Teepee Tipi

[mdbarb]

We are considering buying a tipi to place on our property. Seems like a perfect building. Fun for the kids to sleep over in , spare bedroom etc.
We are thinking of one about 20' diameter.
Does anyone have experience with them?
Pros, cons?
Which mfg.?

 

[PitbullMidwest]

I did black powder rendezvous re-enactment for quite a few years and have setup more than my share of tipis. I would advise against it. A round building is not very useful to store things in and if your intent is to set it up as needed like a tent, forget it, just hauling the poles to the site is a pain. Most owners who use them regularly have dedicated trailers or racks. Speaking of poles, when you purchase a lodge (the correct term for a tipi) all of the lacing pins, rope and poles are sold seperately.

A 20' lodge will cost anywhere from $650 for just the cover to $1500 for the skin, liner, door and floor plus $300 - 400 for poles. You could cut your own poles but then you'll need to peel them and smooth the knots. Overall not a very practical outbuilding. Pretty pricey for a play tent.

If you do decide you want to buy one, I would HIGHLY recommend Panther Primitives. A friend's parents retired and now travel the pow-wow and rendezvous circuit, they have used Panther for years and have never had a bad experience with them. Watchful Eagle Trading Post.

Good luck.

 

[mdbarb]

I plan to set it up only once and keep it in that location for years, so the hassle factor is minimal. The 20' will be big enuf to stor a few sleeping bags etc.
I have looked a Reese co and will check out Panther primitives.
Thanks

 

[Golfgar4]

I've got no experience with teepee's (or tipi's, or lodges, or whatever they're called!).

But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night, so I should be able to figure it out for you! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Sorry! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I guess I'm a little <font color="green"> froggy </font> today! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Seriously, I saw a story on HGTV about a couple that built and live in a teepee all year long. I think it was on the show called Extreme Homes. Granted, it was larger than the 20' you're thinking about. But it was amazing how much stuff they got into it. I don't recall if they mentioned how much it cost them. You might be able to go to the HGTV web site and then to the Extreme Homes show and find the story listed and then view it. It could give you some ideas anyway! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif