DIY Rim Boards

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 flexible enough to follow the rim contour yet strong enough to support the walls and felt. A width of 8" is optimal for your rim. We recommend that your rim boards be 4" to 6" higher than the top of your platform. This is to accommodate the yurt's wood frame, felt insulation, vapor barrier, and exterior canvas.

One 4' x 8' sheet of plywood can be cut into six strips measuring 7 ¾" x 96".

Yurt Size

Yurt Diameter

Total Rim Board Length Needed

Total 4' x 8' Plywood Sheets Needed

Total Strips Cut from 4' x 8' Sheet

2 Wall

8'

26'

1

4

3 Wall

13'

41'

1

6

3 Wall High

12'

38'

1

5

4 Wall

16'

51'

2

7

5 Wall

20'

63'

2

8

Super

20'

63'

2

8

6 Wall

22'

70'

2

9

7 Wall

26'

82'

2

11

8 Wall

30'

94'

3

12



No Platform? No Problem! 

If you have not installed an insulated platform, L brackets can be used to support your rim. We recommend adding an interior layer (image left) to increase the strength of the rim. This secondary layer also helps deter water entry.



Tip: 
Apply a layer of caulking to the interior and exterior seams of the rim to avoid leakage.

For damper climates, it's advised to seal the exposed Styrofoam with a plywood panel before the installation of your rim. To do this you will need to cut strips the width of your platform: 3/8" +2" +1/2" = 2 & 7/8” - roughly 3". You can secure them to the sides with Styrofoam glue and brad nails. 
 

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