FAQ

How do I buy a Lonesome Yurt?

Contact us and your account manager will help you get started!

Do you offer volume pricing?

Yes, contact your account manager for details.

What is included with a kit?

See our kit pages (20-foot and 25-foot) for a full list of inclusions.

Can I order replacement parts individually?

Yes you can! If a portion of your yurt or treehouse becomes damaged, we will help you determine exactly what you need.

How soon can I get my yurt?

For most orders, we have a 8-12 week lead time from the time you order to when it ships.

What skill level do I need to assemble a kit?

If you have basic building skills, you should be good to go; however, if you don’t feel comfortable in your skill sets, a local contactor will have no problems whatsoever.

How long does it take to assemble a soft-sided kit?

With 2 or 3 people you can assemble a soft-side 20-foot kit in 2 or 3 days on an already completed platform or foundation. Having 3-4 people for a 25-foot kit is recommended.

How long does it take to assemble a hard-sided kit?

With 3 people, you can assemble a hard-side kit in 3 or 4 days on an already completed platform or foundation.

What tools do I need to assemble a kit?

We will provide a full list of all necessary tools with the instructions.

Do I need a level building site?

No, you don’t! That is one of the best things about Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses: they can be placed on a wide range of terrains. In fact, it is common for people to place their yurts on sloping ground, ravines, or "delicate" areas.

When you order, we will provide you with foundation and platform drawings that will be usable on almost any type of site.

What type of foundation does my yurt need to be built on?

Most of our customers build on a decked surface (cut list and directions are included), but you can build on other foundations as well. Contact us to learn more or consult with a local builder to determine what is best for your use case.

What maintenance is required?

Soft-sided yurts are relatively maintenance-light compared to tents and canvas structures. Mildew and dirt can collect on the exterior over time, but can easily be scrubbed off with a brush and soapy water or can be removed with a power washer.

For hard-sided yurts, maintenance will depend on your choice of materials for roofing and siding.

What is the lifespan of Lonesome yurts & treehouses?

The solid timber and steel frame can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. For soft-sided yurts, the exterior cloth cover has an average lifespan of 10-12 years if left up year round. There are treatments that can be applied to the vinyl to extend its lifespan.

For hard-sided yurts, the lifespan of the exterior will vary based on your choice of materials and is comparible to those used on homes.

How durable are the walls/roof on a soft-sided yurt or treehouse?

We use a commercial grade 18 ounce vinyl coated polyester that is both UV and mildew resistant. With all seams welded and Velcro areas stitched, they will stand the test of time.

What is the snow load?

The roof is rated at 60 lbs per square foot which should meet your local standards, but snow load requirements will vary based on your location. For instance, we are located in Northern Minnesota (where snow is a way of life), and our required rating is 40 lbs/sqft.

How well do Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses stand up to wind?

Our soft-sided yurts have a wind load of 120 mph and added uplift protection due to our steel brackets and cables that hold the frame together and down to the platform.

What if my wall or roof becomes damaged?

Unlike most yurts, ours are modular, so no problem! Simply remove the damaged panel or roof and order a replacement.

Can I have electricity and plumbing in my yurt or treehouse?

Our models can easily have electricity, water, and sewer hook-ups. Typically, the electricity and water will be run under the platform and up through the floor. For overhead lights, wires are usually run through conduit along the beams.

We suggest choosing local contractors to work with as you plan your building site and yurt layout to ensure access to service, a water source, and septic is not cost-prohibitive.

Can I insulate my yurt or treehouse?

Absolutely! With our cloth yurt covers you can add reflective insulation layers as needed to your order. Our hard-sided models come standard with foam insulation.

What is the R-value of the insulation packages for soft-sided models?

We offer reflective insulation packages that go between the frame and the cloth. This type of insulation does not receive an R-value; however, in various tests it has been shown to prevent a similar amount of heat from escaping as an R21 loft insulation. You can add one or two layers.

What type of insulation comes with the hard-sided models?

Our hard-sided models come standard with 3-inches of foam insulation. Each panel (roof and walls) has 2-inches of insulation in the stud bays and an envelope of 1-inch foam board wrapping outside of the beams and brackets to reduce thermal bridges around beams and studs. The 3-inches of insulation provide an R19 value.

Can I add interior walls?

Absolutely! The shape of Lonesome models makes adding interior walls simple. Compared to traditional yurts with round walls, ours are straight which makes attaching other walls, counters, cabinets, etc straight forward.

Can I heat/cool my yurt?

Many standard heating and cooling options are usable. Mini splits and air conditioners can both be framed into the walls. Radiant in-floor heat can also be an option.

Wood heat and/or pellet stoves should not be used in treehouses because the chimney will inevitably put heat (and possibly sparks) into the canopy of the tree which can lead to scorching of the live tree or even burning the tree.

What are the hard-sided wall and roof options?

Roof options include asphalt shingles or metal roofing. Exterior wall siding options include hardie board, cedar lap, and log half-round.

If you prefer a different covering, speak with your account manager. The interior is left unfinished with exposed studs for you to add your own choice of covering, like paneling, tongue-and-groove, drywall, etc.

Wall/roof panels are shipped in pre-assembled pieces and can easily be manipulated and installed by two or three people