How to Build Large Family Platform Tents

For regular campers, adding a tent platform is a building project that will give you long term benefits.

Creating a platform for your tent can make a permanent camping spot more habitable. Keeping your tent high and dry is one benefit, making it level is another. With a few simple building materials you can create a platform for your tent and leave it in place year round. If you camp regularly a tent platform can take your outdoor living experience to a much more comfortable level.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete blocks
• Level
• 4 x 4 sections of wood for girders
• 2 x 6 sections of wood for joists
• Joist anchors
• Galvanized screws
• Plywood, 2 x 4 sections, or tongue in groove decking material

Instructions

1. Lay the concrete blocks at the outer sides of the area you are building the platform. The number of blocks and location will vary depending on the size of your platform. Be sure you have all your measurements in place before you purchase your supplies or begin to build. The platform should be the exact size of your tent on the sides and can extend out from the tent in the front for as many feet as you would like.

2. Set the 4 x 4 girders on the blocks, and space the blocks evenly apart so they support the girders. For a smaller platform such as a 10 x 12 you may only need two blocks per side and one just inside each of the corners. For a larger platform place more blocks, some in the center, to avoid sagging. For girders, you should use at least three, two on the outside and one in the center. For larger platforms add more. They should be no more than six feet apart.

3. Check the blocks and girders to make they are level. If they are off, dig or add to the area beneath the blocks until you have a level frame.

4. Lay out the two outer side joists onto the girders. Attach them firmly with the joist anchors and screws.

5. Attach the inner joists at regular intervals, no more than three feet apart, and attach them with joist anchors.

6. Add your decking by using plywood sheeting, tongue and groove decking material , or just plain rough plank lumber. Screw down the decking so it is solid. Be sure to leave a small gap between boards just in front of and behind your tent for water run off. This is optimal to keep water from seeping beneath the tent on the platform.

7. Cut away any uneven ends to be sure the platform is uniform and even on the outside. Install side posts for tent supports if you are building a wall tent by screwing them to the outside girders. Other tents are installed directly on top of the platform and secured by attaching the tie downs to ring anchors you can screw into the platform where necessary. Be sure these are clearly marked and not a walking hazard if they extend into an open area of the platform.

References

• Colorado Yurt: Building The Platform For Your Tent