hello@yurtinthedirt.com.au
+61 489 269 088
Most people ask what a yurt is made of because they want to know if it will last, stay dry and keep them comfortable. The honest answer is that it comes down to the materials in each part, and those vary a lot between yurts. Here's every part, what it does, and how the ORON compares with a typical yurt.
What are the main parts of a yurt?
Every yurt has the same basic parts. The materials are where they differ.
- The deck: a round or polygon platform the same diameter as the yurt.
- The wall: curved lattice panels that stand in a circle.
- The rafters: they run from the top of the wall up to the crown.
- The crown: a ring at the centre that holds the rafters and the skylight.
- The skin: liner, insulation and outer cover, in that order from the inside.
- The doors and windows: fixed into the wall.
The lattice pushes out, the rafters push down and in, and a tension band holds it all together. That balance is why a round frame handles wind well without internal posts.
How is an ORON built differently from a standard yurt?
The short version: a standard yurt is usually a light lattice wall, softwood rafters and a polycarbonate skylight. The ORON is full timber, with a 10mm acrylic skylight, 10mm wool felt, a 900 GSM matte cover and hardwood doors.
| Part | Typical standard yurt | ORON |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | A light lattice, often bamboo or softwood, sometimes set in metal frames | Handmade timber lattice walls in heat-treated, varnished pine |
| Rafters | Light softwood rafters | Thicker timber rafters to a timber centre ring. The whole ORON frame is 60% heavier than our lighter yurt |
| Skylight | Usually a polycarbonate dome | 10mm acrylic dome, clear or tinted, strong enough to stand on |
| Outer cover | 850 GSM PVC cover | 900 GSM PVC with a matte finish, waterproof and UV resistant |
| Insulation | Usually a single felt or synthetic layer | 10mm high-density wool felt. A second layer and reflective air-cell are optional upgrades |
| Inner liner | A basic fabric liner in a few colours | Natural hemp-cotton in 9 colours |
| Door | Usually a softwood door | Hardwood door in 7 styles, single or double, 900mm opening |
| Window | Often one small window | One full-height opening window included. Extra opening windows and curved fixed glass available |
| Exterior colours | A limited range | Sand Dune, Bushland, Riverstone, Red Ochre, Deepwater, any roof and wall mix |
| Sizes | Varies by maker | 5m to 10m, with 12m by enquiry |
The ORON comes with a 3-year warranty on the frame and cover.
What is the yurt frame made of?
On many yurts, the wall is a light lattice of bamboo or softwood, with softwood rafters running up to a central ring.
The ORON frame is handmade in heat-treated, varnished pine: lattice, rafters and centre ring. It is 60% heavier than our lighter yurt frame, with thicker rafters, and it is the part most of our clients notice first when they stand inside.
What is the crown and skylight made of?
The crown is the ring at the top that the rafters lock into. In it sits the skylight, which is where most of the daylight comes from.
Many yurts use a polycarbonate dome. The ORON has a 10mm acrylic dome, in clear or tinted. Tinted is worth a look if your site gets hard summer sun.
What is a yurt cover made of?
Our ORON cover is 900 GSM PVC, with a matte finish that looks closer to canvas. A cover lasts about 7 years before it needs replacing, and replacement covers start from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size.
Traditional Mongolian yurts used layers of sheep's wool felt under a canvas skin. The modern version keeps the felt idea for warmth and puts a waterproof PVC layer on the outside.
How is a yurt insulated?
Insulation sits between the liner and the outer cover. Many yurts have a single felt layer. The ORON comes with 10mm high-density wool felt, and you can add a second layer or a reflective air-cell layer.
For more on heat and cold, see are yurts hot in summer or cold in winter.
What is the inside of a yurt lined with?
The liner is the fabric you see from inside, between the lattice and the insulation. The ORON uses a natural hemp-cotton liner in 9 colours: Raw, Amber, Jade, Ocean, Linen, Cocoa, Ash, Camel and Sky.
What are yurt doors and windows made of?
ORON doors are hardwood, in 7 styles, single or double to suit a 900mm opening. One full-height opening window is included. Extra doors and opening windows are $890 each and curved fixed glass panels are $1,250 each, AUD ex GST.
What does a yurt sit on?
A yurt sits on a timber deck that is the same diameter as the yurt. The deck is not part of the kit. We share free decking plans with our clients, and our how to build a yurt guide covers the platform step.
Which should you choose?
Choose the ORON if you want a solid timber frame, wool felt, hardwood doors and real colour and window choices. It runs from $14,350 for a 5m to $32,090 for a 10m. Prices are AUD ex GST as at 26 October 2026.
Weighing a dome as well? Our ORON vs Geo Dome comparison sets them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What are yurts made of?
A round lattice wall, rafters, a central crown with a skylight, and a skin of liner, insulation and a waterproof outer cover, on a timber deck. Many yurts use a light bamboo or softwood lattice; our ORON is full timber.
Is a yurt frame made of wood?
It depends on the yurt. Many use bamboo or light softwood. The ORON frame is all timber, in heat-treated, varnished pine.
What is the outer cover of a yurt made of?
Usually coated PVC. Our ORON covers are 900 GSM PVC with a matte finish. Covers last about 7 years, and replacements start from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size.
Are yurts insulated?
Most are. The ORON has 10mm wool felt, with a second layer and reflective air-cell as upgrades.
What is the skylight made of?
Often polycarbonate. The ORON has a 10mm acrylic dome, clear or tinted.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you're planning and where it's going, and we'll help you pick the right size and range. Or grab the Buyer's Guide with $500 off.
