How do you build an igloo?

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Start out by digging a 3-foot deep hole about 15 feet in diameter while someone else cuts rectangular blocks of snow or ice approximately 18 inches thick, 2 feet long and 18 inches tall. Have your helper move them near to your hole in the ground start laying the blocks so that their inside vertical edges touch each other, remembering to leave an opening for your doorway. At the doorway, slope a ramp upward to the existing surface of the snow. Pack snow into the outside vertical edges of the blocks, layer by layer. Lay the 2nd layer about 4 inches inside of the first layer. You will find that you will have to custom-cut blocks to fit at the doorway. The 3rd layer should be also be about 4 inches inside of the 2nd layer, but consecutive layers are laid further inbound. At the third layer, leave an opening for a window. The top of the window (header) is best made of wood as it will need to support the ice above it. As you get to the top of your igloo, remember to leave a 1 foot opening for a "stove pipe opening" or else you won't burn a fire more than once. The windows are merely made from clear blocks of ice. Put a nice sealskin over it for privacy, and don't foget to build a covered entry way to your only door. Most igloos I've seen have the doorway facing the east, and some entryways have a hook in them to deter/deflect the wind. Put two layers of bearskins on the floor around the edges, leaving room in the center for your firepit. Enjoy!

First answer by Deb. Last edit by LeastDuck. Contributor trust: 477 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 28 [recommend question].