We require a 50% deposit when your order is placed. Notice of final payment due will be given 10 days prior to the date the yurt is scheduled for shipping or pick up. We accept cash, check, debit, and all major credit cards. When a debit or credit card is used there will be a 3% transaction fee.

We often get questions about whether we finance our yurts. At this time we do not offer financing. We suggest talking with your small local bank about financing your yurt in a similar way that cars are financed. As always, having adequate collateral is helpful!

Yes—you need to insulate your yurt. We recommend our Basic Insulation Package for most locations and uses. It includes a lightweight, reflective thermal barrier that helps retain heat while your heat source is running—ideal for occasional use or 3-season living in moderate climates. For colder environments or full-time use, our exclusive Arctic Insulation adds a ½” foam layer to boost heat retention and comfort. While no yurt will perform like a traditional home, these options help moderate interior temperatures and make your space more livable year-round. We also suggest insulating your platform and considering additional heat sources or climate control tools like wood stoves or mini-split units for maximum comfort.

We ship yurts to all 50 states and offer international shipping as well. For those within 300 miles of Missoula, Montana, renting a trailer or U-Haul is often more cost-effective than freight delivery. International shipments are delivered to the nearest port, with the buyer responsible for duties, fees, and final transport.

Shipping costs depend on yurt size, window and door types, and location—we’re happy to provide an estimate. All shipped yurts require a crate fee: $700 for standard packages, with an added $200 for glass windows and $300 for SIPS floors. Yurts must be picked up within two weeks of completion to avoid storage fees.

Delivery is handled via LTL freight or flatbed truck; you’ll need a forklift on-site and access for a full-size semi. While we don’t offer installation, we can recommend experienced installers. Most customers work with local contractors for platform builds and setup, and we provide detailed video guides to help you every step of the way.

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 purchaser’s 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 Big Sky Yurt Models from Shelter Designs. You may have to hire a local engineer review our plans and approve them.

Check out our blog on permitting here. 

Montana does not have a general-use sales tax.  Therefore, Shelter Designs, LLC is not required to, and does not, collect sales or use tax on yurts or yurt accessories picked up at our facility in Missoula, Montana.  However, following a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision, many states now require out-of-state vendors that do not have a physical presence in their state to collect and remit the taxes on sales of products delivered into their state.  Shelter Designs, LLC may not know at the time of a particular sale whether the sale will cause Shelter Designs, LLC to exceed the threshold of activity for your particular state.  We, therefore, reserve the right to add sales tax if required by your state.  Customers who are exempt from sales tax must provide Shelter Designs, LLC with the appropriate exemption certificate to avert the collection of sales taxes.  Customers in states that we do not collect sales taxes for may be subject to a use tax in that state.  It is the customer’s responsibility to report and pay the use tax where required.