Post #343407 by JohnnyK on Sun, Nov 11, 2007 6:44 PM

I want to build a Tiki room for my kids. Well, almost. I’m trying to create the illusion that you are outside of a Polynesian hut. You are a lookout outpost radio operator. Stationed in the south pacific you are hanging out in a peacful paradise either alone with your thoughts or playing XBox with your friends. One wall of the kids rec room has two windows. We were going to bolt a reclaimed door between the windows. Then we would frame the windows in bamboo and build a faux thatch eave to simulate the roof. The room is fairly large at 22’x17’ with 9' ceilings. Two questions:

1.Materials: We live in the Seattle area. I’m trying to find a local supplier of say woven mat, thatch material, bamboo, or reed fencing. Any thoughts on how to acquire the materials to build such an simulated wall. I can travel to Portland or Vancouver, BC.

2. Process: I’ve never worked with bamboo. I’m not even sure I need to. I don’t know how pull it off such that it looks authentic. Woven mat? What works best?

I apologize if these have been covered in other post. I’m sure it’s covered in a thread some place. However, I was unsuccessful locating it.
Any help on these items would helpful. Or if there are other ideas on decorating a rec room/study lounge would be greatly appreciated. However, the Tiki theme is a must. We have not found anything at the home improvemtn sotres that would be of much use.

John ...