How to Pitch a Teepee on a Wooden Deck Versus the Ground

A teepee is designed to anchor to the ground but hardware may be used to anchor it to a deck. The ground is a more common choice because teepees are mobile. A deck is used more for semi-permanent teepee locations and provides and elevated site. An elevated position prevents water from entering through the floor and provides a level base. The pitching technique does not change between the two surfaces but the anchoring technique is different.

Things You'll Need

  • Teepee poles
  • Rope
  • Canvas
  • Wooden Pegs
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 2-inch-by-4-inch blocks
  • Eye bolts
  • Drill
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Instructions

  1. Ground

    • 1

      Tie with rope the three primary teepee poles at the measured peak point. The measurement changes based on the size of the teepee and the canvas.

    • 2

      Raise the poles and adjust the leg position to create a tripod. Adjust the distance between the legs to match the diameter of the canvas base. Lay the additional poles against the tripod with matching base-diameter positions. Wrap the rope around all of the poles at the contact point to hold them in position.

    • 3

      Tie the top of the canvas to one teepee pole and proceed to wrap the canvas around the poles to create the shelter. Thread the lacing pins above the door to hold the canvas in place.

    • 4

      Stretch the base of the canvas to cover the base of the poles. Place a round, wooden peg through each ground loop and hammer the pegs into the ground. Hammer at an angle to ensure the loops grip the peg and do not slip.

    Deck

    • 5

      Assemble the teepee in the same manner as on the ground. Erect the poles and position them on the deck.

    • 6

      Place a small wooden block against the outside of each leg. Hammer two nails through each block to hold the position of the teepee legs. The legs are not likely to slip but the block is a necessary safety precaution.

    • 7

      Drill an eye bolt into the deck at each loop position on the base of the canvas. Place at least 1 foot of space between each loop and bolt to allow for stretching and tightening.

    • 8

      Tie a loop in the end of a rope with an overhand loop knot. Simply fold the rope to create a loop and tie an overhand knot. Place the loop through the loop on the canvas. Feed the end of the rope through the eye bolt and through the rope loop. Pull on the end of the rope to tighten the canvas and tie a half hitch to secure the rope.