Do you have a piece of land on which you’ve wanted to build a glamping getaway home but are unsure what kind of dwelling to construct? If you’re interested in something that will provide more than four walls and a roof over your head, you may want to consider building a yurt. Yurts have been around for centuries and have a lot to offer in terms of function and form. But how much does a yurt cost? Maybe you’re wanting something smaller, so how much is a small yurt? How much does it cost to add in specific amenities?
The bottom line is, how much to buy a yurt!?
The cost of a yurt will depend on a few different factors, including the size of the yurt, the materials used to build it, and any special features, additions or yurt accessories you want. We’re diving into all these factors so that you can get a better idea of how much it will cost to build your yurt.
What is a yurt, and how much does a yurt cost?
A yurt is a portable, circular structure that nomadic people have used for centuries. They are still used today as temporary or permanent homes and for camping and other outdoor activities. Yurts can be purchased or rented, and the cost varies depending on the size, material, and features of the yurt.
The average cost of a yurt is between $1,500 and $5,000. Yurts can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and fabric. The most expensive yurts are usually wood and have more features, such as electric lights and plumbing. These can cost upwards of $20,000 or more! However, yurts made of less expensive materials, such as metal or fabric, are typically around the $5,000 price point but may not be as durable or comfortable. They’ll also lack some basic functionality you might be looking for.
So, it goes without saying, it’s very difficult to give a precise cost of a yurt without knowing exactly what features you’re looking for. However, to give you a better idea of yurt costs and pricing, we’ll break down various costs associated with the construction. This should give you a rough idea of what you’ll probably end up spending.
Yurt kits are easier to build.
If you’re looking for an easier and cheaper way to construct a yurt, you may want to consider purchasing a yurt kit. Sure, plenty of yurt owners go with DIY yurts, but the kits are a great option. If you want a yurt, cost to buy one is much cheaper when you go with a kit. You’ll also face less headaches.
Yurt kits are essentially an assembly of parts and materials that are pre-cut and ready for construction. Yurt kits will typically include the lattice wall structure, canvas walls, roof poles, connectors, doors, glass windows, and any other necessary components. They typically don’t have interior walls and are usually wide open.
Depending on the yurt manufacturer, you can always add to the kit. For example, if you want a wood stove or some sort of insulation, you can usually purchase these items separately. You may want to upgrade the basic roof to a metal roof as well. Don’t forget to add a wind kit depending on where you live. There are endless yurt accessories that will add to the costs if you go this route.
The cost of a yurt kit will vary depending on the size and materials used but typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000.
Traditional yurts made from metal or fabric may be less expensive than those made from wood, but they are also not as durable and may not provide the same level of comfort. Yurts with standard latticework walls made from wood are the most expensive but tend to be more durable and provide better insulation.
So, when you build a yurt, be sure to consider whether you want a kit or you’re going to build it from scratch.
We’ve assembled yurts in the past and we have to say that the Eagle Yurt by Rainier is probably our favorite. Keep in mind the Eagle Yurt was on the expensive end as it set us back around $19,000. But then again, that’s a really high-end yurt.
What goes into yurt costs?
There are a lot of variables that can affect the cost of a yurt. The size of the yurt, the type of material used, labor costs, installation costs, and any additional features you add will all contribute to the final and total cost.
Here are some things to consider when trying to calculate how much your yurt will cost:
- Size: Sizes range from 8 feet to 30 feet in diameter, and bigger yurts will cost more and a smaller yurt will cost considerably less.
- Type of material: Yurts can be made from wood, metal, or fabric. Wood yurts are the most expensive, but also provide the best insulation and durability. Metal or fabric yurts tend to be less expensive but won’t last as long or provide the same comfort. Also think about other materials such as a metal roof or the decking material as these can affect construction costs.
- Additional features: If you want electric lights, plumbing, insulation, glass windows, doors, yurt deck, a wood stove, or other features, these will add to the cost of your yurt. Some modern yurts even have the option for french doors or rigid foam insulation.
Overall, the cost of building a yurt will depend on the size and yurt building materials used. You’ll also have to consider any additional features you may want. Sometimes, the costs vary based on the current price of materials such as wood costs.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to more than $20,000 for your yurt. If you’re looking for an easier and cheaper way to build a yurt, consider purchasing a kit. Yurt kits will typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 and include the basic components needed for construction.
You’ll also be able to do the yurt installation yourself so you can save on labor costs.
No matter what type of yurt you decide to build, make sure you factor in all the costs before making a purchase.
Yurt installation done right.
When you’re constructing your yurt, it’s important to make sure that the installation is done properly. If you don’t hire a professional yurt installer, then it’s important to follow instructions carefully and double-check any measurements or connections.
A poorly installed yurt can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable. You don’t want to skimp on installation costs, as this could end up costing you more in the long run.
Hiring a professional yurt installer will ensure that all parts are connected properly and your yurt is safe and comfortable. The cost of an installer varies depending on where you live but can range between $1,000 and $3,000, or more for labor costs. You’re not only paying for the time of the builder, but the experience and tools required for the yurt construction.
Basic yurt construction.
The most significant cost associated with yurts is the initial purchase price. That actual yurt installation is the largest portion of the yurt costs.
You may decide to build your own from scratch or start with a yurt kit. Each have their own pros and cons and the cost to build your yurt will vary greatly between the two.
