Using thatch as decoration can spark the imagination. This material is typically made of straw, reed, palm or bamboo, and can be used in a variety of clever ways to decorate the outside of the home. A tropical theme is its main use. Just seeing the look will conjure up pleasant memories of a beautiful island vacation.
Turn the home into a tropical paradise by starting with a thatch runner roll. The usual size is 30 inches wide by 10 feet long, and some come up to 60 feet long. The easiest runner roll to use is made of woven palm leaves. Keep in mind that the palm will last the longest in dry or warm weather, so this will work the best in that type of climate. In the ideal climate, the natural palm thatch will last up to five years.
The runner roll needs to be cut to fit the area that it will be covering. By using the thatch runner to drape around a gazebo or roof, any location can become tropical. Starting with the low edge of the work area, staple right over the nylon webbing. It is not necessary, but is helpful, to screw a furring strip an inch over the webbing to provide added support. Wood works the best for this.
Overlap the remaining material. This job will become more fun once the results begin to take shape.
The tropical decor would not be complete without one or more umbrellas to complete the atmosphere. This isn't just any umbrella, but a selection of several unique thatch umbrellas. These umbrellas come in quite a vast variety of sizes and shapes. The one that will be right will depend on the weather conditions, the look of the entire outdoor decor, and simply the taste of the homeowner.
Reed umbrellas are chosen for a neat, clean and exquisite look. The umbrellas made of dried palm in a tiki style will give that swimming pool or backyard an even more tropical look. They are also useful for an escape from an unexpected rain shower. The raincape thatch umbrella or hand-woven Mexican palm style are the most popular. These are easy to make or even possible to buy pre-fabricated.
To create a total theme of the tropics, a thatch roof would do the trick. Most people are unable to have a fully authentic roof; however, those bungalows at the hotels in the tropical islands sure do have the right idea.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about thatch, please visit http://www.bambooandtikis.com
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