What Is Thatch?
Thatch is a natural grass material that is cut, dried and fabricated into roofing material. For centuries, thatch has been used around the world to build shade structures, Palapas, huts, Tiki bars and more. Today, thatch remains a popular product for its aesthetic appeal as well as its sustainability. We have developed new thatch products based on our customers' individual needs and continue to improve our inventory each year.
If you’re looking to enhance your backyard into a tropical escape paradise, thatch is a great option that has many positive benefits.
Benefits of Thatch Products
Our thatch products offer several benefits, many of which stem from thatch's unique advantages:
1. Thatch Adds a Tropical Style
Get a relaxing and refreshing tropical feel to your home or business with the addition of thatch products and other tropical touches. Attach thatch to a Tiki bar, umbrella or other applications to instantly enhance the appearance of your space and impress your guests with a statement structure.
2. Creates Environmentally Friendly Structures
Our natural thatch products are 100% eco-friendly and recyclable. This abundant resource grows quickly and can be found in many locations around the world. If you are looking for a green solution, thatch is the best option for your roofing needs.
3. Provides Natural Climate Control
Thatch is a cost-effective roofing material that provides ample shade and insulation to your building structure. The leaves that make up the thatched roof allow hot air to flow upward, reducing heat and humidity. Thatch is also an excellent insulator that helps regulate warm and cool air during different seasons.
Types of Thatch Products
We offer many types of thatch products, including:
- Runner rolls
- Panels
- Sub-panels
- Top cones
- Eaves
- Ridge cap rolls
- Umbrellas
- Bundles
- Fire retardants
With the most extensive inventory of commercial-grade thatch products in the U.S., Forever Bamboo is your trusted thatch supplier.
Types of Thatch Roof Materials
We offer thatch products in a few different natural and synthetic materials, including:
Mexican Thatch
When considering roofing options for gazebos, our Mexican thatch is our most popular thatch product. It can be used to make Tiki huts, umbrellas, gazebos and Palapas. Each panel, runner, and round umbrella cover is thoroughly woven together from large palm leaves that have been dried in the sun. The length and size can also be altered by cutting Mexican palm thatch products with a sharp scissor or razor blade. Mexican thatch is an eco-friendly and cost-effective material with many different functions, and it can last between one to three years, depending on its exposure to the elements and your climate.
African Reed Thatch
African Reed Thatch panels are constructed from 100% cape reed grass. With proper care, your African Reed thatch roofing, umbrellas and other products may last for 15 years, though that varies depending on exposure to the elements and climate. The natural hues of browns and golden yellows match beautifully as a roofing structure for Tiki bars and umbrellas. Our African Reed thatch panels are commonly used in commercial settings, such as beach resorts and theme parks. Installation is effortless and easy with our pre-assembled panels.
Tahitian Thatch
Tahitian thatch panels are handcrafted with dried palm leaves and held together by commercial-grade nylon thread. This natural material has a mix of light tan and gray colors that look great on gazebos and Tiki bars. Create a tropical ambiance around your yard or pool area with our eco-friendly Tahitian thatch panels. As long as the elements are not too harsh for your Tahitian thatch products, they can last up to 10 years.
Artificial Thatch
Our Viro and artificial thatch products are made from 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials that require minimal to no upkeep after installation. These products can last 20 years and beyond, and are pest resistant. Artificial thatch is easy to install compared to natural thatch products and is equally cost-effective. Use artificial thatch as roofing for building structures, umbrellas, Tiki bars and Palapas.
Looking for information on how to re-thatch your Palapa with new Palapa roof material? Ready to build your own Palapa, but not sure how to get started? Explore our blog for helpful how-to articles and inspiration on creating your own tropical oasis!
Thatch Product Applications
Thatch offers numerous uses, which is why companies trust our thatch products for several applications, including:
- Gazebos
- Bars
- Observation decks
- Overwater bungalows
- Tiki huts
- Roofs
- Palapa thatch structures
- And more
With almost any structure, you can incorporate a thatched roof to impress your guests and customers and create a tropical ambiance. Our thatch products can be used effectively as gazebo roof material, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor structures. Add some décor enhancements to complete the look of whatever thatch structure you create. At Forever Bamboo, we carry a variety of tropical décor products that can enhance your living space and your thatch creations. Add a Tiki mask or bamboo sign to your thatch structure for an authentic tropical touch. Get creative with additions that suit your home or business tropical makeover to make a space that's fun and island-inspired.
