References/Ideas

Hi, TikiZombie here.... new to the Tiki scene and am building a portable Tiki bar. I'm looking for references for cheap palm frond stuff for the roof. Don't want to spend the big bucks for real thatch just want something that looks good. I need to cover an 8x8 area. Any suggestions.

On 2006-06-28 16:54, TikiZombie wrote:
Hi, TikiZombie here.... new to the Tiki scene and am building a portable Tiki bar. I'm looking for references for cheap palm frond stuff for the roof. Don't want to spend the big bucks for real thatch just want something that looks good. I need to cover an 8x8 area. Any suggestions.

Call a local tree trimming service. Get some free palm fronds when they're trimming the trees. If you only get green ones, let them dry outside for a few weeks. I've done that for my own home bar, works great, and it's free. The tree trimmer services are glad to get rid of "junk" or "trash". You just have to have a vehicle to move it.

TikiJosh, that's a good idea but I'm not sure how many local palm fronds there are in Vancouver, WA :)

TikiZombie, How much do you want to spend? You could cover an 8'x8' area with eight thatch raincapes (4'x3' sheets). There are a lot of places online where you can order these including Oceanic Arts. I got mine at Bensons' Import - They have the best prices that I am aware of. At $15 dollars each it will be $120 + s&h to cover your 8'x8' bar.

http://www.bensonsimport.com/pages/wholesale/palm_grass_thatching/Page1.html

i suggest going to Portland's Bamboo Craftsman Company ~ they were a proud sponsor of the NW Crawl and the owners' home was on the Home Bar Tour..

http://bamboocraftsman.com/

they have it all!