After selling my house, it was time to to find a place to live. I decided to build a platform for a small 16′ yurt which I could live in while I decided to and/or officially built the large yurt. Unfortunately, that meant building the platform in days where temps got to a high of 5 degrees (F).

I pretty much followed the platform plans provided by Pacific Yurts. I was fortunate to have a small barn to work out of that had electricity. I know people have built platforms without electricity, but it sure is easier with power tools! I did it by myself in 5 days - if you have help, I’m sure it’s faster. I’m not the best carpenter/builder either, but I manage to get it done eventually. Working in subzero windchills doesn’t help much either!

Day 1 & 2:
Setting the pre-cast concrete piers and attaching the posts. After clearing a foot of fresh snow!

Day 3:
Setting the beams and the outside bracing.

Day 4:
Cross-bracing and insulation. I used the Reflectix underneath because I was worried about critters - I would stick with a standard insulation because the Reflectix sure didn’t seem to do much and I ended up surrounding the platform with straw bales a month or two after I moved in.

Day 5:
Attaching the plywood floor and cutting it to the radius.

And we’re ready for the yurt!