How to Make a Mud Hut
If you find yourself lost without a cave to hide in or volleyball to talk to, this guide will show you how to protect yourself from the elements for the long term.
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You Will Need
- Straight tree limbs
- Clay filled soil
- Water
- Dead grass
- Rocks
- Saplings or large leaves
- Fertile soil (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Drive poles into ground
Drive several straight tree limbs at least 1 foot into the ground every 8 to 10 inches along a single line. This is your first wall line.
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Step 2
Make mortar
Make mud mortar by mixing together two parts clay soil, two parts water, and one part dead grass in a large pit.
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Step 3
Collect rocks
Collect rocks to reinforce the walls and allow the mud to adhere vertically.
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Step 4
Layer rocks and mortar
Layer the rocks and mortar against the poles to keep the wall straight and keep it from caving in.
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Make the wall thicker at the bottom than the top to provide more stability.
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Step 5
Build remaining walls and roof
Build the remaining walls, and then lay more limbs across the tops of the walls and layer saplings or large leaves to construct the roof.
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Smear mud onto the thatched saplings and then sprinkle fertile soil over the roof to encourage grass and moss to grow for a weather tight seal.
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Step 6
Seal cracks inside
Slather the mud mixture over the inside to seal cracks or weak spots and to give the walls a smooth texture.
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In 2008, an ancient Egyptian town of mud brick structures, dating back to 2400 B.C.E., was uncovered in near perfect condition.
