DIY Alternative Straw Bale Platforms
We encourage those working with natural materials to do their research. We are not experts in earthen building but encourage the use of natural materials in constructing your platforms and substructures.
The most popular natural material we see used is Straw. Straw bale platforms are a great use of natural materials. It is an inexpensive way to insulate your yurt’s floor. We recommend placing a tarp, pool cover, or vapor barrier directly on level ground before you place your straw bale base into position.
In the past we have seen customers cob their straw bale bases and finish them with a lime wash. This allows the yurt to sit on a completely preserved organic floor. The lime wash seals the cobb and should act as a waterproof barrier.
Another popular technique we have seen is building a platform that sits atop your straw bale base. The platform extends 2-3 inches more than the diameter of your straw bales. The platform acts as a drip edge, keeping the water away from the straw.
If you do utilize this method, consider building a small drainage ditch around the drip edge to prevent the pooling of water around your base.
Other natural building techniques such as earth bag building or rammed earth will also work, but do require some research and a lot of labour to execute. Related Articles
DIY Insulated Platforms
Making Your Own Insulated Platform When considering a floor for your yurt, you may want to use our insulated platform technique. When building your platform, we recommend sandwiching Styrofoam between two sheets of plywood. This method has been ...Groovy Platforms
Why Buy A Groovy Platform? Our SIP panels are assembled with a simple tongue and groove system. This makes the entire platform easy to assemble and transport. SIPs are also structurally strong, rigid, and durable despite being made of relatively ...DIY Square Substructures
The easiest way to construct a square substructure is to build a free-standing deck spaced 12" or 16" off-center. This will provide ample strength and rigidity for the yurt. The spacing and size of your beams, joists, and braces will directly affect ...DIY Rim Boards
Calculating Your Rim Boards Once you have finished constructing your substructure and platform, you must install a rim board around the circumference of your platform before raising your yurt. We find that 3/8" thick plywood works great as it is ...Building a Substructure with a Groovy Platform
So, you got a Groovy Platform. Now what? Our platforms must be installed on a level surface, as the tongues need to fit into their grooves for both functional and structural reasons. If the surface is not level, the platform cannot click together. ...