Post #55248 by Kava Dan on Wed, Oct 15, 2003 1:57 PM

Jungle trader, I wouldn't use thatch on the flat roofed overhead you posted, thatch need to have an angle on it or the rain will sit inside and prematurely wrought it. Ideally for "rainproof" thatch should have a 45% angle on the slope, since rainproofing isn't important to you, you can get away with a much milder slope, at least enough so the water will drain out. One of the things I see quite a bit in my South Pacific travels are similar structures with coconut frowns on top for shade. They use them mainly for beach side boat repairs and shade. Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L)
would be a good alternative and are in abundance here in California, as I'm sure you know! :wink:

Cut them off several feet from where they protrude from the trunk, they are pretty sharp and not as dense. They will shrink 50% or more when they dry, so plan to use 2-3 times as many as you think you will need. Simply lash them to the lattice starting in the center and work your way out. Soak your rope you will lash them with in water and lash them when they are still wet, when the rope dry's, it will create a very tight knot.

Also, I don't think that structure will meet California code without a few changes, that's fine for your back yard, but for your customers it could be an issue.

Neat idea using the tree stakes for the top lattice! I have been trying to come up with an idea for the rafters and cross members on my Tiki hut and that looks like it will work perfect! :D