clocksnmirrors wrote:the door frame is 1x3s with 1x2s for the inside framing. makes a perfect fit for the door. opening is 71 x 30. plenty of room for me to enter upright with my mattress and bicycle.
i still have to cut windows all the way around.
i discovered several things during the test build
- build early morning before the sun is high. it's blinding looking at the sun reflecting off that foil
- i have to miter the edges for the roof panels. it was a bitch getting the thing to stand up
- attach the roof panels together first leaving one side open
- attach the wall panels to the roof panels while everything is still laying flat so it looks like a giant star
- lift from the inside to get the roof sealed
- lift from the inside one wall at a time to jack the whole thing up into final position then seal down the walls
- even light breeze will grab a panel and run so staking with guy ropes is essential
- getting frustrated and rushing just ends up causing nicks and dings to the panels
but the most important thing i learned: THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE A WALK IN THE PARK!
i'm in miami where the sun is hot. spending two hours assembling and disassembling the yurt let me know i've been underestimating the demands of the upcoming experience. i've read and read about staying hydrated and getting overwhelmed and i thought i understood it, but i'm now approaching this with a much clearer idea of what i'm in for. I hope all the other birgins out there are testing themselves. this thing is no joke
Just a couple of thoughts...
Wind and breezes will be a lot worse on the playa. If it were me, I wouldn't try my first assembly out there without help, and you'll find more than enough of your neighbors willing to pitch in. Late at night or early in the morning seem to be the least windy times of the day, and it's also much cooler, so best for assembly.
I would be afraid that having the roof and walls attached before trying to erect the yurt might be a disaster waiting for a wind gust to happen. With three or four people, building the roof, then the walls, then attaching the roof to the walls, in my opinion, is the way to go--at least on the playa. Not sure how your door design would affect that process.
And a roll of metal tape is perfect for repairing all the nicks and dings.
But, as they say, YMMV.