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What is a yurt? (Sounds like "yert")
Why should I choose a White Mountain Yurt?
How long will it take to receive my yurt?
Who will deliver my yurt?
Will you help me set up my yurt?
Where can I put my yurt?
I live in New Hampshire where the New England winters can be brutal. Can I actually live in my yurt year-round?
Are there other uses for a yurt?
Are yurts durable? How long will my yurt last?
How do I maintain my yurt?
What if I want to connect my yurt to another yurt or building?
How do I add inner walls to my yurt?
How do I construct a loft in my yurt?
Can my yurt be wired for electricity?
How do I install plumbing in my yurt?
I'm ready to add a kitchen and bathroom to my yurt.
Tell me how.
What are the best methods for heating/cooling my yurt?Q. What is a yurt? (Sounds like "yert")
A modern, eco-friendly, green building option which originated in central Asia. Originally called gers or yurtas, these round structures (often constructed with a canvas outer shell and lattice work inner walls) have been adapted to contemporary living and are a favored choice with those who opt for a sustainable lifestyle. Economical in cost and in environmental impact, yurts are a valuable resource for homesteaders, those who choose to live off grid, and anyone in search of affordable alternative housing.
Q. Why should I choose a White Mountain Yurt?
We love what we do at White Mountain Yurts, and we think it shows. Each of our yurts is individually crafted with you in mind. We provide the continued support you need to make your yurt-living experience as simple and enjoyable as possible. Read what people are saying about us here.
For those who live in the Northeast states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachussets, we are your only local supplier for hand-built yurts, so you have the added benefit of saving on shipping costs by picking up your yurt at our shop.
Q. How long will it take to receive my yurt?
Each White Mountain yurt is hand-built upon ordering. Your yurt will be ready for pick-up or delivery 4-8 weeks after your order is placed.
We will be happy to personally deliver your yurt or you can save the delivery fee and pick it up at our shop. If you choose our delivery option, please call 603-396-9222 or email us for a quote.
Q. Will you help me set up my yurt?
Yes. Although we provide easy to follow step-by-step instructions for setting up your yurt, a Real Person is always available here to help you out. Please call or email us for a quote.
The sky's the limit! Seaside retreat or mountain getaway, earth-friendly yurts can often be placed in areas where traditional structures may be prohibited. Consult your local zoning laws for the specifics of your chosen site.
Absolutely. Check out our Yurts page for options on making your yurt comfortable and sturdy even in the toughest weather conditions.
Q. Are there other uses for a yurt?
We're always happily surprised to hear the innovative uses people have found for their yurts.
Here are some suggestions:
- Affordable home
- Office
- Writer's studio
- Artist's studio
- Guest house
- Camp
- Retreat
- Vacation home
- Gift shop
- Information center
- Learning center
- Shop
- Conservatory
- Green building
Q. Are yurts durable? How long will my yurt last?
Each White Mountain Yurt is hand-built to last! The rugged, wooden framework of your yurt will stand the test of time and elements year after year. (much like a traditional home) The fabric cover of a yurt, which is subject to UV rays and other elemental extremes, will last from 8 to 15 years before it needs replacing.
Keeping your yurt clean is easy! Mild laundry soap (like Ivory Flakes) and a garden hose* are all you need to keep your walls and roof looking like new.
Be sure to protect your wooden doors from the elements with a fresh coat of stain or polyurethane as needed.
*Please avoid pressure washing as this will damage the fabric.
Q. What if I want to connect my yurt to another yurt or building?
This is a great problem-solving strategy for those who want the added privacy of a second yurt for a bedroom, bath, or office area. It's also a popular choice for connecting a mother-in-law apartment, kid's playroom, guest house, or studio.
To accomplish this, a connecting hallway is constructed from the door frame of one yurt/structure to the next.
Q. How do I add inner walls to my yurt?
Sturdy walls can be added to your yurt by using traditional framing methods. The partitions should not be attached to the lattice walls of your yurt, as this would compromise the integrity of the structure.
Q. How do I construct a loft in my yurt?
A loft can be a beautiful and practical choice for expanding your living space. Whether you want to use your loft for a storage area (a good solution for smaller yurts) or a bedroom/living area, this can be accomplished by building a freestanding framework that remains unattached from the outer walls of your yurt. As a bonus, you can utilize the space under your loft for a bathroom or bedroom.
Would you like more information about building a loft for your yurt? Let Pete—our loft, platform, and deck specialist—help! Email Pete
Q. Can my yurt be wired for electricity?
Yes. If you have an existing electrical source on your property, you can run the lines through your yurt floor. After this is done, simply install switches and outlets wherever you need them and let there be light!
If no electrical source is available or you want to live off-grid, you can install solar panels and batteries which will supply you with power. Be sure to consult an expert when calculating how much solar power you'll need.
Q. How do I install plumbing in my yurt?
You can install plumbing in your yurt by bringing the pipes up through your yurt's floor. In colder climes, it's important to protect your pipes from freezing by utilizing heat tapes, safe heating sources, and proper insulation techniques.
Q. I'm ready to add a kitchen and bathroom to my yurt. Tell me how.
After your inner walls and plumbing are installed, you're ready to add your kitchen and bath. It makes practical sense for the bathroom and kitchen to share the same "wet wall" or water source, so plan ahead for this.
In more remote areas, or as an environmental choice, many yurt owners install composting toilets. This solution requires only a small greywater system, and eliminates the need for a septic system.
Q. What are the best methods for heating/cooling my yurt?
Heating
Heating your yurt is easy with a wood burning or gas stove which is properly vented through the wall. This is the most common method chosen by yurt owners. Others choose to install central heating or forced hot air. With these systems, the duct work can be run directly under your yurt floor. Alternative heating methods, such as radiant in-floor heating, (used in conjunction with ceramic or electric baseboard) can also serve to keep you toasty even on the frostiest nights.Cooling
Optimum ventilation* is key to keeping your yurt cool during warmer weather. Well placed doors and windows are a natural way to keep the air circulating. Adding a dome lifter allows you to open the dome of your yurt so that the rising hot air escapes quickly and easily—leaving you feeling cool and comfortable.Where electricity is available,a swamp cooler (which uses an endothermic reaction to cool circulating air) may do the trick. Ductless air conditioning units can also be helpful in more humid climates.
*Looking for extra ventilation with a panoramic view to boot? Our floor-to-ceiling roll-up walls may be just what you're looking for!
Have an interesting idea about how you'll use your yurt? We'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for visiting White Mountain Yurts!
If you'd like more information or to request a brochure, feel free to call us at 603-396-9222 or . We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.