How to Build a Sturdy Tiki Hut
The perfect accent to a tropical theme paradise is a backyard tiki hut. Commonly made from palm fronds and thatching, tiki huts are not noted for their sturdiness. The calm and relaxing shaded areas they provide are well worth the extra work required to make them durable. It is much easier to create a solid structure, and then cover it with elements to make it more tropical. When building a tiki hut, consider the surroundings and what will look best with your landscaping. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wooden stakes
- Bamboo poles
- Post-hole digger
- Quick-set cement
- Wheelbarrow
- String
- Level
- Drill with bits
- 2-inch screws
- Palm fronds
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Measure the area where you plan to build the tiki hut. Press a wooden stake into each corner of the area where the hut will be.
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2
Cut four pieces of bamboo the height of the tiki hut plus 1 foot.
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3
Dig a hole at each of the corners where you set the stakes 1 foot deep.
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4
Mix cement in the wheelbarrow and fill the holes to just below the level of the ground. Insert a pole into each hole.
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5
Tie the string to one pole and wrap it around the next. Check that the poles are level and keeping the string tight, walk to the next and wrap the string around it. Check that this pole is level and move to the next. Wrap the string around the last pole and check that the pole is level before tying the string.
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6
Allow the concrete to set according to the package directions.
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7
Measure the length and width of the tiki hut. Cut two poles to the length and two poles to the width.
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8
Attach these poles to make a rectangle with 2-inch screws. This is the roof frame.
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9
Cut one pole that is 2 feet shorter than the length of the hut. This is the center of the roof.
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10
Attach the rest of the 12-foot poles in the same fashion down the length of the center pole about every 6 inches to finish the roof framing. Depending on the size of your hut, you may need more or less of these 2-foot sections.
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11
Place palm fronds across the roof frame and attach it to the frame with finishing nails. Begin attaching to the bottom pole and work upwards towards the center roof pole.
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12
Remove the strings tied to the poles when the concrete is set.
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13
Lift the roof up to the top of the poles in the concrete and attach it to the tops of the poles with two 2-inch screws.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you plan a hut that is larger than 6 feet wide, add additional posts to keep the structure sturdy.
Always use protective safety eye wear when using power tools or electric tools.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
