The rear joist is often a foot or so lower than the front one, which causes the roof to slant towards the back.

The boards may simply be logs split in two and with the bark taken off.

The walls are made by leaning boards, ends up, against the roof, while the door consists of a number of boards, which are removed or replaced according to convenience.

In most instances the doorway is protected from the outside against wind and weather by a lean-to.

Access to the house is gained sideways, even where a small vestibule is built, extra poles being driven in the ground to support the porch-roof boards.
While this style of architecture may be said to be typical throughout the Tarahumare country, there are many variations.