Table of contents
Building a Sukkah is a once-a-year adventure that connects us to the past, helps us appreciate the present, and gets us ready for some outdoor living, biblical-style. For seven days during the Sukkot festival, we trade our homes for these temporary huts, commemorating how our ancestors wandered through the desert, protected by the miraculous “Clouds of Glory.” It’s also a great way to show off your DIY skills – or your ability to buy the right prefabricated kit!
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, remember this: Building a Sukkah is about embracing tradition while adding a personal touch. So, whether you're using bamboo poles or prefabricated walls, at the end of the day, your Sukkah is a blend of ancient tradition and modern creativity. So grab your hammer (or your credit card), and let’s get building! Now, onto the when, the where, and the how to build a Sukkah.
Step 1: Where Should I Build My Sukkah?
Ah, location, location, location! You’ll want to set up your Sukkah outdoors in a spot where it can gaze lovingly at the open sky. Common Sukkah spots include porches, backyards, courtyards, and even rooftops. Balconies work too, as long as there’s nothing between the Sukkah and the sky – so check for sneaky tree branches or overhanging roofs. More on how to make the most of your balcony in our Guide to Building a Balcony Sukkah.
Step 2: What Materials Do I Need?
No need to overcomplicate things. Here’s your Sukkah shopping list:
Walls: You can go with wood, fabric, fiberglass, or even existing structures like the side of your house. Just make sure your walls are sturdy enough to withstand wind – because let’s face it, no one wants to chase their Sukkah down the block.
Roof (aka. Schach): Your roof has to be au naturel. Think bamboo, palm fronds, evergreen branches, or specially certified Kosher l’Mehadrin Schach mats. Remember, this isn’t the time for live plants or recycled materials – no crates or tools, please!
Optional Extras: Consider adding lights (outdoor ones, please), chairs, a table, and some festive decorations. Some traditions, for example, Chabad keeps things minimalistic and doesn’t decorate the Sukkah, but many folks love hanging fruits, tapestries, or whatever else brings some color and joy to the mix.
Step 3: The Size Guidelines – Because, Yes, There Are Rules
Walls: You’ll need at least two full walls and a little bit of a third to make things official (the “bit of a third” needs to be a minimum of 3.2 inches wide). But if you’re feeling fancy, go for four complete walls. Just make sure they’re at least 32 inches high and your Sukkah doesn’t go towering above 30 feet. And if space is tight, know that your Sukkah can be the cozy minimum of 22.4 inches by 22.4 inches.
Schach (Roof): The golden rule here is “more shade than sun.” Spread your Schach evenly, and make sure no gaps are bigger than 9.6 inches. When it comes to supporting your Schach, think "au naturel." Anything holding it up should be kosher for Schach use, eg. no metal. So, if your Schach is sitting directly on the Sukkah walls, you might need to throw in some wooden poles for extra support, so as tempting as it might be, leave the wires and metal fasteners out of the picture
More on how to tie down your Schach in our handy guide to the kosher way to tie down your Schach.
Step 4: Let’s Talk Details (For the Sukkah Aficionados)
If you're all about the fine print, here are a few extra tips on how to build a Sukkah for Sukkah perfectionists:
Annual Refresh: While your Sukkah walls can stay up all year, you’ll need to refresh the Schach annually, because the Sukkah has got to be “built anew” for the purposes of the mitzvah. If your Sukkah has been standing proud all year, just lift and reset the Schach, and you’re good to go.
Wall Gaps: Mind the gap! If there’s any space between your Sukkah walls and the ground, keep it under 9.6 inches.
Wall Height: If your walls are at least 32 inches, feel free to raise the roof (up to 30 feet, that is).
Placing the Schach: Be sure a Jewish person who’s obligated to sit in the Sukkah is the one putting the Schach on, and placing it as the final part of your Sukkah to be built.
Bonus Tip: A Breathable Sukkah for 2024
If you're lucky enough to live in a warm climate, a Sukkah with “breathable” walls is definitely the way to go! With all that sunshine, you’ll want to keep the air flowing, so opt for lattice, mesh, or even construction fencing. It’s like giving your Sukkah a natural AC system while still keeping it kosher – perfect for those warm Sukkot nights! You’ll still get plenty of fresh air and a breeze while staying safely within halachic guidelines.
…but if chicken wire scavenging isn’t your idea of a fun Sukkot prep, take a look at our Open Air Sukkah, with PP mesh walls for optimal crossbreeze, a tool-less assembly, kosher l’Mehadrin Schach, and doorstep delivery.
At the end of the day, your Sukkah isn’t just a hut – it’s a symbol of faith, trust, and a pretty awesome place to host friends and family for the week. Whether you go big with four solid walls or embrace the minimalist vibe, building a Sukkah is a special mitzvah that brings us closer to G‑d and each other.
So go ahead, get creative, and let your Sukkah be a reflection of your style, your love for tradition, and, of course, your ability to handle a hammer or find the perfect, certified prefab kit. Happy building!
