set up and just right. (This is assuming the platform is built and ready.)

Can I have plumbing and electricity in my yurt?

Yes. A yurt can be set up with all the conveniences of a modern home. We also have plenty of experience living with “alternative” systems such as solar and wind setups, composting toilets, etc. If you are going to be living off the grid, we work with and can recommend companies to you who can help with the design of your system.

Do I need a building permit for my yurt?

Every area of the country has different requirements for building. Yurts have been classified as permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structures depending on the location and use. It is the purchasers responsibility to fully research local codes and inform us of all requirements for compliance before the yurt is ordered. Engineering data is available for all Basic Yurt Models from Shelter Designs. You may have to hire a local engineer review our plans and approve them.

How do I receive my yurt and who sets it up?

We can deliver your yurt within a local radius, and also set it up your yurt for an extra fee. Otherwise, you can pick up your yurt from our location, or we can ship it to you. Prices for shipping range from $200-$1500. A separate crating fee of $200 is necessary for us to package your yurt for shipping. We include a detailed set of instructions with your yurt. Most people can set up their yurt in a relaxed weekend with a few tools and friends or family.