How to Install Thatch Products
With so many potential thatch projects in mind, you'll want to know how to install thatch products for the most professional, stylish results. Our thatch panels and products are easy to install, so consider these basic steps to help application go as smoothly as possible:
- Choose how you'd like to use thatch products for your home or business.
- Make a plan based on the location, size and permanence of your application.
- Select and order the thatch product that suits your application needs.
- Buy or build an open framework, solid roofing structure, umbrella structure or other frame for your installation.
- Rinse and dry thatch before installing to remove any residues that could create runoff.
- Start at the lowest point off your roof or structure and work your way to the top.
Each variety of thatch material requires different attention during the installation process. Consult our thatch installation guide for more information about the specific product you'd like to install or get thatch umbrella tips.
How to Care for Thatch Products
A bit of attention to your thatch structure will help you prolong and maximize its life, depending on its exposure to the elements and where you install it. Follow these thatch product tips to help keep your umbrellas and roofing looking stunning:
- Apply a thatch fire retardant sealant with a brush, sprayer or roller.
- Store thatch in a safe place if you're expecting high winds or storms.
- Hose down thatch once or twice a day for the first 30 days to prevent runoff when it rains.
- Contact a reputable pest control company if you notice insects in your thatch products.
Learning how to care for thatch products and incorporating those preventative steps into your installation and upkeep can help maintain the look and longevity of your thatch product. For the best results, customize your care to the specific type of thatch and structure you're using. Whether you want to know how to care for Mexican palm thatch or other varieties, you should install them in certain areas and consider preventative care for the best results:
- Mexican thatch: Use Mexican thatch in a dry and warm exterior application to help prolong its lifespan. Doubling the layers of thatch, particularly in umbrella applications, may also help extend the life of your Mexican thatch.
- African Cape Reed thatch: Use this thatch product in areas with exposure to high or low temperature, rain or humidity. African Cape Reed thatch is a more resilient option for those elements than other natural thatch varieties.
- Tahitian thatch: This thatch variety can withstand strong winds, but you'll still want to move them to a safe place before severe weather or storms.
- Artificial thatch: Artificial thatch is the most simple to care for. Your primary concern will be protecting artificial thatch from extreme winds, but you can do occasional checks to ensure it's in the best condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before making your purchase, you may have a few more questions about thatch products. For more insight into owning and maintaining thatch, consult these frequently asked questions about thatch products and roofing:
How Often Do I Need to Replace a Thatched Roof?
The answer depends on the thatching material and how well you take care of your thatch. As a general rule of thumb, faux thatch material requires less frequent care and replacement than natural thatch. No matter what kind of thatch you use, it will need less upkeep than a straw roof that lacks thatch's natural protection.
What Life Expectancy Can I Expect From Thatch Roofing?
Your thatch's longevity depends on its material and your area's climate. Read about each variety in detail on our category pages to learn more about their life expectancies or see the information above for an estimate on the life expectancy of different thatch roofing varieties.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Thatch Roof?
Our thatch products offer moderate ease of installation by coming in precut panels. Depending on your skill level and roof frame, the process can take anywhere from an afternoon to a few sessions. For more information and tips, consult our guide to installing thatch products.
Should I Choose Natural or Artificial Thatch?
Either natural or artificial thatch would be a stunning addition to your home or business. But the best choice for you depends on your application, the climate in your area, how long you want a product to last and how much care you can provide your thatch products. For a long-lasting product that requires minimal care, you could choose synthetic thatch, but you'll find that natural thatch is well-suited for interior and short-term applications. Consult our guide to synthetic versus natural thatch for more information.
Commercial and Wholesale Thatch Products for Your Resort
Incorporating thatch products into your property, whether it's a resort, spa or amusement park, can enhance the experience of your visitors and build your company's reputation for excellence, which will further establish you as a premier provider of relaxation. While thatch is often for roofing, you can apply it in different ways to create a stunning atmosphere.
A few examples of how to use your thatch roof material for your business include:
- Create a romantic space for weddings with a gazebo featuring a thatch roof.
- Offer a complete tropical getaway with a series of overwater bungalows featuring thatch.
- Build a group of thatch Tiki huts to provide guests and customers with a shady retreat.
- Make an outdoor dining area and provide an overhang of thatch roofing for shade and comfort.
Your Source for Quality Thatch Products
At Forever Bamboo, we are the trusted source for high-quality, commercial-grade thatch products. With our vast inventory of materials, as well as exceptional customer service and shipping policies, we stand apart from many other thatching companies. That's why companies across the U.S. and around the world choose our team and selection of thatch and bamboo goods for their growing needs.