As you are embarking on the exciting journey to have a tipi in your life, first ask yourself about the purpose and the use of your tipi. This will help you decide on the size, the model, the fabric, the liner, the extras and the artwork. Use our links and notes to guide you along:

Size: To see pictures and measurements of each tipi size, click: SIZE

• Determine the layout and furnishing of your tipi.
• With an open fire inside, 16 ft. is minimum size.
• 5-8 friends sitting around the fire, 18 ft. is ideal size.
• With beds, chairs and tables, 20 ft. is minimum size.
• For commercial glamping comfort, 22 ft. is minimum size.

Model: To compare the door solution of a traditional and a campground model, click: MODEL

• Traditional door flap for recreational and ceremonial use, economic solution.
• Zipper door creates taller entrance, is sturdier, more secure for rentals.
• Zipper/screen doors allow airflow with secondary privacy/bug screen.
• Critter Guard and Mosquito Guard can be added to both models.

Fabric: To read about our fabric choices, click: FABRIC

• For year around use, 15 oz. is the sturdiest fabric.
• For travel or seasonal use, 13 oz. is lightweight, easy to set up and drys quickly.
• For public use and rentals, 15oz. flame resistant is the safest.
• For humid or consistently wet environments, 15 oz. Poly/Cotton is most mold resistant.

Liner: To learn more about the function and sizes of our liners, click: LINER

• To create air draft for campfire inside: 6 ft. liner for 12-18 ft. tipi, 9 ft. liner for 20-26 ft. tipi.
• To create cold weather insulation: 6 ft. liner for 12-14 ft. tipi, 9 ft. liner for 16-26 ft. tipi.
• To install an ozan for heat retention: 6 ft. liner for 12-20 ft. tipi, 9 ft. liner for 22-26 ft. tipi.
• Choose a liner for privacy, or leave it out for more stained glass effect and night glow.

Extras: To decide what optional extras would be useful, click: COMPONENTS

• Choose mosquito guard and critter guard for bug, bird and little animal protection.
• Keep the rain out with the rain cap, or catch what is coming in with the rain catcher.
• An ozan will retain heat at the back of the tipi for cold winter nights.
• The floor is only a moisture and draft barrier. Add carpet carpet and rugs on top of it. 
• Sand snakes and door snakes seal the liner to the ground (included in the package).

Art: To learn about our standard designs and custom design procedures, click: ARTWORK 

• Determine your art budget – consider cover design, liner design and door design.
• The more detailed, the more expensive. Picto animals are a great economic choice.
• Background paint is a good UV and mold protection, background stain makes it look tan.
• Use the Photo Gallery for inspiration, and decide on the color palette.
• Use the Artwork Builder to create your design, send it to family members, get a quote.