A Tiki Hut
Tiki Huts can withstand most kinds of weather. They can handle heavy rain without water seeping through from the top since there are 300 to 10,000 leaves used to make a tiki hut roof. The huts can be portable or permanent and typically have bars underneath them. They can be found most often by beaches, on islands or by resorts. For residential use they can be found most commonly by the pool.
Instructions
1. Decide where you are going to build the tiki hut. Ensure there is enough space and a convenient spot for visitors. It will be about 10-feet high and 9-feet wide.
2. Frame the tiki hut. Use four 2-foot by 2-foot cedar planks, along with two 5-inch and two 7-inch (in diameter) bamboo poles. The 5-inch will be 7 feet tall while the 7-inch is 9 feet tall. Put the taller poles in the back and shorter poles in the front. The roof will be placed on these poles. Stabilize the bamboo poles into the ground by digging a hole into the ground of about 12 inches. Place a brace for the pole to go through and hold the poles from moving. Nail each cedar plank into each pole. Use 2-inch by 4-inch plywood for the central top of the frame. This wood will have each of the 2-foot by 2-foot cedar planks nailed into it and meeting at the top of the frame.
3. Build the roof. Use the planks and 4- by 4-foot thatch rain cape panels attached with polytwine to the frame. Use nuts, bolts, and staple wire to attach securely.
4. Add silk leaves, palm tree leaves and thatching material. All of this will finish the roof and prevent water from coming through. Place the leaves anyway you want and use as many leaves as you want; make it very full.
5. Slide bamboo poles between thatch and cedar frame. Once this is finished you have your tiki hut and you can place a stationary or removable bar underneath. Use grass mats to add more authenticity.
Tags: bamboo poles, 2-foot 2-foot, 2-foot 2-foot cedar, 2-foot cedar, 2-foot cedar planks