How to Build A Sukkah: The Wacky World of Sukkah Dimensions

Let's talk Sukkahs – those delightful outdoor huts we whip up every year for Sukkot. But hold on to your lulavs , because despite how easy experts make it look, there's more to building a Sukkah than just slapping some walls and a leafy roof together. So, we're getting into the nitty-gritty details of heights, widths, and what happens if your Sukkah starts to look more like a Manhattan skyscraper or a hobbit hole.

First off, let’s talk height. Your Sukkah can't be taller than twenty amot – around 30 feet , for those of us who don't measure things in ancient units. If your Sukkah hits the clouds, it’s a no-go. On the flip side, if it's shorter than ten tefachim – 32 inches – well, you’ve basically built a deluxe doghouse, and that’s not going to work either. So, keep it somewhere between “modest bungalow” and “reasonably sized playhouse.”

Now, on to the length and width. Your Sukkah needs to be at least seven tefachim by seven tefachim ( 224 inches by 224 inches ), which translates to just enough space for you, a chair, and a whole lot of food. Think cozy , not cramped. Good news though: there's no maximum width or length, so go ahead and build that sprawling Sukkah mansion if you have the backyard space and the ambition. Just make sure you’ve got enough  Schach  (that’s the roof on top) to cover it properly.

And if you’re wondering how to build a Sukkah that’s  tailored perfectly  to your space, check out our guide to Sukkot in Small Spaces and classic use cases for custom Sukkahs.

And here’s a gem from our Sages: “All Israel are worthy of dwelling in a single Sukkah.” Translation? In the future, we’re all going to hang out in a gigantic, divine Sukkah made from the hide of the leviathan. Just imagine the BBQ.

But back to reality. If you’re constructing your Sukkah, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Bob-the-Builder, and give it a go yourself (a quick peek at our handy  guide to building DIY Sukkahs will help). It’s a mitzvah to put in the effort!

However, if you’re not sure your creation is up to code, it’s a good idea to take a look at pre-fab Sukkahs (the saviors of savvy Sukkah -builders everywhere), so you don’t have to be knee-deep in measurements. So why buy a prefab Sukkah? Let us count the ways.

1. Everything You Need in One Bundle

The best pre-fab Sukkah will have it al l – frame, walls, Schach Bamboo Mats, and Wood Support Poles. Some will send you on a wild goose chase with a whole shopping list to Home Depot, so make sure to check what any Sukkah bundle includes.

2. Schach Perfection

Getting the Schach right can feel like playing Tetris with live chickens, given all the  rules for Kosher Schach. That’s why the Schach on pre-fab Sukkahs will come with a Kosher certification (ours are 100% Kosher Mehadrin Certified by The OU ), so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect, stylish (and halachically approved) Sukkah .

3. Top-Notch Materials

Pre-fab Sukkahs should be built to last. In our case, that means walls made from high-quality waterproof PE canvas, galvanized steel poles and durable yet lightweight Schach.

4. Effortless Storage

The ideal pre-fab Sukkah’s as easy to store as it is to set up. No more losing pieces year to year. And like a magic trick – poof! Your Sukkah is  neatly packed away  until next Sukkot .

5. Tool-Free Assembly

You shouldn’t have to bring a toolbox (all our models include snap-and-lock connectors, that assemble easier than legos). That means no sawing, no drilling, no hammering, and no injuries. Just Sukkah in a snap.

6. Expandable for Growing Families

Expand (or downsize!) your Sukkah with ease, year to year. It’s the Sukkah equivalent of expandable waistbands on Thanksgiving pants. Fits perfectly now and forever. 

And for those who aren’t the DIY type or just didn’t manage to get their pre-fab Sukkah, no worries! You can always fulfill the mitzvah in a friend's Sukkah. Just don’t go setting up your Sukkah on a public park – stealing public land for your Sukkah is a big no-no (see our handy article for more Sukkah do’s and don’ts ).

So there you have it, folks – your crash course in building a Sukkah that’s just right. Happy building!