Cedar for Roof Poles?

[Rock]

Hi!

I'm new here with no expereince building yurts, but I want to build an 18' yurt from scratch and I guess I have a few questions... uh, surprised yet?

Actually, I want to build a yurt to house my art installation at Burning Man at the end of this month. If you don't know about Burning Man... don't worry, just know that it's hot, dusty, cold at night and can get very, very windy. The yurt only has to stand for a week, but I would also like to get some use out of it later... although I haven't thought that far yet.

I am currently buying supplies for the yurt and am thinking about using 1x3 cedar (.59/LF) for the roof poles (and probably the lattice walls). So, my question is, is that an ok wood to use, or is it too soft or have some other property I need to be wary of?

Any other suggestions?
... Cost is a factor.

Thanks.

Rock

[Jafo]

I don't see why you couldn't use them, but why not just 2X4 cedar for the rafters? That is pretty standard in areas with where you are not worrying about snow load.

[Marshall Eppley]

Hello Rock i used 1x3 pine firing strips for my first yurt build and it stood up to a 30 inch snow fall with center supports under the roof ring. 1x3 's for the walls will be heavy but strong as crap. I cut my own out of 2x4's and make them 7/8 of an inch. I have pictures posted in the photo section here.

[Robo]

I made a 16' yurt from scratch earlier this year. For my rafters, I ripped 2x6 into 4-1x3s. Plenty strong, but half are twisted to very twisted. Pre cut 1x3s can be picked the Home Depot/Lowes bin for strightness and lack of twist, but you are gonna pay more. At 18' dia you might consider 1x4s.

I have found the seriously twisted 1x3s in my roof are fine, but haven't had a serious snow load yet. Good luck.