How To Build A Tent Platform?

Talking about building a tent platform, you need to know some basics to build it in the right way. Doing it is not a tough task. Get some ideas about how to build a tent platform and then start the process. 

Learn how to build your own tent platform. The most important thing is to start building one. Although it is not a difficult process, for a beginner, it can be a challenge. We are trying to share with you the method with step by step description. 

Check out the details and also the tips that might help you more. So, let’s get started! 

Method of Building A Tent Platform 

To build a tent platform properly, you should maintain some things. There is a certain way of building a tent platform. Check out the method step by step. 

What You Need 

• Flat surface 
• (18) 2″ x 6″ 8′ joists 
• 2″ x 6″ 16′ beams
• (3) 2″ x 6″ 12′ beams 
• Post top connector (Yardistry YP21012)
• (9) Concrete deck blocks (for sloped surface only)
• 4″ x 4″ posts, cut to length
• Joist hanger for single 2″ x 6″
• Gravel fill
• Concrete
• 1-2 boxes of exterior wood screws or nails
• Floorboards: 5/4” x 6” x 12’ (deck or composite) 

Step 1: Post Setting 

To do that, first, you need to locate a flat surface where you can make the platform. Set a mark of a 12’ x 16’ area. Now you need to set the posts 1 1/2” from the outside area of the corners. It helps you to accommodate beams. 

After that, find out the middle posts. It should be per dimension. The center post has to be 5 1/2” shorter than the rest of the area. And the accommodating center beam should sit on the top connector of the post. 

And when you locate the posts, you need to dig a 6” deep hole. Now, carefully place the post. You can also fill it with gravel to have better drainage. 

Step 2: Perimeter Attaching 

After that, you need to attach the perimeter. And to do that, first cut some longer beams to 16’. Then cut some shorter beams to 11’-9”. Now, cut the short center beam to 11’-2”. Screw the exterior beams by using galvanized wood screws. Make sure you screw them directly into the post and it should be in level. 

Now that you have screwed them in, you need to place the joist hangers inside the center columns. After that, place a 4” x 4” Post Top Connector on the center column. Last but not the least, install a short beam on that center column. 

Step 3: Adding The Joists 

To add the joists, you need to locate them first. Find the center of the short center beam. When you find the beam, now put a mark on the center at 16”. Then place the joist hanger on the short center beam. Make sure you hang it on the sides of the beam properly.  

After placing the joists in the joist hanger, you need to fasten them with wood screws. The last thing you should be aware of is to screw the beam directly to the joists. It should be directly from the beam and it has to be on the exterior side. 

Step 4: The Floorboards Placing 

For doing it, you can use a composite deck board or pressure-treated wood deck board. Take any of them and cut them to 12’. Now, lay the boards to find out the perfect fitting without rip off it. If the width of the boards is 5 1/2”, they can easily fit on a 12’ x 16’ platform. No gaps would appear between them. 

When you place them properly, screw them well. Also, fasten the floorboards to the joists and you are all done. 

Step 5: Add An Outrigger 

When you are all done with building a tent platform, now you need to add an outrigger. It helps to enhance the experience of the canvas wall tent. 

Things You Need To Be Careful Of  

Some things are important to consider if you want to have an appropriate platform for the tent. There are the things that might help you to be clear enough to make a perfect platform. Let’s see what these are. 

• The surface must be flat and stable 
• You need to secure the floor properly 
• Avoid hiring a carpenter if it is possible to do the things on your own 
• Make a significant measurement of the platform 
• Try to make the design as simple as possible 
• The materials should be good enough and of high-quality 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How much does it cost to build a tent platform? 

To build a tent platform, you need to spend a certain amount of money according to its size. Generally, the material costs  $2,000-$5,000. The labor cost will be between $1,500-$3,000. 

2. What size should a tent platform be? 

A tent platform should be about 10 by 12 feet. It can easily accommodate a ⅝ foot tent. So, it will be the perfect size of a tent platform. 

3. What is the purpose of a tent platform? 

A tent platform is a floor where you are suppressed to attach a tent. It is generally a wooden deck that you should install. It has to be stable enough so that the tent can be stable too. 

Final Verdict 

Before you start building a tent platform, there are a few aspects that you need to take into consideration. These aspects include planning, team, materials and tools, and rules. Get the knowledge about how to build a tent platform to know the basics of the method. 

And accordingly, execute all these things to make a luxurious-looking tent. It will be a great idea if you make a platform and then install a tent. 

Take the ideas and then enjoy every moment there!