How to Build a Tiki Roof

A tiki bar is a popular outdoor structure on many decks and patios. For the proper ambience, you will want to build a tiki roof from traditional palm fronds or straw thatch. If you are building your bar from a kit, the thatch may be included, otherwise you will need to purchase palm fronds from a tiki bar building supplier; straw thatch is available from most home improvement stores. On average a tiki roof will last at least five years. A prime benefit is that you can replace sections as they wear out instead of replacing the entire roof at once. Here is how to build a tiki roof from scratch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plywood sheets
• 2x4 lumber
• Saw
• Nails
• Thatch
• Twine
• Staple gun

1. Build the basic frame for your roof from 2x4 pressure treated lumber. Cut the plywood sheets to fit the frame, then nail them to the 2x4s.

2. Gather a handful of palm fronds or straw thatch at one end. For palm fronds, you will want the stems at the top and the broad part of the leaf at the bottom. If you are using straw, make sure that all the pieces are laying in the same direction. Tie the stems of the palm fronds together with twine, or tie the straw together 2 inches from one end.

3. Make several bunches of thatch, then lay them over the plywood roof base. They should hang over the edge by 3 to 4 inches. Staple them in place with the staple gun.

4. Lay a second row of thatching on top of the first row. It needs to overlap the top half of the first row of thatch. Continue laying down and stapling the thatch in place in rows; keep on overlapping until the entire roof is covered. The overlap ensures that water slides off the roof and does not get under the thatch.

Tips & Warnings

• By tying your thatch bundles together, it is easier to remove single pieces for replacement over the years.
• Wear safety goggles when using a staple gun.

References

• More tips on tiki roof construction.