About Tiki Huts
Tiki huts are structures that are built out of dried sable palm fronds and treated cypress wood in order to provide a decorative structure for homes and businesses. Tiki huts can be designed and wired to have electricity to allow proper lighting for entertaining. Most tiki huts have open sides that are susceptible to the weather elements, making tiki huts a seasonal item. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Tiki huts are used mainly for decorative purposes to accent an outdoor bar, patio area or awning. Tiki huts showcase thatched roofing that provides both shade and protection from outdoor elements such as rain, sun and wind. Popular in tropical regions and where the weather is warmer, tiki huts can be found primarily on shorelines, patios and in the backyards of people who are looking to add tropical design elements to their outdoor living area. Most huts are permanent fixtures of the property; when properly constructed, a concrete or wood foundation is laid before constructing the Tiki. The cypress structure poles are set in concrete and leveled to provide an even and sound foundation base for the hut. Tiki huts are typically constructed by a professional contractor who is licensed, insured and has had experience creating tiki huts in the past.
Types
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Some of the main types of tiki huts are huts that cover a bar, more commonly called a tiki bar, or those that cover an umbrella table, gazebo or patio area. Some huts are stand alone structures that house tables, chairs or bar stools with entertainment centers inside. Similar to chickees, which are tiki hut-type structures inspired and built by Seminole Indians in areas of southern Florida; tiki huts differ because they are generally not used to live in like the chickee can be.
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Geography
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Tiki huts are prevalent in areas where the weather is warm enough for the hut to withstand the elements. The Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii and Florida are popular hot spots for tiki huts. Most beach bars and restaurants are lined up with tiki huts as a way to welcome patrons into a tropical atmosphere. Tiki huts are also more popular in tropical climates and areas because most of the items used to build and construct tiki huts, such as palm trees, cypress trees and other natural wood products, grow naturally in warm tropical and sub-tropical locations.
Features
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A distinguishing feature of a tiki hut is the thatched roof made from the natural leaves on the palm tree. The Cyprus poles that hold up the hut are also very distinguishing, and are located in the four corners as well in the center and roof of the hut, providing structural support. Many tiki huts accent the famous tiki statue that they are named after. The tiki statue is a tall wooden totem object with a face carved out of wood. Tikis were once worshiped by the Polynesians and designed as a way to scare away negative spirits. Today the tiki statue serves as a piece of history that oftentimes becomes a decorative accent to most tiki huts.
Considerations
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As the fresh palms dry out over time, they are more susceptible to mold and insect infestations. A tiki hut's thatched roof is only designed to last between 5 and 7 years. After that time, a professional tiki hut builder should replace the worn roof.
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Resources
- Photo Credit sxc.hu
