When you’re planning to camp outdoors, you may just need to find a flat piece of land.
But if you want a more permanent camping spot, then building a tent platform is essential.
Building a tent platform may seem hard, but it can be a fun and rewarding project that improves your camping experience.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of building a tent platform.
Table of Contents
Why Build a Tent Platform?
A tent platform is a raised surface that keeps your tent off of wet ground. This helps dry the canvas faster, which stops mold from growing in areas where the sun can’t reach.
A tent platform also makes it easier to set up your tent and provides a more comfortable sleeping area. This is especially beneficial if you are camping in a room with uneven terrain.
We all know that mosquitoes are hard to avoid outdoors. Thus, building a tent platform can protect you from pests like ants, spiders, and other insects that crawl on the ground. It can also create a barrier between you and larger pests such as snakes or rodents.
Finally, using a tent platform can prevent wear and tear on the bottom of your tent. This can help your tent last longer.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a tent platform
1. Choosing a Suitable Location
Find a flat area that has proper drainage and nice views. Think about the dimensions of your tent and determine the size you want your platform to be. You should have enough room to walk around your tent, with additional deck space in front of the entrance.
2. Measuring and Marking the Area
To measure and mark the area for a tent platform, first, find a suitable location that is level and clear of any vegetation or debris. Once you have found the right spot, measure the dimensions of your tent and determine how large you want your platform to be.
Next, use stakes and string to outline the perimeter of the platform. Drive the stakes into the ground at the corners of the platform and run the string between them to create a straight line.
Use a level to ensure that the perimeter is even and that the string is taut. Adjust the stakes and string as necessary to create a level surface.
Finally, mark the perimeter of the platform with spray paint or chalk. This will help you keep track of the area as you begin to build the platform.
3. Materials Needed for the Tent Platform
- Lumber: You’ll need several pieces of lumber to build the platform frame, including 2x4s and 4x4s.
- Plywood: You’ll need sheets of plywood to cover the frame and create a level surface for your tent.
- Deck screws: You’ll need screws to attach the lumber and plywood together.
- Concrete blocks or piers (optional): If you are building a platform off the ground, you’ll need concrete blocks or piers to support the frame.
- Gravel or sand (optional): If you are building a ground-level platform, you’ll need gravel or sand to create a stable base.
- Tools: You’ll need a saw, drill, level, measuring tape, and other basic tools to complete the project.
4. Clearing and Leveling the Ground
After preparing the necessary materials to build the tent platform, you need to level the target ground. Finding a flat piece of land can save you time and effort. However, it is difficult to find a natural flat piece of land in the wild, so you’ll need tools to level the ground.
The first step is to use a shovel to remove any debris from the area.
Then use a level to check if the ground is level. If not, use a shovel to level it.
If you are planning to build a ground-level tent platform, you will need to spread a layer of sand over the target ground. The next step is compact it with a plate compactor to create a flat surface.
For an elevated tent platform, use piers to support the frame. Place them at each corner and along the perimeter. Make sure they are level before proceeding.
5. Creating a Foundation
Even if your camping area is flat, you should not place your tent platform directly on the ground. This is because the weight of the tent and campers will not be distributed evenly, which can cause damage to the ground and the structure of the tent platform over time.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Install joist hangers on the concrete deck blocks.
- Cut and install support beams between the joist hangers.
- Install the joists on top of the support beams, spacing them 16 inches apart.
- Secure the joists to the support beams using galvanized nails.
This will create a sturdy framework for your platform that can support the weight of your tent and campers. Remember to check that the foundation is level before continuing with the rest of the construction process.
6. Building the Frame
By using pressure-treated lumber to create a frame, the weight of the tent and campers can be evenly distributed on the foundation built before.
Follow the steps below to build your platfropm frame.
- Cut pressure-treated lumber to fit the perimeter of the platform.
- Secure the corners with bolts and hardware to make sure the frame is strong and level.
- Measure and mark the lumber so it’s the right size for your tent.
- Once the frame is set up, lay plywood sheets on top to make a flat surface.
7. Installing the Floorboards
After you have built the Frame of the tent platform, you only need to Install the Floorboards to install the tent. This step is critical, because the floorboard can create a level surface for your tent. After this, your platform is basically complete.
First, install plywood sheets on top of the joists, securing them with deck screws. Then, install decking boards on top of the plywood sheets, securing them with screws or nails. Finally, use a tool to round the corners and remove some protruding things to prevent scratching the tent.
8. Adding Safety Features
To make sure people are safe and don’t get hurt, it’s best to put handrails and guardrails all around the edge of the platform. You can use strong materials like steel or aluminum, and make them fit the platform just right. It’s also a good idea to add steps or a ladder to make it easy to get on and off the platform. This will help keep people from climbing on the platform in a way that’s not safe.
FAQS
How many types of tent platforms are there?
There are different types of tent platforms you can build depending on your needs and your campsite location. Here are some common ones:
- Elevated tent platforms: These are the most popular ones and are usually made of wood. They are built a few feet off the ground and provide a level surface for your tent, even on uneven terrain. They also help keep you dry in wet conditions by preventing water from seeping into your tent.
- Ground-level tent platforms: These are built at ground level and are usually made of gravel or concrete. They provide a stable base for your tent and are easy to set up, without requiring any special tools or skills.
- Portable tent platforms: These are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and provide a stable base for your tent. They can be used in a variety of locations and are easy to set up and take down.
How big should a tent platform be?
The size of a tent platform will depend on the size of your tent and how much extra space you want. You should have enough room to walk around your tent and space in front of the entrance. Measure the dimensions of your tent and use that as a guide for the size of your platform. It’s recommended to add an additional 2-3 feet in each direction to ensure you have enough space. If your tent is 10 feet by 10 feet, your platform should be at least 12 feet by 12 feet.
How to make the tent platform keep warm for the tent?
To make your tent platform warmer, you can add insulation to the bottom of the platform. This will help to keep the heat from escaping through the ground. You can use foam insulation or even old carpet padding for this purpose. Another option is to use a waterproof tarp to cover the platform. This will help to retain the heat and keep the platform dry.
Do I need a tarp under the tent?
It is always a good idea to use a tarp under your tent to protect it from moisture and to keep it clean. A waterproof tarp will also help to prevent water from seeping up through the ground and into your tent. Make sure to choose a tarp that is slightly larger than your tent and stake it down securely.