However, there are other costs, such as building the yurt platform, setting up the yurt, and maintaining it over time. For example, if you plan to use your yurt as a permanent home, you will need to factor in the cost of insulating and heating the yurt in the winter. You may even want to build a more durable and sturdy yurt platform.
If you’re considering purchasing a yurt, be sure to do your research and compare prices from several different manufacturers. Yurts are a significant investment, but they can provide you with a unique and comfortable living space that will last for years.
Mainly, handy people can assemble a yurt independently, but you may want to hire a professional if you are not confident in your ability. Building a yurt can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the yurt. The average cost to hire a professional to assemble a yurt is between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the complexity.
Yurt insulation.
For those that live in areas with harsh winters, you will want to factor in the cost of insulating your yurt since most yurts don’t come pre-insulated.
This can be done in several ways, but the most common variant we’ve seen is using a material called “reflective bubble insulation.” This type of insulation is placed inside the yurt walls and ceiling and helps to reflect heat into the yurt, keeping it warm in the winter.
The cost of reflective bubble insulation is typically around $0.50 per square foot. For a 18′ yurt, the square footage is around 250 square feet. For that, you will look to spend around $125 to insulate.
Don’t forget a roof insulation package as well. Since you’ll lose the most heat through the roof and dome skylight, you’ll want to ensure it is well insulated.
If you want the best insulation, you might want to consider rigid foam, but that will increase the overall price of the yurt. It might not be a bad idea if you regularly encounter extreme weather.
Staying comfortable with heating and cooling.
Our favorite way to heat and cool a yurt is with a mini split air conditioning system. These efficient systems can be installed for around $2,000 – $3,000. The best part about mini-split systems is that they can heat and cool your yurt, making them a great all-in-one solution.
While the mini split sounds wonderful, a wood stove is a way to go if you want a truly off-grid solution. It will provide heat in the winter, but you can also cook on it and use it to heat water. Wood stoves are typically around $1,000 – $2,000. Of course, this won’t cool your yurt, but fans and other cooling solutions are relatively inexpensive.
Flooring.
There are many flooring options, but one of our favorites is bamboo. Bamboo is a sustainable material that is also very strong and durable. It can be installed for around $5 – $10 per square foot.
Another popular option is laminate flooring. Laminate is less expensive than bamboo, but it is not as durable. However, it still looks good and can be installed for around $2 – $4 per square foot. You can probably install it yourself if you’re feeling handy.
Carpeting is also an option, but it is not as durable as bamboo or laminate and will need to be replaced more often. Carpeting is typically around $1 – $2 per square foot and is not a traditional flooring choice for yurts.
Windows and ventilation.
Chances are you’re going to want to take in the views from your yurt, so windows are a must. The cost of glass windows will vary depending on the size and type of window you choose. Expect to pay around $200 – $300 per window. If you go with higher-end windows which are often found in the custom built yurts, you can expect to pay closer to $1,000 per window.
Though, there are yurt options for plastic windows if you’re on a tight budget or this is more of a temporary structure.
Ventilation is also essential in a yurt to allow fresh air to circulate. The most common type of ventilation is a screened opening at the top of the yurt. This can be opened and closed to let fresh air in and keep bugs out. Screened openings typically cost around $100 – $200, but most yurt kits are included.
Doors and entryways.
While most kits include an entryway, the door is often not included. You can expect to pay around $200 – $500 for a door, depending on the size and type of door you choose. If you have one of the larger yurts you can choose to go with french doors to allow more light to enter your yurt home, then you can expect to pay upwards of $2,000 for those.
Remember when you’re building a yurt, this will be the main entryway to your yurt, so you want it to be both functional and stylish. We recommend choosing a door at least 36 inches wide to allow for easy furniture moving and 80 inches tall for a little extra headroom.
Other considerations when purchasing or building a yurt.
Depending on how much time you’ll spend on your new yurt build, you’ll want to consider how comfortable you want it to be. Some people choose to live in their yurts full-time. If you plan to live in it full-time, you’ll want to have the best yurt possible.
Although, others may only use them for weekend getaways or extended camping trips. They might even lease them on Airbnb or VRBO.
Most yurts we’ve seen are either for off-grid living or the yurt owners rent them out as a short-term rentals. How you use your yurt may require additional costs and increase the total cost of the build.
If you plan on using your yurt as a full-time residence, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a kitchen and bathroom. These will add to the overall cost of your yurt, but they are necessary if you want to live comfortably.
When adding a bathroom, you should expect to pay around $1,000 – $3,000 for a basic setup. This will include a toilet, sink, and shower. Of course, you can spend more if you want a nicer bathroom with a bathtub and tile floors.
A kitchen will also add to the cost of your yurt. However, it is possible to keep the cost down by choosing a more basic setup. A kitchen will typically cost around $2,000 – $5,000, depending on your chosen appliances and features.
You should also factor in furniture costs when budgeting for your yurt. You’ll need at least a bed, couch, and table, but you may want more depending on the size of your yurt. Plan on spending around $1,000 – $2,000 on furniture for a basic setup.
Final thoughts on the cost of a yurt.
All in all, a yurt can be a relatively affordable option when compared to traditional housing options. So if you’re wondering how much is a yurt house, you should have a relatively good idea based on all of the variables and all the yurt building materials needed.
Depending on how much you want to spend when you build a yurt, it can be basic or luxurious yurt. Basic yurts will have standard features. Whereas a luxury yurt will have all the amenities of a regular home to include premium materials.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional housing or are interested in camping but don’t want to give up all the comforts of home, then a yurt may be perfect.
