How to Thatch a Palapa

In Mexican resorts, the thatched shad structure, or Palapa has been raised to a literally high art. Some palapas can be as high as 30 feet, with thatch lashed to steel support structures.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thatch rolls
• Palapa frame
• String
• Fish net

1. 
   Under side of the palapa

   Build a pole structure to support the palapa thatch roof. The rafters are generally made of logs at least as big around as a person's upper arm. On larger structures, they get proportionally larger to support the added weight. Horizontal poles are lighter weight, generally a little bigger than an average broom handle.

2. Roll out the thatch, lining up the top of the thatch roll just above the second horizontal pole from the bottom of the roof. You can buy different types of thatch in rolls. Different grasses and palm varieties have different prices. Palapas are generally thatched with palm grass or palmetto palm tree thatch.

3. Lash the palm grass thatch to the top horizontal pole using heavy twine. A regular interval of about two finger widths apart is favored. Click on the picture in step one to get a close up view.

4. Unroll and lash the next course of palm thatch one horizontal pole up. Continue until you reach the top of the roof.

5. At the top of a conical roof, bundle thatch, and splay it out in all directions to form a cap. On a ridge line, lash a roll of grass over the ridge with grass ends on either side.

6. Put a large net over the palm grass thatch. Lash it down. This will prevent the thatch from flying up in storms. The mesh of these nets is fairly tight, usually no more than two inch wide holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local fire department for fire proofing requirements.
• Check with your local building department for building code requirements.
• Use full body safety harnesses while working on a roof. Get help from someone experienced in rigging safety lines.