Yurt FAQ: Your Questions About Yurt Living

Thinking about a yurt for a home, camp, studio or rental? These are the questions we hear most often about White Mountain Yurts, from sizes and delivery to winter living, plumbing and permits.

Questions in This FAQ

Answers

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 fabric 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. Learn more in our history of the yurt.

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, and 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 on our testimonials page. For those who live in the Northeast states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, we are a local supplier of hand-built yurts, so you can save on shipping costs by picking up your yurt at our shop.

What sizes do your yurts come in?

We build four models: the Chocorua (16', 200 sq. ft.), the Whiteface (20', 314 sq. ft.), the Liberty (24', 452 sq. ft.) and the Washington (30', 706 sq. ft.). Our guide to choosing the right yurt size can help you decide.

How much does a yurt cost?

On our 2016 price list, base prices ranged from $7,430 for the 16' Chocorua to $13,518 for the 30' Washington, before options. Your total also depends on insulation and other options, the platform, delivery, heating and permits. Use the price calculators and read our yurt cost guide, then contact us for a current quote.

How long will it take to receive my yurt?

Each White Mountain Yurt is hand-built upon ordering. Your yurt will typically be ready for pick-up or delivery 4-8 weeks after your order is placed; we will confirm the current lead time when you order.

Who will deliver my yurt?

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 contact us for a quote.

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 to help you out. Please contact us for a quote on set-up assistance.

Does a yurt come with a platform?

No. A yurt sits on a wooden platform that you supply or have built before raising day. We publish free platform plans for every model, and our guide on how to build a yurt platform explains the process.

Where can I put my yurt?

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, and see how to choose a yurt site.

Will I need a building permit for my yurt?

It depends on your town and on how you will use the yurt. Many towns treat the platform as a structure that needs approval, and year-round living usually brings building, septic and safety codes into play. Always check with your local building or zoning office before you build. Our New Hampshire permit and zoning guide lists the questions to ask.

I live in New Hampshire where the New England winters can be brutal. Can I actually live in my yurt year-round?

Absolutely. With the roof and wall insulation kits, window insulation panels, the snow and wind kit and a good stove, our yurts are used through New England winters. See our features page for the options and living in a yurt in winter for practical tips.

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 and green building.

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.

How do I maintain my yurt?

Keeping your yurt clean is easy! Mild laundry soap and a garden hose are all you need to keep your walls and roof looking like new. Please avoid pressure washing, as this will damage the fabric. Be sure to protect your wooden doors from the elements with a fresh coat of stain or polyurethane as needed. Our yurt maintenance guide has a full seasonal checklist.

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 or structure to the next.

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.

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 or 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.

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. 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 a licensed electrician when planning your system – see off-grid yurt living.

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 climates, it's important to protect your pipes from freezing by utilizing heat tapes, safe heating sources, and proper insulation techniques.

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. Check your local rules for greywater and waste systems.

What are the best methods for heating and cooling my yurt?

Heating your yurt is easy with a wood burning or gas stove which is properly vented through the wall – the most common method chosen by yurt owners. Others choose central heating or forced hot air, with duct work run under the yurt floor, or radiant in-floor heating. For cooling, optimum ventilation is key: well placed doors and windows keep the air circulating, a dome lifter lets rising hot air escape, and floor-to-ceiling roll-up walls add ventilation with a panoramic view. Where electricity is available, a ductless mini-split can help in humid weather.

Still Have Questions?

Have an interesting idea about how you'll use your yurt? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a message, browse the yurt blog or request a brochure.

What is a yurt?

A yurt is a round, tension-built shelter with a lattice wall, roof rafters and a central ring, adapted from the traditional dwellings of Central Asia. Folks use our yurts for a variety of reasons including year-round living, artist lofts, hunting camps, vacation suites, ski area shelters and much more. The best way to understand a White Mountain Yurt is to see one in person – and choose to live outside the box!

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Testimonials

I can't say enough good things about my experience with WMY's. The yurt itself is strong, beautiful, light and airy. The people at WMY's are professional, enthusiastic, responsive and just plain fun. I've been wanting a yurt for the last 16 years, and the reality has been even better than the dream!

- Quentin L., Concord, NH

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Top 10 Reasons

10. PRICE.
Compared to the cost of a traditional home in many areas, there is no doubt that you will be saving money by living in a yurt in most parts of the country.
9. PORTABILITY.
Since it can be torn down and moved to another location, you can take it with you if you have to relocate.

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