Tumbleweed Tiny Homes is an experienced tiny home builder that offers customizable floor plans for every type of dweller.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
If You’re Serious About Tiny Home Living, This Company Customizes the Home of Your Dreams
Updated Aug. 22, 2024
Alternative living is all the rage in the U.S. right now: People are decking out camper vans, selling houses and buying RVs instead, building homes out of shipping containers, designing tiny cabins and sticking minuscule A-frame structures on big plots of land.
In fact, according to an October 2022 data report from Data Bridge Market Research, the tiny home market is expected to expand substantially from now until 2029, experiencing a growth surge that will bring the market to a value of nearly $7 million.
While all of the above lifestyles are different in a lot of ways, they all share one common theme: People are going tiny. Those who choose to live this way are realizing that experiences are worth more than material things, and ultra-downsizing their living spaces to make space (figuratively, of course) for what matters in their lives.
But what’s interesting is that this “new” way of living isn’t actually new at all. Tumbleweed Tiny House Company can prove that: This company is a pioneer in the tiny living craze, having built its first tiny home back in 1999.
Decades later, Tumbleweed Tiny Homes is still a front-runner and trailblazer when it comes to living tiny. Currently, the company offers four distinct tiny home models, all of which have four available floor plans and are fully customizable.
via merchant
Great for those who love a picturesque, classic cabin design
Elm
It only made sense to begin with the floor plan that started it all. The Elm is a larger variation of the first-ever Tumbleweed Tiny Home, but more than two decades after the original’s debut, it’s clear that craftsmanship is still a priority for the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.
This model is for anyone who loves the classic mountain cabin design, as this build features a beautiful wood-paneled interior and an exterior that closely mimics a log cabin (although you can change the exterior finish during the design process). There’s a substantial front porch and plenty of windows to make the small interior feel bright and roomy.
The Elm, like all Tumbleweed Tiny Homes, is available in two different lengths (26 feet and 30 feet) and four sub-plans: Equator, Pacific (26 feet), Alta and Pacific (30 feet).
via merchant
Great for people who want to live small but not skimp on luxury
Cypress
The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company launched the Cypress model in 2007, and it quickly became the brand’s best-selling option. The exterior shape is similar to that of the Elm, but with a more streamlined look that features a smaller porch and a modern paneled exterior.
Compared to the Elm, the smaller porch allows for a small breakfast or reading nook inside, to the left of the front door as you enter. Otherwise, the features are similar with a raised loft for the main sleeping area, a wet bath, a pine-paneled interior, and, of course, tons of customizable options.
via merchant
Great for individuals or couples looking for a modern take on the classic cabin
Farallon
The Farallon was designed to maximize the interior space of the 8.5-foot-wide by 13.5-foot-high build. It omits the front porch entirely, instead using that space for expanded seating and kitchen areas.
As a result of omitting the porch, the exterior has an extremely sleek look, so it’s a great option for people who want a more modernized design instead of the typical cabin aesthetic. It’s simple, elegant and streamlined.
via merchant
Great for simple elegance and enhanced portability
Roanoke
The Roanoke is similar to the Farallon in that the front porch was nixed for a more streamlined design and to maximize interior space.
One big difference, though, is that the front door is in a different position. Instead of placing the entryway on the 8-1/2-foot wall, Tumbleweed opted to place it on the 13-1/2-foot wall. This allows for a true living room to the left of the entryway when you walk in.
Other features, like the main sleeping loft and options for choosing a bathtub or flex room, remain the same.
About Tumbleweed Tiny Homes
Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tumbleweed Tiny Homes produced their very first tiny home, which is now called the Elm floor plan, in 1999. Due to building codes in the area, the builders had to mount it on a trailer and classify it as a recreational vehicle.
The original Elm was just under 100 square feet in size, measuring 8 feet wide by 12 feet long (96 square feet). It featured an adorable front porch, a sleeping loft and a fireplace, but no running water or electric hookups.
These days, Tumbleweed still produces the Elm floor plan, along with three others, but the smallest option is about 200 square feet—and all models feature full plumbing and electric hookups.
Still today, all Tumbleweed Tiny Homes are mounted on wheels and classified as RVs, which is a huge upside for insurance purposes. Tumbleweed homes are certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), so you can rest assured that hundreds (yes, hundreds) of safety protocols are followed when building a Tumbleweed Tiny Home.
Additionally, RVIA certification means obtaining insurance, DMV registration and financing is easier. Banks, credit unions and private lenders tend to be more comfortable offering loans for recreational vehicles with such a certification.
