FAQ'S

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Palapas Kits

What is included in a kit?

Pre-marked and drilled wooden frame, pressure treated wood, a double layer of pre-woven easy to install thatch, hardware and assembly instructions

Is the wood uniform in color and texture?

No, Palapas are meant to appear somewhat rustic, rough and slightly imperfect. The few visible cracks and variance in wood hue add to the desired effect, a beautiful, authentic palapa.

Is it hard to build my own palapa?

The single pole palapa is the easiest to build. A handy person, comfortable with the use of a hand drill and a staple gun should have no trouble following the instructions to put together a palapa. The pre-woven thatching is easy to install. The 2 poles "Cancun" style and the 4 poles "Hut" are somewhat more complicated and require two people to put them together.

What if the palapa is bigger or smaller than I had envisioned?

Be sure of the size that you choose, as the palapas are not returnable items. You might want to mark out the size to help imagine how it will look when complete.

How tall are the palapas?

The highest point ranges from approximately 8'7" for the 8' palapa to 9'3" for the 11' palapa umbrella. Head clearance varies from 6'8" to about 7'. (thatch fringe will hang slightly longer)

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Palm Thatch

What can I use to cover my tiki bar, awning, barbecue, or custom rooftop?

Thatch capes, each measuring about 3' x 4', are perfect for any custom size structure.

How do I install the thatch capes?

Lay them side by side like shingles and staple them in place. Always use a double layer and use 1/2" staples (or slightly larger). Start in the front of your structure, then lay another row above it, etc...

How much should I buy?

A good rule of thumb, although not exact, is to take the total square footage to be covered and double it (for a double layer of thatch). Each cape measures about 12 square feet., so divide the total by 12 and then add 10 or 15% for overlapping and overhang. The result is the approximate number of capes needed for your project.

*Remember to buy in multiples of 12, as the capes are packed in bales with 12 pieces in each bale.

Does the thatch shed or unravel?

No, You can easily cut and trim the thatch pieces to fit corners or sides.

How long does the thatch last?

In dry climates woven thatch usually lasts about 4 or five years or less if exposed to constant humidity. We recommend covering your thatch if you live in an area that is always wet, or when it snows.

Does the thatch require special care?

No. When thatch is new and first exposed to the rain, the palm sometimes leaches natural runoff that can spot the ground, but washes off. To avoid unnecessary cleanup work, the thatch should be thoroughly hosed down. This may be repeated a couple of times.

Does the thatch withstand heavy winds?

The woven thatch on properly installed palapas hold up very well in heavy coastal California winds - tiny woven holes permit air circulation and will "breathe" with the wind instead of fighting it as canvas or metal does.

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Tables

Do I want a table? Tables are installed over the main lodge pole, before constructing the palapa frame on site. You will need to decide in advance whether or not you will want one. See accessories.