Tumbleweed Tiny Homes Models and Floor Plans
Before diving into the specifics of each model that Tumbleweed offers, it’s helpful to understand how the model-floor plan relationship works.
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company offers four tiny house models: Elm, Cypress, Farallon and Roanoke. Each model has four floor plans available in two different lengths.
Customers can choose from the following models and floor plans:
-
-
Equator floor plan, 26 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 26 feet
-
Alta floor plan, 30 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 30 feet
-
-
-
Equator floor plan, 26 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 26 feet
-
Alta floor plan, 30 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 30 feet
-
-
-
Equator floor plan, 26 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 26 feet
-
Alta floor plan, 30 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 30 feet
-
-
-
Equator floor plan, 26 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 26 feet
-
Alta floor plan, 30 feet
-
Pacific floor plan, 30 feet
-
The floor plans range from under 13,000 pounds in dry weight to nearly 15,000 pounds. Sleeping capacity ranges from two to four people, with the two 30-foot plans offering a bit more square footage.
These plans allow you to flex the interior space to your needs and preferences. For instance, you can choose to have a 60-inch tub (Pacific plans) or omit the tub and use that space for storage or more sleeping capacity.
Choosing the model is more about design elements and style while picking the floor plan is more about desired space and functionality. Both are important, and that’s why we love that Tumbleweed’s offerings are available in this format.
Why Go Tiny, Anyway? Pros and Cons of Tiny Home Living
We’re so glad you asked! As you already know, at Family Handyman, we love everything home. We also love everything outdoors and think tiny living is a wonderful way to combine a happy, functional home and outdoor living into one package.
Of course, there are pros and cons to everything. So we consulted a few experts to explain why tiny home living is great but also caution those interested about potential drawbacks—plus what to consider when building a tiny home.
According to Brendan Anderson, a professional roofer with experience in tiny home building and founder of Brix Systems, “The process of designing and building a tiny home can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.”
Here are some of the challenges you may face when “going tiny”:
-
Limited space: As mentioned, tiny homes are very small (shocker), so you’ll need to be organized and efficient with your space, and likely get rid of many belongings before moving in.
-
Privacy: If you live in a tiny home with others, you may have to share some spaces, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
-
Weather: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to take extra steps to protect your tiny home from the elements.
That said, there are many positives to look forward to, Anderson says. Despite the challenges, here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:
-
Affordability: Tiny homes can be more affordable to build and live in than traditional homes.
-
Mobility: Tiny homes can be moved easily, so you can take them with you if you decide to relocate.
-
Sustainability: Tiny homes can be more sustainable than traditional homes, as they require less energy and resources to build and maintain.
-
Community: There is a growing community of tiny home enthusiasts, so you can find support and resources if you choose to live in a tiny home.
Things to Consider When Building a Tiny Home
Because tiny homes are, well, tiny, you might think that they’re easier to build than traditional homes. However, in reality, there are just as many (if not more) things to think about when building a tiny home.
Anderson, founder of Brix Systems, encourages potential tiny home buyers and builders to consider the following key factors before committing to a design.
-
The roof: The roof is one of the most important parts of a tiny home, as it protects you from the elements. Make sure to choose a roof that is durable and energy-efficient.
-
Insulation: Insulation is critical for keeping your tiny home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Make sure to choose insulation that is appropriate for your climate.
-
The windows: Windows are needed for letting in natural light and ventilation. Choose windows that are energy-efficient and easy to clean.
-
The doors: Doors are important for security and privacy. Choose doors that are sturdy and easy to open and close.
And Murat Yashar, interior designer at House of Workshops, encourages interested parties to think hard about the look and feel of the interior. In a space so small, interior design is incredibly important.
“Prioritizing space optimization and functionality is crucial when it comes to designing and constructing tiny dwellings,” Yashar says. “Small-space design specialists such as architects and designers can devise creative floor plans that make the most of every square foot while maintaining comfort and utility.”
Additionally, Yashar continues, “A few of the difficulties in designing and building tiny homes are dealing with the lack of storage space and feeling cluttered, so including multi-functional furniture, maximizing natural light, and making sure ventilation and insulation are effective.”
Ultimately, tiny home design and building is a highly individual process and customization is key—and Tumbleweed Tiny Homes is exemplary at this. P.S. If you’re interested in a Tumbleweed Tiny, you can book a factory tour at their Colorado Springs location.
Originally Published: July 17, 2023
